BedsLife Magazine May 2022 by BedsLife Magazine

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2022

inside Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bedford Park Concerts Competition Community News from the Town and Villages What’s On

MAY 2022

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Welcome

Welcome to the May edition of Bedslife magazine and insid e as we write the UK is ramping up for the Queen’s official Platinum Jubilee celebrations. There have already been plenty of plaudits for Her Majesty’s stunning achievements, so we won’t try to compete. Suffice to say that we take our hats (or crown) off to an amazing lady who has shown such stamina and determination to keep true to her promise “… that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” We only hope that we can still be as healthy and active in our later years! MAY 2022

About Town with Love Bedford Richard Fuller MP Mohammad Yasin MP Council News In the Stix Volunteer Opportunities Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Martin Lewis Books Bedford Park Concerts Competition Prize Crossword Lyd Eats Food – Bromham Mill Coffee Shop Bedfordshire Guides Volunteering Clubs & Groups What’s On Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum Milton Keynes Theatre Competition Milky’s Music Matters Bedford Town FC Bedford Blues Forest of Marston Vale – Bluebells Acorn House Pet Advice Gardening Advertiser Index Useful Local Resources Last Months Crossword Answers

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Also, this month we look forward to the weather improving and finally being able to spend more time outdoors with our families. May is Local and Community History Month, which is designed to increase awareness of local history. Since our local communities are so important to us as a business, we need no further prompting to get out and about and explore the history of our area. You can find more information at history.org.uk. Although we only have the one Bank Holiday this month (the late May Bank Holiday having been rescheduled for early June to celebrate the Jubilee) there are still plenty of other outdoor events happening in and around our town so whatever May has in store for you, we hope you get to relax and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.

Christa & The BedsLife Team April Issue Competition Winner Twycross Zoo Tickets – Emma Sears

JUNE ISSUE DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 11TH MAY

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w n o T t u o b A Lurke Street Car Park Welcomes An Artful Aquatic Addition Local artist Sarah Hodgkins has recently completed a mural of a truly gigantic size, spanning across all five floors of Lurke Street’s multi-storey car park. Gemma Crawley-Roberts, owner of The Arc on Howard Street, which is located on the ground floor of the building, led the project, which has been funded through Bedford Borough Council’s Town Centre Priority Fund. With The Arc’s beautifully curated collection of art, homewares and gifts to browse, as well as some delicious drinks and tasty treats from The Gallery, we encourage you to head over to Howard Street and see this super-sized sea creature for yourselves! The Arc and The Gallery are open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. More info: thearcbedford.co.uk

The Higgins Bedford Presents a New Exhibition: Body & Soul Through a selection of sculptures, prints, oils and watercolours from the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection, this new exhibition examines how beauty and femininity has been celebrated and challenged through the ages, and encourages visitors to question their own modern perceptions. 6

Victoria Partridge, Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art and co-curator of the exhibition, said: “the theme of Body and Soul has caused us to look at images of women in the collection with fresh eyes and a modern perspective and I am sure the works on display will cause debate amongst our visitors. I am delighted that the exhibition also contains the first showing of the collections newest acquisition, a drawing by Nina Hamnett”. Body & Soul is free to visit and will run until 2nd October 2022. More info: thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Comedy comes to Bedford This May Comedy lovers really are spoilt for choice this month. You’ve got Al Murray’s Gig for Victory Tour, Russell Kane Live! and the gloriously daft nonsense of Milton Jones at Bedford Corn Exchange, while at The Quarry, you can see ‘International microstar’ Sean McLoughlin, Gary Delaney in his Punderland, or even try James Campbell’s The Funny Life Of…. a stand-up comedy show for children over 6, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without rude words. And for those who like to laugh AND chew, look no further than the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience! Fawlty Towers (4th), Al Murray (5th), Russell Kane (19th), Milton Jones (25th) @ Corn Exchange; bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events Sean McLoughlin (13th), Gary Delaney (27th), James Campbell (21st) @ Quarry Theatre; quarrytheatre. ticketsolve.com/shows

To w n to Ce le br at e This month, we are busy behind the scenes, getting ready to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee! Here’s just a taste of what you can get involved in…

Love Bedford Jubilee Window Dressing Competition BedfordBID are inviting all Bedford Town Centre venues to take part in a Jubilee Window Dressing Competition, to get us ready to celebrate Jubilee Weekend at the beginning of June. We encourage you to visit Bedford from Monday 9th May to check out the displays, and to prepare for your own celebrations. You’ll be able to vote for any venue you choose, online on our Jubilee Hub, until Sunday 5th June. We’ll announce the winner of Best Jubilee Display by popular vote, on Tuesday 7th June. We’ll also place all those who voted into a random prize draw, and one lucky winner will win £50 of Love Bedford vouchers, which can be used at more than 280 locations across the Town Centre. More info: lovebedford.co.uk/Jubilee.php

Bedford Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting – Thursday 2 June The United Kingdom’s long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations with the lighting of beacons will continue for the Platinum Jubilee. Over 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

In Bedford, a beacon will be lit on Castle Mound, Newnham Rd, at 9:45pm. This event is free to attend. More info: bedford.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/ arts-and-culture/queens-platinum-jubilee/

The Higgins Bedford – Friday 3 June The Higgins Bedford is hosting a Platinum Jubilee Craft Activity. Come along and get ready for your Platinum Jubilee Garden Party by decorating a hat or crown to take away and impress your neighbours. This session will take place from 2pm until 4pm, and is suitable for families with children under 12. You do not need to book to attend this event, which is free, but children must be accompanied by an adult. More info: thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on

Keep Up to Date with All Things Jubilee in Bedford Town Centre! There’s plenty more to be announced! The Love Bedford Jubilee Hub will also bring together Jubilee-themed events and information for visitors to Bedford Town Centre, so to check out the latest, please visit: lovebedford.co.uk/Jubilee.php

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 7

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Living Streets, a UK charity promoting everyday walking is the national organiser of Walk to School Week. If, like me, since the Covid lockdowns you have become more focussed on walking daily – and checking your steps – anything that encourages families to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school is welcome and we see the big differences that come from small steps – from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates. This year’s theme is #PowerUp, aiming to engage school pupils through video-game inspired design by unlocking new missions to complete each day, through which pupils will discover the benefits of walking for individuals, communities and the planet. A generation ago, seven out of ten primary school children walked to school, but now this has dropped to just over half. Walking to school helps children build healthy habits for life, reduces congestion and air pollution around schools, improves safety and gives families quality time before and after school.

Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire Walk to School Week commences on Monday 16th May and is a practical opportunity to champion a greener and healthier lifestyle for school children.

The Government has recognised the importance of walking to school and has outlined in its Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy ways to reverse the decline and to have 55% of primary school children walking to school by 2025. Since the pandemic, the government has started several initiatives to enable more people to help the environment by making more use of active travel options. In summer 2020, the Prime Minister launched ambitious plans to boost walking and cycling, with a vision that half of all journeys in towns and cities are walked or cycled by 2030. This included a £2 billion package of funding for active travel over 5 years – the largest amount of funding ever committed to increasing walking and cycling in this country. When I visited primary schools across North East Bedfordshire last November for COP26, I was really pleased to hear that a number of schools already organise ‘walk to school’ weeks and I hope this year’s initiative will encourage more parents and children to think about their commute to school. Even parking a little way from the school reduces congestion and air pollution at the school gates and improves road safety. Walk to School Week provides a fantastic opportunity for families to give walking to school a go and see how they could make a more permanent change to their travel plans. For more information on how your local school can get involved, please visit: www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school

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The total amount to be awarded was £1,634,000. The areas covered: Domestic Violence £497,000, Counselling £20,000, Sexual Violence support, £90,000, Support for victims and witnesses of crime (not related to domestic abuse) £270,000 and Mental Health £70,000. In December 2021, the Interim Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) asked for a review to be carried out of the process through which grant funding from the OPCC was awarded. As a result of that review, a “refined process” was developed in January 2022 and used in February 2022 to sift and assess applications for grant funding to be awarded for 2022/23. Sadly, this new process resulted in axing funding for a brilliant charity that provides services to women suffering domestic violence (DV) in Bedford. Bedford Women’s Centre had received funding from the OPCC for the previous 4 years but didn’t score highly enough this time around, despite the service being more in demand than ever before, as DV rates soared during the pandemic.

Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston In April, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) published the list of organisations it would fund to provide local services to support victims of crime in Bedfordshire 2022 – 2023.

Bedford Women’s Centre provides a vital service to women in my constituency who are victims of domestic violence by offering one-to-one mentoring, workshops and support groups for at least 12 weeks. The centre has had over 300 referrals a year for the last two years from women aged from 17-67. There is no other service in Bedford that offers the same programmes in a woman-only environment. The loss of OPCC funding, with very little notice to look for alternative sources, almost put the centre in jeopardy. I’m grateful to Bedford Borough Council who have stepped in to save the DV service in the short-term by using emergency budgets to help with the gap from the loss of OPCC funding. I’m pleased for the organisations that did receive funding but there is no service on the list that covers the work of Bedford Women’s Centre for women in this area. However, it is ironic that Bedford Women’s Centre lost its police funding in the same week the Home Secretary announced that Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) now has Strategic Policing Requirement status, meaning it takes the same priority as fighting terrorism, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and serious and organised crime. I’m pleased that the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner is now undertaking a gap analysis of all services available to victims, beginning with victims of domestic violence and their families, and that he has agreed to meet me and the manager of Bedford Women’s Centre this month. If tackling VAWG is now a priority for police, it is vital we don’t lose this unique service for the women in Bedford.

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council news Government Awards Bedford Borough for ‘Brilliant’ Bugs and Bees Bedford Borough Council has received national recognition by Government for its ‘Bugs and Bees Project.’ In awarding the project the Bees’ Needs Champion Award, Rebecca Pow MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) offered congratulations for what she described as ‘exceptional work…done to help pollinators survive and thrive.’ The Minister was particularly impressed at how the Council involved local residents in reducing grass cutting

Bedford Borough Council awarded funding for new Sensory Garden in Russell Park Bedford Borough Council have received £40,000 from the East London Foundation NHS Trust to develop a sensory garden in Russell Park. The garden will provide a relaxing space for children and young people with special educational and mental health needs, improving their mental and social well-being. The new Sensory Garden in Russell Park will be located on the site of the existing Time Garden. It will create a space of refuge and calm in the heart of the town, including the design of a collage that will be coproduced with various local special schools, dementia and mental health service users and a local artist, to ensure a sensory space is created by those intended to use it. It will include a wide variety of sensory experiences, to stimulate sight, smell, hearing and touch, designed to be therapeutic to those who may not usually encounter these senses in combination. Russell Park has also been identified as the site for an inclusive play park (opening in Summer 2022). This new funding, in addition to the newly approved funding for the Changing Places toilets, ensures that an accessible day out can be experienced by all. 12

to create meadow areas, and the consequent support received from the wider community. Mayor Dave Hodgson said “I would like to thank our residents who have enthusiastically supported ‘Bugs and Bees’ which has seen the Council reduce maintenance where appropriate to enable the creation of wildflower meadows. Our dedicated team have worked hard to improve habitats for local pollinators and keep our parks beautiful and practical for all park users.”

The Higgins Bedford Presents a New Exhibition Exploring the Representation of Women in Art: Body & Soul Body & Soul, a new exhibition exploring how women have been represented in art over the past two centuries, is open at The Higgins Bedford. Women have always been popular subjects in art, with their appearance, clothing or personality chosen as the focus of the artist’s work. Through a selection of sculptures, prints, oils and watercolours from the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection, this exhibition examines how beauty and femininity has been celebrated and challenged through the ages, and encourages visitors to question their own modern perceptions. Body & Soul is free to visit and will run until 2nd October 2022.

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I N TH E STI X Mayor Swings into Bromham Mayor Dave Hodgson visited Bromham to see the refurbished play area at Browning Close and couldn’t resist having a play!

The area was refurbished by the parish council at a total cost of £31,967. Bedford Borough Council provided £15,983.48 toward the new play area through the Rural Grants Scheme and the Borough Councillors contributed £5,000 through their Ward Funds. The new equipment was chosen to be inclusive for all abilities with particular focus on children with disabilities. Sian Woodfine, Chair of Bromham Parish Council, said: “It is wonderful that we were able to receive the necessary grants and funding to assist the parish council with this project. To be able to recreate this very popular play area and make it all inclusive was very much our aim, and we are delighted with the results. I’m sure it will entertain children for years to come.” The Rural Grants Scheme provides grants to rural organisations or rural parish councils for capital expenditure. More details can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk. 14

CPRE Photo Competition

CPRE Bedfordshire have announced the theme of this year’s photo competition. From wildflowers to woodlands and hedgerows to fungi, the CPRE would like to see images of people enjoying Bedfordshire’s plant life. To get your creative juices flowing, examples of pictures that would fit the theme include a close up of hands touching bark, boots in autumn leaves, people giving scale to a bluebell wood, or children sowing wildflower seeds. The winning entry will be used as the cover photo for the autumn edition of Bedfordshire Matters and a selection of the best of the rest will feature inside the magazine. A portrait format is preferred for the cover image and entries close at 5pm on 31st May. For more information, including details of how to enter, visit www.cprebeds.org.uk

Classic Cars at Oakley Club

Bedfordshire Classic Cars are back at Oakley Sports & Social Club with the popular Meets taking place every second and fourth Tuesday of the month until 13th September.

Visit an Open Garden

Open to all makes and models, the Classic Car Meets offer a relaxed evening with plenty of vintage and modern cars to wander round. Entry is free to all and the club’s kitchen will be open, serving drinks and hot food, with an ice cream van on site too.

Carers Together in Sharnbrook

Carers Together is a twice-monthly group for carers in Sharnbrook. The group provides an informal opportunity for those who are looking after someone with dementia, or some other condition, to meet with other carers and share experiences in a safe space. Carers Together started a few years ago as the church communities recognised the increasing number of families caring for people with dementia and is now re-starting after Covid. Carers are welcome to come with or without the person they care for. The afternoon begins with tea and cakes together. Then, while you chat with other carers, the person you care for will be able to enjoy a variety of activities from jigsaws to indoor bowls with volunteer helpers. Alternatively, you may want to join in the activities together.

The National Garden Scheme (NGS) opens private gardens to the public, to raise money for nursing and healthcare charities. There is a beautiful selection of gardens in Bedford and the surrounding villages to visit. Explore the Secret Garden in Clapham on Saturday 14th May or head to Turvey on Sunday 26th June when three village gardens will be open, offering a varied mix of design and interest. Not forgetting, Kathy Brown’s glorious garden at The Manor House in Stevington which will be open for the NGS on Sunday 15th May. With six art inspired gardens, early roses, wisteria, clematis, foxgloves, poppies, peonies and much more, you will be treated to a stunning show. Find a garden and further details at www.ngs.org.uk

There is also the opportunity to speak privately in a separate room if you wish. The helpers will endeavour to provide useful information and follow up any queries that might help you as you care for the person you love. The group is supported by the Tibbs Dementia Foundation, a local charity with a lot of experience and resources. Carers Together is hosted by Churches Together and meets in the Methodist Church, Park Lane on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 2.30 until 4pm starting on 10th May. If you would like further information, please contact Linda Hoar on 07791214148 or lindahoar@hotmail. co.uk or just turn up. The group will be delighted to see you. Do you have some village news to share? Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the June issue is 10th May. 15

Volunteering Opportunities Cookery Workshop Facilitator If you like cooking and would like to help other people make healthy, nutritious, and cheap meals FOOD ETC CIC would love to hear from you. They are looking for volunteers to work with a variety of groups in and around Bedford.

Community Volunteer Cook This role with Harrold United Reformed Church involves preparing a two or three course meal, one day a month for up to thirty elderly people in the Bedfordshire village of Harrold. With a small team of kitchen volunteers ready to help you. You will be working to a budget to provide a nutritious meal.

Officer for The Conservation Volunteers

Here is our volunteering pick for May 2022. It gives a flavour of the many opportunities we hold at CVS Bedfordshire from organisations across the area, so do investigate further if you can’t see something that appeals to you. You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/ volunteer-newsletter 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 16

If you have an interest in the environment, conservation and working with people and could help with planning and leading practical conservation tasks, TCV would love to hear from you. You will need to be reliable, enthusiastic, and able to get along with all sorts of people, with good humour and patience.

SMART CJS: Allotment Volunteer If you like gardening and being outdoors, this is the perfect opportunity for you. You will be assisting a supported accommodation facility run by SMART CJS for people who have previously faced homelessness. The allotment project is at Bradwell Abbey and aims to engage residents with the opportunity to learn about plants and how to grow their own produce.

Youth Teams Football Coach Youth teams at Bedford Ladies and Girls Football Club range from u8’s to u18’s and there is a need for more volunteers to become football coaches. Training is twice a week at various venues across Bedford and matches are on Saturday mornings. It’s a challenging and rewarding role and the club can provide support to access training opportunities to assist you in your journey. Search for and register an interest in all the listed roles below 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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Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: In Celebration Of A Remarkable Lady Here’s the order of events for the Platinum Jubilee weekend: Thursday 2nd June – Trooping the Colour from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, ending with an RAF fly-past, watched by the Queen from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Members of the public can apply for tickets via the website qbp.army. mod.uk/queensbirthdayparade/. Thursday will also see 1,500 beacons being lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, plus (for the first time) in each of the capital cities of the Commonwealth countries. On 6th February 2022, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years since her accession to the throne. This astonishing achievement makes her the longest reigning living monarch anywhere in the world. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the title was previously held by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand until his death in 2016. His rule of 70 years 126 days was the second longest reign of a sovereign state in history. The longest-reigning monarch ever was King Louis XIV, who presided over France for 72 years 110 days (14 May 1643- 1 September 1715). There is a year-long schedule of events to mark the occasion, and we’re all being encouraged to play our part even in a small way. For example there’s The Queen’s Green Canopy project where communities are being helped to “plant a tree for the Jubilee” (www.queensgreencanopy.org). Plus we can buy souvenirs through the official Royal Collection shop (www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk). But all eyes will be on the first weekend of June when the Platinum Jubilee celebrations begin in earnest, with the main events set to take place between Thursday 2nd and Sunday 5th June. We have an additional one-off bank holiday in England on 3rd June with the Spring Bank Holiday (which usually falls in late May) having been moved to 2nd June, creating a four-day weekend. 18

Friday 3rd June – Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. Saturday 4th June – Platinum Party at the Palace, a special live concert from Buckingham Palace that will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars. Members of the public will be invited to apply for tickets, for more information go to www.royal.uk/platinum-jubilee-central-weekend. Sunday 5th June – The Big Jubilee Lunch where local communities are encouraged to come together, celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little bit better. Meanwhile in London the Platinum Jubilee Pageant will involve performers, dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and volunteers. Part of this event includes the River of Hope, which will comprise of two hundred silk flags which will process down The Mall, appearing like a moving river. Primary and secondary school children are invited to create a picture of their hopes and aspirations for the planet over the next 70 years. You can register your school’s interest to take part via riverofhope.co.uk. If you’re planning your own local celebrations to mark this momentous event, then the Royal Family has created a wealth of free resources to help via www.royal.uk/resources-platinum-jubilee. About the Author: Helen Say is a freelance blogger and copywriter www.cblservices.co.uk

Bedford Borough

Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee As the Queen marks 70 years on the throne, find out the latest news on how we’re celebrating in the Borough at www.bedford.gov.uk/jubilee

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 taking financial responsibility for ourselves in these post-pandemic days. What the Coronavirus pandemic has given us, probably more than any point in the past 50 years, is an idea that we can turn to a bank, or the government, or a charity, for help and support. And I won’t deny that, in some examples, these entities have stood up and there has been a feeling of support and community. Yet I think we all realise that can only go so far. We have now emerged out of the darkness of the pandemic, and slowly but surely the directive is that we have to fend for ourselves again. I don’t doubt some support remains, but I wouldn’t expect it to last forever. I think we are all living slightly differently now, and certainly in wake of food shortages during the first lockdown, I have seen much greater understanding and willingness of people to feed their families more responsibly. The average food waste bill in the UK still stands at around £750 per year, and that’s horrendous. Remember the difference between Use By and Best Before, and it will save you hundreds each year.

If you have any packaging that has a date on it, if it’s after that date, lots of people just sling the food. Well, let’s remember – Use By is a health notice to you. If something is beyond its Use By date, you need to chuck it in the bin. Best Before is the manufacturer’s guide to optimum quality. All it means is that the item will be in its best possible condition before this date. The day after a Best Before, it’s still perfectly legitimate to eat. With some canned goods, it’s still perfectly okay to eat them three or four years after the Best Before date. So, use your nose to smell it, use your eyes to look at it, use your senses to decide whether it’s right for you. Just by diminishing that, and by having a decent shopping list and proper menu planning, you will cut down waste. That’s not just good for your pocket, but also good for the environment.

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

RGR Garages Cranfield

www.rgr-garages.co.uk 01234 750207

a family run FORD dealership for over 50 years

RGR Garages (Cranfield) Ltd, High Street, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0DG

For all makes and models of vehicle – service, repair and MOT MOT standalone cost £45, if booked with a scheduled service MOT is £30 Free collection and delivery in 15 mile radius

Please quote ‘Beds Life” when booking for 10% discount.

NOW INSTALLING HOME VEHICLE CHARGERS

WE OFFER 0% FINANCE ON ALL BOILER INSTALLATIONS* BAILEY'S HEATING COMPANY LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative and provides a pure client introduction through Improveasy Ltd (FRN 708623). The firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a broker, not a lender and offers credit facilities from a panel of lenders. The credit is subject to application and status.

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

Far-Flung Fiction

This month, a voyage back into the world of fiction, with a selection of books that can whisk us away to far-off places.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry Book Lovers comes from the pen of New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry, and follows the tale of Nora Stephens, who has a life ensconced in books. She has read them all, but the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients and beloved little sister Libby. That’s why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away. With visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story, she encounters not picnics in meadows, but Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute. Published May 3rd

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting is a smart tome from Sophie Irwin – a debut novel from the London-based author that combines intelligence with craft. In the plot, lead character Kitty Talbot needs a fortune. Or rather, she needs a husband who has a fortune. This is 1818 after all, and only men have the privilege of seeking their own riches. 22

With only 12 weeks until the bailiffs call, launching herself into London society is the only avenue open to her, and Kitty must use every ounce of cunning and ingenuity she possesses to climb the ranks. Can she secure a fortune and save her sisters from poverty? There is not a day to lose and no one – not even a lord – will stand in her way... Published May 12th

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi Akwaeke Emezi’s You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty is a deeply heartfelt romance novel about a woman named Feyi who eases back into the dating scene after an accident killed the love of her life five years prior. The book has courted not just the imagination of the book-reading public, but screenplay writers as well, and is already being adapted into a movie. “After spending most of my teenage years buried in romance novels, I always wanted to write one myself,” Emezi told Entertainment Weekly in a recent interview. “You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty is a love letter to the brave choices we make in the name of love, the costs we pay for it, and the glory of the reward at the end.” Published June 2nd

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Experience: Customer relations, background in care/nursing or working in clients’ homes useful but not necessary as training is given.

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

COMPETITION

COMPETITION COMPETITION

COMPETITION

On Saturday 4th June, pop sensation Tom Grennan comes back to his hometown to headline! Tom has said – “Bedford I’m coming for you! I am so excited to be headlining in Bedford Park next June. Back in my home town!!!! Home is where the heart is and I’m going to give Bedford all the love and energy I can. I can’t wait to perform live for you, it’s going to be one hell of a party. Big Love!!”

We have teamed up with Bedford Park Concerts who have TWO brilliant shows happening over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend in Bedford Park! This is a brand new weekend of shows which is in addition to the shows they also have at the end of July. The first show kicks off on Friday 3rd June and will be headlined by The Specials! Influential, important and exhilarating live, ‘the Specials’ are a band embedded in this country’s DNA. It is impossible to envisage the musical landscape without them, from the startling, angular Gangsters in 1979 to their swan song, the epochmaking Ghost Town in 1981. They infused ska with punk, homegrown political anxiety with wider issues. The Specials will be supported by ‘Tribes’. Tribes are a four-piece rock ‘n’ roll band from Camden Town. Their debut album ‘Baby’ was a top ten smash with the Guardian dubbing them the “saviours of British rock”.

Tom Grennan’s success has been closely followed by his Bedford fans, who were delighted last year, when he decided to put on a handful of intimate shows at Bedford Esquires, the venue that had supported his career right from his teenage years. They knew that Tom was going to go on and explode into the charts and become one of the hottest singer songwriters in the UK. The shows sold out within a minute of going on sale. Tom is now set to headline his first major headline show in Bedford with Bedford Park Concerts in Bedford Park, back on his home turf. He’s the most exciting singer in the UK right now, having a meteoric rise in fame and is currently nominated for an Ivors award! Support acts will be announced soon! Ticket sales have been flying for both shows so be quick and make sure you secure yours as soon as possible! With the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the extra bank holiday, Bedford Park is the place to be that weekend! www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

We have 2 pairs of tickets up for grabs for both shows – To enter simply email competitions@bedslifemagazine.co.uk and pop Tom Grennan & The Specials in the subject line by Friday 10th May. (Entrants must be 18+ Tickets are nontransferable, non-refundable, nonexchangeable and cannot be re-sold. No cash alternative will be given)

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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 13th May. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY

Last Months Crossword Winner – Carole Blackwell, Oakley For last months answers please turn to P66

Across 1 5 8 9 10 11

Dormant, slumbering (6) Metallic element symbol Cu (6) Drool, saliva (4) Doesn’t drink (8) Copy from the internet (8) Small, round salty cracker brand (4) 12 Erupting hot spring (6) 14 Custody, detain (6)

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Down

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The Mill Coffee Shop A short drive out of Bedford brings you to the beautiful Bromham Mill. The Mill is home to an art gallery and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, so it’s the perfect place for a walk. The Bromham Heritage Trail starts here and allows you a glimpse in to the village’s history. The Mill Coffee Shop is a stunning stone building with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They’re dog friendly, as well as having a play park right next door. Inside there are beautiful beamed ceilings and cosy nooks to watch the world go by from. The coffee is top notch and you can pair it with one of the delicious locally baked cakes they have on offer. If you want something a bit more substantial, grab yourself a sourdough toastie. It’s clear that they use the highest quality ingredients, the Chicken Avo is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had! Jam packed with pulled chicken, smashed avocado and spicy mayo, so good! A perfect place to spend the day with the whole family. Every first Sunday of the month they also host an artisan craft fair which you can check out on their social media!

For more local foodie finds, make sure to check out my Instagram @lydeatsfood 28

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Time To Volunteer When is the right time to start that adventure, make lifelong friendships, learn new skills and have lots of fun? Answer – Right Now! Volunteering is enriching, rewarding and lifeaffirming. To see the smile of a Brownie who has just lit her own fire, to hear the laughter of Rainbows playing outdoor games, watching a Guide overcome her fears and makes it to the top of a climbing wall and knowing that you have helped them reach these victories, made those smiles and given them everlasting memories.

they share a common goal, to give girls and young women in Bedfordshire the freedom to learn, create, achieve, explore and express themselves through experiences that will last a lifetime.

Join us and explore your talents, take on new challenges and make new friends. In return, we offer you the opportunity to gain new qualifications and experiences, take part in adventures and have loads of fun. Plus best of all, you can give as much or as little time as you have.

We have opportunities to volunteer in Biddenham, Bromham, Elstow, Great Denham, Goldington, Houghton Conquest, Kempston, Shortstown, Wilstead. Wixams, Wootton and the villages of north Bedfordshire. So you can start your volunteering journey today to make a difference in your community.

Our leaders are mums, teachers, managers, doctors, receptionists, cashiers, accountants, engineers in fact they are you! They come from every walk of life, every background and every culture but

In short, the question isn’t Why would you volunteer? It is – Why wouldn’t you! Join @bedsguides as a volunteer today https://bit.ly/getinvolvedbeds

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CLUBS & GROUPS BROMHAM SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB MONDAYS 2PM – 4.30PM & TUESDAYS 7PM – 9.30PM Do come along and try your hand at short mat bowling in Bromham Village Hall. All abilities welcome, training will be given if a beginner and we have spare bowls available. The first two sessions are free together with a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and a chat at half time. Telephone one of these members to enquire or just come along Ron chapman 01234 822755 or Sue Amor 01234 823610 KEMPSTON YOUTH CLUB TUESDAYS 5.30PM-7.30PM (TERM TIME) FREE Weekly youth club, open to young people between the ages of 12-18 (up to 25 with additional needs). Each session there’ll be arts and crafts, pool table. table tennis, cooking and sports. Kempston Youth Centre, Hillgrounds Road, Kempston MK42 8QP MEN’S MONTHLY CLUB FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH A safe place to talk with like-minded people. Breaking the silence and stigma around men’s mental health. 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 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 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB THURSDAYS 8.15PM TO 10.15PM We are a friendly Country and Folk Dance Club. No partner required. It’s good fun for only £3 For more info call Ron Law 01234 825574 St Marys Church Hall, Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford MK41 0HL 32

CARERS SOCIAL GROUP FIRST THURSDAY 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 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 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 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. MAN CAVE EVERY FRIDAY 10AM - 1PM Opportunity to make new friends, chat and share experiences. Are you unemployed, retired, missing work colleagues or would just appreciate some company? Come and join us! Sharnbrook Scout Hut. Church Ln, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1HR THE HIGGINS BEDFORD MINDFUL WALKS EVERY FRIDAY 11AM – 12.30PM FREE Social walking group with a drinks stop afterwards. Please observe social distancing guidelines. Maximum 30 people. Ages 18+ Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

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WHAT’S ON minutes and competitors coming from far and wide representing Schools, Colleges and Clubs. The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3PD MAYDAY FUN DAY & CRAFT MARKET SUNDAY 1ST MAY 11AM – 4PM FREE ENTRY Tarot readings, Crafts, Pet Goodies, Clothing, Sweet Treats, Face Painter, Balloon Model Maker, Kids Entertainment and lots more. Lidlington Hall, High Street Lidlington MK43 0RN BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL MAY MEETINGS SUNDAY 1ST MAY – DAWN CHORUS Meet 5am in the Priory Country Park, Followed by Breakfast in the local Toby Carvery. Joint event with Beds Bird Club Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9DJ (TL 072 493) Thursday 19th May Meeting & AGM Meeting 7.30pm aiming to finish by 9.30pm ‘Ouse Fen: ‘Creating the wetlands of the future’ by Chris Hudson Chris is ‘Senior Sites Manager at Fen Drayton Lakes and Ouse Fen’ and is involved in the restoration of the Cambridgeshire Fens. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free. More info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford or call 07905199769 Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF Thursday 26th May Stewartby Lake Evening Walk 7pm Meet in the old A421 lay-by eastern end of Marston Moretaine near MK43 0LE (TL 002 426) SHARNBROOK BOWLS CLUB 0PEN AFTERNOON MONDAY 2ND MAY 2PM – 5PM Do come and have a try, you will be welcome. If you cannot make that day – Ring Penny On 781660 for further details about the club Lodge Road, Sharnbrook MK44 1JP 156TH BEDFORD AMATEUR REGATTA SATURDAY 7TH MAY 8.30AM – 7.30PM Bedford Amateur Regatta founded in 1853 brings competitive rowing to the picturesque River Great Ouse in Bedford maintaining its position as one of the largest single day river regatta in the country. Racing takes place through the heart of the town over a 1,200 metre course with races every two 34

ELSTOW MAY FESTIVAL SATURDAY 7TH MAY 12PM – 4PM Annual May Festival Family Fun Day Over 70 stalls, Funfair, Procession, Street Food, Entertainment and much more. Elstow Abbey Green, Elstow MK42 9XT SPRING PLANT SALE SATURDAY 7TH MAY 10AM-1PM There will be Plants, Books and Jigsaws. Park Road Methodist Church, Park Road West, Bedford MK41 7SB. STEVINGTON 12K SUNDAY 8TH MAY All (17 years +) welcome to enter our 40th 12k run through the villages of Stevington, Oakley & Pavenham on Sunday 8th May. Free parking plus teas, coffees and cakes, Bar & BBQ available. Stevington Hall, Court Lane, Stevington MK43 7QS · HANDMADE CRAFT FAIR SUNDAY 8TH MAY 1PM–4PM Find amazing items all handmade locally. Home fragrances, rock painting and so much more! Oakley Village Hall, Church Lane, Oakley MK43 7RJ MILLION MILE CLEAN – BEDFORD EMBANKMENT SUNDAY 8TH MAY 11AM – 1PM Join in a clean-up near the embankment area, starting from Castle Mound and finishing near Longholme Café. Equipment is provided, however if you have your own equipment (litter pickers etc), please do let us know on the booking page which you can find on EventBrite. Children welcome, but MUST be supervised by an adult at all times HARROLD FILM NIGHT FRIDAY 13TH MAY DOORS OPEN 7PM FILM STARTS 7:30PM ‘Belfast’ £5 Adults £4 Concession Tickets available from Harrold Post Office, on the door or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/harroldcentre Village Hall High Street, Harrold, Bedford MK43 7BH PAVENHAM PLANT FAIR SATURDAY 14TH MAY 10.30 - 2.00PM 9 Nurseries from 6 counties bringing perennials, bedding, roses, clematis, shrubs etc. Coffee, cakes

and BBQ. Free off-road parking, £1.20 entrance Maintaining our Grade 1 listed church building Pavenham Village Hall Beds MK43 7PE PLANT SALE SATURDAY 14TH MAY 10.00 AM TO 1.00 PM Produce & Cake stall Coffee and Biscuits £2.00 served in Church All Saint Church, Odell, North Beds, MK43 7AA FELMERSHAM AND RADWELL VILLAGE HALL FUNDRAISER SUNDAY 14TH MAY AT 3PM The Felmersham and Radwell Village Hall Committee are hosting an Auction of Promises in the garden of The Sun, Felmersham. Please add the date to your diary! If you would like to contribute please email frvhc@yahoo.com. MENOPAUSE MEET UP MONDAY 16TH MAY 6.30PM A chance for women to come together, to learn more and talk about Hormones, Menopause, Moods and Mindset – Breaking the taboo, increasing awareness, allowing women to share experiences, to feel supported, have a laugh and make new friends. 98 Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF www.thehormonefairy.co.uk BEDFORDSHIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WITH MENGYANG PAN SATURDAY 21ST MAY 7.30PM The Bedfordshire Orchestral Society is pleased to present a selection of ‘musical masterworks’. We welcome eminent pianist Mengyang Pan to perform Rachmaninov’s beautiful 2nd Piano Concerto, which will be preceded by Wagner’s stirring overture ‘Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg’. The concert concludes with Sibelius’ sublime 1st Symphony. Tickets are available from the Box Office – at bedfordcornexchange.co.uk or call 01234 718044. SWISS GARDEN PLANT FAIR SAT 21ST AND SUN 22ND MAY 10AM – 5PM Browse a range of plants grown by the in-house garden team and volunteers during your visit to Shuttleworth on this late spring weekend. From home-sown produce to ornamentals propagated from the garden’s own collection of herbaceous and other plants, you are sure to find something of interest to grow on in your own garden at home.

SUNDAY CRAFTERNOON FOR FAMILIES AT THE HIGGINS SUNDAY 22ND MAY 2PM – 4PM FREE ENTRY Join in monthly creative activities for families to enjoy together. Explore the amazing art and fascinating artefacts on display around the building, then use your imagination and a range of media and materials to get arty. Activities are suitable for under 12s and children must be accompanied by an adult. No Need to Book but please be aware that places are limited and there may be a wait to start. Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD CLASSICS AT THE PARK SUNDAY 22ND MAY 10AM Free event but donations to Moggerhanger Park welcome. This event attracts more than 100 classic cars and motorcycles dating from the ‘twenties to modern day. Booking Not Needed. On Site Café. Children’s Play area. Woodland walks. House Tours available. The old Kitchen and Eating room. Bar area. Dogs on leads welcome. Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Bedford, MK44 3RW CHARITY PAMPER EVENING MONDAY 23RD MAY 7PM-9PM Raising funds and awareness for families with children with cancer. The local charity led by two of our clients Donna and Ali are hoping to purchase a mobile home so families can use for holidays. Tickets £5 and includes glass of wine and one 15 minute treatment booked online in advance. Additional treatments are £5. Stalls and raffle. Stables Therapy Centre, 108 Milton Road, Clapham, Bedfordshire, MK41 6AS

FOR MORE WHAT’S ON EVENTS VISIT WWW.BEDSLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK 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 June issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 13th May. Priority will be given to nonprofit events. 35

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BBPCF Flyer Edit.pdf

14/04/2022

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We are passionate about improving services for our children & young people, we've all had different experiences so we need to hear your views.

CMY

This years SEND Review has just been published can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3KKWGE3 and we encourage parent carers to give feedback during the 13 week consultation period.

CMY SEND Review: Right support Right place Right time

SUMMER TERM EVENTS SENSORY PROCESSING SESSION ADHD NURSES ADHD IN GIRLS GRADUATED RESPONSE PARENTAL REQUEST EHCP EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN MEETINGS CONTINENCE TEAM

From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny and Horrible Histories comes this amazing new production of David Walliams’ best-selling story! Joe Spud is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country! He has his own sports car, two crocodiles as pets and £100,000 a week pocket money! But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comp. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find what money can’t buy!

a family ticket (4 tickets, max 2 adults) to Billionaire Boy on Thursday 30th Jun 2022 at 7pm at Milton Keynes Theatre T’s & C’s: • The tickets are valid on Thursday 30th Jun 2022 at 7pm 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.

Billionaire Boy performs at Milton Keynes Theatre from Thu 30 Jun to Sun 3 Jul. Tickets from ATGTICKETS.COM/ MiltonKeynes

To be in with a chance to win, email your name and phone number to competitions@bedsLifemagazine.co.uk and tell us who wrote the book ‘Billionaire Boy’. Entries must be received by Friday 10th May

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MILKYS MUSIC MATTERS FOCUS ON UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS CEREMONY #2 ONE-DAYER Sat 21st May | Esquires Bedford Esquires is delighted to announce that on Saturday the 21st of May 2022, Pip Blom will be headlining the second edition of ‘Ceremony’, a multi-room, gender balanced music festival that aims to highlight new and exciting music. The joyful Dutch four piece, who released their second album ‘Welcome Break’ in 2021, are amongst the first wave of confirmed acts that also includes the horn-fuelled sleaze of Opus Kink, the angular pop of Keg, the eclecticism of New York’s Babi Ali and the soaring post-punk of Damefrisor. With many more acts to be announced shortly, tickets are £27.50 in advance. The all-day event will also feature the very best in authentic street food, catering for vegans, vegetarians and all other persuasions. Last year was a massive success with punters treated to over 20 bands in an event headlined by Billy NoMates, this year’s event promises to be even better.

PERSONAL TRAINER + BULLET GIRL Wed 11th May | Esquires

Personal Trainer is a collaboration between Willem Smit, who records and writes most of the music at home, and producer Casper van der Lans (responsible for the production of some of The Netherlands’ greatest releases of the last couple of years. Personal Trainer balances between a spontaneous and fun interaction between musicians being thrown together on a stage without having rehearsed too much and playing 42

well composed catchy and noisy pop songs with a rock attitude. They were described as “a manic indie rock orchestra that taps into the wayward spirits of Car Seat Headrest, Silver Jews, The Fall and LCD Soundsystem, with Smit playing the role of everyman poet and ringmaster” and “Perfectly organized chaos.” Support comes from Irish noisepunks Bullet Girl.

THE ALLERGIES + THE MILLER COLLECTIVE Thur 19th May | Esquires

Allergies have made a name for themselves with their take on sample-led beats and breaks. Over the course of two funk-fuelled albums on Jalapeno Records the dynamic duo of DJ Moneyshot & Rackabeat have stacked up accolades and topped charts along the way. Their album, Push On, was a melting pot of vintage licks and modern production and featured heavily on many end of year roundups in 2017 and took the Album of the Year gong on BBC 6 Music, thanks to Craig Charles’ constant championing. On record their infectious fusion of hip-hop and rare grooves has won them fans worldwide. From ram jam stages at Glastonbury festival to rocking the legendary Space in Ibiza, they have one mission – to rock the spot. “The Allergies are neck deep in the world of scratchy samples…This is truly funk and soul for the 21st century!” – Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music. Note this is a live performance not a DJ set. Support set from Miller Collective spinning funk and soul cuts

SUPPORT THE BEDFORD LIVE SCENE – UPCOMING GIGS FOR YOUR DIARY ESQUIRES Fri 6th May Fri 13th May Sat 14th May Thur 19th May Fri 20th May

Coach Party The Dirt Road Band Balaam & the Angel + Daw After Dark The Allergies (live) + The Miller Collective Delilah Bon + Attitude: Extravaganza Cabaret

Sat 21st May Thur 26th May Thur 2nd June Fri 3rd June Sat 4th June Tue 7th June

CEREMONY #2 all-dayer FEET + Opus Kink + Bull The Royston Club The Specials – Bedford Park Tom Grennan – Bedford Park The Courettes

+ 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

FEET + OPUS KINK + BULL Thur 26th May | Esquires Cracking three band line-up and a welcome return for FEET after their festival stealing performance at Ceremony last year. They’ve got a name for their new direction, Crease Pop, but even that has some logic to it. “It’s taking the pop music formula – hooky choruses, nothing too self-indulgent – but it’s still got a bit of edge,” says George. “Playing in big arenas is everyone’s dirty dream, and we can literally see Alexandra Palace from our window so it can’t not be, but we’re not willing to sell our souls to get there,” Harry says. “For me there’s something about being comfortable among our peers, making music that can stand next to other people and be proud,” George nods, as Callum summarises the journey of the last 18 months: “We wanna be on the inside looking out rather than on the outside bursting in.”

Support comes from the incredible 6-piece, brass infused Opus Kink (trust me, they’re amazing live) and Bull who offer a big sonic hug, think Pavement meets Teenage Fanclub.

COMING UP, COMING UP Bands who will go onto bigger things (do not miss your chance to see them before they play much bigger venues) – All those great bands @ ceremony Funky time – The Allergies Big names – Balaam & the Angel Cabaret – Delilah Bon Ska – The Specials Indie – Coach Party, FEET Phil Spector meets garage rock – The Courettes Keep music live, Milky

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Blues Foundation Charity Ball 2022

Blues Foundation are counting down to their first ever charity ball which will take place at Goldington Road – home of Bedford Blues RFC – on Saturday 18th June. Another exciting opportunity for one of Bedfordshire’s fastest growing charities to raise money for future activation and provision, it’s set to be a fantastic evening in the Blues Marquee with a three-course meal plus music and entertainment throughout. Tables of ten are available working out at £65 per head; please contact Head of Foundation, Tom Harwood on tom@bluesfoundation.org.uk if you would like to book and help support the future work of Blues Foundation! Head to all Blues Foundation social media channels to fully discover what proceeds of the evening will go towards supporting – from all things flagship activation, to technology drives and foodbank donations.

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Bluebells

Bluebell displays are one of the wild highlights of the spring season. The delicate flowers grow in dense carpets of blue in woodlands across the UK. The British Isles are an important stronghold for this species, with almost half the global population found here.

As well as being a spectacular sight for nature lovers, the humble bluebell plays an important role for pollinating insects. Flowering from late April, the bluebell provides a vital early nectar source for a variety of insects including peacock, orange-tip and brimstone butterflies and many bumblebees. Bluebells flower before the leaves on trees have fully opened, putting their energy into growth early in the year to make the most of the sun streaming through the lean woodland canopy. Bluebells are chiefly pollinated by bumblebees, and you’ll often hear their steady, productive drone as you wander through a bluebell wood. Sometimes however, the bees don’t play fair, and are known to occasionally bite a tiny hole into the bottom of the 50

bell to extract the flower’s sweet nectar. When this happens, the bee fails to come into contact with the pollen so won’t do its usual pollination job when it visits another flower.

As well as reproducing sexually, by producing seed, bluebells will also sometimes reproduce asexually by natural vegetative propagation, that is, by producing bulbs. Because of its methods of reproduction, bluebells spread very slowly, and for this reason the flower is often used as an ‘Ancient Woodland Indicator’. What this means is that their presence is used to help conservationists identify what is an ancient woodland habitat. The seeds of the bluebell are large and heavy, falling and growing directly adjacent to the parent plant, so a dense carpet takes a very long time to establish. For a large carpet of bluebells to become established, a woodland habitat must have been present for many years. Ancient woodland habitats are valuable because they support a whole host of different species as

include wood anemone, wood sorrel, herb Paris, dog’s mercury or wild daffodil, to name a few, all of which are similarly slow at spreading. As well as looking out for bluebells in their typical ancient woodland habitat, you might also find them in hedgerows where they may have spread from a nearby woodland, re-planted woodland where former ancient woodland existed, grassland or even heathland.

well as bluebells. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee reports that only 1.2% of woodland in Great Britain is classed as ‘ancient’. Ancient woodlands that are of most ecological value will usually not just support bluebells but a mixture of other woodland flowers. Other ‘indicator species’

Although widespread, the bluebell is at risk from a number of threats, including habitat loss, climate change and hybridisation (cross-breeding) with non-native Spanish bluebells. This hybridisation with Spanish bluebells is changing the genetic make-up of British bluebells irreversibly to produce hybrid bluebells, effectively undoing thousands of years of evolution in a very short timescale. In urban areas in particular the survival of the British bluebell is becoming increasingly threatened through hybridisation. Spanish bluebells often spread from gardens and parks where they are planted, and can also be present in waste garden material that is dumped in woodlands, further accelerating the problem. Spanish bluebells spread much quicker than native British bluebells as they more commonly multiply through bulb division than native bluebells as well as producing seeds. This trait has also been passed onto the hybrid offspring which are spreading quickly and displacing the native bluebell. To minimise the impact of hybridisation, it is really important that Spanish bluebell bulbs are disposed of carefully, and you should avoid growing them completely if your garden backs onto woodland. Spanish bluebells spread quickly and often require control. If you’re disposing of them, don’t add them to the compost heap. Instead put them in a black bin bag and leave for a year before composting. We’ve got some fantastic displays of bluebells in the Forest of Marston Vale, including Marston Thrift, Kempston Wood and Hanger Wood – we’d love to see your photos if you’re visiting! Share them with us on Instagram @forest_centre 51

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Neutering cats

Neutering of pet cats is strongly recommended. Male cats that are left un-neutered are liable to roam, fight, spray urine and develop a strong, unpleasant smell. Female cats will come into season every 3 weeks which will result in pregnancy if they go outdoors, and antisocial calling for a mate if they are kept indoors! For both male and female cats, neutering is carried out under general anaesthetic. Cats are dropped off at the surgery in the morning and will receive a full health check from a veterinary surgeon to check that they are fit and healthy. An injectable pre-medication medicine is given to make the cat drowsy, and an intravenous cannula is inserted into the vein of a front leg. Through this cannula, the general anaesthetic is given, the operation site is shaved and cleaned with antiseptic, and the operation is performed. Cats are wrapped in warm blankets and monitored closely as they recover from the anaesthetic. After an hour or so they are offered a meal and will go home later the same day.

Male cats do not have any stitches so do not need to come back to the surgery for a check-up after their surgery. Female cats will have 2 or 3 stitches on the left flank so will need to wear a plastic collar for 10 days to prevent interference with the wound, and will return to the hospital for the stitches to be removed 10-14 days after the operation. It is a great idea to ask the veterinary team to implant a microchip in your cat while they are under anaesthetic for neutering. The cat will not feel a thing, and the microchip will be there for life, enabling your cat to be reunited with you if they ever become lost in the future. 53

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Gardening Tips and Advice from

I hope the longer days, and the few warm days we’ve had, mean you’ve been out in your gardens as much as possible. Thinking a bit proactively, your roses will be at their brilliant best next month and will continue to be magnificent if you remove dead blooms just below the head to encourage new blooms. Here’s something I tried last year, and it works, so give it a go… plant your second cropping potatoes at the end of this month, into early June. Yes, I’m thinking about Christmas and your wonderful roasties! A lot of hardy flowering annuals benefit from being directly sown onto your borders. Rake 20-25mm or so deep, scatter your seed, blanket with fine compost and gently water. Consider cornflowers, cosmos (I love cosmos), rudbeckia and poppies. Try a wildflower patch; just sow the seeds and scatter the good seed on the ground, as the old hymn goes.

THE G

The Potting Shed of the Gentleman Gardener

NTLEM GE

DENE

Something I knew but in truth had forgotten until recently: resist putting fresh manure down. Ideally leave it for 2-3 years, until it’s the texture of the topping of your apple crumble. Fresh manure is hot and high in nitrates, which can burn the roots of your plants and it will also soak up the nutrients in your soil, like a sponge. If you’ve got fruit trees, please look for greenfly (aphids) now. If you’re a bit exotic and have a morello or dessert cherry, check for black fly. I have always used a soapy water spray around the critters which causes a soapy film that binds and suffocates them. So, as the sun goes down on my potting shed, here’s an old Chinese proverb for you: “All gardeners know better than other gardeners.” What I know is, you’re never too old to keep learning. Please enjoy your gardens and have a wonderful month out there. The Gentleman Gardener

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Call Ian on 07415 281969

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ADVERTISER INDEX Accountants Cowley Holmes

Curtains & Blinds 27

Animal Food Store Top End Farm & Village Stores

Craddock Electrical Services Ltd M Halls Electrical

AHM Installations QP Interiors

25 5

Care Provider Right at Home

17 31

Children’s Services Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum

38 39

Chimney Sweep The Black Horse Chimney Sweep

Almond Garage Doors Argent Installations

62 54

Gardening Services/Supplies Bryan Johnson Landscapes Garden Building Services MJ Nicholson SI Waterscapes TPI garden Services Whites

Oakgate Joinery

MK Guttering

62 55 62 59 57 62

Handy Man Services JB Domestic Ltd

Hair & Beauty Deborah Hair

Computer Repair/Maintenance/Sales Oakley IT

Neville Funeral Service

Guttering Services 37 29 63

Clock Repairs & Sales Bedford Clocks

Funeral Services

Gates & Access Solutions 45

Cleaning Services Aroma Clean CitrusClean OvenClean Bedford

Garage Doors

Charities Bedford Daycare Hospice GirlGuiding Bedfordshire

Farm Shops Browns of Stagsden

Bathrooms

48 33

Estate Agents & Property Artistry Property Agents

Artificial Grass Prestige Lawns

Electrician

Architects Benchmark Architects

Emperor Blinds

Health & Fitness The Nurse Clinic The Private Pain Clinic

Roofing 25 3

Home Improvements HomeFix ( Home Counties ) Ltd

Bucks Roofing L & P Elite Roofing Ltd New Life Roofing

Skip Hire Paul Riches

Kitchen Doors Dream Doors

Bubbles Laundrette

A Rocket

Access4lofts Home Counties Loft Ladders LTD

47 2

Motoring, MOT & Vehicle Sales RGR Garages (Cranfield) Ltd

Used Car Buyers Paul Jones Cars 33 46

Veterinary Practice RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd t/a Acorn House Veterinary Hospital.

Will Writing The Will Writing Company 44 21 63 63

Window Repairs & Glazing Cloudy 2 Clear

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Property Maintenance Mr Fix Property Maintenance

Eden Tree Specialists

M & S Upholstery

Plumbing, Heating & Boiler Services BHC Heating & Plumbing BHC Heating & Plumbing CM Plumbing TR Donnelly

Sharnbrook Mill Theatre

Plasterer CM Plastering

Theatres

Upholstery

Painting & Decorating Bromham Painting & Decorating Craig Johnson

Tree Surgeons

Optometrist Merali’s Optical Services Ltd T/A John Kaye Optometrist

Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs Crystal Leisure Pools Ltd

Loft Ladders

Sports Therapy United Strength

Locksmiths

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Laundry & Ironing Services

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GARDENING SERVICES

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College Farm, Lovell Road, Oakley MK43 7RX, Tel: 01234 826066 Email: info@whites-online.co.uk www.whites-online.co.uk Domestic & Commercial Large Selection in Stock Sales, Service, Parts & Repair Briggs & Stratton Service Centre Sales, Service, Parts and Repair Also available Indespension and Apache Trailers

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07976 394798 Deborah mobile hairdresser yell (Bedford)

USEFUL RESOURCES

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

BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY

Delivering a wide range of rural development and community projects. 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

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

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

AUTISM BEDFORDSHIRE

Independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people and their families across Bedfordshire. Tel 01234 350704 www.autismbedfordshire.net

BOLD

www.bo4ld.org.uk

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

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

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

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 64

CHUMS

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

CITIZENS ADVICE

Independent charitable organisation that helps people resolve problems by providing information and advice. 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

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

MINDBLMK

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing. 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

OPEN DOOR

FFREE and confidential counselling to young people aged 13 – 25. Tel 01234 360388 www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk

ROAD VICTIMS TRUST

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 for men who have experienced domestic abuse in a safe environment. A service for male victims living in Bedford Borough, Central Beds or Luton. Tel 01234 341977 www.bedsdv.org.uk/get-help/men-as-victims/

MENCAP (BEDFORD)

A voluntary organisation operating in Bedford and surrounding areas supporting individuals with a learning disability and their families. Tel 07973 859940 www.bedfordmencap.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

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

An all age careers advice and employment support service for people living in and around Bedford. Tel 01234 223510 www.bedfordjobshub.co.uk 65

APRIL PRIZE CROSSWORD

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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 May 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 May 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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Useful Local Resources

Forest of Marston Vale – Bluebells

What’s On

Bedford Town FC

Prize Crossword

Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum

Bedford Park Concerts Competition

Lyd Eats Food – Bromham Mill Coffee Shop

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Clubs & Groups

Richard Fuller MP

Books

About Town with Love Bedford 6

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Volunteer Opportunities

Mohammad Yasin MP

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In the Stix