BedsLife Magazine February 2022 by BedsLife Magazine

FREE FEBRUARY

2022

inside In the Stix –News from the Villages The Forest of Marston Vale – Winter Birds WIN Theatre Tickets for Jersey Boys at Milton Keynes Theatre What’s On

FEBRUARY 2022

£25 Prize Crossword

37,000 copies Delivered to selected areas of Bedford and North Beds Villages

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We specialise in treating those still in pain who have struggled to experience relief with other treatments in the past.

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www.theprivatepainclinic.co.uk ADDRESS: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, Great Denham, MK40 4GH

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The Private pain clinic

Local Osteopath Oliver Eaton launched The Private Pain Clinic after identifying a need for more advanced treatment options for people suffering from chronic pain. This came after an 8 year long journey to find relief from his own chronic symptoms caused by a rugby injury which was struggling to heal properly. His Osteopath training, the NHS, and private doctors had no solution for treating his condition. It led to Oliver looking outside of the UK at some of the advanced therapy devices being used in countries such as Germany and America, devices which he and his team now use at the clinic. Through his experience, Oliver has developed a unique treatment approach for individuals in pain who have struggled to find relief with other treatments in the past. His experienced team carry out a comprehensive examination which involves the use of digital biomechanical scans to help identify issues and imbalances in the body which haven’t previously been identified. The results from the scans help the team to better understand why an individual has struggled to experience relief with other therapies, allowing them to perform more targeted treatment with the technology available at the clinic.

There are two main therapy devices used during each appointment: 1. Emfield Pro 2. Indiba Activ The technology within these devices has been around for more than 35 years and has established a strong pedigree of research with over 300 scientific studies supporting it, including research from Oxford University.

How does the treatment work? Research has shown that both devices help to stimulate stem cell production by promoting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to an injury or painful part of the body. Stem cells are the building blocks required to repair damaged body tissue. Both devices are used by professional sports clubs and athletes around the world, most notably the medical teams at Manchester United and Barcelona Football Clubs, Team GB, and Rafael Nadal’s physiotherapy team.

Richard Fuller MP Mohammad Yasin MP In the Stix About Town with Love Bedford Volunteer Opportunities The Fashion Corner Mamma’s House Spring Books The Composing Cook – Vegetarian Trio Pepper Pasta Gratin Lyd Eats Food – Il Basilico Prize Crossword What’s On Jersey Boys Theatre Tickets Competition Milky’s Music Matters

Contents

Council News

10 12

24 28

30 32

40 42

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

Bedford Town FC

Bedford Blues

Bedford Sports & Physical Activity Award Winners

Acorn House Pet Advice

Forest of Marston Vale – Winter Birds

Gardening

Advertiser Index

Useful Local Resources

Last Months Crossword Answers

Don’t forget to check out our website

www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information! LIKE our Facebook page BedsLife Magazine to keep up to date with events, offers and local businesses and services. FOLLOW us on @bedslife_magazine and @bedsLife

As winter comes to an end, February is the month for Half Term holidays, Valentine’s Day, World Nutella Day (5th), and Random Acts of Kindness Day (17th). It also marks the point at which, in 2020, we were seeing the first signs of the pandemic. As I write this, I find it hard to believe that we’re about to enter our third year of having to constantly adapt and modify our everyday behaviours to help stop the virus spreading. It seems that every time we think life may be getting back to normal, there’s another setback. While this means that there is no room for complacency, I was encouraged to read that recent research from mentalhealth.org.uk shows that the majority of UK adults who have experienced stress or anxiety due to the pandemic have discovered numerous coping strategies that have helped, such as taking a walk, spending time in nature, and speaking to family and friends. What this signals to me is the importance of a healthy lifestyle, meaningful activities, and of course, positive social contacts. Here at BedsLife Magazine we encourage everyone to take time out for their mental health whenever they need to. If we can stick together and support each other through whatever comes our way, we will emerge at the other end of this awful time stronger, fitter, and better people. Until next time, stay safe and stay positive.

Christa & The BedsLife Team

ADVERTISING Christa: Tel 01234 962929 | 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk DESIGN AND ARTWORK Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk DISCLAIMER

All adverts and editorial are printed in good 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.

MARCH ISSUE DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY January Issue Competition Winners School of Rock Theatre Tickets – Holly Halford

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council news Businesses Can Apply for a New Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant Applications for the new Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant are now open on Bedford Borough Council’s website. Businesses within Bedford Borough, which occupy a property they pay business rates on and fall within the hospitality, accommodation and leisure business sectors may be eligible for this grant. Visit www.bedford.gov.uk/BSG to find out more about eligibility, and to apply for this grant. In addition, the Council is awarding funding to three organisations which support local businesses to help them keep doing this vital work:

£48,000 has been awarded to the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) to support their small and medium size enterprise recovery support programme in Bedford Borough. £40,000 has been awarded to the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce towards their global trade business support programme to assist businesses in Bedford Borough to expand into export markets. £50,000 has been awarded to BedfordBID to undertake activities to increase custom to town centre businesses and to encourage customers to feel safe to return to the town centre.

Council appoints new provider for advocacy services Following a procurement process, Bedford Borough Council has appointed a new provider for Adult Advocacy Support Services. An advocacy service helps people understand their rights, and ensures their voice is heard, when it comes to decisions about their health, care and wellbeing. Once contracts are signed, VoiceAbility will take on the service from 1 April 2022 following a successful tender process where service users and stakeholders helped to write questions for

potential providers and score their answers. The Council will now work with VoiceAbility and the current provider to ensure a smooth transition. Staff from the current provider will be offered the option of moving to the new service to help provide continuity for current service users. During the procurement process, bidders were evaluated on Pricing, Hours and Quality and Service Delivery. VoiceAbility scored full marks for Pricing and Hours and scored highest in Quality and Service Delivery.

Works continue on Kempston Mill Bridge Works to repair and reopen Kempston Mill Bridge are ongoing. The right of way over this bridge had been closed due to rotting planks causing structural concerns and rendering the bridge unsafe. During these works, the rotten timber decking and parapets will be replaced, making this bridge safe for public use once again. The bridge is expected to be open by early spring, subject to disruption caused by bad weather or COVID-19related issues.

CARPETS, VINYLS,LAMINATE, WOOD, KARNDEAN

Three Generations of an old fashioned family business values with a modern twist mean the Morton’s at A & A Carpets really roll out the red carpet for you, providing you with the personal excellent service you deserve. Visit our show room and warehouse to view an array of ﬂooring choices alternatively we are happy to visit you at your home with a selection of samples free of charge.

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We should dial back unnecessary academic requirement of many jobs which stop many people with great skills from applying and which place too much emphasis on qualifications attained early in life rather than on lifelong learning and expertise derived from practical work. The government is investing £3.8 billion in skills training to equip people with skills they need at every stage of their life. We are expanding T-Levels, funding more traineeships, building Institutes of Technology, upgrading our FE colleges by investing £83 million in extra teaching space for post-16 education, quadrupling places on our skills bootcamps, and spending record sums on apprenticeships. I recently met with the Youth Support Services team at Central Bedfordshire Council who run a government-backed programme called Supported Internships. This is a great scheme which helps local employers reduce their recruitment and training costs whilst helping young people, aged 16-24 years old who have learning difficulties and disabilities, into paid jobs.

Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire

Each new hire comes with a Job Coach to support them to learn the role and achieve independence: improving retention beyond other schemes. The intern and job coach come at no cost to the employer for up to 12 months. This is a great way for businesses to strengthen their teams and ensure that the talents of all young people have the chance to flourish.

Practical or technical skills are as vital as academic skills to our nation’s future and we should be taking every opportunity to encourage respect for apprenticeships and technical qualifications.

More generally, National Apprenticeship Week – this year held between 7th and 13th February – is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many benefits that apprenticeships bring to employers. Apprenticeships build skills supply now and for the future and offer outstanding access to skilled careers across a wide range of occupations and industries. The theme for 2022 is ‘Build the Future’; reflecting how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with futureready skills. If you are interested in becoming an apprentice or are an employer thinking of taking on an apprentice, please visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

THE ART OF SELLING UNIQUE HOMES

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Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston The pandemic has had a devastating impact on cancer treatments. It’s an issue I’m concerned about which is why I attended a debate this month in Parliament focussing on access to radiotherapy.

Just 5% of the cancer budget in the UK is spent on radiotherapy. That means that despite significant global advancements in radiotherapy technology, patients in the UK are missing out. Radiotherapy is by far the least understood of the three pillars of cancer treatment, with chemotherapy and surgery far more widely understood and referred to in public life. Despite that, one in four of us will have radiotherapy at some time in our lifetime. It is a vital tool in our fight against cancer and should play a key part in our work to help overcome the backlog in care. The Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Middlesex provides nonsurgical specialist cancer care to a population of over two million people in the UK. Around a third of Bedfordshire CCG cancer patients attend this service to receive radiotherapy. But my constituents in Bedford and Kempston have to travel over 50 miles to access life-saving treatment. A survey undertaken by the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre heard from many patients who have chosen not to have radiotherapy. The biggest factor in people’s decision about whether to go ahead with life-saving treatment was because they simply cannot afford to travel so far, others are in too much pain and some could not find the time with family and work commitments. Fewer referrals to see a specialist doctor has meant that the proportion of cancers diagnosed while they are still highly curable has fallen to 41%. Of course, the pandemic has had a major impact on NHS waiting times, but the cancer waiting time crisis is rooted in underfunding, under resourcing and under staffing. The 18-week wait time target has not been met for five years. This is not new, but it is getting worse. A lot of staff are burnt out, exhausted, demoralised and uncertain whether they want to stay in the profession. Many have already left. In all those areas, the Government could do far more to increase capacity now, then they must look at increasing capacity for the future. One of the most important parts of the process is diagnosis. We do not have enough radiologists, radiographers, histopathologists and pathologists in the UK. There is a massive shortage—something like a 10% vacancy rate. We are not even allowing enough people to train this year to fill the vacancies that exist now, let alone the additional vacancies that there will be in five- or 10-years’ time, so we are building up even bigger problems for the future. There are now proposals for a more local additional cancer care unit alongside Mount Vernon Cancer Centre to offer treatment services that are more accessible for those in need. But this requires equipping new centres, recruiting more doctors and tackling the chronic staff shortages. Cancer care needs proper investment. It is funding at the crux of whether patients can receive radiotherapy, and whether they survive. It is down to the Government to step up and make sure that cancer patients can access the care that they need and deserve.

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I N TH E STI X Jubilee Tree Planting in Blunham

Jubilee Celebrations in Sharnbrook Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee takes place on 2 June and, to celebrate this momentous occasion there are two Bank Holidays on 2 and 3 June, as well as the weekend of 4 and 5 June.

Blunham Parish Council are encouraging residents to get involved in The Queen’s Green Canopy, a tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee this year. The Queen’s Green Canopy is an inclusive national initiative, meaning that everyone can get involved, with every tree planted bringing benefits for people, wildlife and the climate, now and for the future. Her Majesty and The Prince of Wales planted the first Jubilee tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle last March, to mark the launch of the QGC. You can add your Jubilee tree to The Queen’s Green Canopy map at www.queensgreencanopy.org No matter how small a garden we each have, we can all find space to plant a tree. The Woodland Trust has lots of ideas for suitable trees for British gardens. To ensure the tree is a native species and suitable for its location, visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Sharnbrook Parish Council is asking all organisations across the parish if they have plans to celebrate the Jubilee, and if they would like to join in a coordinated celebration, or if they require funding for their event. If your organisation wishes to be included, or even if you have something planned that you want to do separately, please get in touch to let the council know by contacting the clerk at clerk@sharnbrook-pc.gov.uk.

Felmersham Cartoonist Runner Up in National Awards James Mellor, whose illustrations feature regularly in Private Eye and of course Bedslife magazine, won the runner-up award for Pocket Cartoon of the Year in the Political Cartoon of the Year Awards 2022. The awards, which take place annually, celebrate the UK’s leading cartoonists from the national press.

“I’m really happy with the placing,” said James. “I only lost out to The Daily Telegraph’s Matt and, given he’s a household name and something of a British institution, I think that’s a pretty good result.”

On your Bike!

You can see more of James’ cartoons in each edition of Bedslife magazine. His latest book, Quarantoons: Cartoons From A New Normal is available from all good booksellers and at www.jamesmellorcreative.com

Say I Love You with an Artisan Gift The Bedfordshire Artisan Fair is set to take place on Saturday 12 February in Wootton Village Hall, just in time for you to pick up the perfect handmade gift for your valentine. Local artists, craftspeople and producers will be showcasing their work so this is an ideal opportunity to buy unique cards and gifts. You can also get ahead with a gift for Mother’s Day which falls on the 27 March.

Bluelight Cycling Club is an organisation for emergency services and NHS workers as well as members of the armed forces who are currently serving, veterans or retired. Shortstown resident, Colin Nye, is one of the founders of the group which launched in May 2021 and now has over 650 members. From cycling 500 yards for coffee and cake to riding all day, you can meet like-minded friends and members also have access to discounts and rewards from some of the biggest brands in sport. Each year, the club arranges two showpiece charity events and has partnered up with the Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour as part of their Ride for Heroes initiative. In June 2021, 60 members rode a UK route and raised over £21,000 for charity. They were joined by rugby legends Andy Goode, Austin Healey, Martin Johnson and pro cyclist Chris Pritchard. The Bluelight Cycling Club encourages everyone to get out on their bike once a week. For more information contact info@bluelightcc.co.uk or visit www.bluelightcc.co.uk

All of your street food favourites will be available too, with local food trucks and caterers offering an array of international flavours. Do you have some village news to share? Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the March issue is 12 February. 13

Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust! These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in. The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles. At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9559 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

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w n o T t u o Ab Nuvo Aesthetics – now open on St Peter’s Street Having recently relocated to Bedford Town Centre from Renhold, Nuvo Aesthetics’ beautiful new premises on St Peter’s Street are now open. All Nuvo offerings start with a consultation, with the focus being on finding the best treatment for each individual concern. Treatments include anti-wrinkle injections, fillers, and Profhilo, as well as a range of skin treatments. Laura, who leads the Nuvo team, is an experienced aesthetic nurse and independent nurse prescriber, and provides all the injectable treatments offered in the clinic. She has a particular interest in skincare and loves to educate her patients about it! By Appointment: Wed 09:30-16:00, Thurs 12:0020:00, Fri 09:30-16:00, Sat 09:00-13:00 More info: nuvoaesthetics.co.uk

Taquitos Bar – now open in Ram Yard Opening for the first time in Bedford, Taquitos Bar is Bedford’s latest Mexicaninspired offering for tasty takeaway dining. The sizzling new menu includes Tacos, Chili Con Carne, Choclo Mix, Burritos, Enchiladas, Nachos, Fajitas,

Papitas Bravas and Churros, and accompanying Starters, Sides and Soft Drinks. There is also an exciting range of sauces to flavour mains, including Mango Habanero, Scotch Bonnet and Tamarind. Taquitos Bar is open Monday to Saturday 12:00 - 22:00 (Sunday Closed) Onsite Collection Only.

3 St Peters Launches Meetup & Speed Dating Event Series After requests from their members, and the recent lack of face-to-face interaction, 3 St Peter’s is launching a variety of dating and meet up events from February! The first event will be Speed Dating for men and women around ages 45-60 (nonmembers welcome), where you can explore your chemistry with other local singles in a safe, friendly and beautiful venue. Your 3 St Peters hosts will be on-hand throughout, including our experienced dating consultant Leah, and your matches will be sent to you the next day. Come and have some fun – and keep an eye out for future events! Event details: Thursday 10th February, 19:30-23:00 @ 3 St Peter’s More info: 3stpeters.com

To w n t o Ce le br at e Congratulations to Lane & Holmes – Gold Winners at the British Property Awards!

Lane & Holmes were delighted to learn that they have been voted the Gold Winners in Bedford for 2021 by the British Property Awards. The award is testament to the hard work and commitment shown by all of the team at Lane & Holmes, who have been successfully selling properties in and around Bedford since they opened in 1985.

Beerfly Wins Young Members Pub of the Year Award – North Beds CAMRA

CAMRA awards are given only to the best pubs and clubs, and to the hard-working people who make them a success. Congratulations to owner Tim Edwards and manager Wes Neville for winning North Beds’ Young Members Pub of the Year award for the second successive year. A cross between an off-licence and a micropub, Beerfly has become popular with beer lovers of all ages. A wide range of bottled or canned real ales is available, with a number of unusual and distinctive craft beers.

Founding Partners Andrew Willmer and Nick Kier remain actively involved on a day-to-day basis, and are rightly proud of their hard-earned reputation for consistently delivering a high quality service. Nick said, “Winning this award is a signal to our great colleagues that their efforts are appreciated, and an excellent indicator to the selling public that Lane & Holmes are an agent that can be trusted to deliver.”

“Thank you to Dan and CAMRA for recognising our hard work in the past year; we will continue to provide Bedford with the finest craft beers from across the UK and beyond! Thanks also to all our wonderful customers, whether you’ve been in for a drink or you’ve taken beers away with you, we really appreciate you supporting our local indie business!”

Find Lanes & Holmes on St Loyes Street. More info: laneandholmes.co.uk

Find Beerfly on St Cuthbert’s Street. More info: beerflyshop.co.uk

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

Carers in Bedfordshire: Counsellor We offer short-term person-centred counselling for carers – face to face, by phone or video. We are looking for counsellors who will gently encourage carers to talk about what’s going on for them and help identify how to change or manage things in a different way going forward. You will not give direct advice or opinions.

British Red Cross – Beds, Herts & Essex: Mobility Aids Customer Service This is a very rewarding role providing muchneeded support for people who are accessing our service. Based in Bedford you will serve members of the public who require a wheelchair or other mobility aids equipment.

1st Wixams Scouting: Assistant Scout Leader

Volunteering Opportunities

Here is our volunteering pick for February 2022. At this continuing difficult time, one thing is certain – many of our local organisations are having a huge impact on our local community and need your help. Here is a small selection from the opportunities we hold at CVS Bedfordshire from organisations across the area. We invite you to subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteernewsletter for monthly news of the latest opportunities and other volunteering related news.

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 18

Support the operation of this Group with up to 28 Scouts in the planning and delivery of the Balanced Programme, with the help of other leaders and members of Scout Active Support. The role involves training through Scouting UK and a Personal Development Plan will be created to support you and your team.

Bedford Guild House: Accounts Assistant An opportunity to join a busy, dynamic and passionate team of staff and volunteers with a shared vision in a charity with older people at its heart. The Finance Assistant will support the CEO and Board by taking on the Accounts Payable processing, reporting and ad hoc finance duties.

Salvation Army Charity Shop: Driver/Stock Generator Help to raise awareness of our local shop stock requirements with local businesses and organisations; contacting them for surplus stock, building a data base of donors, arranging collections and sending out thank you cards. Help to collect bags of donations from customers’ homes and deliver back to the shop and to move stock from shop to shop or even take unsellable goods to the local tip. Search for and register an interest in any of the listed roles below by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer

78–82 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QH

Home Help Service

Tel: 01234 360 510 www.ageukbedfordshire.org.uk

edfordshire

Throughout B

Cleaning, ironing, laundry and shopping, all done with care and a warm smile!

We put your safety first at ALL times Fully trained and supervised Home Helps. Thorough vetting and DBS checks on all workers. Regular daily or weekly visits to suit your needs. A variety of payment methods including monthly invoicing. During the Corona Virus pandemic, we have continued to provide all of our services. We carry out 1000 hours of home visits per week, without any Covid 19 incidents. This is due to the diligence of our team in following the additional safety measures we introduced at the beginning of March 2020.

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

www.greensleeves.org.uk

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See a GP quickly • Muscle Relaxing Injections (BOTOX) • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) • Slimming Injections (Skinny Jab) • Lip Enhancement • Dermal Fillers

Private GP's available at

• Radiesse Jawline/Cheek Lift • PDO Threadlifts • Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Neostrata Chemical Peels • Neostrata Skin Care Range Roz Lee RGN/BSc (hons) Specialist Nurse Practitioner TEL: 01234 750454 MOB: 07725 869240 www.enhancecosmeticsolutions.co.uk CQC Registered

Harley Street Consulting Clinics in Great Denham, Bedford. Appointments also available on a Saturday.

To find out more information or to book please call: 01234 247414 or visit www.harleystreetconsultingclinics.com. C=48 M=0 Y=5 K=0 R 137, G 209, B 237 #89d1ed

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https://www.dafont.com/anglo-saxon.font The text in the logo ‘Saxon’ uses Anglo-Saxon Caps regular, available in capitals only. https://fonts.adobe.com/fonts/rig-shaded The text in the logo ‘Footcare’ uses Rig Shaded Bold Face, available in capitals only. https://www.dafont.com/geo-sans-light.font The text in the strapline uses GeosansLight Regular

Website & Body System - Century Gothic System - Verdana

https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Muli We suggest using Muli for the website and large areas of body text. It comes in italic and bold variations. Century Gothic and Verdana are system fonts which are common and widely available on most computers. This font should be used on Word and Powerpoint templates when the other fonts are unavailable.

We are a family friendly HCPC registered Podiatry clinic based in Harrold. Relocated to a bigger premises, after 19 years, as Mary Marsh Chiropody Clinic, in Irchester.

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For all your Footcare needs, get in touch today to book an appointment with our team. 01234 984444 59 High Street Harrold MK43 7BH

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

Bedford Daycare Hospice Caring for people with life-limiting illnesses

URGENTLY NEEDED!

Unwanted items in good condition for our shops at:

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Can You Help? If you can support our Hospice by helping at either of our shops, please contact us on the above numbers - Thank You BEDFORD DAYCARE HOSPICE, 3 Linden Road, Bedford MK40 2DD

LOVE is all you need Valentine’s Day is a great excuse for some heartshaped fun. So, spread the love at home and have fun exploring some of our play ideas.

Make someone you love a Valentine’s Card Using an old tube of card, bend it a little to make a heart shape. Using red, pink or any colour you like, dip the tube into the paint, and let your little one stamp away. Once they are dry, have fun posting your heart-stamped card through the door of someone you love.

Make Scented playdough Scented playdough is so much fun to make and play with. It is a fantastic sensory tool, as well as great for developing those fine motor skills. Head over to my Instagram page for the recipe we use. @mammas_house

Play with torches If your children don’t have torches, Valentine’s Day is a great time to grab a couple. Whilst it still gets dark early, play hide and seek in the dark, or just have fun making shapes and shadows together. You could even put your coats on in the garden and see how different the outside looks in the dark, with your torches.

Get cosy and read a book We love getting cosy and finding a new favourite book. These book recommendations, from my friends at Bedford Borough Library are filled with friendship, kindness and love; perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Why not pop in and get your little one a library card too, if you haven’t already. Love Monster by Rachel Bright Luna Loves Dance by Joseph Coelho illustrated by Fiona Lumbers Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate What is Love by Mac Barnett illustrated by Carson Ellis You Make Me Happy by Smriti Prasadam-Halls illustrated by Alison Brown

Random acts of kindness Show your appreciation for others by completing a random act of kindness. I’m sure you will have lots of ideas, but here’s a few: • Make a card for your teacher • Leave a positive chalk message on the pavement for someone to read • Write a thank you note to your postman or refuse collector • Hold the door open for someone • Donate food to the local food bank

We’d love to see your Valentine’s activities, follow and tag us @mammas_house on Instagram 24

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Spring into life with a good read The final bitter throes of winter will soon pass, so how about some optimistic, non-fiction reading as February comes into view?

Books Do Furnish a Life

by Richard Dawkins Including conversations with Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Steven Pinker, and Matt Ridley; Books Do Furnish a Life is divided by theme, including celebrating nature, exploring humanity, and interrogating faith, bringing together Richard Dawkins’ forewords, afterwords and introductions to the work of some of the leading thinkers of our age. Published by Penguin on February 10th

Small Island

by Phillip Parker The shape and location of Britain’s landmass has not always been the same, with an identity that’s always been on the move. But, by knowing more about the 12 pivotal moments that occurred over a 2,000-year period, we can not only gain a full sense of our British history, but also an understanding of where we are heading, and that’s what Philip Parker reveals brilliantly across 12 defining maps. Published by Michael Joseph on February 17th

A Bit of Me: From Basildon to Broadway

by Denise Van Outen Denise Van Outen, original 90’s ‘ladette’, West End star and primetime TV favourite, reveals for the first time the true story of grit and graft beneath the famous Essex sparkle. In this refreshingly candid memoir, Denise speaks openly and sensitively about her rollercoaster 28

career, from The Big Breakfast in her early twenties to a decade grafting through theatre jobs and children’s TV shows. She describes her challenges off-screen and behind the headlines, as her heart was broken in a very public relationship, with her every move printed in the tabloids thanks to her phone being tapped. Moving to the US to play Roxie Hart in Chicago was a life-changing experience, restoring the star’s ability to confront and move on from self-doubt, betrayal, invasions of privacy and professional struggles. Published by Ebury on March 3rd

What’s Black & White & Red All Over

by Gyles Brandreth So… what is black and white and red all over? An embarrassed penguin, a sunburnt elephant, a newspaper! The reaction to these jokes can circumnavigate the whole spectrum of comedy, from hearty chortles to roomfilling groans. In many senses, writer, broadcaster and former politician Gyles Brandreth is going for the latter in this collection with a smorgasbord of some of the best and worst jokes ever (plus a few riddles to keep readers on their toes). From ‘Knock, knock’ to ‘Waiter waiter’, with some funny elephants and giraffes thrown in for good measure, there’s also a bit of expert joke advice, so you can show others just how funny you can be! Or not… Published by Penguin on March 3rd

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The Composing Cook The Composing Cook

VEGETARIAN TRIO PEPPER PASTA GRATIN

INGREDIENTS: For The Peppers: 375g penne pasta 2 teaspoons oil 1 large onion sliced 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon salt 3 medium/large peppers (your choice on colour) sliced For The Sauce: 200g houmous 200g full fat soft cheese juice of 1 lemon 175ml single cream salt & pepper to taste 2 tablespoons fresh parsley For The Topping: 50g breadcrumbs 50g (extra) mature cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon fresh parsley SERVES 4-6

This vegetarian dish will please any carnivore. There are so many textures to this dish and it tastes stupendously good. Don’t even mention it’s vegetarian, just serve up and watch it disappear. The quantities can be doubled to serve more people. I have made this for larger gatherings and it works extremely well hot or cold. Cook pasta according to packet instructions and drain. Heat oil in a large pan and add the onions with the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika & salt and fry for 5 minutes until onions have softened. Add peppers to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until softened slightly. It’s better if they still have a bit of a bite. Meanwhile, add all the ingredients for the sauce into a separate small bowl and whisk until well combined. When the pasta and the peppers are done, transfer to a large mixing bowl and mix with the sauce. Transfer to a gratin dish (approx 31 x 23 x 6cms) and sprinkle with all the ingredients for the topping (except the parsley). Place under a hot grill for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and add the parsley. Serve with garlic bread and enjoy.

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

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

Il Basilico We are blessed in Bedford with incredible Italian food. From restaurants to delis, you are never far from a delicious bowl of pasta or a next level pizza. Il Basilico is one of the more recent Italian establishments to open up in town. Based on Mill Street, the restaurant has high ceilings and a relaxed vibe. When you step through the door, you feel you could be in Italy. The menu is fantastic, with all the classics as well as some different items. I started with the calamari, which is always a good way to judge the quality of a restaurant. It was cooked to perfection and tasted fresh. For mains, I had the Spaghetti Del Pescatore with big mussels, prawns and squid in a rich tomato sauce. The pizzas went down a storm too, perfectly cooked and loaded with cheese, it was also huge! Proper Italian portions that my Nonna would approve of! We finished with the Limoncello Tiramisu which looked as beautiful as it tasted. We also washed our meal down with some cocktails from their beautiful bar. The negroni was one of the best I’ve had! Il Basilico is open for dine in and takeaway.

Head to my Instagram @lydeatsfood for more local foodie finds!

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

For last months answers please turn to P66

Across 1 5 8 9 10

Spectacles (7) Foot joint (5) Apologise, redeem (5) Die (7) Surveying method used to calculate distance (13) 11 Sound reflections (6) 12 Petrified prehistoric remains (6) 15 Sweets and chocolates (13)

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18 Heathrow or Gatwick (7) 19 Common blood pressure medication (5) 20 Layers (5) 21 Captures, seduces (7)

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4 Element with symbol Na (6) 5 Person who excavates historic remains (13) 6 Brownish-olive (5) 7 Without pause, endless (7) 11 Bewitch, enthral (7) 13 Rainbow (7) 14 Effigy, figure (6) 16 Courage, fortitude (5) 17 Slang name for US citizens (5)

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

ST. PAUL’S BEDFORD LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES EVERY TUESDAY IN FEBRUARY 1PM 1st Phoenix Choir 8th Emanuel Bach, Violin 15th Yiming Guo, piano 22nd Maxime Morise and Chris Cohen, Violin Concerts are free with a retiring collection (suggested £5) in aid of church funds. St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY 7.30PM Some love it, others loathe it, but we can’t avoid it – it’s everywhere! A laugh-out-loud look at our undying obsession with football, celebrating everything from weird match-day rituals to ridiculous armchair punditry. The Beautiful Game explores the highs and lows of football fandom – it may even attempt to explain the offside rule. Four women deliver a knockout performance in this ballsy, high-energy show which is brimming with nostalgia and set to a backdrop of chant-along hits and a buzzing soundtrack. Tickets: Pay What You Can from £8 The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/the-beautiful-game/

BEDFORD ART SOCIETY MEETING FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY 7.15 FOR 7.30 START We welcome back local artist Michael Croker will demonstrate landscape painting in oils. An entertaining evening is promised. Entry is free for members and £6 for visitors. Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB For information contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.

RISELEY PRIMARY SCHOOL PTA PRESENTS A ‘HARRY POTTER’ WINTER FAIR SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY 12 NOON – 3PM Lots to enjoy for the whole family! Diagon Alley Stalls including plants and sweets Harry Potter themed games. Hot refreshments, drinks and cakes available from Riseley’s Leaky Cauldron. Woolsey’s miniature train rides. Raffle. Guest appearance from Dobby and more..... 161 High St, Riseley, Bedford MK44 1DR

GREAT EXPECTATIONS WITH GERALD DICKENS SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY Sharnbrook Mill Theatre are excited to once again welcome Gerald Dickens, great-great grandson of Charles Dickens. After his triumphant performance of A Christmas Carol in 2020, he will present his acclaimed one-man production of Great Expectations for just one Saturday night performance. This is a fundraising event Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, Mill Road, Sharnbrook MK44 1NP

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS AT THE QUARRY THEATRE SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2PM The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in. The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, 26 St Peters Street, Bedford MK40 2NN More info quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows

FOREST OF MARSTON VALE LEARNING LUNCHTIMES EVERY MONDAY 11AM – 12 NOON MONDAY 7 – THE BEDFORD AND MILTON KEYNES WATERWAY PARK MONDAY 14 – JOHN BUNYAN COUNTRY MONDAY 21 – THE BBC AND GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA IN WW2 BEDFORD Monday 28 – The mystery of scientific names... Talks last approx. 1 hour with time for questions. Limited space available, please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Donations to the Forest of Marston Vale are much appreciated. Car park charges apply. The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PR

REMEMBER WHEN?… – REMINISCENCE MORNINGS AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THURSDAY 10 FEBRUARY 11AM

Cinema Blockbusters Join us for our friendly reminiscence coffee mornings. A great way to meet new people and be inspired by memories and stories of the past. Free Entry, Refreshments £1 Booking Essential. Telephone Lydia Saul on 01234 718618. Limited places are available. The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

BEDFORD RECORD FAIR SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY 10.00AM TO 3.30PM £3 admission on the door EARLY BIRD ENTRY £6 9am, avoid the crowds! The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, 3 Harpur St, Bedford MK40 1LE

BEDFORD SUPER TRACKPLAY THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 9.30AM – 4.30PM A fun and entertaining time for kids who love trains. With over 500 feet of Track and over 100 Thomas and his friends trains to choose from. Book a time slot to suit and then on the day sit back and enjoy a hot drink whilst the kids all have fun with trains. Bedford International Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB www.trackplay.co.uk/events/bedford

AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA FRIDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2PM TO 4PM Entry £3. Includes tea, home-made cake and friendship Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call Myriam on 07590 558275

BEDFORDSHIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WITH CRISTIAN GRAJNER DE SA (VIOLIN) AND JULIAN METZGER (CELLO) FEBRUARY 26 7.30 PM The Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra is delighted

to be staging its first concert of 2022 in the Corn Exchange. It will welcome back eminent soloists Cristian Grajner De Sa and Julian Metzger to perform Brahms’ beautiful Concerto for Violin and Cello. Weber’s Oberon Overture and Dvorak’s compelling Symphony No. 8 make up a great Romantic programme for the evening. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Bedford MK40 1SL bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/

THE BIG BLUNHAM BOOK SALE IS BACK IN 2022! SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 10.00AM TO 3.00PM There will be an enormous selection of nearly new books – specialist and fiction sorted into categories. Home-made soup with bread, homemade cakes, hot dogs, teas and coffees served all day. Plus a raffle. Blunham Parish Church, MK44 3NQ, Please see www.riversmeetbenefice.co.uk for up-todate information or contact Sue 01767 640572 All profits to Blunham Church Fabric Fund

JOKES AND LAFFS COMEDY NITE SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 7.30PM An evening filled with laughter and more. Showcasing the very best of established and new comedy talents – both homegrown and international, while also making sure to cater for all comedy lovers of all backgrounds. Tickets: £12.50 The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/jokes-and-laffscomedy-nite-2/

COFFEE MORNING SUNDAY 27 FEB 10.30AM- 12.30PM The Elisabeth Curtis Centre, Riding for the Disabled, Chestnut Ave Bromham Mk43 8HP

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any event changes, amends or cancellations. Please ensure to check ahead before attending. To list an event in our March issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 12th February. Priority will be given to non-profit events.

SPRING TERM EVENTS 2022 We are the voice for Parent Carers of children & young people 0-25yrs with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities in Bedford Borough. We feed back your views to Education, Health, Social Care and other departments that provide SEND services. We are passionate about improving services for our children & young people, we've all had different experiences so we need to hear your views.

Tribunal Training (Mediation, Appeals, Timeframes, Evidence) Tuesday 1st February 7pm School Nurses Get Together Monday 7th February 10 am Tribunal Training (SMART) Tuesday 8th February 7pm

We hold regular Coffee Mornings and other events for parents to come along, give their views and meet other parents. We also run training sessions for Parent Carers.

If you would like to find out more or become Q member please contact us or complete our online membership form:

Autism Spectrum Advisory Teachers Get Together Thursday 10th February 10am Eating Disorders Focusing on ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) Monday 21st February 10am

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ ParentCarerMembershipFormBBPCF

communications@bbpcf.org.uk www.bbpcf.co.uk

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The internationally acclaimed stage sensation Jersey Boys is working its way back round the UK! This smash hit musical has won 65 major awards and has been seen by over 27 million people worldwide. They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard … and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Working My Way Back To You. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Olivier Award-winning, original Broadway sensation, Jersey Boys. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.

2 tickets to Jersey Boys on Thursday 24th February at 7:30pm at Milton Keynes Theatre T’s & C’s: • The tickets are valid on Thursday 24th February at 7:30pm only. • Tickets will be sent via email in advance of the performance. • Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable, non-exchangeable and cannot be re-sold. • No cash alternative will be given.

To be in with a chance to win, email your name and phone number to competitions@bedsLifemagazine.co.uk and tell us which Rock and Roll band Jersey Boys is based on. Entry’s must be received by Friday 15th February

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MILKYS MUSIC MATTERS FOCUS ON UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS We live in strange times (part 28) and have suffered a glut of gig rearrangements and cancellations (sadly in most cases with international bands) but we soldier on. At time of press all the below events are on but its wise to check social media & website listings for the latest.

FEET + SPECIAL GUESTS BULL + LIME GARDEN: Sat 12th February

Cracking three band line-up and a welcome return for FEET after their festival stealing performance at Ceremony last year. FEET’s latest EP Walking Machine moulds four tracks that show a band still more than willing to throw in a liberal smattering of humour at

the right moment, but who aren’t relying just on japes to get them through. They’ve still got a classically FEET name for their new direction, Crease Pop, but even that’s got some logic to it. “It’s taking the pop music formula – hooky choruses, nothing too self-indulgent – but it’s still got a bit of edge,” says George. “Indie music, there’s an element where it can get quite soft and it’s quite easy to go through that phase where you think you sound like The Beach Boys, but we’ve come off the end of that where we want to be a bit grittier.” Having beamed fans into their living room over lockdown with a series of livestreams imbued with more genuine live show energy than most, the tight-knit camaraderie the band have honed over the past year is there for all to see. Far from the group of novices they first emerged as, now FEET are a proper unit, one who still constantly mess about in conversation but who vocally have ambitions to make their mark as musicians now too. “Playing in big arenas is everyone’s dirty dream, and we can literally see Alexandra Palace from our window so it can’t not be, but we’re not willing to sell our souls to get there,” Harry says. “For me there’s something about being comfortable among our peers, making music that can stand next to other people and be proud,” George nods, as Callum summarises the journey of the last 18 months: “We wanna be on the inside looking out rather than on the outside bursting in.” Bull radiate warmth wherever they play, like a big sonic hug, think Pavement meets Teenage Fanclub. Lime Garden are sure to be on the tipsters lips soon, busy Brighton foursome dealing in candied songs with hidden spikes.

SUPPORT THE BEDFORD LIVE SCENE – UPCOMING GIGS FOR YOUR DIARY ESQUIRES Wed 2nd Feb Thur 3rd Feb Fri 4th Feb Fri 4th Feb Sat 5th Feb Thur 10th Feb Sat 12th Feb

Hamish Hawk Joe & the Sh*tboys Pom Poko Anti-Nowhere League (in room 2) Opus Kink + Genn Francis of Delirium FEET

Sat 19th Feb Sat 26th Feb Thur 10th Mar Fri 11th Mar Sat 12th Mar Fri 18th Mar

CODA (Led Zeppelin tribute) Club Momacoca (DJ Spoony + Mark Russell) Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts Melt Yourself Down Jim Jones All Stars Paul Draper (ex-Mansun)

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

FRANCIS OF DELIRIUM & GUESTS: Esquires – Thur 10th February

Blood, Slaves) and mastered by Joe Lambert (Sharon Van Etten, The National) and Jana’s impassioned vocals and guitar chops has seen the band compared to Courtney Barnett and The Smashing Pumpkins. Already confirmed to play the Shaky Knees festival in Atlanta with Nine Inch Nails and Chvrches, we are convinced 2022 will be a massive year for Francis of Delirium. To quote one of their most memorable songs, ‘Quit F*cking Around’ and come and see them before they inevitably blow up... ‘... The blueprint of something grand’ – Pitchfork / ‘One of the best new bands of 2021’ – Stereogum Seriously – don’t miss out on this folks!

COMING UP, COMING UP The project Francis of Delirium was created by 19-yearold Jana Bahrich (Vancouver) who invited drummer/ producer, Chris Hewett (Seattle) to form an indie rock band who would be based in Luxembourg. With a sound that mixes nineties grunge and shoegaze, Francis of Delirium have to date released 2 EPs to widespread and worldwide acclaim. Most recent release ‘All Love’ was mixed by Jolyon Thomas (Royal

Bands who will go onto bigger things (do not miss your chance to see them before they play much bigger venues) – FEET, Francis of Delirium, Opus Kink Punk – Joe & the Sh*tboys, Anti-Nowhere League Dance – Club Momacoca Big names – Jim Jones, Paul Draper Rock – Ricky Warwick Keep music live, Milky.

Businesses Can Apply for a new Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

The amount eligible local businesses will receive are: • Qualifying businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less on 30 December 2021, will receive a one-off grant of £2,667. • Qualifying businesses with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 on 30 December 2021, will receive a one-off grant of £4,000. • Qualifying businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or above on 30 December 2021, will receive a one-off grant of £6,000. Business within Bedford Borough, which occupy a property they pay business rates on and fall within the hospitality, accommodation and leisure business sectors may be eligible for this grant. Visit www.bedford.gov.uk/BSG to find out more about eligibility, and to apply for this grant. This scheme follows on from the Council already stepping up to support businesses by issuing a final support grant from the remaining previous Additional Restrictions Grant Fund in December to 552 local businesses’ impacted by COVID-19. Businesses that had been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have now received a final grant payment from this Fund. These businesses include those in the hospitality sector, indoor facilities, nonessential retail and leisure settings such as cinemas. Businesses that operate from business premises received £880, while other qualifying businesses received £264. In addition, the Council is awarding funding to three organisations which support local businesses to help them keep doing this vital work: • £48,000 has been awarded to the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) to support their small and medium size enterprise recovery support programme in Bedford Borough.

Applications for the new Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant are now open on Bedford Borough Council’s website.

• £40,000 has been awarded to the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce towards their global trade business support programme to assist businesses in Bedford Borough to expand into export markets.

The Government announced that further support will be provided to businesses affected by the Omicron wave through the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant.

• £50,000 has been awarded to BedfordBID to undertake activities to increase custom to town centre businesses and to encourage customers to feel safe to return to the town centre.

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Bedford Town

Football Club

Blues Foundation Charity Race Night

The Eagles are going from strength to strength as the season progresses, with what will be potentially the seasons most important home fixture just around the corner. The date for your diary is Saturday 29th January, when Berkhamsted are in town. Bedford and the Comrades have been swopping top of the table position for much of the season, and the winner of this tie will be in pole position to win the division. Currently the Eagles top the table with Berko a point behind if they win their game in hand, so this home win is crucial.

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Luckily Bedford have been in terrific form of late, with Rene Howe scoring over twenty times, and Connor Tomlinson also into double figures. Its not just the front pair that are finding the net, goals from midfield and defence have taken Bedford’s goal tally C to over 60. M

Bedford’s twelve man will be important for this Y match and Manager Gary Setchell is asking Bedford’s CM football fans to get behind the team for this one, he said “there is nothing better to encourage the MY players than the vocal support from the home crowd. This is a crucial match, where any help the CY crowd can give will be fully appreciated by the team”.CMY K

Bedford Town v Berkhamsted Town Saturday 29th January 2022 K0: 3pm Tickets: https://bedfordtownfc. ktckts.com/ Bedford Town latest information: www.bedfordeagles.net

01/05/2019

Help support the future work of Blues Foundation as Bedford Blues’ charitable arm launch their first fundraising evening for 2022 with a charity race night on Friday 25th February.

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Hosted in The Burrow at the Blues, another • Full Profession entertaining evening is inService store to raise vital funds • Fully Insured to allow BluesQuotations Foundation to continue running our • FREE flagship projects & asExternal well increasing • Internal Work community support • Facia board & Bedfordshire. guttering to those who need it in cleaning • Laminated floor cleaning

Tickets are priced at £15 per person and can be • Covid 19 protective screens purchased through the official Blues Foundation • 30 years experience website. Help Blues Foundation help as many people who We need it inuse thelocal community by spreading the word only trade people as and when and supporting therequired event. We are based in Bromham and

work alongside Bromham Doors to The Burrow atother the Blues will open at 7pm businesses to help keep work in with the the local first race at 7:45pm, leaving plenty of time community. for a pre-meet pint and to get some food from the 50 menu. mile radius covered on-site CONTACT US ON:

822651 • 07748 032051 available There01234 are also sponsorship opportunities for individuals or businesses who would like to further their support; please contact Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood via info@ bluesfoundation.org.uk or call 07596 237315 to discuss sponsoring one of the races on the night.

12:08

Blues Foundation Charity Race Night

Help support the future work of Blues Foundation as Bedford Blues’ charitable arm launch their first fundraising evening for 2022 with a charity race night on Friday 25th February. Hosted in The Burrow at the Blues, another entertaining evening is in store to raise vital funds to allow Blues Foundation to continue running our flagship projects as well increasing community support to those who need it in Bedfordshire. Tickets are priced at £15 per person and can be purchased through the official Blues Foundation website. Help Blues Foundation help as many people who need it in the community by spreading the word and supporting the event. Doors to The Burrow at the Blues will open at 7pm with the first race at 7:45pm, leaving plenty of time for a pre-meet pint and to get some food from the on-site menu. There are also sponsorship opportunities available for individuals or businesses who would like to further their support; please contact Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood via info@ bluesfoundation.org.uk or call 07596 237315 to discuss sponsoring one of the races on the night.

Bedford Borough Council has announced the winners of this year’s Bedford Borough Sport and Physical Activity Awards. With an incredible array and quality of nominations this year, the panel decided to award four ‘Special Commendations’, reflecting how close the final scores were in several categories. Sarah Bullimore won ‘Adult Personality of the Year’ for her achievements in equestrian eventing, including a bronze medal at the European Eventing Championships earlier this year. In the ‘Junior Personality of the Year’ award, Etienne Maughan was successful with her accomplishments in athletics. She is ranked 2nd in the UK in the under 17s 80m hurdles, and 4th in the UK in the under 17s 100m. Special Commendation went to Gracie Wall, following her outstanding performance in the under 17s high jump, despite injury this year. This year’s ‘Unsung Hero’ is Paula Bailey for her work with the Modernian Swimming Club until her untimely death in February 2021. She passionately wanted to give back her time to the club that both her children swam with, and supported the club with many unseen hours behind the scenes. Special Commendation in the ‘Unsung Hero’ category went to Baz and Paula Townsend, who have given their time and expertise to Bedford Blues for over 20 years in an entirely voluntary capacity. Their work maintaining the ground and making sure fans and spectators have the best experience on match days is so valued by players, staff, directors and fans of the Blues.

The full list of Sport and Physical Activity Awards winners this year is: Adult Personality of the Year 2021 Winner – Sarah Bullimore – Eventing, Equestrian Junior Personality of the Year 2021 Winner – Etienne Maughan – Athletics Special Commendation – Gracie Wall – Athletics, High Jump Disability Sports Personality of the Year 2021 Adult Winner – Dermot Bailey – Wheelchair Tennis Special Commendation – Manjit Singh Kali-Rai – Walking Hockey Junior Winner – Varun Bandi – Wheelchair Racing Club of the Year 2021 Winner – Riverside Tennis Club Community Club / Group of the Year 2021 Winner – No Barriers – Tennis Special Commendation – Canoe Trail Crew – Multi Sports Primary School of the Year 2021 Winner – Westfield Primary School Team of the Year 2021 Winner – Bedford Hockey Club, Women’s Over 35 Squad Coach of the Year 2021 Winner – Richard Harpham – Multi Sports Unsung Hero 2021 Winner – Paula Bailey – Swimming Special Commendation Hero – Baz and Paula Townsend – Rugby Union Service to Sport 2021 Winner – Mike Carter – Kayaking Further information about the awards and winners is available at www.bedford.gov.uk/sportsawards

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Arthritis

in cats

What behavioural changes might indicate that my cat has osteoarthritis? 1. Going up the stairs less often; and tending to need to stop for a rest halfway up. 2. “Bunny hopping” both back legs together instead of taking normal strides when going up the stairs. 3. Coming down the stairs sideways and slowly. 4. Hesitating before jumping up and/or using front legs to pull up instead of springing from the hindlegs. 5. Hesitating before jumping down and/or choosing to make several smaller jumps instead of one big one. 6. Being less friendly – hiding more and grumbling or hissing when being stroked.

Osteoarthritis happens when joints become rough and painful as a result of wear and tear. Around 60% of cats that are older than 6 years of age have some evidence of osteoarthritis. Having painful, arthritic, joints reduces a cat’s quality of life. Treating arthritis in older cats can control this pain and help cats to enjoy an active and happy life in their later years. The most useful sign of arthritic pain in cats is a change in behaviour at home. Cat owners know their cats better than anyone and will be the first to recognise these changes.

7. Changes to toilet habits – less keen to go outside, or having difficulty getting into litter tray. If you recognise any of the behavioural changes above, arrange a check up appointment with your vet and let them know what you have noticed.

How can arthritis be treated in cats? There are a number of treatment options for cats, including daily liquid anti-inflammatory medicine or monthly injections that block pain receptors in the joints. Cats will also benefit from having warm places to rest, and the creation of “steps” up to their favourite eating and resting places to minimise high impact jumping while still allowing them to feel secure by getting off the ground.

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If you’re searching for some colour to brighten up the muted greys and blues of the winter landscape, then look no further than the natural world. As the temperature drops, the resident wildfowl population is swelled by an influx of colourful and lively winter visitors to many places across Bedfordshire, including our Wetlands Nature Reserve at Millennium Country Park. Flocks arrive from cooler climes – such as the Baltics, Siberia and Northern Europe – in search of more habitable conditions and plentiful food sources. Some stay for the whole of winter while others use our coasts, lakes and reservoirs as a ‘service station’ – grabbing some rest and food before travelling onwards. Despite their long journeys, these birds usually look at their best at this time of year, with fresh, bright plumage, primed for finding a mate ahead of the breeding season. If you have a pair of binoculars don’t forget to bring them along so you can get a really close look at the colours, markings and behaviour of our winter bird population. Start by looking out for flocks of teal, a small but perfectly formed duck. The males are particularly striking, and can be identified by their rich, chestnut heads and green eye patches. Females are plainer, looking similar to female mallards aside from having a bright green patch on the wing.

Winter birds 54

Ducks can be divided into two groups – dabbling and diving ducks – which relate to how they find food. Dabbling ducks, which include teal, glide along the surface of the water, dipping their bills just underneath to get food. Sometimes they will plunge their

heads in the water to reach further – ‘bottomsup’ style – but they won’t dive under the surface for food. Diving ducks on the other hand, such as the tufted duck and pochard, fully submerge themselves, propelling themselves underwater to find molluscs, insects and aquatic plants. Tufted ducks can be seen all year round at the reserve, but numbers tend to increase in winter with birds arriving from northern Europe. The males of the species can be spotted easily by their smart ‘tuxedo-like’ appearance. They are black on the head, neck, breast and back and bright white on the sides. They also sport an impressive tuft of feathers at the back of their head and have a vivid yellow eye. Females are chocolatey-brown all over. These social, gregarious birds are often seen in large flocks together. They are excellent divers, and can swim up to around 15 metres under the water in search of molluscs, crustaceans, crayfish, aquatic insects and plants.

On the edges of the lake, and in the shallows and water-filled ditches on the reserve, look out for majestic grey herons. They’re usually seen alone, barely making a ripple as they stalk through the water looking for their next meal. You’ll often see them standing as still as a statue at the water’s edge, surveying for fish, newts, frogs and even other waterbirds. When suitable prey is spotted, their long neck is swiftly extended and their unsuspecting target seized.

Another distinctive duck to look out for is the shoveller. Although it can look a little like a mallard from a distance, on closer inspection its large, shovel-like bill makes it easily distinguishable from other ducks.

Another member of the heron family, the graceful Little Egret, is also a regular visitor to the reserve. Smaller than a grey heron, these birds are snow-white with black bills and legs and yellow feet. Until relatively recently, Little Egrets were an uncommon sight, but changes in climate are thought to have tempted them to UK shores from the Mediterranean.

The shoveller is often seen with its long, flat bill sweeping just under the surface of the water, searching out food. A medium size duck, the male has a glossy, dark green head, white breast and chestnut brown flanks. Females are mottled brown, resembling a female mallard, but can be identified by their characteristic bill.

During breeding season, adults develop long, wispy head plumes. In the 19th century, numbers of Little Egrets plummeted as they were hunted extensively for these plumes, which were used to decorate hats. Thankfully, laws were introduced to protect them and populations have now recovered.

In late winter if you’re lucky you may spot shovellers performing their unique courtship display, which involves submerging their heads in the water and circling around each other. You may also see males searching for a mate trying to outperform each other. Competition for females is fierce and you may witness headbobbing displays to demonstrate strength and noisy chases, both on the water and in the air.

So as you can see, winter is most definitely not a barren time for wildlife watching! Wrap up warm and head down to the Wetlands Nature Reserve or your local wetlands, and we’re sure you’ll be rewarded with sightings of our wonderful winter water birds. Don’t forget to share with us what you’ve seen too on our social media pages – we’d love to hear from you!

GREENFINGERS… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about his favourite things in the garden. I think if a cross-section of people is asked to name the thing in a garden that gives them joy and a feeling of admiration beyond anything else, a good number will choose the rose. Think about it, is there anything else that offers such a breadth of colour, such a contradiction of beauty and danger (in the sense of a seductive flower and the prickly thorns that linger just a few inches down), or that offers a bouquet that has melted the hearts of a thousand romantics! Okay, so yes, a rose sometimes can seem so-and-so, perhaps because we embrace them so fully in our lives, and I accept there is something even a little cliched about the simple rose these days. However, I will be so bold as to say this – a garden without a fragrant rose is not much of a garden at all! For other times of the year, I will pick out certain things that give me incredible satisfaction. I look forward to these coming round, and their emergence

is always very special. The first snowdrop in January; the first daffodil in February. These are the types of flowers that mark a change in or a progression of the season, and that always fills me with hope and expectation. You know these beautiful elements will always arrive, but still, it’s a relief when they do! I have also really taken a shine to the aubrieta in recent years. It’s that beautiful tumbling purple spray of miniature-coloured flowers that will cascade off rocks, boulders and other inhospitable lumps in a way that bring them life and beauty. The flowers almost resemble little four-leaf clovers, and perhaps it’s that expression of happiness and love that makes this such a winner in every way. Finally, I would look to the sweet pea. They are just so versatile – sow individually in root trainers or in pots filled with seed compost, choose pretty much any colour across the spectrum, are perfect in borders, and you can even get the seeds in the ground in any range from November through to June. For me, they are the ultimate, and a great pleasure. Of course, tending to a garden is all about personal taste. These are some of my favourites, but I know reading this you may well feel I have it completely wrong. That is the beauty of gardening – it is a landscape that’s entirely yours to do entirely what you will with, and we will all agree that’s wonderful.

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

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

FURNISHINGS

M&S

Upholstery

GARDENING SERVICES Complete Re-upholstery Service

Quality Service Call now at: 01234 302883 Or: 07954161786

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

K H Garden Services

• All garden maintenance undertaken • Grass cutting, hedge cutting etc • Regular maintenance and contract work • Reliable, professional, friendly service • Locally based company - Fully insured

Contact: 07708 594746 62

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER

DEBORAH

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

01234 210337 07976 394798

Deborah mobile hairdresser yell (Bedford)

LTD

ton Keynes

Installations

s Automated

d.co.uk

achinery

RX e.co.uk

43 7RX

despenison ailers

ore.

OVEN CLEANER

WHITES ES LTD

K H Garden Services

Domestic & Commercial Garden Machinery

TIME TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN? LET US DO THE JOB YOU HATE

College Farm, Lovell Road, Oakley, MK43 7RX 01234 826066 in

info@whites-online.co.uk www.whites-online.co.uk • All garden www.whites-online.co.uk maintenance undertaken Tel: 01234 826066 College Lovellhedge Road, Oakley, Bedford, • Grass Farm, cutting, cutting etc MK43 7RX Service, Parts, Repair & Hire • Sales, Regular maintenance and contract work Briggs & Stratton Service Centre • Reliable, professional, friendly service • Locally based company - Fully insured

Available Indespenison Contact: 07708Also 594746 & Brian James Trailers

BEFORE

AFTER

l Filters l Hobs Ovens l BBQs l Ranges Grills l Extractors l Microwaves l AGAs Call Mark Plumbly or go online today for your FREE quote! l l

0800 840 7127 ovenclean.com

and more.

HANDYMAN HANDYMANSERVICES SERVICES

USED CAR DISPOSAL

T J Odd-Job Services

General House & Garden Maintenance Give me a call, see if I can help you Tony Joslin T: 01234 218923 M: 07761 561131 E: tjoddjobs@yahoo.com HEATING ENGINEER

VEHICLE HIRE

HEATING SERVICES

T.R.Donnelly T.R.Donnelly HEATING SERVICES Local Engineer HEATING SERVICES

557766 557766

Specialising in allEngineer heating appliances Local Breakdowns & Installations Specialising in all heating appliances Fixed Boiler Services £65 Breakdowns & Installations Landlord Gas Certs Fixed Boiler Services £65 Power Flushing Landlord Gas Certs All Plumbing Repairs Carried Out Power Flushing All Plumbing Repairs Carried Out405 01234 307 667 | 07967 643

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

rentxpressltd.co.uk 01234 339008

01234 307 667 | 07967 643 405 63

MECHANIC

USEFUL RESOURCES

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

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

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

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

Tel 01234 838771 www.bedsrcc.org.uk

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

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

BOLD

Tel 01234 350704 www.autismbedfordshire.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

CITIZENS ADVICE

MINDBLMK

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

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Tel 01234 867944 www.bedfordcab.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel 01234 843345 www.rvtrust.org.uk

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

Tel 07460 575410 www.friendsforlifebedford.org.uk

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

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

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

Tel 07798 762 808

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

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

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

Tel 07973 859940 www.bedfordmencap.org.uk 65

JANUARY PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

James Mellor Creative

Bespoke Cartoons & Corporate Copywriting for publications, websites, social media, presentations and conferences www.jamesmellorcreative.com @jamesdfmellor 66

February 2017

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

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

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

OFFER ENDS 28th February 2022

FREE WILL VOUCHER

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

Valid until 28th February 2022 The Will Writing Company

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

Tel 01234 964911

Email:enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk

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

Please mention YOURLOCALFLYER when responding to adverts

Have Your Windows Steamed Up? Replace the pane, not the frame!

“I really liked the fact that they were a local community run business” Janet Beard All glazing backed by our

We are a Which? Trusted Trader Social distancing in operation

Faulty locks, handles or hinges? Priority freephone www.cloudy2clear.co.uk

Love Your Home - Protect Your Windows - Save Money

BedsLife Magazine February 2022

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