BedsLife Magazine January 2022 by BedsLife Magazine

FREE JANUARY

2022

inside New About Town with Love Bedford Our Top Fashion Picks from our local Independents Do Something New in 2022 What’s On £25 Prize Crossword

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

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Contents

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Council News Richard Fuller MP Mohammad Yasin MP In the Stix Paul Weller to Headline at Bedford Park About Town with Love Bedford Volunteer Opportunities Love Your Liver Month Top Fashion Picks Mamma’s House Brilliant Books for a Brilliant Year The Composing Cook – Chicken and Sweetcorn Chowder Soup Lyd Eats Food – The Oakley Arms Prize Crossword Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity What’s On School of Rock Theatre Tickets Competition The Information you need to Delete from your Facebook Right Now Do Something New in 2022 New Season at John Bunyan Museum Milky’s Music Matters Christmas Tree Festival Winners Bedford Town FC Bedford Blues Acorn House Pet Advice Forest of Marston Vale Gardening – Plants as Air Purifiers Advertiser Index Useful Local Resources Last Month’s Crossword Answers

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT BEDSLIFE FEBRUARY ISSUE DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 12TH JANUARY DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS LOCALLY? DELIVERED IN TOTAL TO 37,000 HOMES, OUR READERS ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS!

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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.

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council news Bedford Borough Celebrates Over 110 New Trees through the Trees for Streets Scheme Bedford Borough Council have announced funding (through both public and corporate sponsorships and grant funding) for over 110 street and celebration trees as part of their partnership with organisation Trees for Streets. Residents and businesses from across the local area have been taking part in the programme by coming together with neighbours, friends and family to sponsor either a tree on their street or a celebration tree in one of Bedford Borough’s award-winning parks. Street trees have a number of benefits for local residents, including producing oxygen, improving air quality, creating shade, helping to prevent flooding and supporting biodiversity. Planting more trees has also been shown to positively affect both physical and mental wellbeing. By planting more trees in the borough, people will experience these benefits, while also helping to tackle climate change. This latest announcement comes after Mayor Dave Hodgson planted the first of 10,000 new trees planned for Bedford Borough, after winning funding through the Treescapes Fund and the Urban Tree Challenge Fund.

New Parking Patrol Van Keeping the Borough’s Schools Safe During the first week of the vehicle being in operation in late November, 29 tickets were issued to people parked illegally.

Bedford Borough Councils have a new Parking Patrol van which monitors the morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up outside schools, in order to tackle dangerous and illegal parking. Parking illegally outside schools, either on double yellow lines or on the zig-zag keep clear lines, causes a hazard and is dangerous to school children, parents and other pedestrians. Vehicles idling outside schools also cause a nuisance and add to pollution levels in the air around schools.

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio for Highways said: “I regularly receive complaints about the behaviour of some parents when dropping off or picking up their children at school. Our van will be patrolling outside schools across the borough and we will be enforcing against those who choose to park illegally. “The parking restrictions are in place to keep our children safe. If you choose to park illegally, you are creating a danger to all road users and to children going to school, putting children’s lives at risk.” Bedford Borough Council would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year!

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Sadly, hare coursing is an habitual blight on people who live in rural Bedfordshire and is often associated with acts of intimidation. Coursing involves the pursuit of wild hares by trained greyhounds or lurchers across fields, often carried out by organised gangs with large sums of money gambled online. Hare coursing typically begins after harvest and can cause much damage to land and crops. Many farmers and landowners are intimidated and feel disempowered. Hare coursing poses a threat to rural communities and to animal welfare. I want us to take action. Hare coursing is a serious and aggravating crime, but victims of this crime are currently poorly served in obtaining justice, in part because of the difficulties for our police in securing prosecutions and a level of penalties that are an insufficient deterrent. Remedies in law are strewn across multiple, arcane pieces of legislation dating back to the 1800s such as the Night Poaching Act of 1828 and the Game Act of 1831. My Bill will seek to remove these and become the defining law for the crime of hare coursing.

Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire Last year I won the right to propose a Private Members’ Bill. I decided to focus my bill on tackling the crime of hare coursing. On the 21 January, my bill, the Hare Coursing Bill, will have its Second Reading in the House of Commons.

Moreover, the dogs used in the chase are often exhausted and left for dead and hares are killed senselessly. The government’s own Action Plan for Animal Welfare highlights the need for action in this area. My Hare Coursing Bill will also seek changes to give the police the tools they need to do the job – for example, as part of a prosecution, to recover and enforce the costs for kennelling of dogs seized from the offenders. It will also seek stronger guidance on sentencing and a higher limit for certain penalties. Over the last few months, to help inform me in the drafting my Bill, I have been speaking to constituents affected by hare coursing, DEFRA, the NFU, our local Chief Constable and rural charities and I have spent a day with the Bedfordshire rural crime time. Before Christmas, I also met with the Bishop of St Albans who had tabled his own amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which sought to increase penalties, allow the courts to disqualify offenders from owning dogs and allow the police to recover kennelling costs for seized dogs. I am now focusing my efforts on getting the government to support my Bill and to avoid obstacles such as opponents ‘talking out’ the Bill to thwart its progress. You will be able to follow the progress of my Bill by visiting: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/2913

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 a light - all fully fitted 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

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Today, I’m setting out some of my priorities for the year ahead. Over the next 12 months, I am committed to fighting for what I think our community in Bedford and Kempston most holds dear – our NHS, our democracy, and our families. Our NHS is in desperate need of support. At the end of last year, I met with GPs and leaders at Bedford Hospital to discuss their concerns for the Winter crisis and the pressures that they face. Years of cuts to funding and understaffing has left our services exposed. The Health and Care Bill does little to address this or provide the help urgently required – instead, the Bill exploits this vulnerability and opens our NHS up to further privatisation.

Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston At this time of year, many of us are keen to commit ourselves to New Year’s resolutions.

With warnings that the waiting list backlog faced by hospitals is set to surpass 6 million this year, we must do all that we can to campaign for better funding and better resourcing. We need a practical plan to address this backlog and a realistic strategy to recruit and strengthen the workforce. By supporting our doctors and nurses, we can help them to help patients and make sure everyone gets the care that they need. The NHS is our country’s greatest institution, but it’s in peril. If we want to keep our NHS public, we must be prepared to fight for it. Our democracy is also under threat. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill proposes aggressive measures to crack down on protests and pickets. In Bedford alone, nearly 350 people signed a petition to protect the right to protest, with over 256,000 signatures across the UK. This Bill is an undeniable attack on not only our rights, but also on our ability to hold the Government to account. Finally, families in Britain are struggling more than ever. With fuel and gas prices expected to continue to surge and inflation rising, the average family is predicted to spend £1700 more this year. In Bedford, by 2020, nearly 30% of children were living in poverty. We are facing a severe cost-of-living squeeze and it is hitting our working families the hardest. I can’t promise that 2022 will be an easier year than the ones we have recently seen. But I can say that it will be easier to get through if we all pull together – in our unity there is strength. We must campaign together, fight together and hold the Government to account together. As a community, we can save our NHS, preserve our democracy and protect our families.

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I N TH E STI X Felmersham cartoonist shortlisted for national award

seen by a whole new audience – people who don’t read Private Eye or follow my social media feeds – which is great too.” It’s been a busy year for James who also released his fourth cartoon book in November. Quarantoons – Cartoons From A New Normal follows on from his previous books Drawn From History, Brexit; A Drawn Out Process and Drawn From Lockdown – Cartoons of a Plague Year. “My new book is a collection of my best cartoons from the past two years. It’s not entirely focussed on the pandemic but, given it has been the major news story, covid is the central theme. The illness, rules, and restrictions have made the last couple of years pretty grim and finding the humour has been important for coping and keeping going. Hopefully the book is a helpful way to see the funny and bizarre side of recent events.”

James Mellor, whose illustrations feature regularly in Private Eye and of course bedslife magazine, has been shortlisted for the Political Cartoon of the Year Awards 2022. The awards, which take place annually, celebrate the UK’s leading cartoonists from the national press. “It’s great to be shortlisted again,” said James. “It’s a crowded field this year and there are some really good cartoons by famous names in the running but sharing a category with brilliant cartoonists who I’ve looked up to for years is part of what makes it exciting. It also means that my cartoons get to be

James, who also creates original cartoons for bedslife magazine each month, is enjoying life in Felmersham after moving to the pretty village a year ago: “My wife grew up in the village so is happy to be living close to friends and relatives again. Felmersham is familiar to me too as we were married in St Mary’s Church. Slowly but surely, the children and I are adapting to a more rural way of life. We’ve started keeping chickens and are enjoying walks in the beautiful countryside around the meandering river.” 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

Dickens returns to Sharnbrook theatre

emergency responder skills. No-one will be asked to do anything that they are not comfortable doing – but we can all do something to help those most affected. Bedford Borough Council will help to design a flood plan and provide equipment once volunteers have been found. Anyone interested in setting up a Flood Group in their community can get in touch at floodrisk@bedford.gov.uk

New vision for historic Mill

Following a triumphant performance of A Christmas Carol in 2020, Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, is set to return to Sharnbrook Mill Theatre. In December 2020, after months of lockdown, The Mill Theatre re-opened with the internationally acclaimed A Christmas Carol. The one-man show was a sell-out with Gerald Dickens playing over 30 characters, using vocal and physical talents, bringing each scene vividly to life. Gerald Dickens will now present his one-man production of Great Expectations at The Mill Theatre for just one Saturday night performance on 5 February 2022. Tickets are available from Little Box Office and Picka-Lily Florist located at the rear of 61 High Street, Sharnbrook, MK44 1PB. www.thelittleboxoffice.com

Volunteers needed for Stevington Flood Risk Group Stevington Environment Group is setting up a new Flood Risk Group to help residents become more ‘resilient’ to local flooding. The group is now looking for community-spirited individuals, of any gender or age, to get in touch. If you are willing to help in any capacity, please email clerk@stevington-pc.gov.uk. You may have organisational skills. You may be willing to help with a specific area of the village. You may have

Positive negotiations with Bedford Borough Council are continuing to enable Bromham Parish Council to secure a lease and transform Bromham Mill, helping to realise its full potential as a heritage asset for the local community. The Mill Coffee Shop, which opened in August, is already proving a key attraction and plans are afoot to transform the Mill House and outbuildings into a range of amenities which could include a farm shop, small retail, craft vendors, wellness facilities, beauty treatment rooms and even a restaurant. Prospective tenants should contact the Parish Clerk for further information at www.bromham-pc.gov.uk

Do you have some village news to share? Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the February issue is 12 January. 11

Paul Weller Confirmed to Headline at Bedford Park on Saturday 30th July 2022 Paul Weller has announced three huge outdoor shows for summer 2022. The respected music and style icon will headline shows at Hop Farm in Kent on 18th June, Lincoln Showground on 2nd July and Bedford Park on 30th July.

award-winning arranger, Jules Buckley and the BBC Symphony Orchestra the album reimagines a selection of his vast catalogue. This follows 2021’s highly acclaimed number one album ‘Fat Pop’ with fans likely to hear tracks from this album live for the first-time next summer.

Few artists have influenced music like Paul Weller and next summer, fans can enjoy live performances of new material and classics from his back catalogue such as ‘Wild Wood’, ‘Wake Up the Nation’ and ‘You Do Something To Me’.

Saturday 18th June: Hop Farm, Kent Saturday 2nd July: Lincoln Showground, Lincolnshire Saturday 30th July: Bedford Park, Bedfordshire

Paul’s 17th solo album ‘An Orchestrated Songbook’ released on 10th December. Recorded with

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Commenting on the dates, Paul said, “It’s brilliant to announce these UK summer shows for 2022 and to be able to play outdoors again after such a long time. Can’t wait.”

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w n o T t u o Ab Sweets in the Mail – now open in Howard Centre

Starting in outdoor markets and car boot sales, local-grown business Sweets in the Mail have been trialling a kiosk in the Harpur Centre’s Basement, with promising results. They have now expanded to a larger setting in the Howard Centre. Co-founder Liam says, “We’re really pleased and proud to be serving the people of Bedford some of the finest confectionery available. We’ve got everyday sweets and items for a special occasion too – even special gift packaging for Pick and Mix selections. We’ve got vegetarian, vegan and halal options, and sweets from around the world. We also take requests – come and bring us a challenge!” Sweets In The Mail is open Mon-Thurs,Sat 9:00 – 17:30, Fri 9:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00. More info: sweetsinthemail.co.uk

Foxy Wings – now open at Riverside A venue with a great story behind it, Foxy

Wings was hatched on Instagram when lockdown first hit. The fledgling online delivery service found immediate local support and launched into a successful Crowdfunder campaign. It is now in full flight, as a 100-seater restaurant, serving fried chicken and caulli-wings in a variety of globally inspired, home-made sauces, and a bar championing UK-sourced draught beers, carefully selected by the mastermind of another Bedford success story, Beerfly. The venue itself is full of quirky furnishings, foxy painted murals, enough greenery to get lost in, and an all-round great vibe! Foxy Wings is open Sun-Thurs 12:00-22:30, Fri–Sat 12:00-23:30. More info: foxywings.co.uk

Bedford’s first Tap to Donate machine has been installed outside IMPAKT Interiors in The Arcade. This new installation allows you to make a contactless donation of £3 to the Real Change Fund, managed by Bedford Homeless Partnership, which brings together local charities and organisations who provide homeless services in Bedford Borough, supporting people at risk with accommodation, physical and mental wellbeing, food, housing and job applications, as well as many more services. Tap to Donate is accessible Mon-Sat 9.00–17.30, Sun 11.00–16.00. More info: bedfordhomeless.org.uk

To w n t o Ce le br at e Congratulations to Bedsafe – winners of the National Pubwatch Awards 2021!

“We are delighted to receive this particular accolade, Customer Service Champion, because it is a direct and personal recognition of the work we do, from our own customers,” comments Guy Moliterno, Founder and Managing Director. “It really means a lot, especially in the context of a pandemic, that our customers have noticed that our service levels have always remained at a very high standard.” More info: insurancechoiceawards.co.uk

The National Pubwatch Awards were established to recognise the work undertaken by local Pubwatch schemes to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff. This year, judges have commended the social responsibility of Bedsafe, Bedford’s own Pubwatch scheme, whose members work closely with the local police, Bedford Borough Council and BedfordBID with the aim of targeting and reducing alcohol-related disorder in the town. The judges highlighted the scheme’s support for those working in the wider Night Time Economy and the success of Bedsafe’s initiative to provide first aid training to bar staff, and first aid kits across venues within the town centre. More info: nationalpubwatch.org.uk

Mayfair Online wins three National Awards in Insurance Industry Mayfair Online, a Bedford Town centre business since 1975, has won three out of five of its category nominations in the 2021 national Insurance Choice Awards, announced this month by Smart Money People. The company was named Customer Service Champion, as well as Best Personal Insurance Broker, and Best Commercial Insurance Broker.

5th Avenue Celebrates 25 years in Business 5th Avenue Hair and Beauty Spa is an awardwinning salon situated in Howard Street. Since 1997, their talented experts have selected the most exclusive product brands to provide an outstanding level of hair and beauty services. In celebration of their 25th year in business, the team hosted a grand event at Bedford’s Auction Room for all their clients and supporters, with a host of delights and entertainment, and a raffle of generous donated prizes from local businesses, which raised £670 for Macmillan Cancer Support. More info: 5thavenuespa.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

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity: Digital Champion, Bedford Borough Digital Champions are people of all ages, from all backgrounds and communities. They help others understand the benefits of using the internet and show them how to do simple things online that can make a huge difference to people’s lives. You don’t need to be an IT whizz, just have a bit of spare time, an enjoyment of being online yourself and a passion to help others.

Nu Focus CIC: Podcast Editor/Assistant

Volunteering Opportunities

Welcome to the New Year! Here is our volunteering pick of the month for January 2022. Whatever the year ahead holds, we can be sure that lots of organisations will continue to have a huge impact on our local community and they will 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 16

A friendly and approachable person is required for our small team to help support our What Say You podcast and media youth project. Duties will involve planning and preparing episode topics and interview questions. Editing podcast content, writing brief show notes for each episode and posting the podcast online.

Keech Hospice Care: Shop Assistant, Bedford Our volunteers are at the heart of the day to day running of our shops. The shops generate much needed income to provide nursing care for our patients. As a volunteer in our Bedford shop you will have a variety of tasks including helping to sort and clean donations, interacting with customers and promoting an understanding of the work done by Keech Hospice Care.

Bedford Credit Union: Team Member The credit union provides basic savings and lowinterest loans, encouraging regular saving and educating members in money management. You will use your skills in IT and administration, book keeping and finance to help with reporting and checking of paperwork.

Time to Talk Mental Health UK: Moderator Volunteers are wanted to help moderate the Time to Talk Mental Health UK Facebook peer support group, which is open between 9am and 10.30pm 7 days a week. The ideal candidates will have experience in a support environment and have strong communication and IT skills – in particular social media. Search for and register an interest in any of the listed roles above by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer

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January is Love Your Liver Awareness Month The British Liver Trust want the nation to show their liver some love in January and take their first steps towards better liver health. January is often a time that people take stock after the Christmas period but this year it is even more important as the numbers at risk have also increased during the Covid pandemic. Many people have increased their alcohol consumption and gained weight during lockdown – the two biggest risk factors for developing liver disease.

Why you should love your liver The liver is a fascinating organ and its importance is often underrated. It’s an amazing multi-tasker and has over 500 vital jobs to do to keep you alive. It’s just as important as other organs like your heart and lungs, but they tend to steal most of the limelight. In the UK, liver disease is on the rise. The three major preventable causes are drinking alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis. When it’s damaged, the liver can repair itself, but only up to a point. Sadly, people with liver disease often don’t have any symptoms until the disease has progressed and it’s far too late for treatment. That’s why it’s so important to know the risk factors and to keep your liver happy and healthy for life - before long-lasting damage can occur. Take your first steps towards better liver health today. You can get a snapshot of your liver health with the Love Your Liver screener at britishlivertrust.org. uk/at-risk-screener/ and also download a free Diet and the Liver factsheet plus find lots more useful information at britishlivertrust.org.uk/informationand-support/

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Play activities for the New Year

Happy New Year! Another year’s over and a new one’s just begun. However, if you feel like the Christmas break is going on forever, or you are just looking for something to lure the kids away from the screen, here’s some play activities for you to try.

Using water and food colouring use droppers to transfer the coloured water to the ice. Sprinkle the ice with salt for a more interesting texture to explore with the coloured water. This one is great for exploring colour mixing.

New Year’s fireworks

Skating Penguins

Salt art: This is one of our favourites. Use glue to make firework shapes, or snowflakes, or anything you like! Sprinkle the wet glue with salt, remove any excess. Next dab with watercolours or paints and watch the colours spread.

My two love this. All you need to do is stick lolly sticks to the base of a mini muffin tin with a bit of blue tack and fill with water. Try adding a tiny bit of blue food colouring too. Put them in the freezer overnight.

Make bird feeders

I let my eldest cut out the penguin characters and stick them to the sticks once frozen. You could, of course, draw your own or use whichever characters you like. Add shaving foam to a tray for a snow effect and enjoy gliding your penguins. What shapes or letters can you make in the snow?

Bird Feeders: A great way of showing the birds some love in this cold winter weather. See what you can find in the recycling or use what you have to make bird feeders. We often use felt pipe cleaners and thread Cheerios on (which is great exercise for little fingers!) or scoop out the middle of an orange and fill with lard and bird seed, ready to hang from a tree.

Ice art Winter is a great time of year to try ice art: with any luck you can leave a tray of water out overnight and it will be frozen in the morning. If not, lay a tray flat in the freezer and pour the water from a jug whilst the tray is in (much easier than struggling with a ready filled tray!).

Collecting old Christmas cards Collect all your Christmas cards and make them into something else. You could practise scissor skills, or make thank you cards, gift tags or decorations. How about trying some Christmas bunting or paper chains? I’d love to see your activities. Follow and tag us @mammas_house on Instagram

TINSLEYS RIDING SCHOOL British Horse Society Approved Licensed 5 Star Rating Established 1977

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Neil & Susan Black BHSII Senior Level 4 Coach Long Barns, The Baulk, Clapham MK41 6AA

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Brilliant books for a brilliant year! Surely there’s no better way to open up the potential of 2022 than by, in turn, opening up the pages of a book. Here’s our selection of some great releases for January.

The Perfect Escape

by Leah Tonen Three friends, one much-needed getaway. Who could have expected it to end in murder...? When her husband Harry walks out after just six months, Sam has never been in more need of a getaway. So, when her friends suggest a girls’ weekend away, Sam can’t accept soon enough… but then things start to go wrong. A gripping thriller from the pen of Leah Tonen. Published by Michael Joseph

You Coach You

The Maid

by Nita Prose Molly the maid is thrown into the spotlight when she discovers an infamous guest, Mr Black, very dead in his bed. She becomes embroiled in a hunt for the truth, learning who to trust as she navigates the secret underbelly of the Regency Grand Hotel.

by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis Are you at a standstill in your career? Do you feel like you aren’t where you thought you’d be by this point, or have you already got to where you wanted and realised it isn’t bringing you joy?

Escapist, charming, and introducing a truly original heroine, The Maid is a story about how everyone deserves to be seen, and how the truth isn’t always black and white. Published by Harper Collins

The UK’s leading career experts Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper will give you the knowledge and tools to coach yourself, helping you to rediscover a love of work, build boundaries and productive relationships, cultivate resilience, whilst identifying and achieving career goals. Published by Penguin Books

by Barbara Walter Acclaimed expert Barbara F. Walter, who has advised on political violence everywhere from the CIA to the U.S. Senate to the United Nations, explains the rise of civil war and the conditions that create it. She describes how backsliding democracies result in citizens becoming more polarised, and that increases the chances of conflict becoming even more widespread. Published by Penguin Books

I Broke the Internet

by Andy McNab and Phil Earle Bestselling author Andy McNab joins forces with award-winning author Phil Earle for this laughout-loud follow-up to Get Me Out of Here!, with fun illustrations by Robin Boyden. 24

This writing duo style characters that are full of personality. As a result, it’s a great book for children who are less comfortable with reading, or who aren’t quite sure what books they like yet. Published by Scholastic

How Civil Wars Start

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DISTRIBUTORS WANTED! BedsLife Magazine are looking for monthly delivery people in the following areas BIDDENHAM KEMPSTON MARSH LEYS PUTNOE WIXAMS Please text Christa on 07827 015170 for more information or to go on the waiting list for other areas.

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The Composing Cook The Composing Cook

CHICKEN & SWEETCORN CHOWDER

INGREDIENTS: 50g unsalted butter 2 tablespoons oil 200g smoked bacon lardons 500-600g skinless & boneless chicken thighs cut into strips 50g plain flour 1 teaspoon salt 1kg frozen sweetcorn 5 spring onions roughly chopped 3 cloves garlic 1.5 litres chicken stock ¾ teaspoon turmeric a good grinding of black pepper Serves 6

As winter is in full swing and the joys of Christmas and New Year are over, we need to bring a bit of sunshine back into our lives. This comes in the form of my amazingly simple chicken and sweetcorn chowder. This soup is hearty and comforting to the max; just what you need on a cold January day. Warm the butter and oil in a large pot, big enough to take all the ingredients. Add the bacon lardons and chicken thighs and cook until the chicken is golden brown and the bacon starts to render its fat. Place sweetcorn into a colander and pour water from a recently boiled kettle over to defrost. Put to one side. In a processor, add the spring onions, garlic and half the sweetcorn and pulse until you have a mushy consistency. Back to the pot, add the plain flour and salt and mix well till the flour disappears. Add the chicken stock and mix well. Next, add the sweetcorn and the sweetcorn mush to the pot, along with the turmeric and black pepper, and mix. Bring to the boil and simmer with the lid off for 10 minutes. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Lets take this a step further: This is delicious on its own but my Spicy Cheese Tortilla Chips work amazing well with it. You can watch me make both of these recipes, along with many others, by visiting my YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/ TheComposingCook. There you will find more inspirational recipes. 28

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Happy New Year to all our customers

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The Oakley Arms I’m not sure there is a better way to spend a brisk winters day than taking a leisurely amble around the park, before ending up in a cosy pub. Just a short drive in to the countryside brings you to Harrold, the country park is the perfect walking spot and the village is also home to one of the best local pubs. The Oakley Arms reopened earlier this year and it is better than ever. The food is truly fantastic, with a real focus on using local produce such as cheese from Bevistan Dairy and Harrold venison. The menu is elevated comfort food, think proper pies, beautifully cooked fish and freshly baked bread. I absolutely loved the bubble and squeak with thick cut bacon and a crispy egg. The venison pie was filled with flavour, served with the creamiest mash. I can’t not mention the creme brûlée, the perfect consistency served with biscuits still warm from the oven. There really is a fantastic array of choices on the menu, including a separate vegan menu. Open Tuesday to Sunday, there’s breakfast, lunch and dinner available. The bar is fully stocked and there’s cocktails too! Check out their website for more information.

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 14th January Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Mrs Woolf, Putnoe

For last months answers please turn to P70

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Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) is the leading community development agency working across Bedfordshire, with a proven track record built up over 60 years. They support and deliver a wide range of rural development and community projects, some of which you can find listed below.

SOCIAL PRESCRIBING

residents who offer help and support to fellow residents of their town or village. All volunteers are insured, and DBS checked. Most help is free, unless expenses such as petrol or parking have been incurred, but donations are always welcome.

Our team of Community Wellbeing Champions can help you: • Connect with your local community • Enable you to be more physically active and improve your wellbeing, helping you stay well • Empower you to make decisions to support your health and wellbeing

Helping you make changes CWC’s can listen to your story and give you support to join local services such as exercise classes and social groups. They can also work one-to-one to help you set health-related goals and support you to make sustainable changes.

How to get help If you live in Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire, you can self-refer by contacting yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk/help/one-toone-support-request/

Volunteers do not take on tasks best suited to trained professionals or the emergency services but can help out with the occasional things that can make all the difference, such as: • lifts to the shops or doctors; • collecting shopping; • small household jobs such as changing a lightbulb or opening a jar; • walking the dog; Even popping round for a chat over a cup of tea – or anything else that one neighbour might do for another. For more information contact bedsrcc.org.uk/whatwe-do/health-wellbeing/good-neighbour/

DOOR TO DOOR

GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEMES Door to Door is pleased to provide wheelchair accessible minibuses for people unable to use public transport in the Bedford area.

Good Neighbour Schemes (sometimes known as village care schemes) are set up and run by local

Our aim is to provide a safe, accessible service for those who are unable to use ordinary public transport due to disability, either temporary or permanent. Vehicles used are constructed for ease of

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity are also always looking for volunteers. If you would like to get involved with any of the schemes or services please contact bedsrcc.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/

access, even if a wheelchair is required, all vehicles are fitted with a tail lift and staff can escort you to or from your door if needed. The staff and volunteers of Door to Door aim to provide at all times a reliable, personal, and friendly service, allowing added freedom and independence. • Journeys can be booked for Monday – Friday, 9:15am to 4:15pm. • We need to have your booking by 12 noon, two working days ahead (for example if you wanted to travel on Thursday you will need to let us know on Tuesday) • Advance bookings for specific health-related appointments can be made by contacting our enquiry line, between 9am and 4pm, on 01234 834933. Please leave plenty of time between contacting us and your actual appointment date. Price: £30 for the first year and £20 annually thereafter | (Minimum charge per journey £3) Call 01234 834933 or email us: communitytransport@bedsrcc.org.uk

WARDEN ABBEY VINEYARD

The community vineyard is a not-for-profit venture. We work with other local charities, organisations, and local schools to offer: • a unique setting for horticultural therapy • learning and skills development • help for people into employment or voluntary work • a range of volunteering opportunities for local people and community groups, and a great chance to be involved from vine to wine • wildlife and heritage projects • a secure future for this historic vineyard

Tours and picnics These events allow visitors to explore the history of the vineyard – from medieval origins to modern times – and to find out about the vines. There’s also the opportunity to taste and purchase the wines. The picnics are a great day out. Bring a rug and a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with family and friends among the vines. You can take a free self-guided or virtual tour too, and enjoy chilled wine from the marquee. Each picnic coincides with the nearby Shuttleworth air show and there’s usually a chance to spot planes heading across Old Warden, although this may depend on which way the wind is blowing. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome too.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity now lease the vineyard in an ambitious project to provide a unique community and educational resource.

Visit the wardenvineyard.org.uk for more information.

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. For information call Marion on 01234 304382 Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP

BEDFORD ART SOCIETY MEETING FRIDAY 7 JANUARY 7.15PM FOR 7.30PM START Bedford born artist Oliver Winconek has painted many well-known actors and members of society. He will demonstrate painting a portrait in oils and acrylics at our first actual meeting of the year. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.

PAPAS & PRESCHOOLERS SATURDAY JANUARY 8 12.30PM – 2PM Are you the only dad at the music group? Do you feel a bit lonely? It turns out, even that yellow haired rag doll is a girl! Who knew?! Or are you grandad, who thought he’d done his time so is now looking to fill the grandkids up on sugar before giving them back? Do you need to talk about stuff that the wife just doesn’t understand? Like what makes Catie’s machines so amazing or why lego instructions are the only ones you will ever follow? Do you fancy getting some lunch with other local dads and finding new friends for your children, that you can later blame for that swear word your little one copied from you in the car? Let’s have some fun....... and a sandwich! Friendly Nettle Café, Beauvais Square, Shortstown MK42 0GE

BEDFORD REPAIR CAFÉ SATURDAY 15 JANUARY 12PM After a long wait, we are finally returning to repair your loved items. The Bedpop Repair Shop is a pop-up community repair cafe. They are volunteers who want to teach you how to fix your stuff and are passionate about the right to repair and avoiding landfill. Run completely by the kindness of volunteers and sponsors.

Booking slots dropping soon, but please save the date and take note of our NEW VENUE: The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE

THE BEDFORD KILO SUNDAY 16 JANUARY 10AM – 4PM

Come and shop TONNES of sustainable, vintage, retro & branded fashion for just £20 per kilo. You will need to choose a ticketed time slot, but there is no time limit to how long you can stay in the event, and you can come and go all day if you fancy doubling your shopping time! Please wear a face covering and bring your own bag. Fresh stock will be added to the rails throughout the day! Corn Exchange, 13 St Paul’s Square, MK40 1SL shopkilo.co.uk

THE HIGGINS KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP EVERY THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: 18 JANUARY, 15 FEBRUARY,15 MARCH 11AM – 1PM Get creative and join like-minded crafters to create items for charities and events. Sessions will be running both at The Higgins Bedford and online. Free Entry. Booking Essential To book, or to receive the Zoom login, please email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

‘FOR MEN TO TALK’ TUESDAY 18 JANUARY 6PM – 8PM For Men To Talk is a chance for men suffering with anxiety, depression and grief to talk with other fellow sufferers. St Neots Golf Club, Crosshall Road, St Neots PE19 7GE

GRIEF WELLIES DEATH CAFÉ THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 5.30PM A Death Café is an informal gathering of people (often strangers) to talk about death over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The topic of discussion is generated by the group and there is no agenda, objective or prescribed theme. A Death Café is an open, accessible and confidential space for those interested in talking about anything in relation to death. For further information, please join the Grief Wellies group on Facebook, or visit the Death Café Website deathcafe.com The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE

BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 7.30PM AIMING TO FINISH BY 9.30PM Wilf Powell – “Jewels in the Air”. Wilf, previously Chairman of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society, will describe aspects of the biology and behaviour of hummingbirds. illustrated with photos taken on trips to Ecuador, Costa Rica, Trinidad, Cuba and Brazil, with the main emphasis on Ecuador, which boasts 132 species. An amazing and entertaining evening guaranteed. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free. The facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking. Covid restrictions may apply i.e. Masks and Sanitiser Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF Soup & Sandwich Friday 28 January 12pm-2pm Enjoy Soup & Sandwich with tea &coffee £2.50. Together with a couple of hours of fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Park Road Methodist Church, Park Road West, Bedford MK41 7SB

PORTABLE ANTIQUITIES SCHEME WEDNESDAY 26 JANUARY 1PM – 3PM Have you ever found archaeological objects whilst digging in the garden, taking the dog for a walk or

metal detecting? Would you like to find out more about them? Matt Fittock, Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, can help. Free Entry, Booking Essential. Limited timed sessions available at The Higgins Bedford, book your place by emailing Matthew. Fittock@stalbans.gov.uk

AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA FRIDAY 28 JANUARY 2PM – 4PM Entry £3, Includes tea, home-made cake and friendship For information call Myriam on 07590 558275 Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

BEDFORD SINFONIA WITH JESSICA ELLIS (OBOE) SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 7.30PM The Bedford Sinfonia, conducted by Ian Smith, is thrilled to welcome eighteen-year-old oboist Jessica Ellis, a rising star, to perform Vaughan Williams’ Concerto for Oboe in A Minor. Richard Strauss’ Symphony for Winds (‘Happy Workshop’), Elgar’s dynamic and exciting Introduction and Allegro for strings complete the programme for the evening. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Bedford MK40 1SL bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/bedfordshireorchestral-society/

BEDFORD MUM2MUM MARKET SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2PM – 4PM SUNDAY 30TH JANUARY 2-4PM Over 20 stalls to browse with snacks and refreshments available. £2 admission for adults. Kids go free Free parking. This is a CASH only event! Lakeview Village Hall, Brooklands Avenue, Wixams MK42 6AB

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 February issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 14th January. Priority will be given to non-profit events.

Get ready to stick it to the man because Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and Broadway hit musical School of Rock is coming to rock out at Milton Keynes Theatre! School of Rock is the global hit musical based on the iconic movie starring Jack Black. Wannabe rock star Dewey Finn is cast out by his dive-bar bandmates and finds himself in desperate need of cash. Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, he exposes his students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock out, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, Miss Mullins, helping her rediscover the wild child within. But, will they all find redemption at the battle of the bands?

One family ticket to School Of Rock on Tuesday 8th February

Milton Keynes Theatre | Tue 8 – Sat 12 Feb ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes

T’s & C’s: • The tickets are valid on Tuesday 8th 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 well known actor played ‘Dewy Finn’ in the iconic movie version of School of Rock. Entry’s must be received by Friday 14th January

UPLIFTING ENTERTAINMENT AT MILTON KEYNES THEATRE!

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Sale now entries invited Bedford Auction Centre. Entries for our auctions can include: Antique & Modern Furniture, Clocks, Ceramics & Glassware, Collectables, Books, Pictures & Prints, Jewellery & Watches, Garage Tools & Equipment, Bicycles, Household Electrical Items, Office Furniture & Equipment, Horticultural & Commercial Equipment, Timber & Building Materials, Retail Products & Stock, Vehicles, Garden Furniture & Effects.

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

43 39

FACE WIPE

The information you need to delete from your Facebook right now. While the likes of Instagram, Twitter and YouTube all act as platforms on which our exposure is high, it is Facebook that has attracted the most attention, after the platform wilfully and repeatedly breached data protection laws. The subsequent multi-billion dollar fine may have led Mark Zuckerberg to arrest his company’s careless approach to data integrity, but the bigger picture for everyday users was to question more closely what they share, and with who. Here are four quick fixes that will tighten up your online profile:

Preferences Much of the data Facebook gathers from users is there so that they can be targeted for products and services linked to lifestyle choices. You can limit the information used by visiting the Ad Preferences page and, in turn, clicking Your Interests and Your Information tabs. This won’t reduce advertising you see, nor erase data already stored, though it will stop specific targeting.

Off-Facebook activity After two years of development, in 2020 the site finally launched a tool that ceased the sharing of Facebook data with third-party marketing firms and ad networks. This chain-breaker can be accessed through the Your Information page, and will immediately stop the site replicating your activity

elsewhere. For instance, when you search for a pair of shoes elsewhere on the web, then immediately are bombarded with the same brand through the social network.

App and mobile When you use Facebook on your mobile, it will track various things such as location, wi-fi network you are connected to and your location, and this is additional information you can ‘untick’ to a large extent, though never fully.

Lifestyle While unconscious presentation of information through online habits is something most of us are keen to address, what we give out voluntarily is much more profound. Everything from birthdays to checkins at locations, right through to fun quizzes that log our preferences (to football or Disney or the Amalfi Coast, or anything!), are all used to gather information. Likewise, when we enrich our profile with information about our friends, families and hobbies, we are potentially exposing our habits and preferences to everyone, so consider checking your basic Facebook settings – is your profile open just to friends, or to the entire community? Likewise, how relevant is it to list your kids’ birthdays or places of work? The bad news is that while if you decide you want a clean sweep entirely from Facebook, you can deactivate your account, the company owns What’s App and Instagram, so you have further privacy decisions to make!

Bedford Daycare Hospice Supporting patients living with life limiting conditions

Job Vacancy

Part time Assistant Shop Manager position, Kempston, Bedford Due to promotion an exciting opportunity has become available for an Assistant Shop Manager to join our friendly team 30 hours a week based at 211 Bedford Rd Kempston Beds MK42 8DD. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary in addition to a company pension and 28 days holiday pro rata, including Bank holidays. If you have experience of working in a retail shop environment and helping to lead a team of salespeople including volunteers, then this is a perfect opportunity to grow your career and help to support a local community Hospice.

Role Requirements • Experience in a retail shop supervisor role. • Experience of working in a Charity shop environment would be useful.

• Able to use their own initiative • Excellent customer service • Good level of IT understanding

Attitudes Key Relationships • • • • • •

Shop staff Volunteers Senior managers Board directors Members of the public Community groups

Role Responsibilities • Managing the sales process from start to finish • Driving Profit and Gift Aid sales • Managing a team of salespeople including volunteers • Stock generation • Organising van delivery and collections

Skills • • • •

Safeguarding of vulnerable adults Health and Safety awareness Good understanding of Equality and Diversity Possess good communication and interpersonal skills

• Able to work as part of a team • Able to work flexibly • Have a self-awareness of their own competencies and limitations

Company + Benefits About Bedford Daycare Hospice We are an award-winning Daycare Hospice offering help and support to patients suffering with lifelimiting conditions. Plus, we are a major service provider in Bedford with 5 shops and over 80 employees including volunteers. We are dedicated to providing an exemplary level of service to patients and customers alike and believe that hard works pays off, whilst we always have the support of the Hospice at heart in everything we do.

Why should you apply? • • • • • •

Competitive Salary Good Location Generous Holidays Company pension Car parking space Giving back to the community

HOW TO APPLY To apply for the Assistant Shop Manager role based in Bedford, please send a copy of your CV and a short cover letter either by email to jinny.shoosmith@bdc-hospice.org.uk or by using the apply button provided on the our web page. We will aim to get back to you within 2-5 working days, thank you for your application. Closing date for this advert will be as soon as we have had enough successful applicants.

Bedford Daycare Hospice Caring for people with life-limiting illnesses

URGENTLY NEEDED!

Unwanted items in good condition for our shops at:

WE CO AND D LLECT EL FURN IVER ITURE

20 LONDON ROAD, BEDFORD Tel: 01234 481296 211 BEDFORD ROAD, KEMPSTON Tel: 01234 481285

• WARDROBES • DRAWERS • SOFAS • • LADIES FASHION • MENS WEAR • TOYS • • KIDS WEAR • ELECTRICALS • BRIC A BRAC •

SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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

Do Something New in 2022

Bedford Urban Sketchers

The Bedford Urban Sketchers are a local chapter of global organisation Urbansketchers.org – a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a global community of artists (including beginners) who practice on-location drawing. They meet once a month in a new location with the mission to raise the artistic, storytelling and educational value of on-location drawing. They are a growing group of all ages, abilities and backgrounds who love to discover their surroundings through sketching. As they are Bedford based, they tend to stay fairly local, but locations might include museums, iconic buildings, or even residential streets. It’s amazing how many hidden details you can capture, usually missed by busy passers-by. New faces join every month, and members love talking about their techniques, materials and processes so even professional artists can be sure to learn something new. At the end of each meet up, they have a ’throwdown’ which consists of a sort of show and tell session of what they’ve been working on whilst having a much-deserved coffee and cake. To join the Bedford Urban Sketchers group and become part of a growing community, head to https://www.facebook. com/groups/bedsurbansketchers, or, you can email bedsurbansketchers@gmail.com to be kept in the loop. Meet ups are free and a brilliant way to connect with new people you wouldn’t normally meet. The next meet up will by Saturday the 8 January with the location still to be confirmed – it will be indoors! But do keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.

Bedford National Trust Association – Your local association

Easy to find and with plenty of parking, the Bedford National Trust Association meet once a month at the Addison Centre in Kempston. Tea and coffee are served and there is a programme of talks covering a wide range of topics. Meetings take place in the afternoons (in January, February, March, September, October, and November). Outings to National Trust places and other properties, gardens and places of interest are arranged during the year along with spring and autumn holidays. They also organise an increasingly popular annual lunch. Membership is open to volunteers and members of the National Trust and to those interested in supporting the Trust. The annual subscription is £10 for the first member and £5 for additional members at the same address. A warm welcome awaits you at the Bedford Association, so why not come along and sample the friendly atmosphere of our group? Non-members are welcome at our talks at the Addison Centre, so you can ‘try before you buy’! For details of upcoming talks and more, take a look on the website at e-voice.org.uk/bedfordnt. Meetings begin again on Tuesday 18 January 2022. If you would like to get in touch, please call Robin Salter on Tel: 01234 261897 or email grrdrsalter464@gmail.com

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Spring Term Events 2022 Working Memory Workshop

Community Activities/Short Breaks Focus Group

Parent Training from the Educational Psychology Team

Health Facilitation Service - Over 18's

Sleep Course for Parents Thursday 27th January and Thursday 3rd February 7pm

Speech and Language Therapy Team Discussion Monday 31st January 2022 - 10am

School Nurses Get Together Monday 7th February - 10am

Autism Spectrum Advisory Teachers Get Together Thursday 10th February - 10am

Eating Disorders - Focusing on ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) Monday 21st February - 10am

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The new season at the John Bunyan Museum and Library has begun!

Our museum takes you on a journey through the remarkable life of Bedford’s most famous son, John Bunyan. Explore his story through scenes of his life, from a 17th century childhood to his imprisonment for refusing to change his faith; spot objects he owned, used and even made; and learn more about the books his experiences inspired him to write, including his most famous work: The Pilgrim’s Progress. We’ve got an exciting year ahead of us as we continue our anniversary celebrations in 2022. The museum turned 75 last year and this year is the 350th Anniversary of the purchase of the land on which Bunyan Meeting stands. Look out for our special celebratory exhibition and our Crafty Thursday family activities throughout the year. We’re open 11am-4pm, for Saturdays only from 15th January until February Half-Term, when we’ll be open Tuesday- Saturday from 15th February. To plan your visit, go to: www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/planning-your-visit

Can’t visit in person? Check out our YouTube Channel to see our Bunyan’s Hidden Highlights series! Help support the John Bunyan Museum and Library You can support the museum in many ways, by making a purchase or donation during your visit, following us on social media or through joining the Friends of the John Bunyan Museum. You can also help by joining our brilliant team of volunteers. We really couldn’t do with out them and we’d love to hear from you if you think you could help us continue to share and celebrate the life and legacy of John Bunyan. For more information, visit: www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/get-involved

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The Higgins Bedford Art Gallery & Museum Home of the Edward Bawden Archive Castle Lane Bedford MK40 3XD Email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk Web www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk Or call us on 01234 718618

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MILKYS MUSIC MATTERS FOCUS ON UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS THE PARROTS + SPECIAL GUESTS TBA: Esquires – Sun 29th January

garage rock to a fresh sonic perspective. Produced by Tom Furse (The Horrors) and mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer (Parquet Courts, Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Temples), the Parrots find themselves experimenting with more modern production soundscapes and electronic grooves. Tickets flying out….

OPUS KINK + GENN: Esquires – Sat 5th February

Long overdue return to Esquires after two previous visits when as a four-piece they bought the house down, was the last visit really over four years ago – afraid so! Madrid’s The Parrots have recently announced a January release date for their kinetic new album ‘Dos’ on Heavenly Recordings 2021 and are gearing up to unleash their upgraded sound on ears and minds. Now a duo, (Diego García & Alex de Lucas), ‘Dos’ is the follow up to acclaimed 2016 debut ‘Los Niños Sin Miedo’ and shows the band taking an evolutionary step that finds them sounding stronger and more realized than ever before, from their original characteristics of stripped-down melodic

Opus Kink were formed in Brighton in the late 2010s through a desire to marry together the members’ collective musical inspirations – punk, jazz, garage rock,

SUPPORT THE BEDFORD LIVE SCENE – UPCOMING GIGS FOR YOUR DIARY ESQUIRES Sun 9th Jan Wed 19th Jan Thur 20th Jan Sat 22nd Jan Daydreams Thur 27th Jan Fri 28th Jan

Yard Act + Lime Garden + Malady Ferris & Sylvester Coach Party + Sister Lucy + Korts Desperate Journalist + Carbon Bilk + The Know James Bay

Sat 29th Jan Tue 1st Feb Thur 3rd Feb Fri 4th Feb Fri 4th Feb Sat 5th Feb Thur 10th Feb Sat 12th Feb

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

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

art rock, European folk, country, blues, Latin and African music among others – and to lay over them a surreal narrative world of modern fables, hymns, vivid imagery and gothic storytelling. With a focus on a raw, darkly theatrical live show and prioritising experimentation in the studio, the band – whose notoriety has grown largely by word of mouth – stay creatively unpredictable and continue to elude category. Support from GENN, Leona (vox), Janelle (guitar) and Leanne (bass) are originally from Malta and moved to the UK to complete their line-up with drummer Sofia. ĠENN have toured extensively across the UK and Europe, including support for Acid Mothers Temple, Honeyblood and The Orielles. You may have caught them tearing Esquires up as support to TV Priest earlier this year.

Each year, Independent Venue Week celebrates hundreds of truly independent venues and their communities, across the UK. The initiative provides a huge spotlight on the grassroots ecosystem within the live music sector, which has experienced the toughest 18 months in its history. This is an ecosystem which not only includes the venues and the people that own, run and work in them, but also artists, managers, crew, the kit, merch, ticketing, tour transport companies, and the all-important music fans and gig-goers – much of who now need their communities support more than ever. Esquires as ever has a host of amazing shows booked in; Pom Poko, Opus Kink & The Goon Sax with the recently announced James Bay date (sorry folks, sold out in under a minute). Keep your eyes on Esquires social media for further announcements.

COMING UP, COMING UP INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK Independent Venue Week returns for its ninth consecutive year – the annual, seven-day celebration of independent music venues around the United Kingdom is back for 2022. #IVW22 will take place across the nations – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – from Monday 31 January to Sunday 6 February.

Bands who will go onto bigger things (don’t miss your chance to see them before they play much bigger venues) – FEET, Coach Party, Desperate Journalist, The Parrots, Yard Act, Opus Kink, Bilk, Francis of Delirium Pop – Ferris & Sylvester Big names – James Bay Punk legends – Anti-Nowhere League

Church ‘Panto’ Festival celebrates community successes

Bedford WI (adult choice) and the 13th Bedford Brownies (Junior choice) win The Best Tree Trophies (1) chosen by 100s of visitors to the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s. It is no surprise that these were firm favourites, the delightful Panto mice knitted by just three people from the WI while the Brownies had great fun with homemade decorations for Cinderella and other invented Panto themes. There were wonderful decorations on so many other trees to give pleasure to this community event. Children and their families enjoyed spotting Panto characters in the trees. The winners in the lucky draws for the four age groups, each receiving an attractive book (2), were William Bryant (0-4 years), Amber (5-7), Thea Gammon (8-`10), Isabella Pool (11 +)

The 25 choirs and musicians provided much additional entertainment while the Rock Choir and Music4Memory-Tibbs Dementia had visitors dancing in the nave (image 5). Thanks to the generosity of visitors and sponsors (3) the Christmas Tree Festival raised some £12,000 to be shared by the two beneficiaries, the church and the Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends. Margaret Oakley said: “If ever we needed to know why we were raising funds for St Paul’s, this week said it all. I hope in future this magnificent Church can afford a bit more heat!”. Margaret continued:” We are closer to purchasing a new CT Scanner and other much needed equipment for the hospital’s expanded paediatric A & E department”.

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Importantly, we want to be active from 1st January, if you feel you can fundraise for us too, this is great. You can either: • Donate £1 for as many or as little kilometres completed! • Encourage friends and family to donate towards your TRY January journey!

All we ask is that you share you journey with others, or donate to our charity. Use #TRYJanuary to share you progress! TRY January is about getting active at the start of 2022, so have a go, however you feel most comfortable. Register your interest below!

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST: For more information, please complete the form below, and well we make contact with you. Whether you’re planning to complete the challenge in one go, or spreading it out across the month, we want you to post photos of your progress and tag Blues Foundation! We’re on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and will use #TryJanaury throughout the month.

START 2022 RIGHT, TAKE PART IN TRY JANUARY AND SUPPORT BLUES FOUNDATION! If you require any further information or would like to take your fundraising even further, please contact Tom Harwood on info@bluesfoundation.org.uk.

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

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Dental Health

Cats and dogs develop plaque and tartar on their teeth just as we do. If this is not removed by regular toothbrushing or a professional scale and polish, it will go on to cause gum disease. Gum disease causes red gums and smelly breath initially, but as time passes it causes deeper damage to the tooth socket, resulting in loose, painful or infected teeth.

How can I tell if my pet has dental disease? Your veterinary surgeon will check your pet’s teeth and gums as part of any routine veterinary check up. What should I do if my pet has dental disease? Early signs of plaque and mild tartar on the teeth can be managed by regular tooth brushing at home. Pets with more significant tartar build-up will require a scale and polish to remove this. In animals, we perform this procedure under a general anaesthetic. The tartar is scaled from the teeth and the teeth and gums are probed and checked thoroughly from all angles.

How do I brush my pet’s teeth? It is important to use a pet toothpaste as these come in flavours that are acceptable to cats and dogs and do not foam up. A soft child’s toothbrush is acceptable, but specific cat or dog brushes are easier to use because they have a finer head and angled neck to match the shape of the mouth. Ideally, teeth should be brushed twice a day, just like your own!

What if my pet will not allow me to brush their teeth? Starting when pets are very young, building up gradually, and offering tasty treats and play as a reward for good behaviour is a good start. For pets that will not tolerate brushing, “dental diets” and chews may reduce tartar build up, but these are much less effective than brushing. It is likely that these pets will require their teeth scaling under anaesthetic more frequently than those that do tolerate tooth brushing. We would much rather scale a pet’s teeth every 1-2 years and maintain a healthy mouth than wait several years and have to extract lots of teeth.

Winter wildlifewatching discover animal tracks A first sight, winter might not seem like the most fruitful time for wildlifewatching – but in fact the season does offer many opportunities for the keen nature lover. A snow-covered landscape offers a pristine canvas for discovering the hidden movements of a host of wild creatures. Head out early into a woodland following a recent snowfall, for example, and you could gain a real insight into the wildlife that lives there. Look carefully on the ground as you walk and you’re likely to come across a variety of animal tracks as you explore.

Badger tracks

Foxes are especially active in mid winter, so they’re a good starting point on your animal tracking expedition. During December and January, males travel widely outside their usual ranges to find vixens to mate with. Fox pawprints are similar in appearance to a dog’s, consisting of a roughly triangular-shaped heel pad below four toe pads. Claw marks can sometimes be seen above each toe too. Fox and dog prints can be differentiated by their shape – fox prints are narrower – and also by their distribution. Fox tracks tend to go in largely straight, purposeful lines, whereas dog tracks are usually more erratic and scattered. During the breeding season, foxes become a lot more vocal too, and you may be woken in the middle of a wintry night by the sounds of their courtship! Their loud calls are thought to help them to locate each other. Females indicate that they are ready to mate by making loud shrieking noises, and males respond with a triple bark. Badgers are much less active during winter, but will still venture out occasionally to forage for food, so if you’re lucky you may come across their prints. Look for their distinctive tracks around setts and you can see where they’ve been during their nocturnal wanderings. Pawprints have a large rear pad topped with five toe pads. Claw marks above each toe are visible too. During very cold weather, the black and white mammals often go into a state of torpor – a kind of short-term hibernation to conserve energy stores. During this time, badgers remain

Fox tracks

in their setts and experience a fall in body temperature and metabolic rate. Squirrels also do this, and can spend days at a time in their nest, only emerging to seek out the food they stored during autumn. Squirrels are expert at preparing for the cold season. As well as burying caches of highenergy nuts to feast on when natural food is scarce, they also winter-proof their homes. Squirrels have a summer home and a winter home. During the the warmer months, they live in a round, football-sized nest made from interwoven twigs and leaves, and lined with mosses. As the temperature falls, this nest is either abandoned or modified, and given a much tighter, thicker structure, to protect its inhabitants from the elements. Unsurprisingly, squirrel tracks usually start and finish at the base of a tree. Back paw prints are about 45 mm long and consist of a narrow heel and five long and narrow toes. Front paws are smaller – about 35 mm long – with four toes. Another common track to look out for in woodlands or across fields are those of a rabbit. Rabbit tracks consist of two long prints side by side (the hind paws, which strike the ground first as they move) and two smaller prints behind them. You can even find out which animals are visiting your garden – usually when you’re fast asleep – by creating a footprint ‘trap’ to collect imprints. Fill a large tray with fine, moist sand and leave a bowl of meat-based pet food in the middle. Any creatures visiting for a snack will leave their prints in the sand, ready for you to identify! 59

Plants as air purifiers A friend recently asked me whether there are any plants which might help with the humidity and mould problem in the bathroom and back bedroom of her Victorian house. It’s a problem that actually affects many British households. Many of our homes are old, and in our damp climate humidity can rise pretty quickly in the winter when all the windows are closed, and the radiators are on. With increased humidity comes the increased risk of mould and associated respiratory problems. Obviously, we can install a dehumidifier or an extractor fan, but nature also provides her own dehumidifiers and air purifiers in the form of certain house plants. The best houseplants for mould-prone areas are those which are efficient at absorbing moisture through their leaves. Not all plants are equally efficient at this task so I’ve selected four of the best. Each offers a different aesthetic so there should be one that’s perfect for you. English ivy is a native plant and it’s a low-cost option. It removes airborne mould, but also other toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight so is perfect for north-facing rooms. You need to keep it out of reach of toddlers and pets because the leaves are toxic. Peace Lilies remind me of the film Hot Fuzz. Sergeant Angel, played by Sean Pegg loved his Peace Lily, and he had good reason. Not only are they elegant plants with stunning white flowers, but research conducted by NASA found the Peace Lily to be one of the top indoor plants for air purification. This tropical plant breaks down and neutralizes benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. One of the advantages of a Peace Lily is that it tells you when its thirsty by drooping and that it’s getting too much light by turning yellow. They love high humidity areas with indirect sunlight like most bathrooms and are great at preventing mould. Like English ivy the leaves and flowers are toxic.

Palms add a tropical touch to a room and will efficiently reduce humidity. There are many varieties and some of the best are the lady palm, dwarf palm and reed palm. Indirect light is best and keep the surface of the soil moist but not wet. The Snake Plant is a wonderfully architectural succulent. Its evergreen sword-shaped leaves grow upright, and almost resemble artificial foliage. It’s great at air purification and is one of the few plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. This quality makes it particularly good for use in a bedroom as it can help regulate healthy airflow. Snake plants can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, including CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene and act as an effective defence against airborne allergies. Plants can’t solve a full-on damp problem and they won’t replace a built-in humidifier or extractor fan. But plants are a great way to improve the quality of the air in your home and they look beautiful too. Happy indoor gardening By Rachael Leverton

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VEHICLE HIRE

HEATING SERVICES

T.R.Donnelly T.R.Donnelly HEATING SERVICES

557766

Local Engineer HEATING SERVICES 557766 Specialising in allEngineer heating appliances Local Breakdowns & Installations Specialising in all heating appliances Fixed Boiler Services £65 Breakdowns & Installations Landlord Gas Certs£65 Fixed Boiler Services 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 67

USEFUL RESOURCES

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

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

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

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

Tel 01234 838771 www.bedsrcc.org.uk

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

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

BOLD

Tel 01234 350704 www.autismbedfordshire.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

CITIZENS ADVICE

MINDBLMK

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

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Tel 01234 867944 www.bedfordcab.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel 01234 843345 www.rvtrust.org.uk

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

Tel 07460 575410 www.friendsforlifebedford.org.uk

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

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

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

Tel 07798 762 808

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

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

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

Tel 07973 859940 www.bedfordmencap.org.uk 69

DECEMBER PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

DECEMBER PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

James Mellor Creative

Bespoke Cartoons & Corporate Copywriting for publications, websites, social media, presentations and conferences www.jamesmellorcreative.com @jamesdfmellor 70

Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

February 2017

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

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

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

OFFER ENDS 31st January 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 31st January 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.

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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 January 2022

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