JULY
2022
inside News from the Town and Villages Bedford Festival Fringe What’s On £25 Prize Crossword WIN a Family Ticket to Box End Aqua Park
37,000 copies Delivered to selected areas of Bedford and North Beds Villages
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Richard Fuller MP Mohammad Yasin MP Council News In the Stix Volunteer Opportunities Martin Lewis Books Prize Crossword LydEats Food – The Three Cranes Kempston Park Indoor Bowling Club Clubs & Groups Bedford Festival Fringe
Contents
About Town with Love Bedford
6&7
What’s On
8
10
12
14 16
18
20 22
26
29
30 32
34
Box End Aqua Park Competition
36
Milky’s Music Matters
40
Acorn House Pets Column
45
Forest of Marston Vale – Solitary Bees
48
Gardening
54
Advertiser Index
58
Last Months Crossword Answers
62
Don’t forget to check out our website
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for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information! LIKE our Facebook page BedsLife Magazine to keep up to date with events, offers and local businesses and services. FOLLOW us on @bedslife_magazine and @bedsLife
JULY
2022
“We’re all going on a Summer holiday…” July marks the start of the long break for pupils, students and teachers across the UK and it’s anticipated inside that millions of us will be jetting off on holiday for sand, sea, swimming pools, sangria and sunbeds – especially after all the limitations that were placed on us during the last two Summers. One of the many benefits of the Summer is the positive effect that it has on many people’s mental health. The sun gives us more vitamin D, which raises energy levels and just simply makes us feel happier. So there’s no excuse for not getting out and about in the sunshine (safely, of course)! New s from the Town and Villa ges Bedf ord Fest ival Fring e Wha t’s On £25 Prize Cros swor d WIN a Fami ly Box End Aqua Ticke t to Park 37,000 copie
s Delivered to selecte
It’s also Plastic Free July, which has grown from a small campaign that started in 2011 in Australia to a global phenomenon known around the world with millions of participants from numerous different countries – no doubt helped by the recent focus on the climate crisis. The purpose of the campaign is to not just highlight the damage that single-use plastics can do, but also to provide resources and ideas to help us reduce our plastic waste every day at home, work, school, and even at your local café. Visit www.plasticfreejuly.org to find out how you can take part. Whatever July has in store for you, we hope you manage to have at least a short break away from your routine and spend some time in the sun. Even if you can’t take a plane to somewhere warm and exotic, our region is abundant with beautiful and inspirational places where you can relax, get up close and personal with nature, and feed your body and soul.
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Until next time,
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Christa & The BedsLife Team
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d areas
of Bedford and www.bed slife North Beds Village s mag azin e.co. uk
AUGUST ISSUE DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 6TH JULY
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w n o T t u o b A Binge the Fringe! 100+ events to take place at The Quarry Theatre From 21st – 31st July, the 15th annual Bedfringe will host over 100 events across venues with The Quarry Theatre. At the time of writing, 42 of the shows on offer are performing in the Edinburg Fringe. Highlights include Paul Foot’s “Swan Power”, Covent Garden street entertainer Spikey Will, and recent Quarry show sell-out Aurie Styla.
Brooks Hair and Beauty Show a celebrated return to Bedford Town Centre
The festival includes comedy, theatre, dance, magic, spoken word, music, film and more, and caters to audiences of all ages. Many of the shows are offering a £5 ticket, with 20 events completely free, making this festival widely accessible, and offering a great opportunity for audiences to try something new – and discover some new favourites! More info and booking: bedfringe.com
Businesses of Bedford rallied to make the return of the Bedford College Hair & Beauty Show a success. The catwalk event at the Corn Exchange had been sadly missed due to lockdowns and restrictions, and came back with a bang on Thursday 26th May. Students from the Brooks High Street training salon prepared a range of outstanding styles, and representatives from across the Bedford Hair and Beauty sector attended to judge the winners of each category.
Get Ready for a Summer of Spectacularts!
The event was sponsored by BedfordBID, which gave £500 worth of Love Bedford shopping vouchers as prizes. In addition, goodie bags for all winners were donated by The Body Shop in Silver Street, and the finale award, judged by the jeweller’s own representative, was a fantastic £150 voucher from Bakers Brothers of St Peter’s Street.
Bedford College’s Carmela Martiello is leading preparations for the Italian Festival, which will take place in Bedford Town Centre on Sunday 3rd July from 12noon until 6pm. She has invited students of Bedford College to create artwork to sell at the festival, which has been a hugely successful event in previous years, attracting 1,000s of visitors by showcasing the Italian culture’s finest music, food, cars and more! Both Carmela and Bedford College Governor Sharon De Leonardis are leading figures in SpectaculARTs, an organisation devoted to 6
supporting understanding of diversity in Bedford. Events under the Spectacularts banner this summer include – July 3rd Italian Festival – August 6th Jamaican Independence Day – August 7th African Festival – August 28th Asian Festival. More info: spectacularts.co.uk
Sam Laycock, Chair of the BedfordBID, spoke at the event: “Hair and Beauty are two services which cannot be accessed over the internet. These businesses, represented here by their young apprentices and by the trainees of the future, are at the heart of the town centre of Bedford.” More info: lovebedford.co.uk/hairandbeauty.php
To w n to Ce le br at e John Bunyan Community Boat receives The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
insignia, which now adorns the boat, was unveiled by former Chair, Graham Mabbutt. The volunteers were then invited onto the boat for specially decorated cakes, and a prosecco toast. Sue Gillibrand commented, “We are so very proud that our volunteers are being recognised for all their hard work over the years. What has really struck me, is the loyalty of this group to the boat and to what we are trying to achieve.” Representatives of The John Bunyan Community Boat will receive the award crystal and certificate from Helen Nellis, Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire later this summer. In addition, two volunteers from The John Bunyan Community Boat will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
As a highlight of the recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations, The John Bunyan Community Boat volunteers were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE. The announcement of the award was made by Sue Gillibrand, Chair of The John Bunyan’s Management Team, on Thursday 3rd June at Sovereign Quay, to the assembled volunteers, as well as to local news. As part of the announcement, the QAVS
Launched in 2013, The John Bunyan Community Boat is run as a Social Enterprise by B&MK Waterway Enterprises Ltd. Funds raised are used to provide public cruises on the River Great Ouse in Bedford at an affordable cost. The boat has taken over 45,000 people on trips to date, and the 2022 season is now underway, with charters and public cruises available to book. BedfordBID have a long-standing relationship with the project, providing part of the initial start-up funding, as well as on-going sponsorship and promotion. ‘Making the most of the river’ for Bedford’s tourism offering has had a significant, positive impact on the town centre, with the John Bunyan Boat earning a reputation as an excellent leisure experience for people of all ages. More info and booking: bmkwaterway.org/johnbunyanboat/
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
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The value of volunteers was vividly demonstrated during the Covid pandemic when we saw thousands of people step forward to help those who quickly became vulnerable when usual patterns of shopping or travelling to loved ones changed; or, later, in support of the work of our vaccination centres – work that continues on. During the pandemic, the government’s Culture Recovery Fund provided vital support to ensure community groups could weather the crisis and to maintain vital networks of volunteers. Volunteers are at the heart of strong communities, and we recently had the chance to recognise and thank them for the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our civil society during Volunteers Week. Volunteering offers a wealth of benefits to those involved, enabling people to take control of their lives, contribute to their local areas, gain new skills and new friendships.
Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire Volunteers and voluntary groups are so effective in making a local community a better place to live and we are fortunate in North East Bedfordshire to have so many active volunteers.
The government can play a role too. Recently £4.6 million was provided to give thousands of young people, people with disabilities and those experiencing loneliness, the opportunity to volunteer and help others. More than 160 community organisations will be able to support 7,800 new volunteering opportunities over the next two years through the Volunteering Futures Fund. The fund will be distributed by Arts Council England (ACE) and will break down barriers to volunteering and enable organisations across the arts, culture, sport, civil society, youth and heritage sectors to continue their valuable work within local communities while volunteers will enjoy the personal benefits of making a difference. This new support will deliver a step-change for those who may be isolated, lonely or experiencing any number of potential barriers to getting involved in volunteering. To find out how to volunteer in your local community and give your time to help others, please visit www.gov.uk/government/get-involved/take-part/ volunteer If you would like me to visit an organisation or charity you volunteer for, please email me at richard.fuller.mp@parliament.uk
CARPETS, VINYLS,LAMINATE, WOOD, KARNDEAN
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I pledged my support to unpaid carers across Bedford and Kempston, to make them feel visible, valued and supported and to hear about and better understand their experiences of caring during the pandemic. One in five of the UK’s adults, around 10.6 million people, are now supporting a relative, close friend or neighbour because of chronic illness, including mental ill-health, dementia, disability, or older age. New research released for Carers Week found that more care is now being provided by unpaid carers than ever before, with the number of people providing substantial care – over 20 hours of care or more per week – rising by 42% across the UK since October 2020. Unpaid carers save the treasury a fortune, but their efforts are not being recognised by the Government. The costof-living crisis is affecting everyone, but the toll on unpaid carers is particularly heavy. 2.2 million carers are now worrying about their ability to cope financially because they are caring. Carer’s allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind at just £67.60 a week. Many carers are in arrears but cutting back on what is spent is not an option when the person being cared for relies on an electric ventilator, an electric wheelchair, pressure pads, hoists or a stairlift, or that person must be kept warm due to a medical condition.
Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston During Carers Week in June, I attended an event ran by Carers UK in Parliament to recognise the vital contribution made by people caring unpaid for family members or friends who have a disability, illness, mental health condition, or who need extra help as they grow older. 10
Other costs facing carers are also likely to be higher and difficult to reduce, such as transport costs to attend medical appointments or food bills due to dietary or nutritional requirements. Inflation is rising as much as 10% for low-income households because a greater proportion of their income is spent on those energy costs. The 3% uplift in carer’s allowance does not begin to match those costs. The last Labour Government’s support for carers was brought together into the national carers strategy. It was an ambitious, long-term plan built around the voices and experiences of carers. But a decade of Conservative cuts and neglect of this policy area meant that this ambition for carers was never realised. The Government announced a consultation for a new carers strategy in March 2016, but nothing has been delivered. Unpaid carers are the backbone of the care system – providing hours of support to loved ones often at the cost of their own health and wellbeing. They hoped they would finally be recognised in the Government’s new legislative agenda set out in May. But the Queen’s Speech did not contain the promised Employment Bill, honouring the manifesto commitment to bring forward measures to support unpaid carers trying to juggle caring and working. Given the contribution unpaid carers make to society, it’s the least we can do.
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council news It’s Back! Bedford Borough’s Summer of SEND is back for 2022 the Summer of SEND, so watch this space for further announcements. New for The Summer of SEND in 2022 will be the ”Inclusion Island” at this year’s River Festival; a dedicated section for children, young people and adults with SEND as well as their families. This will include a sensory tent, a workshop tent to allow groups and organisations to put on talks, activities and taster sessions of the support available and most importantly, an opportunity for the children to have fun. After the success of the Bedford Borough Summer of SEND in 2021, it’s back this summer and aims to be bigger and better. The current calendar already has over 300 events and can be viewed at localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/ summerofsend and will be updated throughout
For updates on events and see how you can get involved visit the Bedford Borough Local Offer Website at https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/ and follow the Local Offer on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BBLocalOffer/
Bedford Borough Council Announces Return of Rural Bulky Waste Collections collection of household bins, the rural bulky waste collections did not take place in 2020 and 2021. This free service is now returning for 2022, having started in Bromham and Wootton on Saturday 18 June and going around the rural areas of Bedford Borough throughout the summer with the last collection on Saturday 24 September.
Bedford Borough Council has restarted its Rural Bulky Waste collections for this summer. Due to the disruption caused by COVID-19, shortage of HGV drivers, and the need to prioritise the 12
These collections are for household waste, to enable residents in the rural areas to safely and responsibly dispose of items. The full timetable of where the collections will be and when is on the Council’s website at www.bedford.gov.uk/bulky.
Have Your Say on the Future of Your Borough
Local plans set out where growth and development will take place – everything from homes and jobs to schools and infrastructure. Have your say on the future of the Borough by 29th July 2022. For further information: • Visit www.bedford.gov.uk/LocalPlan2040 Come along and talk to us at one of our drop in sessions Saturday 25th June, Wednesday 29th June, Wednesday 20th July, Saturday 23rd July. Sessions to be held 11am – 2pm in The Howard Centre, Bedford (by the indoor entrance to TKMaxx) and Saturday 9th July 11am – 2pm inside St. Neots Library, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH
I N TH E STI X Game on! Ready Steady Roll, the popular board game café in Sharnbrook, has new owners.
Sara and Jo, who both live locally, took over the reins at the beginning of June and have had a flying start: “The first two weeks have been fantastic,” said Sara. “We opened on the Jubilee bank holiday and were fully booked from the Thursday to the Sunday. All the existing and new customers have been so supportive and welcoming.” The pair confessed to knowing only a little about the café before taking on the challenge but were very keen to preserve the great space where families come to spend quality time together. Sara’s wife had visited on a few occasions with their children who absolutely loved it. “As a family we have lots of board games at home but I need to wash up, empty the dishwasher, hang out the clothes, hoover etc and I very rarely just sit at home and play. Being at Ready Steady Roll makes you stop and play: no distractions and no excuses,” explained Sara. Sara and Jo plan to carry on running the board game café as it has always been with the addition of offer sessions on weekdays for parents and
carers of young children to meet and have coffee and cake. Messy play and baby and toddler sessions may also be on the cards! Keep up with their news by following them on Facebook or visiting www.readysteadyroll.co.uk
Bulky Waste Collections are back!
Bedford Borough Council has restarted its Rural Bulky Waste collections. Due to the disruption caused by COVID-19, a shortage of HGV drivers, and the need to prioritise the collection of household bins, the rural bulky waste collections didn’t take place in 2020 and 2021. The free service returned in June with collections in Bromham, Wootton, Oakley and Clapham and will continue around the rural areas of Bedford Borough throughout the summer with the last collection on Saturday 24 September. The collections are for household waste and enable residents in the rural areas to dispose of items safely and responsibly. Mayor Dave Hodgson said, “I am delighted to announce that Rural Bulky Waste collections
are returning and will run on most Saturdays throughout the summer and into September. This is another important milestone reached in returning council services after the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Find out where and when the collection will be in your area on the council’s website at www.bedford.gov.uk/bulky.
Stop at Stagsden for your wine too! Established in 2005, Browns of Stagsden farm shop has long been a place to pick up all your local produce from home reared meat, fresh fruit and vegetables to a wide range of artisan cheese. Now you can pick up your wine too!
The farm shop is now stocking over 200 wines from The Wine Cellar, an independent retailer based in Woburn and Olney, who offer hand-crafted stock from family-owned wineries. To make life even easier, the wines are arranged by style so you can pick up the perfect bottle to match your juicy fillet steak or speciality cheese. Situated in the middle of Stagsden, by the church, Browns also have a licensed tearoom and garden where you can enjoy light lunches, homemade cake, fresh coffee or a refreshing gin and tonic.
Chronicles of a cat sitter Pavenham resident and co-owner of HomeFurYou cat sitters, Martin Copland, used lockdown as an opportunity to write his first book.
‘Telling Tails – The Adventures of a Cat Sitter’ takes readers through the colourful, fragrant and chaotic streets of Jakarta and the snowcapped mountains of Nepal with both hilarious and tragic tales. The story is interwoven with three marriages and covers the heartbreak and joy of owning cats. Martin, who had always wanted to write a book, was inspired by his wife Jules who suggested that he chronicle his happy, funny and sad moments running HomeFurYou. The book is not only for cat owners, explained Martin: “Cat lovers will totally get the joy and heartbreak of owning cats, but everyone should enjoy it as it covers all the rollercoaster moments of life. It, hopefully, inspires readers to follow their dreams too.” Matin and Jules recently returned from volunteering work on the Poland/Ukraine border and Martin is already planning a second book based on their experiences, but with cats still underpinning the narrative. The couple helped look after refugees and their pets and were involved with animal rescue, dealing with some shocking cases. They now hope to set up an animal shelter which will house cats from Ukraine who need foster owners in the UK. ‘Telling Tails – The Adventures of a Cat Sitter’ is available to buy on Amazon.
What’s more, The Wine Cellar hosts tastings at the farm shop with delicious deli boards for you to enjoy alongside your wines. Follow Browns of Stagsden on Facebook to find out more. Do you have some village news to share? Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the August issue is 8th July.
Volunteering Opportunities Bedford Daycare Hospice Driver Help patients get to Bedford Daycare Hospice for holistic care by transporting them at the beginning and end of their day using your own car.
Beyond Detention Supporter Support this organisation which helps those in detention and post-detention, in a varied role with administrative tasks, shopping, raising awareness and helping with completing surveys and questionnaires.
Creative Support Befriender
Here is our volunteering pick for July 2022. It gives a flavour of the many opportunities we hold at CVS Bedfordshire from organisations across the area, so do contact us for more opportunities if you can’t see something that appeals to you. You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteernewsletter for all 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
A car driver is wanted to befriend adults with learning disabilities who are residents in Oakley and take them out on day trips on a weekly basis.
National Citizen Service Volunteer Support the running of the National Citizen Service programme running locally with Hear2Listen. It’s a skills-building and social action programme for 16/17-year olds and you will be running activities and leading sessions.
Autism Bedfordshire Assistant Support Worker This is a Saturday morning role as a general helper supporting children and young people with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome at a family support group in Wootton.
MENCAP Treasurer You could become a trustee and a treasurer if you have some admin, IT and bookkeeping skills. MENCAP’s experienced retiring treasurer will support, guide and mentor you as you take on the role.
Search for and register an interest in all the listed roles above and many more, by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer. Call us if you need any further information on 01234 354366.
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CONSUMER
The Martin Lewis column
MONEY ON MY MIND...
He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert – a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.
In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at keeping our money safe online. Staying one step ahead of the fraudsters isn’t a battle just reserved for those who patrol the internet. The unregulated nature of the world’s biggest information source means we need to take control of our own vigilance. The good news is that by following a few easy steps, you can protect yourself from the dark forces at work across the web. Firstly, when visiting a site, in the web address at the top, look for an ‘s’ after ‘http’ at the beginning of the line. The lack of an ‘s’ doesn’t directly imply you are on a scam website, but it is telling you that the security certificate is inadequate, and you should refrain from entering personal information. Some browsers – Google Chrome being one – add a padlock icon denoting any website that is fully secure, or the web address could be shown in green. The highest form of encryption for any site will show the website name before the address, also. Mostly, ask yourself if what’s being offered is realistic. On the internet, just as in real life, if something you see online appears too good to be true – particularly if you’ve clicked on an advert or had a pop-up appear on your screen – it probably is.
Also have a look for how well written and presented the site is. There is a very real correlation between the trustworthiness of a site and the attention paid to spelling, punctuation, and grammar. It may not surprise you to hear that few scammers are fully adept in the finer workings of the English language, particularly if that site is being run many thousands of miles from the UK, and authentic marketing will almost always look professional in style and content. Furthermore, as much as Google may at times frustrate us by offering a multitude of options that are almost bewildering in number, it remains a great source for checking what we know. So, if a site looks suspicious put its name into Google. If it’s a known rogue business, then there’s a good chance it’s being discussed across the web. Finally, if you are purchasing online, use a credit card or trackback financial tool, such as PayPal. That way if something does go awry, you have the security of reclaiming your money. Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 7.5 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip
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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 £444! 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.
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Prize Crossword Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 10th June. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY
Last Months Crossword Winner – Joan Bradshaw, Putnoe For last months answers please turn to P62
Across 1 4 8 9 10 11 12 17 19
Pierced, punctured (medical) (6) Atones (6) Squander (5) Disciple (7) Extend (7) Divide in two (5) Maze (9) Regulations (5) Authorise, enable (7)
Name: Address:
5 Black water bird (7) 6 Pre-_____, before birth (5) 7 Brochette, spit (6) 9 Despicable (9) 13 Coy, reticent (7) 14 Nevertheless (7) 15 Blackmails (6) 16 Sips, gulps (6) 18 Slow tempo (musical term) (5) 20 Follower of ancient religion (5)
21 Aid, assist (7) 22 Bestowed (5) 23 Plundered goods (6) 24 Catches, traps (6)
Down
1 Furthest down (6) 2 Nasal hole (7) 3 Occurence (5)
Tel:
Small, friendly plastering company based in Bedford With over a decade of experience and a strong reputation for quality workmanship and reliability.
Plastering of ceilings and walls Damaged ceilings and walls repaired Covering artex Plasterboarding Skimming Patch repairs Insurance work
Tel: 07847 307334 E | info@cmplastering.net W | www.cmplastering.net
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Bedford Daycare Hospice Caring for people with life-limiting illnesses
URGENTLY NEEDED! Unwanted items in good condition for our shops at: E
W T COLLEC ER & DELIV E UR FURNIT
20 LONDON ROAD, BEDFORD T: 01234 481296 or E: LRshop@bdc-hospice.org.uk
211 BEDFORD ROAD, KEMPSTON
T: 01234 481285 or E: kempstonshop@bdc-hospice.org.uk
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• WARDROBES • DRAWERS • TABLES • SOFA’S • • LADIES FASHION • MENS WEAR • TOYS • • KID’S WEAR • ELECTRICALS • BRIC A BRAC •
0
Years
SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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The Three Cranes The question I get asked most is “Where can I get the best roast dinner?” Now I haven’t tried nearly enough of the Sunday lunch offerings in the area, but I’ve made a good start. One place I will always recommend is the Three Cranes. The beautiful old pub is a grade II listed building right in the middle of the quaint village of Turvey. It’s a great starting point for many local walks in the surrounding countryside. The Turvey History Society also sell guidebooks on local historical walks. The pub menu is focused on local, seasonal produce and as such changes regularly. Every time I have visited, there has been something new and exciting to try. The Sunday roast offering is fantastic. I ordered the roast beef which was perfectly pink in the middle and came with a huge, fluffy Yorkshire pudding. The portions are generous with crunchy roast potatoes and lots of veg. Most importantly, there is lots of gravy! I would really advise getting a dessert too, if you have room, they never disappoint! On my last visit, I had the rhubarb creme brûlée which was delicious. A perfect way to end the meal.
Find me on Instagram at @LydEatsFood for more local foodie finds!
Browns of Stagsden... A proper farm shop on a proper working family run farm
Stop at Stagsden for all your local produce
Home reared/local meat & poultry Fruit/vegetables. Homemade pies New: The Wine Cellar in Olney
Licensed Tearoom & Garden
OPENING TIMES:
Tues - Thurs 10am to 4pm Fri 10am to 5pm | Sat 9am to 3pm
01234 822330
www.brownsofstagsden.co.uk info@brownsofstagsden.co.uk Manor Farm, Stagsden MK43 8SH To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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THURSDAY 28 JULY VERY SPECIAL GUEST
& MARISHA WALLACE L P H C o n c e r t s & Ev e nt s p ro u d ly Pr e s e nt s :
PAU L WELLER
CLASSICAL PROMS SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS & LASER FINALE
CELEBRATING
YEARS
S p e c i a l G u e st
SUNDAY 31ST JULY 2022
P lu s s u p p o r t
3 0.07.2 0 2 2 B e d fo r d Pa r k , B e d fo r d s h i r e
featuring WYNNE EVANS & MARISHA WALLACE with Stephen Bell Conducting the London Gala Orchestra
4 DAY WEEKEND AT BEDFORD PARK THIS JULY TICKETS: BEDFORDPARKCONCERTS.CO.UK
KEMPSTON PARK INDOOR BOWLS CLUB This year especially, we are all enjoying our freedom and the outdoor activities involved. But what about those coming Autumn and Winter months when the days shorten and the weather changes? Well, no worries, you can always be assured of a warm welcome at any time of the year at Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club (KPIBC). During the Winter Season, the club is open seven days a week. There are 19 leagues for bowling at all levels with mens, ladies and mixed teams. There are also ‘roll up’ periods where members can come on the day and put their names down for a social bowl. This enables all members to practice but particularly for new members to gain experience with specific coaches available to help. Also, anyone can pop in and have a look, play a few ends, and make your mind up before joining. Besides an active period of bowling for all, social activities include – Craft and coffee mornings, Bingo, Race Nights, Quiz evenings, Knit and Natter plus special evenings with entertainment. Light and lunch time meals are available during the week at very reasonable prices in our spacious social area. Tea, coffee, and chocolate are always available. There is also a full-size snooker table, a darts area, and a full bar service.
Age, ability both physical or mental and previous experience are not important at KPIBC, just the wish to play indoor bowls. There is an active Wheelstars section where special wheelchairs are provided, and Tibbs Dementia also use the club on a regular basis. Our last major improvement included a new suspended ceiling with special climate control heating and cooling with differing levels for the bowling area and social area and the refurbishments of the toilet and changing facilities. This has made the club one of the best in the area for facilities. The Management team and staff work enthusiastically for the club and for its members. But the ethos of KPIBC right from its beginning is that the club is run by the members for the members. The winter season starts in September when memberships are renewed for the full year. The fees for 2022/2023 are £78.00 for bowling members and £28.00 for social members. A two-hour bowling session costs £3.50. 290 Hillgrounds Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8UB. Our telephone Tel 01234 852291. Summer season opening times Mondays 11.30am to 5.00pm, Tuesdays 10.30am to 5.00pm, Wednesdays 6.00pm to 10.00pm, Thursdays 9.00am to 5.00pm, Fridays 11.30am to 5.00pm, Saturdays 9.00am to 12.30pm. We have a planned Coffee Morning on Tuesday 9th August from 10.00am to 12 noon so do please come along and visit the club. www.kempstonparkbowls.co.uk 29
CLUBS & GROUPS JUNIOR TABLE TENNIS CLUB EVERY MONDAY IN MAY & JUNE 6PM-7.15PM Youngsters from ages 6-15 are welcome to come along to Lincroft Academy in Oakley. Bats and balls provided. A new Summer Junior League will also be running throughout July/August. Visit revolutionttc.co.uk/shop to book a place. Lincroft Academy, High Street, Oakley, MK43 7RE.
TUDOR REEDS FOLK DANCE CLUB FIRST, THIRD & FIFTH WEDNESDAY (IF THERE IS ONE) OF EACH MONTH 8PM TO 10PM We are a friendly Social Folk Dancing Club. No partner required. £2 per session St Marks Church Hall, Calder Rise, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7UY Contact: Rosemary 01234 405594
OAKLEY RURAL DAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY We provide a fun filled day of activities, games and good old conversation. Day includes refreshments and a two-course lunch. The Old School, Lovell Road, Oakley, Beds, Mk43 7RX For details contact Lynne Tuesday to Thursday on 01234 824935 Or Mobile: 07733 227374 Email: Oakleyruraldaycentre@Yahoo.Com www.Oakleyruraldaycentre.Weebly.Com
CARERS SOCIAL GROUP FIRST THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – 10AM TO 12PM Join this friendly group where you and the person you care for can meet others in similar circumstances over a cuppa. There is no need to register and there is no charge – just turn up! Carers in Bedfordshire Office, Emerald Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7PZ
BROMHAM SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB TUESDAY EVENINGS 7PM – 9.30PM Please come along and try your hand at short mat bowling in Bromham Village Hall. Bowls available and all abilities welcome. Training will be given if you are a beginner. First two sessions are free with a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and chat at half time. Telephone Ron Chapman 01234 822755 or Sue Amor 01234 823610 for more information or just come along.
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
CARERS TOGETHER 2ND AND 4TH TUESDAYS OF THE MONTH AT 2.30PM We are a group in Sharnbrook offering support for Carers and Activities for the person you care for. Meet with other Carers for tea, cake and a chat at the Methodist Church, Park Lane. Sharnbrook. Contact Linda Hoar 07791214148. MEN’S MONTHLY CLUB FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH A safe place to talk with like-minded people. Free pool, experts on hand to help, guest speakers. For more info call 07947 417663 or 07497 938963 The Exec Club, 3 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ
BEDFORD FOLK & ACOUSTIC CLUB EVERY THURSDAY 8:30PM – 11PM Acoustic and folk music round-the-room. Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level. Find us on facebook or come along. The Bowls Pavilion of Kempston Hammers Club, MK42 7BN. CARERS SATURDAY SOCIAL GROUP FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH – 10AM TO 12PM Do you look after someone who can’t cope without your support? This could be a parent, child, partner or other family member or friend, with any condition. Join this friendly group where you and the person you care for can meet others in similar circumstances over tea and cake. Only £2 entry. Priory Methodist Church, 63 Newnham Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9QJ
BEDFORD HIGH STREET IS PROUD TO HOST
THE ONE HUNDRED MOTORING DISPLAY PART OF BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL 2022
23RD & 24TH JULY
PLUS: Visit Riverside Square for an exhibit of classic American Cars!
Created by Bedford Festival of Motoring
Every vehicle has a story to tell!
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Don’t miss out! An Evening With The 2 Toms Tom Wild show (local YouTube sensation) Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. and Carradine’s Cockney Singalong Present Join viral star Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. and London cabaret virtuoso Tom Carradine for an evening of sing-along-fun and musical humour! You can expect plenty of laughter, raucous audience participation and, if you’re lucky, they may even play a song or 2 together! Jon Courtenay: Against The Odds (Edinburgh Preview) Jon Courtenay (Winner of BGT 2021) Having triumphed on Britain’s Got Talent, Jon combines comedy, music and drama in a brand-new show exploring the true story of his television success while secretly fighting for his life. Accompany him backstage as he wrestles jokes and jeopardy to survive not only the competition but also to just…. survive. Doctors and Nurses, Judges and Jokers all become players in Jon’s musical journey through jubilation, heartache, tumours and television. Reminding you that laughter can be the best medicine, but so can immunotherapy. Les Dawson: Flying High (Edinburgh Preview) Les Dawson (Jon Culshaw) Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers, The Impressions Show) stars in this funny, affectionate and poignant celebration of the much-missed comedy legend.
Join Les as he summons forth a wealth of characters and incidents from his eventful life and career, as he travels on Concorde at twice the speed of sound 68,000 feet above the Earth, in this new play from BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning writer Tim Whitnall and director Bob Golding. Charlie Russell Aims To Please Charlie Russell (from The Play That Goes Wrong) Charlie Russell wants to do a show in Edinburgh, but all she can think about is what she wants people to think of it and, ultimately, of her. So rather than focusing on what she wants to say, she’s just going to create a show that will please absolutely everyone by trying to hit as many solo Fringe show tropes and styles as possible within an hour. That’s doable, right? Because she can’t just be herself... can she? Funny, entertaining with a big beating heart that just wants to be loved. Aurie Styla: Work In Progress Aurie (Sell-out comedian from our spring season… he’s incredible!) It has been an interesting couple of years, with a global pandemic showing us a different perspective on life and its meaning. To Aurie, it means looking at his own hilarious outlet and his way of dealing with change, and finally going Green (his real last name). Question is, what does being Green actually mean? Get your belly laughs finding out.
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WHAT’S ON
BEDFORD ART SOCIETY MEETING FRIDAY 1 JULY 7.15 FOR 7.30 START Jo Allsopp is a fully qualified and experienced art tutor and will demonstrate the use of Watercolours and inks. Entry free for members, £5 for visitors. Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Contact Jean Paterson on 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for further information. NEWTON BROMSWOLD VILLAGE FETE SATURDAY 2 JULY AT 2PM Rushden Mission Band will be playing. Afternoon Teas, Stalls and Games. Children’s Fancy Dress competition 3:10pm. Church Lane, Newton Bromswold NN10 0SR URSULA TAYLOR C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL PTFA SUMMER FAIR SATURDAY 2 JULY 12PM – 4PM There will be stalls, a BBQ, bouncy castle, games, tombola, Pimms/Mocktails, tuck shop, and much more. Plus, a very special Paw Patrol appearance. High Street, Clapham, MK41 6EG CARLTON SUMMER FAIR SATURDAY 2 JULY 11AM – 3.30PM Artisan stalls, homemade cakes, Riverside Dairy ice cream and lots of outdoor fun for the children. Carlton Village Hall, Village Hall The Moor, Bedford MK43 7JR BEDFORD FLORAL ART SOCIETY TUESDAY JULY 5 AT 7.30PM Jackie Page will be our floral demonstrator with “Going a Little Bit Potty”. Visitors very welcome £7 Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk KEMPSTON FIRE STATION CHARITY CAR WASH SATURDAY 9 JULY 10AM – 2PM Get your vehicle sparkling clean and support the Firefighters Charity at the same time! Southfields Road, Bedford, MK42 7NR
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WOOTTON FUN FEST SATURDAY 9 JULY 1PM – 9.PM FREE ENTRY Live Music, Fairground, Face Painter, BBQ, Ice Cream Joe, Crafts and more. Wootton Recreation Ground, Church Road, Wootton MK43 9EU MELCHBOURNE FEAST DAY SUNDAY 10 JULY FROM 1PM Ouse Valley Swing Band, BBQ, bar and Pimms, teas, cakes, tombola and raffle. Plenty of other stalls. A lovely afternoon out in a gorgeous garden. Entrance £1, under 12’s free. The Old Vicarage MK44 1BQ SUMMER FETE FOR SUE RYDER ST JOHN’S HOSPICE SATURDAY 16 JULY 11AM – 5PM Come along for a family fun day out! There will be stalls, refreshments, games, an ice cream van, live music and a tombola! Plenty of free parking available on site Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7NT For further information please call either Fiona: 07887 636791 / Christina: 07885195491 / Elizabeth 07446 205405 CRAFT & WELLBEING FAYRE SUNDAY 17 JULY 11AM – 3PM Uplifting vibrant local stall holders showcasing there handmade and unique makes, body care, crystals, cakes and all the lovely things. Great Barford Village Hall, Fishers Close, Bedford MK44 3JL BIDDENHAM GARDENERS ASSOCIATION TUESDAY 19 JULY AT 7.30PM “AGM” Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting for non-members Includes Raffle & Refreshments www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk. AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA FRIDAY 22 JULY 2PM TO 4PM Entry £4 Includes tea, home-made cake and friendship Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP For information call Myriam on 07590 558275
WIN!
A FAMILY AQUA PARK SESSION FOR 4 PEOPLE “The Box End Aqua-Park is back for this summer and is even bigger and better than before! Featuring amazing new obstacles and challenges it’s the best summer day out you will have in Bedford!
Swing, climb, jump and slide your way around the different obstacles and try to avoid a total Wipeout! The amazing new ‘Mega-slide’ is the biggest vertical drop Aqua Park slide in the UK! – are you brave enough to take it on....? Sessions cost £15 per person and include a full safety briefing, free parking and hire of a buoyancy aid.
The Aqua Park is open to 6 year olds upwards. You can check opening times and make a booking at www.boxendpark.com
The Box End Park Aqua Park is the best family Watersports day you can have! It’s also perfect for kids parties. We are excited to be giving away 2 family pass’s to the Aqua Park, giving you the chance to win the ultimate family day out! To enter simply Email your name to competitions@bedslifemagazine.co.uk no later than Monday 11th July with the Subject “Aqua Park*. Family pass’s are for up to 4 participants and can be used to book an experience directly with Box End Park anytime this year”
BOX END RD, KEMPSTON MK43 8RQ | INFO@BOXENDPARK.COM
TERRIFIC ENTERTAINMENT IN THE HEART OF MILTON KEYNES
TUE 2 – SAT 6 AUG
TUE 9 – SAT 13 AUG
TUE 30 AUG – SAT 3 SEP
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*Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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MILKYS MUSIC MATTERS THIS SUMMER SEES FOUR HUGE CONCERTS IN BEDFORD PARK FROM THE 28TH TO THE 31ST JULY.
On Thursday 28th July, Simply Red will headline the first show, supported by the amazing Lisa Stansfield. Few bands have enjoyed the success and longevity of Simply Red. With over 60 million albums sold worldwide, 5 x UK #1 hit albums and over a billion views on YouTube, Simply Red remain one of the UK’s most successful bands. Lisa Stansfield has 3 BRIT Awards, 2 Grammy nominations, and enjoy a string of hits, including worldwide #1 smash, ‘All Around the World’, on her way to selling over 20 million albums. A proven talent, Lisa Stansfield is sure to get the crowds up and dancing. Broadway star Marisha Wallace will also support the show! 40
Friday 29th July sees Café Mambo Ibiza ‘In the Park’, touching down from the White Isle. The legendary Ibiza brand will bring thousands of dance music fans together for an unforgettable experience under the stars as they relive the massive tunes that provided the soundtrack to generations of Ibiza adventures. Serving up the classics are some of the biggest DJs in dance music; these include Mark Knight, Amine Edge & Dance, Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago and Todd Terry along with support from Bedford DJ, Mark Russell.
SUPPORT THE BEDFORD LIVE SCENE – UPCOMING GIGS FOR YOUR DIARY ESQUIRES Fri 1st July Sat 2nd July Fri 8th July Sat 9th July Fri 15th July
Sat 16th July Bad Manners Cream of the Crop #3 (punk all-dayer) Rose of Avalanche Eddie & the Hot Rods The Blow Monkeys
Fri 22nd July Fri 29th July Sat 20th Aug Sun 21st Aug
Weekend Recovery + Yr Mum Speedvark The Rifles (acoustic) The Rumjacks The Feelgood Band
+ many more, check listings at bedfordesquires.com for details or facebook.com/bedfordesquires Tickets available from Esquires, Slide Record Shop and online at seetickets.com
the headline vocalist along with Broadway and West End sensation Marisha Wallace. Wynne Evans is regularly singing to millions for the TV advertising campaign that has made him a household name as the spoof opera star Gio Compario. Although a spoof opera star in the Go Compare insurance adverts, Wynne is a professionally trained opera singer with over 25 years’ experience, Singer and actor Marisha Wallace is a Broadway and West End sensation, best known for starring in Something Rotten, Dreamgirls, Waitress and more recently in the role of Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray! Support acts to open the show include Rock Choir, Pilgrims Pre Prep School and singer songwriter Joe Bygraves.
Moving onto Saturday 30th July, which will see the modfather himself Paul Weller headlining. As frontman of The Jam, Weller spearheaded the Mod revival in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, scoring a string of hits, including Going Underground and A Town Called Malice. He had further success with the blueeyed soul music of the Style Council in the mid to late ‘80s, before establishing himself as a solo artist. Supported by Richard Hawley and Andrew Cushin, it’s proving to be a popular show and is close to selling out. On Sunday 31st July the Bedford Park Concerts series ends with a firm family favourite show ‘Bedford Park Proms – Part 2’ and it’s Bedfordshire’s most prestigious al fresco Proms event. The Welsh opera star and BBC radio presenter Wynne Evans will be
You can bring your own picnics to this show and as well as an amazing music bonanza it is accompanied by a stunning laser show and finishes with a firework spectacular. If you are an NHS worker you can also qualify for a ticket for just £1.00! Four nights of amazing entertainment, await you in Bedford Park this July, for further information visit www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
COMING UP, COMING UP Punk – Cream of the Crop festival, Eddie & the Hot Rods Big names – The Blow Monkeys Ska – Bad Manners Goth Rock – Rose of Avalanche Indie – The Rifles
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Bedford Town
Football Club
After the Eagles most successful season in recent years, that saw them finish as Southern League Division One Central champions, with an outstanding playing record throughout the campaign, things now turn to the 2022-23 season that will see them compete in the Southern League Premier Central. A new division will see new challenges, and whereas most teams last season were South of Bedford, this term, there will be more travel into the Midlands, with teams such as Coalville, Nuneaton and Tamworth. Closer to home there will be trips to Kings Langley and AFC Rushden & Diamonds, while Bedford’s rivalry with Hitchin Town will also be renewed. The increased travel is one reason that Hertfordshire living top scorer Rene Howe has decided to go out on a high and not continue his Eagles story into next season. Dan Walker has also decided to leave the club after many years’ service. Other players have already committed to the coming season though, including Connor Tomlinson, Hugh Alban-Jones and young shot stopper Elliot Duffy.
Pre-season fixtures
It is now only a few days until the preseason campaign kicks off with a match against groundshare friends and last season’s rivals Biggleswade FC. Other upcoming visits of note include Barnet and a Luton Town XI led by Bedford old boy Paul Benson. For tickets and the latest updates, visit www.bedfordeagles.net.
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Sat 2nd July, 3:00pm – Biggleswade FC – Home Tues 5th July, 7:45pm – Barnet FC – HOME Fri 8th July, 7:45pm – Stotfold FC – AWAY Tues 12th July, 7:45pm – Peterborough Sports FC – HOME Saty 16th July, 3:00pm – Harborough Town FC – AWAY Tues 19th July, 7:45pm – Hemel Hempstead Town FC – HOME Sat 30th July, 3:00pm – AFC Dunstable – AWAY Tues 2nd August, 7pm – Luton Town XI – HOME
New Life Life
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Bedford Blues Season Tickets Now On Sale Join the #BluesFamily in 2022/23 with a Bedford Blues Season Ticket as another exciting Championship campaign is about to get under way in just a couple of months’ time at Goldington Road. Membership offers supporters the opportunity to enjoy another scintillating season of second-tier rugby with huge savings on match prices as well as a host of additional benefits. With the promotion of Caldy and a full Cup competition, this year’s Season Ticket includes access to all 11 Championship home games, plus three Cup pool fixtures.
BROMHAM PAINTING & DECORATING Full Profession Service Fully Insured FREE Quotations Internal & External Work Facia board & guttering cleaning • Laminated floor cleaning • Covid 19 protective screens • 30 years experience • • • • •
Adult Season Tickets start from just £230 with Under 18s costing only £14 for the entire campaign. Just like last season, we have removed all admin and booking fees this season. Purchase before Friday 15th July for early bird rates. For any queries, please head to www.bedfordrugby.co.uk, contact season@ bedfordrugby.co.uk or call 0871 871 1886 and a member of staff will respond as quickly as possible.
We only use local trade people as and when required We are based in Bromham and work alongside other Bromham businesses to help keep work in the local community.
50 mile radius covered CONTACT US ON:
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You can now make appointments online!
Book an appointment with a vet or nurse via our website Visit our website or Facebook page. acornhousevets.com/online-appointments
Acorn House Veterinary Hospital Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7HN
Tel: 01234 261839 www.acornhousevets.com Register online today. Online Appts Ad Beds Local AW_2019_B.indd 1
04/03/2019 11:06
Grass seeds in dogs
What are grass seeds? Grass seeds are the sharp, arrow-shaped structures found on the tips of long grass stems in the summer months. These seeds readily attach to the dog’s coat as the dog walks past and can pierce the skin with their sharp point. Grass seeds cause irritation and infection wherever they end up – under the skin (often in between the toes) or down the ears or beneath the eyelids. Rarely, grass seeds will travel internally within the body where they can cause unexplained high temperature and flu-like symptoms, or even damage the lungs or spinal cord, depending on where they end up.
Which dogs are at most risk from grass seeds? Any dog can suffer with a grass seed problem, but dogs with long feathery coats are most at risk. Dogs that run through long grass in the summer are at highest risk, but these types of grasses can also be found growing at the side of pavements in urban areas too.
What can I do to protect my do from grass seed problems? It is wise to avoid exercise through long grass with lots of visible, dry grass seeds. After walks, dogs should be checked thoroughly and any seeds removed before they have a chance to disappear beneath the skin. Keeping paws trimmed short, and protecting ears with purpose-made ear/neck covers can help.
How can I tell if my dog has a problem with a grass seed? If a grass seed is in the ear, a dog will shake its head. A grass seed in the eye will cause rubbing of the eye, swelling and discharge. A grass seed in the nose will causing sneezing. Grass seeds between the toes tend to cause red swellings that dogs lick and chew repeatedly. If your dog shows any of these signs, take them to the veterinary hospital so that appropriate steps can be taken to investigate and remove any seeds that are found. 45
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For all makes and models of vehicle – service, repair and MOT MOT standalone cost £45, if booked with a scheduled service MOT is £35 Free collection and delivery in 15 mile radius
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SOLITARY BEES
Look around your garden, local park or nature reserve, and you’re sure to encounter a variety of bees, busily collecting pollen from our trees and flowers. Familiar to most of us are the honeybees – skilful producers of the sweet golden substance that many of us enjoy – and the fluffy bumblebees that buzz nosily around our blooms. Less well known though are the solitary bees, despite the fact that they comprise the majority of our bee species here in the UK – there are 240 or so different species in total. While honeybees and bumblebees are social bees, living in colonies together, solitary bees – as the name suggests – create their own nests. Some species of solitary bee will live alongside fellow bees in a type of social group, but interaction is limited and each bee will build a separate nest close to the others rather than having one shared nest. Solitary bees have an amazing array of nesting sites. Some burrow into our lawns, some nest in crumbling mortar and three species in Britain nest exclusively in old snail shells! Others nest in plant stems, cavities in dead wood or will take readily to manmade ‘bee hotels’ like we have at Millennium Country Park. The majority of solitary bees nest in the ground. One ground-
nesting species that you might encounter in the garden is the tawny-mining bee. If you find small, volcano-like turrets appearing on your lawn these are probably the work of a female tawny-mining bee! The females are quite distinctive, being covered in a thick ginger fur. Males are more slender and their fur is yellowy rather than ginger. They also have white tufts of hair around their face. The female will dig down to create an underground tunnel, which she then splits into a number of chambers. Inside these chambers, the female will create individual cells, into which she will lay an egg and provide a food package of nectar and pollen for her offspring. The cell is then sealed and the process repeated. The offspring stay in the nest over winter, and emerge as fully fledged bees the following spring. Interestingly, eggs containing male larvae are always laid nearest to the entrance of the nest so they emerge first, ready to mate with the females and begin the cycle again.
If you own a ‘bee hotel’, the bees you’re most likely to see setting up home are cavitynesting bees such as mason bees and leafcutter bees. The red mason bee is a common species which is often found in urban environments. In addition to bee hotels, popular nesting locations include existing holes in southfacing brickwork or window frames. Female red mason bees have strong jaws, which they use to harvest wet mud. The mud is used as a building material and is taken back to the nest cavity to create the partition walls between each egg-containing cell. She uses the antennae on her face to mould the mud. Mud is also used to create the seal at the nest entrance. Male and female red mason bees are similar in appearance, with black heads, a brown thorax and ginger abdomen. Females tend to be a little furrier. In the same way that red mason bees use mud as a building
material, leafcutter bees use – you guessed it! – leaves. The patchwork leafcutter bee is a common garden visitor. The females cut neat discs from leaves belonging to plants such as roses, lilacs and honeysuckles. The leaves are then chewed into a pulp and mixed with saliva to create cell walls and a seal for the nest entrance. Patchwork leafcutter bees look like darkcoloured honeybees, with orange-tinged undersides. Solitary bees are fascinating to watch as they go about their daily lives. They are great for the garden as they are excellent pollinators – often much more efficient than honeybees and bumblebees. Attracting them is simple – just provide habitat, food sources and stay away from pesticide use. Bee hotels are inexpensive and widely available. You can also make your own by filling an old tin can with hollow bamboo canes and hanging it in a sunny spot, or drilling holes into a wooden fencepost. For groundnesting bees, try leaving a few patches of loose, crumbly or sandy soil in sunny areas of the garden. You’ll also need plenty of nectarrich flowers to attract bees – ideally a selection that will bloom from early spring to late summer. Early-flowering bee-friendly plants include pulmonaria, chives and flowering currant, followed by lavender, marjoram, geranium, foxglove and catmint. For late summer, try growing buddleia, globe thistle, sedum and penstemon. Our Sensory and Wildlife Garden at Millennium Country Park is a perfect place to visit for inspiration…!
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Gardening Tips and Advice from
July, the midway point of the year. If you were born in July, your birthstone is Ruby which represents love, passion and integrity. Your flower is larkspur or water lily. This month, make the most of any of your plants going to seed by keeping the ripened seeds for next year, leaving the more attractive heads. They’ll look lovely again for you next year. As roses approach the end of their first flourish, I find it good housekeeping to feed them with rose fertilizer or a general organic fertilizer to encourage a second bloom. Now is the last chance to cut back established hydrangeas after flowering. If this is done later, your plants will not have had enough time to make new growth for next year. Some of your earlier vegetable crops such as potatoes, early peas or broad beans have now finished so clear them away to make room for various catch-crops such as shorthorn carrots and
THE G
AN
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NTLEM GE
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globe beetroot. Sown now, they’ll produce roots for pulling in September/October. Keep your precious fruit crops safe from beaks. The old fashioned way is to tie unwanted CDs to branches or bamboo stakes. Don’t use your old Abba CDs though as they’re making a come back. Nothing looks lovelier than lavender now. If you cut the stalks, tie into bundles and dry outside, the flowers can be used to make a refreshing summer drink to sip as you read your BedsLife magazine. My favourite drink is ‘The Bee’s Knees’: just add fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey to your gin, shake or stir then add ice and a slice. Remember, gardening does not allow you to be mentally old because too many hopes and dreams are yet to be realised. I’ve got a ‘Bee’s Knees’ waiting for me in my potting shed so I’ll wish you a lovely July’s gardening. Enjoy! The Gentleman Gardener
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