Your Local Community Magazine
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February 2018
WIN!
Italian Hamper Cineworld Tickets £25 Crossword Charity of the Month Autism Bedfordshire New Mobile Library Service Get control of your Credit! 6 Page What’s On Guide
www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
25,000
copies delivered in Bedford and the surrounding villages
Could you play a part in their future? We need more foster carers...
...we are specifically looking for carers who can offer a home to children and teenagers age 10 years and up
What is fostering? Fostering is when you look after a child or young person who is unable to stay with their own (birth) family.
Content Welcome.. & Features to February...
T
raditionally the month marked for love and romance to warm us up!
Our garden article takes a look at the history of the traditional flower of love, the rose.
But before splashing out expensive roses (not to dampen the mood!), those who are still recovering from the spending of last year may find the advice on our consumer article useful on p10 with some valuable tips for getting on top of your credit issues this year. If you have never paid a visit to the Jaffa Orchard, then discover a gem of a community café in the heart of the Castle Quarter, more on p4. Our charity of the month is Autism Bedfordshire, supporting children, young people and adults with autism as well as their parents, carers and professionals.
Who can foster? Almost anyone can become a Foster Carer. Some experience in childcare would be useful, but not essential.
Our What’s On guide packs 6 pages full of local events and dates for your diary, the go to guide for the area. Don’t forget the monthly competitions either, win a delicious hamper, be in with a chance to win £25 cash with our crossword and cinema tickets are always a winner too! Enjoy reading the rest of the magazine and please get in touch if you have any contributions or if you would like to feature your charity or community organisation.
Give us a call today
01234 718 718
The BedsLife Team
Or send us an email adoptionandfostering@bedford.gov.uk
BedsLife Magazine
foster4us.com
@BedsLife
Fostering in Bedford Borough
March booking deadline 5 Februaryth 2018
Jaffa Orchard Café
4
Council News
6
MP Views – Our Beautiful County
8
Consumer Advice
10
Autism Bedfordshire
12
Voluntary Opportunities
18
Being a Carer
20
Hamper Competition
22
What’s On
32
MK Theatre – Interview with Tom Chambers
38
Cineworld Competition
40
£25 Crossword
42
Animal Health – Heart Murmurs
45
Take me Home
46
Gardens – History of the Rose
52
Bedford Rugby Club
56
Bedford Town Football
57
Services & Classifieds
61
January Cineworld winner – Ivy Ngo, Great Denham
Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 / 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Teresa Tel 01234 310521 / 07429 136815 E: teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk
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.
3
Jaffa Orchard
T
he Jaffa Orchard is a friendly community café just off Castle Road in Pembroke Street. All our waiters are volunteers, a number have been here many years.
If you are looking for an original item we display & sell crafts, artwork & greeting cards for all occasions by local craftsmen & women, along with some homemade preserves & chutneys. The proceeds from many of these products go to support different charities.
We serve honest homemade food, including jacket potatoes, sandwiches, fry-ups and we are especially proud of our daily specials, which consist of a different homemade soup, a main course and a dessert. On Thursdays we tend to make a very tasty roast lunch and on Fridays a fish dish. Besides the main ground floor restaurant we have a ground floor lobby which is child friendly and we also have seating upstairs for larger groups & those that want a quieter atmosphere.
We keep an eye on many of our elderly customers making sure they are eating well & we have been known to take hot food round to sick customers’ homes. On Christmas Day we cater to 30 people who are invited to spend the day with us to have a lovely Christmas Lunch, games & presents in the company of others.
All our cakes are homemade and delicious with a cup of tea or coffee. We also offer very scrumptious afternoon teas, consisting of cakes, scones, jam & clotted cream & a selection of sandwiches. These are very good value for money & because of their popularity a reservation is required. An Afternoon Gift Voucher is a wonderful surprise for a loved one or friend.
4
We are a collection point for the Foodbank & we also collect old stamps, glasses & cards. We recently had a defibrillator fitted on the front of the building to serve the community. Our winter opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm during the cold winter months and until 5pm in the warmer weather. 51A Pembroke Street, Bedford MK40 3RH Tel : 01234 290295 Email : jaffaorchard@gmail.com – www. thejaffaorchard.org.uk
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SERVICES
MP COLUMN
Views from
Alistair Burt, your Local MP... SO MUCH ON OFFER IN WONDERFUL BEDFORDSHIRE
B
ack in October I had the pleasure of meeting with the Visit Bedfordshire team – an excellent group of local service, retail, accommodation, publication and experience providers who go above and beyond every day to make our beautiful county an interesting and exciting place to visit. If I didn’t already know we had a great county I certainly did after hearing plans and news from the group! As a Member of Parliament and a Minister I get to visit a lot of places, but there really is ‘no place like home’ as the film quote says, and every time I come back into Bedfordshire by road, rail or air, I am always delighted to see our green rolling countryside and busy communities.
Tourism is one of the ‘Great’ things in Great Britain – working in Westminster I see tourists every day all year round, but as we know there is a peak when our weather gets a little more clement, and visitors from home and abroad get out of the main cities and venture into Bedfordshire amongst other places. This summer will no doubt see a tourist boon – the twin draws of a Royal Wedding and another Royal baby always boost national figures. So how are we faring in Bedfordshire? We have so much to offer, an excellent local website covering many activities www.experiencebedfordshire.co.uk, a good section on the Visit England website www. visitengland.com/things-to-do/bedfordshire – great magazines like BedsLife, Bulletin, County Life and others that keep us all up to dates with opportunities, and a guaranteed great welcome. The statistics for 2015-2016 for Bedfordshire show that our visits were up 19.74% to nearly 300,000, with expenditure being up a whopping 43%! So all the work and effort being put in by everyone is paying off, and I hope when you are talking to family and friends both here and abroad you will expound the brilliant things available in our area. It also goes to show that you don’t have to go far to find some fabulous museums, galleries, animal experiences, parks, gardens and almost anything else you can think of. Bedfordshire has so much to offer – I do hope you will get the opportunity to be a tourist in your own area and get out and about this year.
Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP 8
Reassurance when you need it most
Neville Funeral Service
48 Roff Avenue Bedford MK41 7TE t: 01234 359529 e: bedford@nevillefuneralservice.com
www.nevillefuneralservice.com To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
9
CONSUMER
SERVICES
Money Matters
Get in control of your
Credit Card Debt
L
etterboxes become dangerous at this time of year with Christmas’ spending landing on the doormat. So if your plastic has a festive hangover, don’t ignore it, it’s time to sort it. 3 key rules to sorting your existing debts: 1. Stop borrowing more. 2. Cut the interest rate so the repayments clear the actual debt rather than just profit the lender. 3. With more than one debt, repay the one with the highest interest rate first and pay the minimums on everything else.
Balance transfer
This is where you get a new card(s) to shift the debt over and still owe it, but at no interest cost. 1. Don’t apply randomly, research what you’ll be accepted for. When you apply for a credit card they do a credit check. Applying for a card marks your credit file so if you’re rejected, being accepted elsewhere gets slightly tougher. Use my eligibility calculator at www.moneysavingexpert.com/BTeligibility.
By Martin Lewis 2. Go for the card with the lowest fee in the time you need. Most balance transfer cards charge a one-off fee on the amount of debt transferred up to 3% (so £30 per £1,000 shifted).
The longest current 0% card is www.barclaycard.co.uk at ‘up to’ 38 months 0% with a 1.4% fee (19.9% rep APR after). The longest fee-free card is www.halifax.co.uk at ‘up to’ 29 months 0% (19.9% rep APR after). Full best buys at www.mse.me/balancetransfers. 3. Watch for ‘up to’ cards. You will note those best buys are ‘up to’ cards. This means, depending on credit score, some who are accepted will get a shorter 0%. Frustratingly there is no way to know this beforehand. The longest non-up to 0% card is www.sainsburysbank.co.uk at 36 months 0% with a 2.89% fee – so if accepted that’s what you get and it also offers a non-up to fee-free option for 28 months 0% (both are 18.9% rep APR after).
Balance Transfer Golden Rules…
Once you’ve got the right card, you need to ensure you use it the right way. a) Always clear the debt on the card or transfer again before the 0% ends or you pay the high APR. b) Never miss the minimum monthly repayment or you can lose the 0%. c) Don’t spend or withdraw cash on the card. It usually isn’t at the cheap rate. d) Do the transfer quickly, most cards limits are 60 – 90 days to get the 0%. More info at www.moneysavingexpert.com
10
To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
11
February 21st
FREE masterclass
from The Cranfield Trust
justified in ignoring ‘agreed’ priorities to work on whatever they personally think is important. It can be frustrating, and wasteful. As grateful as you are for their commitment, you know that to thrive and increase your impact as an organisation, you need people to focus effort and pull in the same direction.”
E
xclusively for voluntary sector organisations in the Bedford area
This 1/2-day course, funded by The Harpur Trust, will focus on Leadership and getting the most out of your team.
During the masterclass, you will learn:
• A simple framework for creating alignment in your organisation. • Low-cost and no-cost ways to create greater buy-in. • Coaching and influencing skills you can put into practice straightaway. Course leader, Dr. Andy Bass, will explore how third sector leaders can get the most out of their team and address the common challenges they face, he says: “A practical definition of leadership is, “the art of getting results through other people.” Easy to say, but not always so easy to do. On the positive side, charities tend to have people who are highly committed. Motivation is not the main issue. Indeed people are volunteering or accepting relatively low pay because they believe in the cause. But while people are committed and hardworking, it’s not unusual for them to disagree strongly on priorities. They may even feel
CARPETS – VINYLS – WOODS – LAMINATES – LVT’S – RUGS – REMNANTS
This powerful masterclass will give you the opportunity to discuss your individual issues and offer practical solutions to help get the most out of your team. The session will be interactive, with exercises, discussion with your peers, and plenty of time for Q&A. Dr. Andy Bass helps executives and entrepreneurs release untapped potential from existing resources. He has worked across a wide range of industries and sectors including professional and financial services, packaging, technology, creative, health, and education, in the UK, US, Scandinavia, Mexico, Russia, India, and China. www.bassclusker.com
Course details
February 21st at The Harpur Trust, Princeton Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, MK41 7PZ Please arrive at 12.30 for pre-course refreshments (tea and coffee), this class with start promptly at 1pm and finish approx 4pm. Book at www.eventbrite.co.uk You are only eligible to book for this free masterclass if you work for a voluntary organisation that provides services within the Bedford Borough, effectively, any charity within a 30-mile radius of Bedford.
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TIME AFTER TIME Time after Time, Year after Year Joe & Sue kept
‘PUTTING IT OFF’ Leaving their children and grand children’s future in the
‘HANDS OF FATE’ Joe and Sue, both 74 thought they had planned well, by no means wealthy they had worked hard all their lives just to pay off their mortgage and hoped to leave their house to their 2 children & 3 grandchildren, to give them a start in life. Joe and Sue had made Wills but only basic Wills leaving everything to each other so when Joe died, his wife Sue became the owner of their house worth £280,000. Some years later Sue now in her 90s was just so frail she needed constant care and had to move into a care home & because she owned her house it had to be sold to fund the £60,000 a year care fees. When Sue died 4 years after moving into care there was only £9,000 left after paying funeral expenses. Time after time Joe and Sue had put off upgrading their Wills, if they had set up a pair of specialist Wills called ‘Protective Property Trust Wills’ they could have legally protected 50% of the value of their house from being used to pay care fees.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
“I like Polam because it is like a second home where I can be who I really am” – Year 4 pupil
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Senior Snippets
Myth busting the role of the CAREGiver
ere are the top 5 myths surrounding CAREGiving:
Myth 1: CAREGiving consists only of routine tasks. Many believe that CAREGivers only have 15 minutes per visit and provide home help and perhaps drive their client to the shop or pharmacy. But they do much more than that, providing social and emotional support too. Myth 2: Care workers are unskilled. CAREGivers are some of the most skilled healthcare workers in the sector with opportunities to increase their skills or specialise, and the sector is constantly changing and growing to meet the needs of the ageing population. Myth 3: Being cared for in your home is only for the very ill.
Many elderly people want to live at home for as long as possible, but require extra help so nonmedical home care and personal care can be provided. Companionship care is also vital to those living on their own as it helps prevent loneliness and isolation. Myth 4: All CAREGiving services are the same. Not at all! There are many options for seniors and their families, and it is recommended for anyone looking for care to do plenty of research and ask a lot of questions. Myth 5: Most CAREGivers are middle-aged women. Today, CAREGivers are a very diverse group. Many CAREGivers are men, and additionally, many are aged 18 – 30. Home Instead Senior Care, 106A Bedford road, Wootton, Bedford, MK43 9JB. Tel 01234 868820.
CAREGivers Required Do you have a caring & compassionate nature? Then you should talk to us. 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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Contact us on Home Instead Senior Care
Suite 2, 106A Bedford Road, Wootton, Bedford, MK43 9JB
www.homeinstead.co.uk/Bedford 20
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Are you looking for flexible and rewarding part-time work?
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A charity providing a real workable alternative to homelessness, offering people a home, as well as meaningful work in our social enterprise.
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January Winner is Haydon 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: 16-02-17 Like us on FB Follow us on Instagram
NEWTON BLOSSOMVILLE AN ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY PUB OFFERING A TRADITIONAL BAR AND RESTAURANT Fresh Local Produce • Daily Specials • Cask Ales • Range of Quality Wines • Sunday Lunch 12 - 4pm • Free Wifi • Function Room
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May 25th 2018 - GDPR Enforcement Date DAMM Solutions are a local-based company with a specialist GDPR team, including legal, IT & processes and marketing. They offer comprehensive guidance to assist your business to achieve compliance plus on-going support to ensure this is maintained.
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First class legal services
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Booking essential - Quote BedsLife
Our office in St Neots specialises in Wills, trusts and probate, residential conveyancing and family matters. With us you will receive a friendly and approachable service coupled with expertise and experience ensuring high quality outcomes for your legal needs.
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The way legal services should be
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Knowledge of Angels Jill Paton Walsh
The story is set on a Mediterranean island in the fifteenth century, described in almost cinematic detail in the opening pages, as Paton Walsh invites us to contemplate the nature of fiction and storytelling.
At the heart of the book lie a number of questions of belief. Palinor, the castaway, professes to have no religion, which poses a challenge to the authority of the Inquisition on the island. Amara, the wolf child, seems unredeemably animal in her behaviour, but begins to grow under the care of the nuns of Sant Clara, raising the issue of nature and nurture. Both of their stories are also about love, and self-knowledge, and what is and is not possible.
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To this closed community come two strangers – one from the outside, a castaway found by local fishermen, and one from within, a girl seemingly raised by wolves in the forests of the island. One is as eloquent as the other is savage, but their fates become irretrievably tied together as their stories progress.
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W
e are Autism Bedfordshire, an independent charity based in Bedford, and we’ve been supporting people with autism and their families in Bedfordshire for over 26 years. Autism is a lifelong disability which profoundly affects how a person thinks, communicates and understands the world. The main issues include: • The persistent challenge of trying to ‘fit in’ • Frustration at not being able to express how they feel • Daily crippling anxiety because they cannot make sense of what is happening around them. To calm themselves, they may display odd or challenging behaviours which evoke disapproving reactions from the public. The inevitable result is complete social isolation. Loneliness, lack of friends, few social activities, and little support are among the most common problems that people with autism and their families face. Approximately 1 in a hundred people have autism, which means that in Bedfordshire there are likely to be around 6,600 people with the condition. Together with their families, autism is a part of daily life for over 26,000 people – many will be living in your own community. Autism Bedfordshire is the only charity in 28
Bedfordshire that is specialised in supporting children, young people and adults with autism. It’s a ‘spectrum’ condition and no two autistic people are the same. In-depth knowledge and understanding about autism is vital in order to support each individual properly. We provide specialist training for all staff working at our groups so they are well-equipped to support each individual’s needs and to provide positive, life-enriching experiences. We not only support those on the autistic spectrum but also parents, carers and professionals. We have more than 1,000 members who rely on us to provide indispensable services that include: • a range of social activity and skills groups for people with autism of all ages • a helpline service for when they, or their families, are struggling to cope • training courses for parents to help them better support their autistic children, and • autism training for professionals to increase acceptance and support in the community. Sadly, our much needed organisation is in danger of having to close some of these crucial services because we simply do not have enough funds to cover our costs. We have faced cuts in funding and all of our costs have increased each year. We are in a very vulnerable position right now and we urgently need your support to help us change this. The shortfall is a worrying £36,500.
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How to donate
1. Visit our website, www.autismbedfordshire. net to donate £5, £10, £20 or an amount of your choosing and don’t forget if you are a taxpayer to click the gift aid – that’s worth an extra 25% on your donation. Or you can set up a standing order to make regular monthly donations – even a small amount will help. 2. Fundraise for us – you could ask friends and family to sponsor you giving up of something you enjoy such as chocolate or wine. Other ideas include holding a cake sale or asking your employer to hold a mufti/dress down day with each member of staff paying £1 to do so. If you need help with planning your event please contact sarah.grimes@ autismbeds.org. Nothing you donate is ever too small. Every single penny really does count. Please help us to ensure that we can continue to provide our vital services to all those that need us.
Swing’s the thing, the region’s premier big band, returns to “The Place” on Thursday 1st March 2018 with a programme of music by Glenn Miller. We tell his story in music starting with the 1939 Carnegie Hall Concert through to his time in Bedford with the AAF Orchestra. You will hear all of his popular hits along with some that may be less familiar. If you are a Miller fan, this show is not to be missed. 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 1ST MARCH, THE PLACE, BEDFORD, START 8:00, TICKETS £12.50. BOOK ONLINE AT www.theplacebedord.org.uk OR CALL 07802 705401
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rd Gam e Boareview…
Film
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Review
ACE CARSLTD
(01234) 26 1234
Rhino Hero Rhino Hero is a game of dexterity and hilarity. It will last about five minutes so is quick to play and will cause enough laughing that you will want to play it again, and again. The premise is very simple. You start with a ground floor and each player gets to build a new level to a building. This is easy enough but there is a small addition, in a similar way to Uno some of the cards you play/lay as flooring have effects that work on the next player. Pick up a card, miss a turn and reverse the turn order for example. When the aim of the game is to get rid of as many of your cards as you can strategy is needed, well unless the building collapses first. Therein lies the hilarity as pretty much every time the end of the game will be determined by the building falling down as someone doesn’t manage to place a new floor carefully enough! This is a great game to play at the start of the evening or in between more serious games and it will always brighten the evening very quickly.
Simon White
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Capturing your special occasion
Pitch Perfect 3
The aca-tastic girls are back for a final round of accapella singing, friendship and fun. This time the Bellas are out of college and all in jobs, jobs that may be good but don’t give them what being part of the Bellas did, so for one final time they all get back together to be part of a tour to entertain the US Army abroad, along with three other bands all of whom are competing for a support spot to the big star on the final date of the tour. PP3 is a film that doesn’t really break any new ground, if you like the first two you will like this one to, but it does capture the spirit of the originals perfectly and continues the story of the Bellas in a way that doesn’t feel like it is just a cash grab attempt. As always it’s the accapella set pieces that are the highlights of PP3 and this time it’s the riff-off between the Bellas and the other bands on the tour that is the big scene. It is an extended musical segment that really stands out, shame it is half way through the film instead of being nearer the end.
www.noel.photography 07837 951852
Simon White 31
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 2nd February 7.15pm Interested in Family History? Then come along to the next monthly talk on “The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Bedford/Bedfordshire” By Bob Ricketts Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk Bedford Art Society meeting, Friday 2nd February 7.15 for 7.30 start Anna Conti will demonstrate and talk about her work in stained glass, both traditional and contemporary designs. She says she never tires of the beauty of light falling through coloured glass. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK418EB Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www. bedsartsociety.co.uk for information Hardy Plant Society, Cambs & Beds. Saturday February 3rd 2.00pm Head Gardener of Wollerton Old Hall Andrew Humphris will be talking about ‘Creating Beautiful Gardens from Scratch’. Tools & sundries stall. Seed exchange – unusual seeds for 25p per packet. Plants for Sale. Visitors welcome £4 including refreshments Weatherley Centre, Stratton School, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 8JH Embroiderers’ Guild Thursday February 15th 7.30pm Hanny Newton will talk about ‘Embroidery; My story so far’. Please see https://hannyembroidery.com Sales, textile news etc. Visitors £4. Refreshments. St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill MK41 7UY Alpine Garden Society, Bedfordshire group Monday February 5th 7.30 for 8.00pm Philip Whaites, Head Gardener at Wimpole Hall, will be speaking about the changes at Wimpole Hall during his time there. Local nursery Plant sales (not just alpine plants), plant exhibits. Visitors very welcome; £3 including refreshments. Wilstead Village Hall, MK45 3BX
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The Ouse Navigation from the County border to Bedford Tuesday 6 February 7.30 pm Illustrated talk by Bob Ricketts, well known local historian, will describe the west end of the Ouse Navigation – the key link from Bedford to the outer commercial world. One of a series of annual talks to the HA (Historical Association-Bedford). Bedford School Library, de Parys Ave, Burnaby Rd gate, MK40 2TU. Free to HA members. Others welcome with a donation. Details 07989 837819/01234 266839 Evening of Beading Thurs 8th Feb, 7pm to 9pm £10 per person, learn new skills or grow existing ones. Saxon Games and Crafts, Great Denham MK40 4FU To book call 07877951630 Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust Wednesday 14th February 2018 Meeting 7-15 for 7-30 pm ‘Bedford’s Wildlife’ an illustrated talk by Barrie Mason 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 14th February 7:30pm Illustrated talk “New Maps & Old: Changing Bedford” Maurice Nicholson (British Library – Georeferencer) Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre Bedford MK41 8EB. Non-members welcome – £3:00 entry Enquiries (01234) 365095. www.baalhs.org.uk Bedford RSPB local group Thursday 15th February 7.30pm Dick Newell from ‘Action for Swifts’. A talk about the world wide action to halt the decline of Swifts. Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Bedford National Trust Association February meeting Tuesday 20th 2.00 for 2.30 Speaker: Sue Jarrett on “ The Great North Road” Sue Jarrett lives in Eaton Socon and knows all about it, and how it was affected by the advent of the A1. Many towns must have been similarly altered by new roads and this will give us an insight into unexpected side effects of such roads. The meeting takes place in the Addison Centre in Kempston, where there is plenty of parking. Tea / coffee are served from 2.00. There will be a small charge.Everyone is welcome For further information rings Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421.
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Biddenham Gardeners Association Tuesday 20th February at 7.30 Biddenham Village Hall Care and cultivation of Acers By Joanna Baxter Visitors very welcome. Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle and Refreshments www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk
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
Chain Maille jewellry course Thurs 22nd Feb, 7pm to 9pm £12 per person, suitable for both beginners andthe more experienced.Saxon Games and Crafts Great Denham MK40 4FU To book call 07877951630
Bedford Advanced Drivers – Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents We meet bi monthly on the third Tuesday of each odd month in the Lecture Room at the Bedford Athletic Stadium in Barkers Lane, Bedford at 8.00pm. Any enquiries about the group can be directed to our website ‘www.roada-bedford.org.uk’ or by telephoning 01234 266070.
Busy Quilters and Stitchers (BQS) Saturday 24th February 10.00 – 3.30pm Workshops in the morning & a speaker in the afternoon. Bring a sewing kit, £5. Goldington Academy, Haylands Way, Bedford MK41 9BX. Further details from Val Morgan 01234 266963.
Silver lining Club for the silver haired. Park Road Methodist Church Roff Avenue, opposite the high 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
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. Contact Sue Plant 01234 314229. Linedancing Priory Methodist Church Newnham Avenue, Bedford Bedfordshire MK41 9QJ (On Site Parking) (AB) Absolute Beginners + Beginners/Improvers 7.30pm – 8.30pm. New Class Starts Monday 5th February 2018 1 st Class Free For New People Starting An Absolute Beginners Class Just Turn Up http://dancingstars.comli.com Tel 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.
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.
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WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S SERVICES ON
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
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
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.
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
MENCAP – Sparkle Club Wednesdays in term time between 7.00pm – 9.00pm a social club for adults with learning disabilities. Putnoe Primary School, Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0DH. www.bedfordmencap.org.uk/
THURSDAYS
Linedancing Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club 134 High Street High Street Kempston Bedford Bedfordshire MK42 7BN (Air Conditioned Hall/On Site Parking) (AB) Absolute Beginners + Beginners/Improvers 7.00pm – 8.00pm New Class Starts Starts Thursday 8th February 2018 Improver/Intermediate 8.00pm – 10.00pm 1 st Class Free For New People Starting An Absolute Beginners Class Just Turn Up http://dancingstars.comli.com/ Tel 07969847553 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 mid 19th 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
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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
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
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COMMUNITY / CHARITY EVENTS Candlemas Flower Festival Friday 2nd-Sunday 4th February Over 60 decorations made by community and church groups, professional & amateur. Friday and Saturday open 10-4, Sunday 2-4 Admission £2.50 (under 16 free). Refreshments daily Candlemas Carols by candlelight Sunday 4th February 5.30pm. St Paul’s church, Bedford, MK40 1SQ Details 01234 391962 or 01234 340163 or http://www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk Afternoon Vintage Tea Friday 3rd Feb 2pm to 4pm Christ the King Parish Hall Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP Admission £3 – Tea, cake and dancing For Information call 01234 404563 Public Tree Planting 4 February 11am to 3pm We’re back at Waypost Wood, Cranfield for another public tree planting event! Free shuttle buses run from/to the Forest Centre throughout the day and refreshments are available on site. Please do not drive to Waypost Wood as there is no parking – either walk or cycle up, if you live in Cranfield, or get the shuttle bus from the Forest Centre. It’s completely free – we provide tools and training. Wear appropriate footwear as it could be muddy! For more information go to www.marstonvale.org/ events/public-tree-planting-3/ NGS Garden Opening February 5th, 11th, 14th, 15th & 24th 1.00pm – 4.30pm Two gardens with hundreds of different snowdrops and other Spring flowers, National Garden Scheme in aid of Macmillan/Marie Curie nurses. £4 for both, refreshments extra. The Knoll & The Folly, High Street Pavenham MK43 7PD
FAMILY Secret Snow Cabin Tuesday 13 February 9.15am to 2pm Wrap up warm to go on an outdoor adventure to the Secret Snow Cabin! Find out about some winter wildlife then enjoy some storytelling in the cosy cabin with a hot drink and biscuit. Wear waterproof boots and warm coat. Sessions last approx. 1hr 15 mins and are at 9.45am, 11.30am and 1.45pm and cost £4.50 per child. Booking and parental supervision essential. The Forest Centre, Station Road,Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR To book go to www.marstonvale,org or ring 01234 767037 Singalong@St Pauls Wednesday 14th February 10-10.30 am Songs and stories 0-3 yr olds plus their adults on 2nd Wednesday of the month term time. Parking not available. Further details 01234 340163 St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ Fox Faces Thursday 15 February 10am to 3pm Find out about fox folklore and stories then make a marvellous mask to turn yourself into a fox or fantasy creature. We’ll be using card and tissue to create 3D masks. Sessions last approx. 45 mins and are at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm and cost £3.50 per child. Booking and parental supervision essential. The Forest Centre, Station Road,Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR To book go to www.marstonvale,org or ring 01234 767037
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Table Top Sale Saturday 10th Feb 9am to Noon Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP Entry 50p, Refreshments available For information call 01234 965497
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
Pavenham WI Jumble Sale Saturday 17th Feb 2pm Pavenham Village Hall Many stalls including Nearly New, Books, Bric-a-Brac Mens and Womens Clothes, Childrens toys Arrive early for the best bargains Entry 20p
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
Blunham Giant Book Sale Saturday 24th February 10:00 to 3:00pm Come to our Browse and Buy Second Hand Giant Book Sale at Blunham Parish Church, (St Edmunds or St James, Park Lane,Beds MK 44 3 NQ) Selection of second hand/nearly new books, Homemade cakes, teas & coffees, homemade soup & a raffle. All proceeds to Blunham Church Fabric Fund
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
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WHAT’S ON MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE Odyssey of Love – Liszt & His Women Sunday 11th February 7.00pm World-renowned pianist Lucy Parham’s Composer Portrait; Readings: Joanna David & Robert Glenister. Champagne Reception 6.15pm, Tickets £20 The Quarry Theatre, Bedford, MK40 2NN www.quarrytheatre@bedfordschool.org.uk For Sharnbrook Mill Theatre ‘Warm Up’ Appeal Registered charity. Music on Thursdays Thurs 15 Feb 7.45pm Liebeslieder – songs of love by Brahms and Schumann at Bedford Girls’ School. Tickets £18, Students 18-24 £5, Under 18 £2, on the door www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club Wednesday 28 February Present talented CHIHO SUNAMOTO In aid of Funds for the Addison Centre, MK42 8PN 7.30 – 10.00 pm Addison Centre, Kempston Members £5 Non-Members £6 Pay at door Tel: 01234 344423 www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/bedford Jazz Concert Saturday 3 March, 7:30pm St James’ Church, Biddenham Hear award winning jazz pianist Nikki Iles and Bedford School Jazz Trio. In aid of The Friends of St James. Admission £10. Contact Chris Jones (01234 211759)
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
Bedford Thunder Basketball club Mini Basketball (Reception to Yr 5) Sundays 9.30am – 11am U14s Development (Yr 6 to Yr 9) Sundays 11am – 12.30pm U18’s Session (Yr 10 to Yr 13) Sundays 2pm – 3.30pm Bedford Academy, Mile Road, Bedford MK42 9TR For fees and more information please email coach@ bedfordthunder.com 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
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 for FREE any Weds 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 Tues and Fri 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
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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.
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
Bedford Rambling Club We’re a friendly group who meet on a Sunday morning to walk 5/6 miles walking at a steady pace so good for anyone just starting to walk or coming back to walking after a break. For more information or a copy of our programme please contact Christine on 01234 360769 or email brclub75@yahoo.co.uk
EXCERCISE & FITNESS CLASSES
Fitnisa Ladies Body Conditioning with Aerobics Interested in keeping fit and making new friends in a female only environment? Classes are led by a female qualified instructor in private venue Every Mon and Thurs (term time) 11:00am – 12:00pm Fitnisa Supple Strength for Ladies (stretching and toning) Every Wednesdays (term time) 11:00am – 12:00pm Queen’s Park Community Centre, Marlborough Road, Queen’s Park, Bedford MK40 4LF Only £10 for 8 week course! Call Fsella on 07415 389322 for further information
FOOTBALL
Bedford FC Mini Soccer Club Every Saturday at Goldington Academy 10.30am till 12.15pm. Open to boys and girls aged 4-10yrs. Cost per child £3.00 and £5 for two children. Our sole aim is to provide children of all abilities with a unique footballing experience, developing their physical, social and communication skills in a safe environment. Toilet and changing facilities and plenty of car parking spaces. www.bedfordfcminisoccer.com. 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
RUNNING
Bedford Parkrun every Saturday Meet at The Bandstand at 9am. Join us for a 5km run around the park (dogs, children and buggies all welcome). Register for free on the Parkrun UK website http://www.parkrun.org.uk
BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event.
To list your event in March please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by
Friday 9th February
t's on WhataMK Theatre this month Tom Chambers – stars in Crazy For You coming to MK Theatre soon
Y
ou can’t beat some glorious Gershwin and the composer has no greater fan than Tom Chambers who is fulfilling a teenage dream by starring in the musical Crazy For You. “It was the very first live musical I ever saw on stage and it just filled me with so much entertainment and wonder. It was amazing to see what they did with the theatre space and how the story was told. It was the only bit of theatre which truly inspired me,” he recalled. And in a career which has featured a number of crazy twists of fate as well as some fantastic roles, Tom is relishing the chance to recapture that teenage dream and this time play the lead role in the production which is touring the UK and calling at Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 20 – Sat 24 March. Tom admits he had always has a bit of a performing instinct from rattling his feet on the kitchen floor at home from a very young age, and then enjoying watching black-and-white films starring the likes of Gene Kelly.
However it was his role on Casualty that led him into Strictly Come Dancing where he partnered Camilla Dallerup winning the coveted glitterball. Looking back on his time on the Saturday night TV hit, he admits a lot of it is a blur. Tom explained: “People ask if I can do a quick step or a samba. I have to explain that I had a 5-day intense work out on each of those routines. It is such a quick short-term memory injection and that is it.” He said: “Taking on Crazy For You was a no brainer for me… It has the absolutely perfect balance of humour, story and singing. There are so many musicals that are heavy on just one element but this show has the perfect combination of everything. It is a bit like the show dance on Strictly with everything slotting into place in the right order.” And as a big fan of the music of Gershwin, Tom is in heaven, getting to perform such hits as I’ve Got Rhythm, They Can’t Take That Away From Me and Embraceable You. So this is very definitely a dream role for him. In the words of his musical idol and another hit song from the show, Nice Work If You Can Get It!
Performances: Tue 20 – Sat 24 March – Evenings 7.30pm, Wed, Thu & Sat matinee 2.30pm. 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) *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)
SERVICES
CLASSIC WEDDING CAR HIRE
R
idgmont Classics are proud to present a selection of classic British gems for weddings in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. Other area requests considered. • Stunning 1961 Mk 11 Jaguar in classic Old English White • Beautiful metallic Silver Blue 1965 V8 Daimler • Traditional Black Fairway London Cab • Original 64 or 72 seater red Routemaster restored bus
01234 831731 • www.ridgmontclassics.co.uk
LANGFORD WINDOWS ~ DOORS & CONSERVATORIES ~
Keeping Warmth in and Winter out! Professional & High Quality Service for over a decade Specialists in the supply and install of quality windows, doors and conservatories.
• Bi-fold doors • Vertical Sliding Windows • Guttering, Soffits and Fascia • Cladding • Underwritten 10 Year Guarantee Covering Bedford and all surrounding areas.
All quotes and advice are free and without obligation or pressure to buy
Call now for your FREE quote on 01234 510091 www.langfordwindows.com langfordwindows@hotmail.co.uk To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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SERVICES
1st Glass Window Repairs FULLY INSURED!
EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation. • Steamed Up Glass • Faulty Window or Door Locks & Hinges • Draughty Windows and Doors • Leaking Conservatory Roofs
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New Conservatory Roofs Conservatory Cleaning & Service Security up grades We also fit Windows, Doors & Conservatories
£0 DEPOSIT REQUIRED - BALANCE UPON COMPLETION OF YOUR FULL SATISFACTION!
• Fascia • Soffits • Gutters Police Checked
07511 906161 To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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Prize crossword SERVICES
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 5th February. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY
£25 Prize Across
6 Place where you can stargaze indoors (11) 9 Member of the clergy (abbr) (3) 10 Seductive woman (9) 11 Rigidly, inflexibly (8) 12 Ban, prohibit (4) 14 Regional style of speech (6) 16 Oat-based breakfast food (6) 18 Alone (4) 19 Loosest fitting (8) 22 Came together again (9) 23 Sense of self-esteem / selfimportance (3) 24 No hearing at all (slang) (4,2,1,4)
Down
1 Crowbar (5) 3 Observing, seeing (8) 4 Eastern place of worship (6) 5 Appraise, estimate (4) 6 Rubbish, no good (7) 7 Intruders, infiltrators (11) 8 League, club (11) 13 Congested (6,2) 15 Light perfume (7) 17 University grounds (6) 20 A bet with equal stakes on both sides (5) 21 Dog’s bark (4)
Name: Tel: Last month's winner was Mrs Ashwell, Bedford 42
Address:
SERVICES
DC CARPENTRY Specialist in Carpentry & Joinery ly Free design on supp s en ch kit ted fit d an Doors & Frames supplied & fitted Replacement Upvc facia and gutters Upvc doors and windows Laminate & Wooden flooring Decking fences and gates 6 Single hite ed w panell ply and fit up es door s ndles, hing inc ha nd latch a £70 from
All general carpentry jobs undertaken, large and small.
For advice and a free estimate call Dom on
01234 306575 / 07961 328721
15 Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK417HN
www.dccarpenrty.org
T UN O C DIS ER* £25 UCHof Hours VOn Out tion for
a lta nts. nsu Co ur clieditions o on for s & C ly rm
*Te
app
IN AN EMERGENCY Acorn House operates an emergency service run by our own permanent team of vets and nurses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. • This service is run from our own premises (unlike some practices who require you to travel to other premises out of hours). • We have a dedicated oncall nurse caring for pets who stay at the surgery overnight. • In case of an out of hours emergency please TELEPHONE 01234 261839. Please visit our website for further details & pricing Acorn House Veterinary Hospital Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7HN
Tel: 01234 261839 www.acornhousevets.com Register online today. 44
Heart murmurs in dogs and cats
What is a heart murmur?
When the vet listens to your pet’s heart, they can usually hear the heart valves closing. In some pets, additional sounds can be heard. These sounds are heart murmurs, and are caused by a disturbance in the blood flow through the heart.
What causes a heart murmur?
In young puppies and kittens, a heart murmur can be a sign that the heart has not developed correctly. In adult dogs and cats, the detection of a heart murmur usually means that there is some sort of disease developing in the heart muscle or the heart valves. Very often, the murmur is heard many months or even years before the heart disease makes the dog or cat feel unwell.
What should I do if my pet has a heart murmur?
If your pet has a heart murmur they should receive a heart scan. This is an ultrasound examination of the heart and should show the vet what is causing the murmur.
What does the scan involve?
Dogs and cats do not need to be sedated for a heart scan and the procedure usually takes around 10 minutes. A small patch of fur is clipped from behind the right foreleg and ultrasound jelly is rubbed onto the skin.
What happens after the scan?
The scan will determine if there is any heart disease present, and if so, the type and severity of the disease. Some pets will then be prescribed medication to slow down the progression of their heart disease or to reduce the risk of blood clots forming. Other pets will not require any medication but will be booked in for review scans every 6 to 12 months to make sure that their condition remains stable. Acorn House Veterinary Hospital has a highresolution ultrasound machine and a team of experienced veterinary surgeons who regularly perform heart scans in dogs and cats.
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Take Me Home
Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade LOCAL RELIABLE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED FOR BEDSLIFE MAGAZINE
Purdy
Abi
Timmy
Lap cat is seeking a spare knee for cuddles
Former stray looking for a home to love her
Loving boy looking for a home where he can be the only pet
MONTHLY WORK IN LOCAL AREAS C:67 M:43 Y:36 K:41 #587180
C:85 M:0 Y:10 K:0 #00abda
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BEDFORD, BRICKHILL, PUTNOE, CLAPHAM GREAT FOR STUDENTS OR FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO EARN SOME EXTRA MONEY
Boo
Toffee
Rosie
Playful young lady looking for her purr-ever home
Playful young man looking for experienced home
Stunning girl looking for love
Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade Branch Call 0345 260 2505 or visit www.bedford.cats.org.uk
Please call Teresa on
07429 136815
Email teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk
Atlantic Autos 12 Darlington Close, Sunderland Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1RW
AMERICAN VEHICLE SERVICE CENTRE
• Servicing • Exhausts • Tyres • Brakes • Clutches • Shock Absorbers • Batteries • Courtesy Cars Available • Performance Upgrades • M.O.T testing While You Wait • Air Conditioning
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01767 68 08 68 info@atlanticautos.com www.atlanticautos.com.
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SERVICES
URGENTLY NEEDED!
UNWANTED FURNITURE ITEMS IN GOOD CONDITION SOFA BEDS WARDROBES DRAWERS AND MUCH MORE NEEDED FOR OUR SHOPS
WE COLLECT AND DELIVER PLEASE PHONE
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OR 01767686787
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BEDFORD DAYCARE HOSPICE caring for people in
North and Mid Beds
3 Linden Road, Bedford, MK40 2DD 48
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GARDENING
GARDENING
Sawflies
S
RIGHT PRICE LANDSCAPES Your local expert - Block Paving - Patios - Fencing - Turf & Gravel Laid - Sleepers - And much more - All waste removed -
awflies are a group of defoliating insects found distributed throughout UK wherever their preferred hosts grow. The larvae consume the needles of conifers and leaves of deciduous trees with feeding preferences specific to each tree species. Most sawflies feed on old and current year foliage at some point in their development. Some species have one generation per year with defoliation occurring in the spring and others produce three or more generations with defoliation occurring well into autumn. Autumn defoliation has a greater impact on trees and it is for this reason that sawflies having multiple generations are considered more devastating.
Although sawfly larvae look like caterpillars they are actually the larvae of primitive wasplike insects. Defoliation by sawflies is sporadic, occurring in localized or regionwide outbreaks lasting for one or more years. Growth loss the year following a severe defoliation can average over 50 percent and mortality then further increases due to secondary invasion by bark beetles. Sawflies are generally described as either spring or summer feeders. The spring sawflies are present in early spring and may be found feeding into the summer. The summer feeding sawflies are present from spring until the first hard frost. Trees that are entirely defoliated are severely stunted but since the new growth is rarely attacked, the trees will survive. Larvae will often migrate to new trees if the needles or leaves on their current host have been devoured. Heavily infested conifer trees end up with a “bottle brush” effect. That is, all the old needles are missing and only the current year’s needles are present. Management and treatment are possible with a range or Sprays applied at differing times during the season dependant on the infestation.
FREE ESTIMATES Freephone 0800 959 6420 Mobile 07733 254018
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.
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 50
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
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GARDENING
Roses
T
hey are the most famous flowers, given with love all over the world. We admire their beauty, touch their velvety soft petals and close our eyes when their sweet aroma wafts through the air… We express our love, sorrow or sympathy with roses. We grow them on our patios and gardens, and peek enviously over fences to check out the neighbours’ blossoms. As hardy perennials, roses grow back a year after year, and can indeed live for a very long time. Roses were grown in ancient China in 500 B.C., and there are even rose fossils dating back millions of years. The oldest rose in the world is believed to be the Rose of Hildesheim in Germany, the Thousand Year Rose. Roses can grow very large and tall, with Grandiflora being the largest of the modern varieties. The name, which means ‘large flower’ in Latin, comes from crossing the floribunda rose with the hybrid tea rose. So why do roses have prickly thorns? The answer is to deter animals (herbivores) from eating them. Over the many years of evolution, roses, together with other plants developed thorns as a sophisticated defence mechanism. 52
RIGHT PRICE FENCING Your local expert FENCING - Concrete Posts - Gravel Boards & Panels - Feather Edge - Concrete Repair Spurs All types of fencing supplied & fitted Gates Made to Measure Another interesting aspect of roses is that they produce small berry-shaped fruits known as rose hip, or rose haw. They begin to form after successful pollination of the flower and ripen in late summer and autumn to red or deep orange colour. The seeds contained inside the rose hips are used for propagation of roses, but some varieties are also used for medicinal purposes due to their high content of vitamin C, lutein, beta-carotene, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Rose hip tea, jam, jelly, marmalade, bread, and even wine are all made from the small fruits of roses.
FREE ESTIMATES Freephone 0800 959 6420 Mobile 07733 254018
While red remains the most popular colour, there are over 1,000 different varieties of roses. The world has been fascinated with the Black Halfeti Rose, a cultivar that only grows in a small Turkish village called Halfeti. The local soil’s unique qualities and pH level result in what appears to be a black rose, however, on close inspection it is actually very dark red. The most expensive rose in the world, Juliet, was cultivated by rose breeder David Austin over 15 years. The process was expensive – it is said to have cost 5 million dollars, but when the Juliet Rose was shown at Chelsea Flower Show in 2006, it was valued at a staggering $15.8 million (USD). Nowadays, a bouquet of Juliet roses won’t leave you much change from £100. To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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Professional Service, FREE Quotes, Fully Insured & All Waste Removed. T: 01234 960690 M: 07889 920435 www.tpigardenservices.co.uk
YOUR LOCAL EXPERT PLUMBING & DRAINAGE SERVICE No call out charges • Pre-fixed price 24/7 • 365 days a year
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Professional Tree Surgeons Careful felling and sectional dismantling of trees Expert pruning, including crown reductions, crown thins, deadwood removal and pollarding Hedge maintenance and trimming Stump grinding and removal
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BEDFORD
BLUES T
he annual Bedford Blues Rugby and Beer Festival will be taking place from Friday 9th February as two of the town’s great institutions come together once again to host a bigger and better two-dayer at Goldington Road.
While there is nothing better than watching Bedford take on Jersey in the Greene King IPA Championship, the experience can always be improved and both sets of fans will be able to enjoy top-class rugby alongside some of the finest ales. Gates open at 5pm giving the Goldington Road faithful plenty of time to sample some of the best beers around before the game kicks off at 7.45pm. The following day it’ll be much of the same on the beer front, but this time the rugby entertainment will come courtesy of the big screen and plasma TVs as this year’s Six Nations Championship continues. Doors will be opening at Midday with Ireland taking on Italy at 2.15pm followed by England hosting Wales which kicks off at 4.45pm. Entry to the Friday night beer festival is included in the price of your Bedford Blues v Jersey match day or season ticket but there will be a small charge for a Bedford Blues beer glass. Whilst Saturday will be free entry to all, with food available to buy or bring your own.
The
Bromham Windows & Home Improvements UPVC Windows & Doors, Conservatories, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering All double glazing repairs including:Broken & misty sealed units, hinges, faulty doors and locks, handles and much more.
C
hristmas may be a time of happiness and merriment, but on the pitch the festive period, including the new year, was a miserable fortnight for Bedford Town
For a free no obligation quotation call:-
01234 306662 or 07960 109429
Email: nightingale12@ntlworld.com
BROMHAM PAINTING & DECORATING HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Specialists in Alarms & CCTV Supply & Install Intruder Alarms Repair & Upgrade Existing Alarms Service & Maintenance Contracts CCTV Installations Security Lighting Digital TV & Aerial Installations All Work Guaranteed & Fully Insured 24/7 Customer Care Service 365 Days a Year YOUR INSURANCE COULD BE AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR SECURITY INSTALLED BY A FULLY ACCREDITED INSTALLER CALL NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE
You can buy discounted Bedford Blues tickets at www.bedfordrugby.co.uk
Eagles
PETS
01234 347699 07798 894 948
• Full Profession Service • Fully Insured • FREE Quotations • Internal & External Work 30 years experience 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:
01234 822651 • 07748 032051
A nine game unbeaten run in the latter months of 2017 was the forerunner to a four game losing streak. Saturday 23rd December saw Uxbridge visit the Eyrie to complete a league double over the Eagles with a 2-0 victory. Boxing Day, Bedford travelled to St. Ives to face Cambridge City where Bedford succumbed to their hosts losing 5-1. A crowd of 590 came to the Eyrie for the New Years Day fixture against league leaders, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, and despite an entertaining and even match, Bedford finally lost 1-0 with ‘old boy’ Ben Farrell scoring for AFC. The fourth defeat came on Saturday 6th January, as the Eagles travelled to Hampshire to play, for the first time, at Hartley Wintney. The four defeats meant Bedford dropped to 14th in the division. On a foggy night on Wednesday 10th January, Bedford secured their first points of 2018, plus scored the first goal. Playing at Chesham United, the Eagles beat Aylesbury United 3-0, with goals from David Manu, David Moli and Ashton Grant. The game also marked the ‘debut’ of joint assistant manager, Jack Cassidy on the touchline.
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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DIRECTORY
American Vehicle Service Centre
Atlantic Autos....................................................... 47
Bakeries
La Rondine........................................................... 60
Bathrooms/Bedrooms
Dream Doors.........................................................15 F and D Kitchens & Bathrooms........................41 Peter Crisp...............................................................11 QP Interiors............................................................. 5
Electrician
Afex.com............................................................... 60 Craddock Electrical............................................43 Down to Earth...................................................... 60
Education
Bedford Girls School...........................................31 Polam.......................................................................18
Food & Drink
The Old Mill...........................................................22
Builders & Property Services
Fostering
Business Data & Marketing Management
Funeral Services
C & M Gardener Builders..................................14
DAMM Solutions..................................................23
Cattery
Paddocks Boarding Cattery.............................46
Carpentry
D C Carpentry......................................................43
Carpets & Flooring
A&A Carpets..........................................................13
Charity
Bedford Daycare Hospice................................48 Emmaus...................................................................21 Hearing Dogs........................................................18
Chimney Sweep
Black Horse Chimney Sweep.........................25 Wilkins Chimney Sweep...................................30
Cleaning
Aroma Clean.........................................................24 D&J Window Cleaning......................................24 Sureclean...............................................................24
Computer Repair/Maintenance/Sales
PC Problem Solver..............................................27
Curtains & Blinds
Emperor Blinds.................................................... 60
Electrical Goods / Repairs
Beds Borough Council........................................ 2 Arnolds Funeral Service..................................... 9
Garage Doors
Almond Garage Doors..................................... 60
Garden Sevices/Supplies
Artificial Grass.......................................................53 Bartlett Tree Experts............................................51 Beaver Sheds.......................................................54 Bryan Johnson......................................................61 Driveway & Paving Doctor................................51 Eden Tree Specialists........................................55 Grass Master..........................................................61 LWS..........................................................................53 M J Nicholson........................................................61 MK Guttering.........................................................55 Mr Fix Property Maintenance...........................41 Prestige Lawns.....................................................54 Right Price Fencing............................................53 Right Price Landscapes......................................51 Sureclean...............................................................24 TPI............................................................................54 Whites......................................................................61
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Beauty Lodge........................................................19 Bedford Chiropractic Clinic...............................21 Deborah Hair.........................................................61 Feet To Go..............................................................21 Pulse.........................................................................19
House Clearance
The Bizarre.............................................................61
Kitchens
Dream Doors.........................................................15 F and D Kitchens.................................................49 Homeworks Property Maintenance...............16 Peter Crisp...............................................................11
Senior Care
Home Instead...................................................... 20
Skip Hire
Paul Riches Skips............................................... 26
Solicitors
Leisure
Cineworld..............................................................40 Milton Keynes Theatre......................................38 The Place.............................................................. 29
Painting & Decorating
Bromham Painter & Decorating......................57 Craig Johnson......................................................25 David Lower Decorating.................................. 60 All Ways................................................................. 60
Photographer
Noel Lees...............................................................31
Plasterer
H C Solicitors........................................................23
Taxi/Airport Transfer
Ace Cars.................................................................30
Tiling
Dave Moore Tiling..............................................43
TV Satellite Services
J Dean Security................................................... 56
Upholstery
M&S Upholstery.................................................. 60
CP Ceilings............................................................49 Craig Johnson......................................................25
Vehicle Hire
Plumbing, Heating & Drainage
Vets
Aquasure Plumbing.............................................41 C M Plumbing & Heating.................................... 9 Cromwell Stoves.................................................27 Drain Doctor..........................................................55 LCA Plumbing & Heating..................................39 T R Donnelly..........................................................61 The Bedford Plumbers.......................................16
Property Maintenance
CP Ceilings............................................................49 Homeworks Property Maintenance...............16 Just So.................................................................... 47 Mr Fix Property Maintenance...........................41
Roofing
Bridge Roofing.....................................................25 Bucks Roofing......................................................57 Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions...........11 P H Roofing Services..........................................14
Security
Rent Xpress............................................................61 Acorn House.........................................................44
Wedding Car Hire
Ridgemont Cars...................................................39
Will Writing
Richard Woodward & Associates.................... 17 The Will Writing Company................................63
Windows, Doors & Conservatories
1st Glass...................................................................41 A Rocket.................................................................49 Bedford Doors..................................................... 26 Bromham Windows........................................... 56 Cloudy2Clear.......................................................64 Kempston Windows.............................................14 Langford Windows............................................. 26
Window Cleaning D&J Window Cleaning......................................24
A Rocket.................................................................49 Ace Security...........................................................15 J Dean Security................................................... 56
J B Domestic..........................................................16
58
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CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS BAKERIES
AFEXS
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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
Telephone: 01234 219443/400990 Mobile: 07825 089570 12 Queens Street, Bedford MK40 2HA
DECORATING SERVICES
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
T:01234 315297 M:07711 307836 Sales@Afexs.com
www.Afexs.com
WHITE’S LAWNMOWERS & GARDEN MACHINERY SALES, SERVICE, REPAIR & PARTS
Commercial & Domestic, all leading brands.
01234 826066 www.whites-online.co.uk
FURNISHINGS
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01234 210337 07976 394798 HEATING SERVICES
Complete Re-upholstery Service
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557766
Local Engineer Specialising in all heating appliances Breakdowns & Installations Fixed Boiler Services £60 Landlord Gas Certs Power Flushing All Plumbing Repairs Carried Out
● 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
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HOUSE CLEARANCE
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All aspects of painting and decorating
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ELECTRICIAN
MOBILE QUALIFIED STYLIST
Perms, Cuts,Colours - highlights etc Special Occasions and Wedding Hair
College Farm, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RX
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CALL SALLY 01234 326551 “A beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by itself ”
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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
Grass Master
• Specialised Lawn Care • Mowing • Scarifying • Moss/Weed Control • Fertiliser Application • Aeration • Pest/Disease Control • Weeds on Patios/Driveways
Tel: 07974 420 343
Email: thomashillson@gmail.com • www.grass-master.co.uk Call Now to book your Spring Feed & Half Price Weed Control
07854 969032
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• Self Drive Hire • Contract Rental • Financial Lease • Large Fleet of Standard • Refrigerated • Specialised Vehicles
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.
Free Will & Testament
TOP PICKS FOR FEBRUARY Empowering Vulnerable Children (EVC) Uganda – Treasurer EVC is a young, vibrant and successful third world charity and the new Treasurer will be joining at an exciting time in its development. The role will require the equivalent of 1 days’ work a week, much of which can be done from home although proximity to Bedford is important. Citizens Advice – Witness Service – Witness Service Court Volunteer – Bedfordshire This role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them. Volunteers will commit to a training programme and at least one day per week helping. Citizens Advice – Witness Service – Witness Service Outreach Volunteer – Bedfordshire A role for someone experienced in supporting vulnerable people and with excellent communication skills. This opportunity involves meeting witnesses away from the court environment, either at their home or other agreed safe place, to assess their needs and provide support. Training and support will be provided. The ReUse Centre – Retail & Sorting Room Assistant You will be based at the retail centre near Bedford Bus station, sorting donated goods and preparing them for resale, including cleaning, recycling, pricing, tidying and database upkeep. You will be available to assist on the shop floor where needed. 62
Autism Bedfordshire – Assistant Support Workers – Bedford We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic team players to join the team as volunteer Assistant Support Workers who will provide support for children and young people with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome who attend our Saturday morning family support group – Loads of Autistic Fun (L.O.A.F.). British Red Cross – Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex – Emergency Response Volunteers In an emergency such as a transport incident, evacuation, flood or fire, you’ll be there to help. You’ll support the emergency services at a rest centre, or provide first aid or transport assistance. You could also provide practical and emotional help to people who have suddenly found themselves homeless following a fire, evacuation, industrial accident or flood. Carers in Bedfordshire – Memory Navigator You will be part of a small friendly team, providing telephone support 2 hours per week and proactively calling people with dementia, people with memory concerns, and also carers of people with these conditions. You will gain experience in social care and telephone support work and have access to training.
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 28th February 2018
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 28th February 2018 The Will Writing Company
Mayfair House, 11 Lurke Street, Bedford, Beds, MK40 3HZ
Tel 01234 761784 43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or email volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk
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Email enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk
Terms and Conditions. The voucher must be produced at your appointment. To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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