BedsLife Magazine November 19 by BedsLife Magazine

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NOV 19

WHAT’S ON GUIDE Bedfordshire Festival of Remembrance Firework Fun Baby & Toddler Groups Love Libraries Clubs & Groups Sports & Activities

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A Pair of Cineworld Tickets £25 Crossword Prize

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BEDFOR D

Christmas FAIR

SATURDAY

S U N DAY

23 24 RD

NOVEMBER TOWN CENTRE | 10AM – 5PM

Over 30 Christmas gift & craft stalls, entertainment, music, food & drink

With special appearances from ‘Transformers’ and ‘Frozen 2’

Plus FREE rides on the Chair ‘o’ Plane and Carousel!

WWW.LOVEBEDFORD.CO.UK Bedford Borough Council Light switch on & Firework Display Sunday 24th November, 5.30pm The Embankment

CONTENTS Council News Alistair Burt MP Love Bedford Healthwatch Bedford Borough Volunteer Opportunities Bedford Daycare Hospice Clubs & Groups Baby & Toddler Groups Bedfordshire Festival of Remembrance Book Review

Film Review

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10 12 15 16 20

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Firework Fun What’s On Love Libraries Cineworld Competition Sports & Activities Crossword Acorn House Pet Advice

for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information under the YOUR TOWN tab!

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@bedsLife Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Canine Partners Gardening Bedford Blues Last months Crossword Answers

Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk

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faith, however, BedsLife Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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COMMUNITY

COUNCIL

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BOROUGH PLAY AREAS GET NEW ‘COATS’ FOR AUTUM Play areas across Bedford and Kempston are set to undergo an ‘Autumn refresh’ as Bedford Borough Council gets its paint brushes ready following a busy summer.

Closures will be in place at each play area while the work takes place but signage will redirect anyone visiting during this time to the nearest alternative site.

Work will be carried out on 13 play areas managed by Bedford Borough Council. Funding for the works comes from the Local Authority Parks Improvement Fund, which awarded the council just over £25,000 to cover the work. Painting has already started, with the play area at Mowsbury Park South the first to get a makeover!

The full list of play areas to get a refresh are: Mowsbury Park South Mowsbury South East Downside Aylesbury Road Jubilee South Tyne Crescent Jubilee North Addison Ward Offa Road Bedford Park East Allen Park Westbourne Road Belvoir Walk

SUCCESS FOR BEDFORD IN HIGH STREET FUND Bedford Borough Council is developing plans to transform Bedford High Street following success for its bid for Heritage Action Zone funding.

historic features of buildings across the high street, reducing traffic and bringing the wider community back into the area.

Historic England has announced that Bedford’s bid had joined 69 high streets across England gaining a share of £95million. Bedford’s bid could see up to £2million to put towards improving the

The Council is now developing detailed plans which will form part of the final funding announcement in January.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON TRANSPORT IN THE REGION There is still time to have your say on the future of transport in and around the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, which includes Bedford. Regional transport body England Economic Heartland’s engagement on its Outline Transport Strategy lasts until 31 October. The views of residents and businesses will help shape the 2020 overarching transport strategy, which will set out the region’s infrastructure needs to both Government and the private sector. Bedford Borough Council is a member of England’s Economic Heartland, which stretches from Swindon across to Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire down to Hertfordshire. EEH provides leadership in the long term planning 4

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of strategic infrastructure, in order to realise the region’s economic potential in a way that improves accessibility and inclusivity, quality of life and the environment. For more information, log onto www.englandseconomicheartland.com.

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MP COLUMN

VIEWS FROM A L I S TA I R B U R T, YO U R L O C A L M P. . .

GETTING TO AND FRO

Life goes on. While news was dominated by Brexit in October, the House of Commons still dealt with a wide variety of matters of importance to the lives of constituents. I raised what is known as an Adjournment debate, where a backbench MP requires a Minister to attend, listen and respond to a specific matter. I wanted George Freeman MP, at the Dept. of Transport to hear from me about road and rail infrastructure issues affecting NE Bedfordshire. While there is renewed interest in East-West connectivity in the region, many people have more immediate experience of North-South travel. If you are a regular on the Great Northern service from Sandy, Biggleswade or Arlesey into Kings Cross, your life was made hell by the timetable changes in 2018, and you are still feeling the effects of this and other problems on the line eighteen months later. I spoke of the constituents whose work, medical appointments or childcare arrangements are upset through the unreliability of services, the ‘skipping’ of stations to make up time elsewhere (Arlesey experienced 189 skips in a year), seemingly endless incidents of overhead wires, signalling breakdowns and the like which affect your journey and too often a lack of information about what was going on.

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If you use the A1 frequently, you will know that it is motorway to the north of us, and to the south, but through Bedfordshire we have four of the five roundabouts in its length from London to Edinburgh, and the substantially increased usage of the road is beginning to tell. Houses close to the A1 in Sandy are amongst the 30 most polluted sites in England, according to the World Health Organisation, and requests for improvements which I and others have made through meetings in the constituency and in London over a lengthy period of time have received promises of action, but little delivered. Enough was enough Minister, I said, we cannot go on like this. The Minister agreed. He said that rail travellers had experienced an unacceptable service which he would be taking up with Govia, which, to its credit, I and local rail user groups have always found communicative and helpful, but that is no substitute for reliability. Equally the Minister will examine himself whether plans for average speed cameras between Sandy and Biggleswade were really as expensive as Highways Agency had made out. A new line of the A1, which I would expect not to be along the same proposed route as in 1994, is obviously much further away, but at least it is now very publicly on a Minister’s agenda.

SERVICES

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

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 are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

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

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

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. Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

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SERVICES Bring the whole family for lots of FREE entertainment including music, singing and dancing from local schools, clubs & choirs plus special meet & greet character appearances from ‘Transformers’ Optimus Prime & Bumblebee and ‘Anna & Elsa’ from Frozen 2.

CHRISTMAS FA I R S AT U R DAY 2 3 R D A N D S U N DAY 2 4T H O F N OV E M B E R Between 10am – 5pm kick start your Christmas celebrations and special gift purchases from an array of beautifully hand crafted items designed to offer the all-important personalised touch whilst supporting your local businesses and the town centre. Indulge in a mulled cider/wine or perhaps a German sausage or two as Harpur Square and the surrounding areas will be filled with have over 30 stalls of unique gifts, & crafts, sweets and treats.

Get your face painted for free by the talented Glitter-Arty Face Painting and enjoy the complimentary rides on the vintage Carousel and Chair O Plane.

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To end this fantastic weekend, the Embankment will come alight from 5pm when the town centre and Riverside Christmas decorations will be switched on followed by a spectacular firework display. Don’t forget the 2 hours FREE parking on the Saturday and FREE parking all day Sunday at council owned car parks plus Harpur Centre underground car park.

FREE samples to borrow/take home Own PROFESSIONAL fitters Furniture removal Uplifting & disposal of your old flooring Remnants, Rugs & Mats Binding Service HALF PRICE REMNANTS

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For all up to date news and events in Bedford please follow Love Bedford on social media and visit www.lovebedford.co.uk to sign up to the mailing list.

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SERVICES

BEDFORD’S FIRST HEALTH & WELLBEING FAIR “Wednesday 25th September 2019 was Bedford’s First Health & Wellbeing Fair. This event held at Bedford Corn Exchange was hosted by Healthwatch Bedford Borough, in partnership with ACCM UK. The event saw a delegates breakfast session, entitled ‘Working in Synergy’, for NHS, statutory organisations and local authority professionals at the top of the field across the East of England. Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, welcomed Chief Guests, including Sir Robert Francis QC and Professor Mayur Lakhani CBE, President, Royal College of General Practitioners. The session looked at the benefits of multi-agency working in synergy to improve health outcomes for all communities. The main part of the day consisted of a FREE open event to the public, spread over three floors. After Sir Robert’s welcoming address, members of the public were able to engage with local service providers across fifty eight exhibition stands in the main auditorium. As well as this, there were three clinic rooms in the lower ground floor, including 2D ear scanning, Audiology testing, sexual health service screening and liver testing for hepatitis. Seven wellbeing practitioners offered a scheduled programme of FREE 30 minute taster sessions in the Howard Room. This included postnatal yoga, breathing & meditation, womb yoga and heartfulness mediation. The event was the first of it’s kind for the area and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive” 10

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SERVICES

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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteering brings great rewards and we have opportunities for all. View hundreds of options through our on-line facility where you can register as a volunteer and apply. Search for this month’s featured roles by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our on-line role search facility at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer JustUs Trustee An opportunity to join an emerging charity that helps people who are currently homeless receive the statutory assistance they are eligible for through Housing Law. Trustees commit to four full-day board meetings, plus 12 three-hour board meetings; these are based in Bedford. You will provide strategic oversight to the work of the charity and ensure it is genuinely effective and innovative, and delivering its charitable purpose.

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UPVC Windows & Doors, Conservatories, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering All double glazing repairs including:Broken & misty sealed units, hinges, faulty doors and locks, handles and much more.

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Bedford & District Cerebral Palsy Society – JJ’s Crew You will volunteer as a play worker with JJ’s Crew, a teenage youth club running on the fourth Saturday of each month between 9am and 2pm in Biggleswade. You will come alongside disabled children, with enthusiasm, patience, good listening/communication skills and craft skills. Hill Rise Residents Team Conservation volunteers are wanted to help maintain the Hill Rise Nature Reserve, Park Road North in Bedford on the last Sunday each month, at 2.00pm. No special skills are required although experience in carpentry, conservation or gardening would be helpful. Campaign to Protect Rural England – Bedfordshire – Planning Volunteer An opportunity to play a key role in this charity standing up for Bedfordshire’s countryside and engage in the local planning system. You will investigate and respond to local planning applications and consultations that have a significant impact upon the countryside and local green spaces.

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 12

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G R O U P S S B U L C & ARTS & CRAFTS

BEDFORDSHIRE GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS AND DYERS. 1st Tuesday evening each month 7.30 – 9.30pm 3rd Saturday 10.30am. – 4.30pm each month. Friendly group of lovers of textile related crafts. Flitwick Village Hall, 11 Dunstable Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1HP THE ARTS SOCIETY GREAT OUSE VALLEY 3rd Tuesday in the month 7.30pm Sharnbrook Hotel. Nine lectures each year by highly acclaimed specialists . Future lectures include “Art inspired by Wine ” & “ The Duc de Berry & his glorious hours” Annual Membership is £45 , guests £8 a visit. We are a very friendly welcoming society. Sara Tusting, membership secretary greatousevalleymembers@gmail. com ART FRIENDS – ART FOR FUN AND FRIENDSHIP Thursdays 9.30am – 12.30pm Supportive club where beginners to those more experienced can develop their art work Suggested donation £4. Bromham Baptist Church, Village Road, Bromham, MK43 8JP. Enquiries please call: Marie 07890095166, Stella 07764582657, Jill 07764984958 or Lindsay 07960 329609 MACHINE KNITTING GROUP. Alternate Fridays 9.30 – 12.30 September to July Beginners and Improvers welcome Wilden Village Hall, 2 High St, Wilden, Bedford MK44 2PB. Sheila Day Tel:01234 771328 BEDFORDSHIRE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Meet the 1st Friday of every month. New members welcome Contact Lynn on 01234 306482 Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX. www.bfhs.org.uk

FRIDAY DAUBERS Every Friday 1pm-4pm Friendly group of amateur daubers. We use a variety of media. If you enjoy drawing and/or painting why not join us. St Peter’s Church, De Pary’s Avenue, Bedford Contact Anne 07548 840856 or Jenny 01234 824568 or email Marianne marianne.sellers@virginmedia.com SKETCH FRIDAYS Every Friday, 12pm – 4pm Free Explore the works in our beautiful galleries and be inspired to create your own work of art. Materials are provided, or you can bring your own. Please do not bring paint or materials that might cause damage to the collection. The Higgins Bedford Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD. 01234 718618

BI BLE S T U DY

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY IN BEDFORD We are a warm and friendly group, meeting to study the bible. We meet every Tuesday in term time at North Brickhill Community Centre , MK41 7AF Please contact Alyson Little: little_ alyson@hotmail.com

BR I DGE C LU BS

RENHOLD BRIDGE CLUB First and third Thursdays of each month 11 am to 2.45pm. Break for lunch midway (please bring your own sandwiches); coffee/ tea free. Friendly duplicate bridge. Members £3; guests and visitors £4. Renhold Village Hall, Wilden Rd, Renhold MK41 0LY Tel Rod 01234 771858 BEDFORD BRIDGE CLUB Tuesday and Friday evenings 7.30 p.m. start Monday mornings 10.00 a.m. start Competitive duplicate Bridge Table money, £2 for Members and £3 for non members. Brickhill Community Centre, Avon Drive, Bedford.

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BEDFORD NO FEAR BRIDGE CLUB Duplicate bridge, Wednesday 7pm to 10pm at St Mark’s Church Community Centre, Calder Rise, Bedford MK41 7UY. Improvers bridge, Thursday 10am to 1pm at Church Lane Community Centre, Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0PW. Duplicate bridge, Friday 10am to 1pm at Brickhill Community Centre, Avon Drive, Bedford MK41 7AF. Improvers bridge, Friday 2pm to 4.45pm at St James Church Hall, 67 Church End, Biddenham MK40 4AS. Duplicate bridge, Sunday 6.30pm to 9.30pm at St James Church Hall, 67 Church End, Biddenham MK40 4AS. Table money for all sessions, £2 for Members and £3 for non members.

C A M E R A C LU B

BEDFORD CAMERA CLUB Tuesday 1st October 7.30pm Bedford Camera Club starts a new season with an introduction to what’s on this year. Visitors just £3. Call 07748 572845 for more details, or www.bedfordcameraclub.co.uk Scott Lower School, Hawk Drive, Bedford, MK41 7JA

CO M M U N I T Y

COMMUNITY HUB 1st Monday of the month commencing October 7th 10am-12pm. Run by The Social Prescribing Service from Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity working with Christ The King Church on Harrowden Road. Residents are welcome to drop in for a cup of tea or coffee and cake (refreshments will be provided). If they are looking for information or advice in relation to matters such as their housing, benefits or health and wellbeing there will be representatives present from various organisations available. If people would like to come just for a coffee and chat they are also welcome to do that. There will be a play area for children. All are welcome. For more information about the hub please call Sophie on 07948 417085 or email sophiem@bedsrcc.org.uk.”

CLUBS & GROUPS

DA NC I NG

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING – SOCIAL DANCING Mon evenings 7:45pm to 9:45pm £2.50 per session. First evening free. Individuals welcome, no experience/ partner needed. Wear soft shoes. ARA Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7LR. Keith Rose, 01234 781448, keith@krose.plus.com SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING – GENERAL CLASS Tues evenings 7:30pm to 10pm £2.50 per session. First evening free. Individuals welcome, no experience/ partner needed. Wear soft shoes. ARA Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7LR. Keith Rose, 01234 781448, keith@krose.plus.com IRISH CEILI AND SET DANCING. Wednesdays 8 pm to 10 pm £2 per session – first evening free. No partner required. Beginners welcome. The Reading Room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford. Ring Tim 01234 317847 for more details TUDOR REEDS FOLK DANCE CLUB First, Third and Fifth Wednesday of each month eve 8-10pm Friendly social Folk Dancing Club It’s good fun for only £2 incl. refreshments. No partner required. St Marks Church Hall, Calder Rise (off Avon Drive), Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7UY. Rosemary Mcneilage 01234 405594 DANCING STARS LINE DANCE CLUB Thurs (Dances From Absolute Beginners To Beginners) Beginners 7.00pm – 8.00pm Improver/Intermediate 8.00pm – 10.00pm (Dances From Improvers To Intermediate) www.dancingstars.comli.com/ Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club 134 High Street High Street Kempston MK42 7BN (Air Conditioned Hall/On Site Parking) Tel 07969847553 BEDFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB Thursday eves 8 – 10 pm Friendly Country and Folk Dance Club. £3 incl. Refreshments St Mary’s Church Hall Church Lane, Goldington Bedford, MK41 0HL No partner required Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com

BEDFORD FINE COMPANIONS FOLK DANCE CLUB Friday 8pm to 10pm 9 (Term Time) We are a friendly group always ready to welcome new members. No partner required. Hazeldene School Bedford MK41 9AT (use Hartshill entrance). Chris Rutt email:-carutt@ntlworld. com or telephone 01462 700451 www.finecompanions.wordpress. com or find us on Facebook.

FR I E N DS H I P

SILVER LINING CLUB FOR THE SILVER HAIRED First & third Tuesday of the month 2pm-4pm FREE Various activities or just sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee. Park Road Methodist Church Roff Avenue, opposite the high flats. Number 10 bus stops outside. LOCAL FRIENDSHIP GROUP. We meet at a local public venue every Wednesday 7 to 10pm. New members Welcome Call 07835 732412/07925 910639. Email: friendshipclub365@gmail. com GOLDEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB – FOR THE OVER 50’S Every thursday 2 – 4pm Bingo, cards, tea and talk, outings, lunches and more Christ the King Parish Hall Harrowden Rd, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call on 01234 304382 ABBEYFIELD BEDFORD FRIENDSHIP GROUP Second Thursday of the Month 2.00pm-3.30pm Meet New People, Make New Friends Refreshments provided. Darell Jeffreys House, 65 Chaucer Road, Bedford,MK40 2AL Sarah Curtin 01234 348735 or mailto:s.curtin@abbeyfield.com MAGPIE LADIES GROUP Friendly group who meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm Guest Speakers and social events Tea/Coffee and cake included. New members welcomed St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill. (No meetings in August) Please Contact: Rosemary 01234 405594 or Barbara 01234 304960

MAN CAVE Friday Mornings 10am until 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 MEN IN SHEDS Keep active and healthy and meet new people. Have fun sharing skills, learning new ones, and help with community-based projects. Annex at the Bedford Arts and Craft Centre, Ampthill Road (off Althorpe Street), Bedford MK42 9HE (the entrance to the Art and Craft Centre is nearly opposite to the Bedford Hospital A&E entrance). Steve Conway 0780 5775828 www.meninshedsbedford.org.uk

H E A LT H & W E LLBE I NG

OVER 70’S GENTLE EXERCISE CLASSES Every Monday and Wednesday (except bank holidays) Mon – Bedford Central Library (3rd floor meeting room) Weds – Bedford International Athletics Stadium £4 per session Tel 01234 718835 www.bedford.gov.uk/sport BEDFORD MASCULAR SUPPORT GROUP Third Monday of each month at 10:30 am. Volunteer Centre, 43 Bromham Rd Offering practical and emotional support to people suffering central vision loss or Macular Disease. Speakers on a range of related topics. Info 01234 708613. HEARTS IN BEDS CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP First Tuesday each month 7pm Priory Methodist Church Halls, Newnham Ave, Beds, MK41 9QJ Gentle exercise sessions from 7 – 7-30 pm under a qualified trainer. All welcome, you don’t need to have a cardiac condition to join us. Contact Ted Jolliffe 01234 327791 or email tednmary.jolliffe@ gmail.com Chairman Paul Keech. Tel. 01 2343 211733 Vice Chairman Tessa Whiting Tel. 07799 834026 Sec. Ted Jolliffe Tel 01234 327791

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

CLUBS & GROUPS BOSOM PALS – BREAST CANCER CHARITY 2nd Wednesday of each month 7.30pm to 9.45pm Friendly support group for ladies who have or have had breast cancer. Our aim is to provide information and support to help those going through breast cancer treatment and beyond. Social activities throughout the year. Transfiguration Church Hall, Bedford Rd, Kempston, MK42 8BQ Contact Denise 01234 771746 or Pauline 01234 350079 or email bosom-palsbedford@outlook.com

M O DE L M A KI NG

BEDFORD & DISTRICT SCALE MODEL CLUB Alternate Tuesday evenings 7.00pm – 10pm Southfields Community Centre, Southfields Rd, Kempston, MK42 7NR Did you build Airfix kits in your youth? Looking to return to the hobby? Experienced modeller looking to hook up with like-minded people and pass on hints and tips? Or are you a complete novice looking to make a start on your first kit? All ages welcome, whatever your skill level, and welcome all types of modelling subjects and media. Our main aim to is to have fun and exchange ideas and advice in a friendly atmosphere. Check out meeting times at www. bedfordmodelclub.co.uk or call Mark Peacock on 07963 956221

M O DE L R A I LWAY

KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY Every Wednesday 7.30pm-10pm NEW VENUE Kempston East Methodist Church. New members welcome. Contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brw60029@gmail.com

M US IC

STEADY FOLK MUSIC SESSION Last Tues of each month 7.30pm All standards of musician welcome whatever they play.Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street, Bedford MK41 7RU Michael Bliss 01234 308449

DA CAPO STRING ENSEMBLE 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month, 8pm – 9.30pm DCSE was created about 10 years ago for adults who were either going back to an instrument after a number of years or started to learn as an adult. We’re a small, friendly group and meet at All Saints Church Hall in Kempston twice a month to play a variety of music from Bach to James Bond. We’re looking for players of roughly Grade 3 standard or above – no auditions necessary! If you’d like more information, please contact Jill on 07791 841467 or email jill.wightman@icloud.com BEDFORD PIPE BAND Thursdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm Friendly & relaxed group beginners to experienced. New members welcome. St John’s Church hall (MK42 0DL), Bedford. Contact Pipe Major Donald Reid 01234 268475. Mrs. Barrett 01234 360967 www.bedfordpipeband.org.uk

R A I LWAYS

THE LOCOMOTIVE CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN - BEDFORD BRANCH First Thursday of the month except July 7.30pm. Wide range of speakers. We also have occasional outside visits. St John’s Church Hall, St John’s Street, Bedford, MK43 0DL More info, contact Bill Davies 01234 315594 or davieb563@gmail.com

R E A D I NG

FRIENDLY READING GROUP Wednesdays 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Why not come and join us? It’s absolutely free, and you’ll have:-A short story read to you by Colin, our group leader. -Refreshments served by the library staff half-way through. -The companionship of a lovely group of other members. There is no commitment to attending. Wootton Library, Lorraine Road, Wootton MK43 9LH

S I NG I NG

“OUSE VALLEY SINGERS Mondays 7.30 p.m Four-part harmony mixed choir who perform mainly for charitable purposes in the North Beds area. Rehearsals in Sharnbrook Methodist Church performing mainly light music e.g. show music, folk songs, etc. Contact Sue Plant 01234 314229.”

BEDFORD GALLERY QUIRE 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursday of each month 7.30 pm We welcome those interested in singing/playing ‘West Gallery’ music from the early 18th century to the mid 19th century. Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Ave, Bedford.Contact Ken Baddley 01234 310018 www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk KEMPSTON MUSICAL SOCIETY Thursdays – 7.30pm. – 9.30pm. Four-part harmony mixed choir who perform mainly for charitable purposes in and around Kempston. Rehearsals in Transfiguration Church Hall, Bedford Road, Kempston performing light, secular and sacred music. Contact Janet on 01234 781010 for more information.

S PEC I A L N E E DS / LE A R N I NG DIS A BI LI T I E S

MENCAP – SMILEY CLUB Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm A fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities. Art and crafts, board games, outside play in the warmer months and hanging out with friends! Pine Cones Family Centre, (behind Livingstone Lower School) Clapham Road, Bedford. For further information please contact the club leader Jeff Smith on 07798 762 808 FLAG BEDFORD Thursday afternoons 2-4pm FLAG Bedford (Friendship Link & Action Group) is a social group for adults with a sensory and/ or physical or learning disability, and their carers, who live in the Bedford area. Our aim is to combat social isolation and loneliness. Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Contact Linda on 07815 196357 or mailto:flag25@hotmail.co.uk MARLINS SPECIAL NEEDS SWIMMING CLUB Sundays 6.30 – 8pm For learning and physical disabilities. All ages welcome.

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SERVICES

BABY TODDLER GROUPS For more Baby & Toddler groups visit www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

M O N DAY

WOOTTON BAPTIST CHUCH HALL WRIGGLERS Mondays 10-11.30am (Term Time) U5’s Lots of toys, craft activity and song time. 50p per family Bedford Road, Wootton Tel 07814 164246 OAKLEY TODDLER GROUP Mondays 9.30-11.00am (Term Time) Toys and Games for all ages Activity Table for your little creators Coffee, Tea and Biscuits. Juice and Biscuits for children. £1 per child Village Hall, Church Lane, Oakley MK43 7RJ

TU ESDAY CHAT & MAKE Tuesdays 9am – 12pm (Term Time) Crafts, toys, songs, story and Crafts, toys, songs, story and refreshments £1. Term time for babies and toddlers 0-5. St Mark’s Church Community Centre Calder Rise, Bedford MK41 7UY Tel 01234 342613 PARK ROAD METHODIST CHURCH BABY & TODDLER GROUP Every Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am (in the hall). Roff Avenue, Bedford MK41 7TJ JELLITOTS Tues 10am – 11.30am (Term Time) Play, craft, stories and songs for babies and children 0-3yrs Tea, Biscuits & snacks. £1 per child. Church Lane Community Centre, Bedford MK41 0PW

W ED N ESDAY MAYPOLE FARM, KEMPSTON Wednesdays 9.30am – 11.00am Wednesdays 9.30am – 11.00am Crafts, colouring, books and more. £1 per child. Fletcher Road, Bedfordshire MK42 7FY

TH U RSDSAY BROMHAM BAPTIST CHURCH MESS & MUSIC Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30am (term time only) Free-play and arts and crafts, followed by music- songs with instruments for babies and toddlers. Snack & drinks. No charge, donations welcome. Village Road Bromham Bedfordshire MK43 8LJ. Tel 01234 822681 CHAT AND PLAY Thursdays 9.45am (Term Time) Group for Mums & toddlers.0-5 St Mark’s Church Community Centre Calder Rise, Bedford MK41 7UY Tel 01234 342613 CLAPHAM PARISH CHURCH Little Monkeys Thursdays 9am (Term Time) Free Group for Mums & toddlers.0-5 St Mark’s Church Community Centre Calder Rise, Bedford MK41 7UY. Tel 01234 342613

BIDDENHAM U5’S PLAYGROUP Thursdays 9.30 – 11.30am £2 for up to 3 children. First time is free. Biddenham Village Hall, Nodders Way, Nodders Way, Biddenham Call 07854 974474

FRIDAY SALVATION ARMY LITTLE ANGELS TODDLER GROUP Fridays 9.30am – 11.30am (Term Time) Hour of free play, juice and biscuits provided followed by a time of singing. Suggested donation £1 Commercial Road Bedford MK40 1NY WILSTEAD TOTS & TODDLERS GROUP Fridays 9.30 – 11.30 (during term-time) Range of craft activities throughout the year. Singing, snacks and games. Wilstead Methodist Church Hall, 24 Dines Close, Wilstead MK45 3BU Tel 07811 235538 KINDER CAFE Starting Friday 1st November, 1.30pm – 3.00pm (Term Time) Weekly cafe-style toddler group with children’s activities, singing & music, crafts, toys, coffee and snacks. Jubilation Centre, Moulton Avenue, Bedford MK42 0HL

Caring for your home

ALL NATIO NS CH U RCH, BRICKHILL DRIVE, BEDFO RD M K41 7QF TEL 01234 273773 NEW MUMS & BABIES GROUP WEDNESDAYS, 10.30AM – 12.00PM. Mums are able to come along and get to know other mums. TODDLER GROUP WEDNESDAYS, 1.30PM – 3.00PM (TERM TIME) Parents and carers of children aged from birth to 4 years are welcome to drop in, have a drink and chat while the children enjoy craft, play and music activities.

KIDS CLUB WEDNESDAYS, 5.45PM – 7.00PM (TERM TIME) A mixture of games, quizzes and challenges, and each week we have a short bible story told through puppets, drama or interactive storytelling. TODDLERS FOR DADS SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER, 10.00AM – 12.00PM Third Saturday morning of each month, this group gives dads the opportunity to meet up with other dads and join in with their children’s activities.

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HEALTH

BEDFORDSHIRE FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE On Saturday 2nd November 2019 the Bedfordshire Royal British Legion invites you to join them in their own County “Festival of Remembrance” raising money for the Poppy Appeal. This year the Legion encourages everyone to “Remember Together” to commemorate the service and sacrifice that many of our friends, Allies, and Commonwealth nations made alongside Britain in defence of its freedoms, values, and the way of life we enjoy today.. At the heart of “Remember Together” are the British, Commonwealth and Allied Armed Forces, the men and women of the resistance, the Secret Service operatives, and the incalculable civilian support that carried us thorough this nations darkest hours. This year marks the 75th anniversaries of some of the most extraordinary battles in history: Monte Cassino, Kohima and Imphal, Arnhem through to D-Day and the liberation of Europe.

This year’s performance is packed with Music and back by popular demand are the amazing D-Day Darlings who will be taking us through those classic wartime melodies for you to sing along too, with Music from Bedford Brass and the Bedford Pipe band who will entertain you, along with a special tribute from guest appearance from a George Formby tribute to “keeping the home front alive”

In Bedford Borough, events planned to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Day include:

Swan Hotel), at Elstow Abbey, and in villages across the Borough. There will be a memorial service at Kempston East Methodist Church at 2.30pm, followed by a procession and wreath laying at the War Memorial in the High Street.

Sunday 10th November- Remembrance Day Wreath Laying Ceremony The traditional wreath laying ceremony and march-past will be held at the War Memorial, Bedford Embankment at 11.00am. After the wreath laying, the Parade will march down the Embankment, across the High Street and St Paul’s Square, finishing in Riverside Square. Wreath laying ceremonies are also taking place at the Goldington Green War Memorial, the South African Campaign Memorial (outside the

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They will be joined on the evening by the choir of “Alive and kicking” and the Beds & Herts Army Cadet Corps of Drums, with a cast of 200 this is really going to be a memorable Act of remembrance. So come along and “Remember Together” in an evening of Song, prayer and Remembrance with a generation that that contributed to our great nations victory.

Monday 11th November- Armistice Day Commemoration and Two-Minute Silence There will be an Armistice Day Commemoration and two-minute silence at 11.00am. The event will be held in Riverside Square, Bedford. http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/ branches/bedford/remembrance

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BOOK REVIE

by Stuart Turton FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING NEEDS... Reviewed by Roz Masters

Murder mystery stories have been popular for centuries. However, I would say that you have probably never come across a murder mystery story quite like this. Debut author, Stuart Turton, admits to being inspired by the novels of Agatha Christie, but this is far from the likes of Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot.

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Set in a large country house in the early 20th century our protagonist wakes up in the www.cjohnsondecorators.co.uk middle of a wood. He is not wearing his own clothes and he soon realises that he is not in Tel: 01234 960304 his own body. Confused by what is going on Mobile: 07929 181619 he hears a gun shot and stumbles his way through the wood to Blackheath House. He is greeted by a man who calls him Sebastian Bell, but this name means nothing to him. Eventually he is visited by a mysterious man CJ Advert.indd 1 13/08/2015 in a plague doctor’s mask. Our protagonist is called Aidan Bishop and he has until the end of the day to solve a murder. If he fails then the day will start all over again, but this time Aidan will not be Sebastian Bell. He will live the same day over in eight different ‘hosts’ and so he has eight days to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. Evelyn has been murdered hundreds of times. Part Agatha Christie, part Quantum Leap, this novel will keep you guessing with plot twists appearing throughout. Oh, and expect to feel confused: Turton has done a stunning job of weaving the eight different days together. Just go with it and enjoy the journey!

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The Kitchen is a crime movie set in the 1970’s when the Irish mob controlled the Hell’s Kitchen area of New York, but this isn’t your normal tale of criminals and violence, though it has its fair share of that, because the focus of this film is the wives of three of the mob who have to deal with their husbands being arrested by the FBI and sent to prison.

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THE SEVEN D E AT H S O F E V E LY N HARDCASTLE

With Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish & Elizabeth Moss as the three wives you know going in that you have 3 great actresses in the lead roles and the film revolves around their performances so you need them to be excellent, which they all are (along with Domhnall Gleeson). The Kitchen is dark & gritty but manages to bring us in to the lives these women lead and when they decide to run the mob themselves it makes sense.

A good crime movie cannot be beaten, crime holds a fascination for most of us, and while this isn’t a brilliant one it is very good. The story moves along at a good pace and keeps you guessing as to where it is going to take you.

Simon White

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C A R I N G FOR

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CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY We have the privilege of joining together in caring for our community by providing local people in crisis with hampers during the Christmas holidays.

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B E D FO R D B LU ES FI R E W O R KS D I S PLAY A N D FU N FA I R Friday 1st November – Gates open 6pm Children’s Display 7pm Main Display 8pm Tickets £6 in advance and online, with children Under 6 going free £8 on the gate. Goldington Rd, Bedford MK40 3NF WWW.bedfordrugby.co.uk

S H A R N B RO O K S CO UT G RO U P G R A N D FI R E W O R KS D I S PLAY A N D B O N FI R E Saturday 2nd November – Gates Open & BBQ 6.15pm Advance tickets available at Pick A Lily Florist and The Co-op in Sharnbrook until Friday 1st November Child £2 in advance £3 on the gate Adult £3 in advance £5 on the gate South Field, Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook MK44 1HH

O A KLEY S PO RTS A N D S O C I A L C LU B FI R E W O R K D I S PLAY

Saturday 2nd November Gates open 5.30pm, display at 7:30pm. Kitchen open 5:30pm – 7:30pm Trampolines, Teacup rides, Toy & Candyfloss Stall Bouncy castle (in the village hall), Icecream Van Plus more TBC £10 family ticket (2x Adults, 2x children), £5 per adult, £2 per child Tickets available from the Oakley Sports & Social Club bar or at the gate on the night. Oakley Sports & Social Club, Church Lane, Oakley MK43 7RJ TEL:01234 824977 www.oakleyssc.com

G R E AT D E N H A M ’ S FI R E W O R K D I S PLAY Organised and funded by Great Denham Parish Council. Sunday 3rd November – Gates open 5pm Fireworks to start at 6.00pm (will be no later than 6.30pm) Hot Food and Drinks. The display is free to attend, but please kindly donate to the Friends of Great Denham Primary School, who will be there on the night. Bedford Golf Club, Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham MK40 4FF

TH E M O G G E R H A N G E R PA R K FI R E W O R KS FESTI V A L Sunday 3rd November 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm Children’s Fun Fair Rides, BBQ’s, Bar and Refreshments. Illuminated Drum Parade and Live Fire Show at 5.45pm (approx) with Fireworks display following Family Ticket £25.00 – Single Ticket £7.00 Park Rd, Moggerhanger, Bedford MK44 3RW. Book tickets online at www.moggerhangerpark.com/

STEV I N GTO N FI R E W O R KS D I S PLAY Tuesday 5th November 5.30pm – 9.30pm Hot Food & Drinks plus Licensed Bar Stevington Village Hall & Playing Field, Court Lane, Stevington MK43 7QT

S COTT PR I M A RY S C H OO L FI R E W O R KS Tuesday 5th November 5.30pm – 7.30pm Display approx 6.30pm Food & Drink, Glowsticks, Mini Funfair Rides. Family Ticket £10 in advance (2 adults & up to 3 children) £12 on the gate Single Ticket £4 | Under 4’s FREE Tickets in the office on online at www.eventbrite.co.uk Hawk Drive, Bedford MK41 7JE

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WHAT’S ON

What’sON ARTS & CRAFTS, TALKS & DEMONSTRATIONS

BEDFORDSHIRE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY LEGAL RECORDS FOR GENEALOGISTS A TALK BY DR NICK BARRATT Friday 1st November 7.15 p.m. Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk HARDY PLANT SOCIETY, CAMBS & BEDS Saturday 2nd November 2.00pm Russell Bowes ‘Say it with poison – stories of murder from the Herbaceous Borders!’ Plants, Dalefoot composts and garden sundries for sale. Visitors very welcome £4 including refreshments. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH ALPINE GARDEN SOCIETY, BEDFORDSHIRE BRANCH Monday 4th November 7.30pm ‘Meconopsis – in the wild, growing and showing’ by Prof. David Rankin. Competitions, sale plants. Visitors welcome £3. Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Road, Wilstead MK45 3BX www.bedfordshirealpines.com/ BEDFORD FLORAL ART SOCIETY MEETING Tuesday November 5th at 7.30pm Floral demonstration by Teresa Rodriguez entitled “Flowers at the Bay”. Visitors welcome £7 Addison Centre, Kempston. www,bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk JOINT MEETING HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION WITH BEDFORD ARCHITECTURAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL & LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Wednesday 13th November 7.30pm Illustated talk: Bedford & the Raj: the life of Victorian & Edwardian Anglo-Indian residents locally Dr Denise McHugh, Open University Free to members. Others welcome, donation £3 Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre, Putnoe Heights, Bedford MK41 8E

BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE TRUST Wednesday 13th November 7.15pm for 7.30 ‘Managing Grasslands in Bedfordshire’ An illustrated talk by Wildlife Living Landscapes Manager, Laura Downton. Meeting Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Plenty of parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057 BEDFORD NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION. Tuesday 19th November 2.30 start Speaker: Richard Galley on “ Bedford Highlanders” Richard has been researching the story of the Highland Division’s friendly ‘invasion’ of Bedford during the first nine months of WW1. Everyone welcome. No need to book – just come. Small admission charge. For further information contact Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421 Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN BIDDENHAM GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Tuesday 19th November 7.30pm “From Field to Floribunda” By Alison Green Visitors very welcome. Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & Refreshments Biddenham Village Hall, Nodders Way, Biddenham MK40 4BJ www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk. EMBROIDERERS GUILD, BEDFORD BRANCH Thursday 21st November 7.30 for 8.00pm Anne Cooke & Angie Hill on ‘Exhibiting in Coventry Cathedral’ Please see connectedtextilegroup.co.uk or Bedford Embroiderers Guild on Facebook. Visitors welcome £4. St Mark’s Church Hall, Calder Rise, Bedford, MK41 7UY BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP Thursday 21st November 7.30pm Mike Weedon, assistant editor of ‘Bird Watching’ magazine. In January 2018 Mike fulfilled a lifelong bird watching ambition to revisit eastern Hokkaido, the northernmost of the main Japanese islands. He will share with us the amazing wildlife spectacles for which the region is renowned. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5. Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF The facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking. More info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford

CHARITY / COMMUNITY AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA Friday 22nd November 2pm to 4pm Admission £4 – Tea, home-made cake and friendship Christ the King Parish Hall Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For Information call 01234 326291

SERVICE OF LIGHTS Saturday 23rd November 4pm A service to remember loved ones who have died. Light a lantern in their memory and tie a message ribbon on our tree of remembrance. To book a free place – https://service-of-lights-bedford. eventbrite.co.uk King’s House, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford MK42 9AZ BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON AND FIREWORK DISPLAY Supported by Love Bedford Sunday 24th November 5.30pm Festive weekend of fun including a Christmas Fair on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th of November 10am – 5pm

FAIRS/ TABLE TOP SALES ST PAUL’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 2nd November 10am – 4pm Range of stalls with Christmas gifts and refreshments. In aid of the church and our outward giving to local and global charities. St Paul’s church, Bedford MK40 1SQ Further details 01234 340163 TABLE TOP SALE Saturday 9th November 9am to noon. Entry 50p. Refreshments available, Tables £5 – must be prebooked. Christ the King Parish Hall Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call on 01234 965497 PARK ROAD METHODIST CHURCH AUTUMN FAIR Saturday 9th November 2pm-4pm Bric-a brac, Jigsaws, Books, Tombola, Raffle & Refreshments. Admission – 20p. Park Road Methodist Church corner of Beacons field Street & Roff Avenue Bedford MK41 7SB SHARNBROOK CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sunday 17th November 11am – 4pm Free Entry The Sharnbrook Hotel, Park Lane, Sharnbrook MK44 1LX

MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE COLMWORTH GOLF CLUB PRESENTS KEV MINNEY, STEPH BROWN & QUARTET Friday 1st November 7pm Bar and food is available on the night. Tickets are just £5 plus the eventbrite fee – £5 goes straight to the musicians. Colmworth Golf Club, New Road, Colmworth, BEDS, MK44 2AP Tel 01234 378181

FROM EUROPE TO THE WIDE MISSOURI CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR Sunday 3rd November 3.00 pm Poulenc Mass in G with a miscellany of choral music conducted by Henry Vann St. Peter de Merton church, Bedford Tickets on Door : £8.00 BELLS AND WHISTLES A joint concert by Biddenham Handbell Ringers and Peregrine Recorder Orchestra Saturday 9th November at 7.30pm Tickets £7.50 on the door, accompanied children free Light refreshments included Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB https://en-gb.facebook.com/biddenhamhandbellringers/ MUSIC ON THURSDAYS Jack Liebeck (violin) and William Vann (piano) Thursday 21st Nov 7.45pm Music by Mozart, Brahms, Schumann, Fauré Bedford School Recital Hall Tickets £18, Students 18-25 £5, Under-18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk PAVENHAM TRADITIONAL JAZZ CONCERT Saturday 23rd November 7.30pm The Bateman Brothers will present an evening of the music of Kenny Ball & Louis Armstrong. Tickets £22 including a hot 2 course supper. Licensed bar. Tickets from Derek Bliss, bliss259@btinternet.com or Richard Roberts 01234 825235. In aid of The Friends of St Peter’s Pavenham Pavenham Village Hall, High Street Pavenham, MK43 7PE THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th November A musical version of the timeless classic by E Nesbitt. Nightly at 7.30pm and matinee on 30 November at 2.30pm. Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust, Sharnbrook, Beds. Book online: www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk or call 01234 781 441. BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB Present popular player DAVID THOMAS Wednesday 27th November 7.30 – 10.00 pm Members £5 Non-Members £6 Pay at Door Bar/Refreshments/Raffle Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN www.organfax/clubs/bedford

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SERVICES

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“Swing’s the thing” return to “The Place” for what promises to be their best ever Christmas Concert. The band will be performing traditional Christmas carols superbly arranged by the likes of Stan Kenton, Gordon Goodwin and Rich DeRosa. Also joining us once again will be our special guests Katherine Mclean and Mel Peake who will be singing their festive favourites. Join us a memorable evening of seasonal swing. THURS 12th DECEMBER, THE PLACE, BEDFORD, 8:00PM START, TICKETS £12.50. BOOK ONLINE AT www.theplacebedford.org.uk

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WOOTTON LIBRARY LORRAINE ROAD, WOOTTON MK43 9LH TEL 01234 766061

NOVEMBER EVENTS BEDFORD CENTRAL LIBRARY HARPUR ST, BEDFORD MK40 1PG TEL 01234 718178

KEMPSTON LIBRARY 32 HALSEY RD, KEMPSTON, MK42 8AT TEL 01234 276453

Regular Events Baby Rhymetime for 0 – 18 months – Monday from 11.30 to 12.00 Rhymetime – Tuesday from 2.00 to 2.30 Rhymetime – Thursday from 11.30 to 12.00 Lego Club – Saturday from 11.00 to 12.00 Sunday is Fun Day – Sunday from 11.30 to 1.30

Regular Events Scratch Art Fridge Magnets Storytime – Monday from 2.15 to 2.45 Creative Writing Group – Monday (1st working Monday of the month) – 3.30 to 4.45 Lego Club – Monday from 2.00 to 5.00 Games Galore – Tuesday (fortnightly) from 2.00 to 3.30 Dice Warriors Games Club (for children) – Tuesday from 3.30 to 5.00 Rhymetime – Tuesday from 11:00 to 11:30 Wiggles and Jiggles for children under 1 – Tuesday from 2.00 to 2.30 Adult Craft Club – Wednesday from 2.30 to 4.00 ( ask staff for dates) Adults Colouring Club – Wednesday from 2.00 to 3.00 Children’s Colouring Club – Wednesday from 3.00 to 5.00 Wiggles and Jiggles for children under 1 – Thursday from 11.00 to 11.30 Dice Warriors Games Club (for children) – Thursday from 3.30 to 5.00 IT Buddy Sessions (book your appointment at the library) – Thursday from 10:00 to 12:00 Knit and Knatter – Thursday from 2.00 to 3.00 Lego Club – Friday from 2.00 to 5.00 Saturday Kids Club – Saturday from 10.00 to 3.30

BROMHAM LIBRARY SPRINGFIELD DRIVE, BEDFORD MK43 8NT TEL 01234 824391 Author Event with Jean Fullerton Saturday 9th November between 4.30 and 6.00pm Tickets £2.00 available from the Library. Regular Events Knit and Knatter – Monday from 2.15 to 4.00 Lego and Colouring Club for Children (Term Time Only) – Tuesday from 2.00 to 5.00 Rhymetime for Under 5s (Term Time Only) – Wednesday from 11.00 to 11.30 Lego Club and Colouring Club (Term Time Only) – Thursday from 2.00 to 5.00 Board Games Club – Friday from 10.00 to 5.00 Craft Club for Children (term time only) – Saturdays 10.30 – 12.30

PUTNOE LIBRARY LIBRARY WALK, PUTNOE ST, BEDFORD MK41 8HQ TEL 01234 276462 Regular Events Knit and Knatter – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 10.00 to 11.30 Rhymetime (Term Time Only) – 1st Tuesday of the month from 11.00 to- 11.30 Board Games Club for Adults – 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 10.00 to 11.30 Rhymetime (Term Time Only) – Thursday from 2.30 to 3.00 Adult Colouring Club – Friday from 2.00 to 3.30 Storytime (Term Time Only) – Friday from 2:30 to 3:00 Saturday Vibe (children’s craft session) – Saturday from 10.00 to 3.30 Jigsaw Swap Session – 1st Saturday of the month from 10.00 to 3.00

Regular Events Fun Time for Under 5s – Monday from 2.30 to 2.50 Colouring Club – Monday from 3.30 to 4.30 Lego Club – Monday from 3.45 to 4.45 Baby Fun Time – Tuesday from 10.15 to 10.45 Board Games Club – Tuesday from 1.30 to 4.00 (LibraryPlus members only) Are you sitting comfortably? Storytelling for adults – Wednesday from 2.30 to 3.30 Lego Club – Wednesday from 3.45 to 4.45 Storytime with Ted for Pre-school Children – Thursday from 10.30 to 10.50 Crafty Thursdays – Thursday from 10.30 to 11.30 Bridge Club –Thursday from 2.00 to 4.00 (LibraryPlus members only) Colouring Club – Thursday from 3.30 to 4.30 Tiddlers and Toddlers (18 months to 4 years) – Friday from 2.15 to 2.45 Knit and Knatter – Friday from 2.00 to 3.00 Colouring Club – Friday from 3.30 to 4.30 Lego Club – Friday from 3.45 to 4.45 Children’s Jigsaw Club – Saturday from 11.00 to 12.30 Lego Club – Saturday from 11.00 to 12.30 Colouring Club – Saturday from 11.00 to 12.30 Super Saturday Craft – Saturday from 11.00 to 12.30

Can you make a difference? If you have just 1 hour to spare a week then you can!

Friends for Life are a registered charity which provides friendship and company to residents in Bedfordshire care homes. We are looking for more volunteers to become personal befrienders, who can offer time, friendship and company to those that need it the most. It’s a very flexible role, which fits around existing commitments and makes a huge difference to elderly residents that receive few, if any visitors. It can involve chatting, reading, going out for a coffee or walk in the park. If you are interested in finding out more about volunteer befriending, we would love to hear from you.

For more information: www.friendsforlifebedford.org.uk email: pauline@friendsforlifebedford.org.uk or phone: 07460 575410 36

SERVICES

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SERVICES

Bedford Sports Awards 2019 Monday 9th December 2019

Do you know someone who deserves sporting recognition? Deadline for Nominations: Wednesday 20th November 2019 at 5pm Nomination Categories...

Atlantic Autos 12 Darlington Close, Sunderland Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1RW

AMERICAN VEHICLE SERVICE CENTRE

• Servicing • Exhausts • Tyres • Brakes • Clutches • Shock Absorbers • Batteries • Courtesy Cars Available • Performance Upgrades • M.O.T testing While You Wait • Air Conditioning

01767 68 08 68 info@atlanticautos.com www.atlanticautos.com.

• Adult Sports Personality of the Year (18 yrs and over) sponsored by The Harpur Trust • Junior Sports Personality of the Year (17 yrs or under) sponsored by The Rotary Club of Bedford Park • Sports Club of the Year sponsored by R&D Coaching • Community Club / Group of the Year sponsored by Bedford Sports Foundation • Sports Team of the Year sponsored by University of Bedfordshire • Sporting School of the Year sponsored by Sports Development Unit • Sports Coach of the Year sponsored by Bedford College • Sports Administrator / Outstanding Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Fusion Lifestyle • Young Sports Volunteer of the Year (17 or under) sponsored by Team BEDS&LUTON • Disability Sports Award sponsored by Guidant Group • Outstanding Achiever in Sports Award sponsored by Bedford Borough Council

Nominate online NOW!

www.bedford.gov.uk/sportsawards

For more information or advice, please call 01234 718827 The Harpur Trust has been supporting Bedford Borough for over 450 years through grantmaking, almshouse provision and education.

FOR BEDFORD 40

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www.harpurtrust.org.uk

SPORTS& ACTIVITES ARCHERY Ouse Valley Archers Thursdays 7.00pm – 9.00pm and Sundays 2.00pm – 4.00pm Run by Archery GB approved coaches. All equipment provided. For experienced archers or those who have completed a beginners course the club shoots indoors/ outdoors at Putnoe Primary School & Field, Church Lane, Bedford. For further details visit our website or contact info@ousevalleyarchers. com

BADMINTON Wootton Badminton Club Thursdays from 7.30pm to 10.00pm Friendly club welcoming anyone who does or has played badminton. Wootton Upper School, Hall End, Wootton, Beds, MK43 9HT woottonbadmclub@gmail.com www. woottonbedfordbadmintonclub. weebly.com

BASKETBALL / DODGEBALL Bedford Thunder Basketball Club Mini Basketball (Reception to Yr 5) Sundays 9.30am – 11am U14s Development (Yr 6 to Yr 9) Sundays 11am – 12.30pm U18’s Session (Yr 10 to Yr 13) Sundays 2pm – 3.30pm Bedford Academy, Mile Road, Bedford MK42 9TR For information email coach@ bedfordthunder.com

Bedford Thunder Basketball for Girls Saturday 3pm to 4.30pm Aimed at new players £3 per session and runs on a payas-you-play basis. As per Basketball England regulations all new members will need to register as a player before their third session – registration cost £10 per year. Bedford Academy, Mile Road Bedford MK42 9TR. Or visit www.thisgirlcan. bedfordthunder.com Bedford Mighty Eagles Dodgeball Team Tuesdays 7pm-9pm A club that plays at a high level but welcomes anyone from any sporting ability and background. 15yrs or over. Men’s and women’s squad. £3 per session – First session free. Training is at Wootton Upper School, Hall End Road, MK43 9HT

BOWLS Become a Wheelstar at Kempston Bowls Indoor Bowls Club Every Tuesday 12pm till 1.30pm a group of disabled people meet to play bowls from special ‘buggies’ in a friendly environment. A meal is available at the end of the session. You don’t need to have previously bowled. Pop in any from 12pm until 1.30pm for information and to see if you would be interested in a trial. Telephone Anne or Doug on 01234 841071 Kempton Park Indoor Bowls Club Largest Indoor Bowls Club in the area for all ages and abilities. Free taster session followed by 4 coaching sessions at a time to suit you. Bowls and bowls shoes provided for your lessons. Superb facilities. Tel 01234 852291 290 Hillgrounds Road Kempston MK42 8UB www.kempstonparkbowls.co.uk

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Bromham Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesdays 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm (year round) Monday afternoons 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (September to June only) First two sessions are free and where training can be given. Just bring a pair of flat shoes. Bromham Village Hall, Village Rd, Bromham, MK43 8JP Contact Sue Amor on 01234 823610 for more details Mowsbury Park Bowls Club Taster Days Wednesday or Friday 2pm to 4.30pm. Outdoor season starts at the beginning of May until midSeptember. Try lawn bowls for FREE. Just bring flat shoes. Entrance is via Wentworth Drive For more info about our club please contact Anne Haynes on 01234 211828 www.mowsburyparkbowlsclub.co.uk Bedford Borough Bowling Club Est over 100 years now enrolling new members and forming a junior section. Indoor and outdoor bowling greens. FREE tuition from qualified instructors, all equipment provided. Just wear flat shoes. Check our website www.boroughbowlin.org. uk or telephone 01234 340736 for more details Bedford Bowling Club Welcome Sessions Tuesday and Friday 2pm – 4pm Warm, friendly club and the green is in a sheltered part of the park. Taster sessions in Bedford Park (near the café), and we welcome anyone who would like to try the game. All equipment provided just wear flat soled shoes to protect the green. No cost or obligation. For full information ring Ray on 305695, Warwick on 403551, or Alison on 343257.

CYCLING Cycling Uk Bedfordshire We meet on a regular basis and have rides to various places, and cater for all abilities. We ride as a group for the pleasure of riding and socialising! See website ctc-bedfordshire.co.uk for details of our forthcoming rides, or ring 01234 219148 for further information.

FOOTBALL Bedford Girls and Ladies FC Voluntary sports club for girls age 8 and upwards. If you’d like to find out more info please call Jill on 01234 772668 or 07850540631.

PARKOUR / FREERUNNING

Bedford FC Mini Soccer Club Every Saturday at Goldington Academy 10.30am till 12.15pm. Boys and girls aged 4-10yrs. £3.00 per child and £5 for two. Our aim is to provide children of all abilities with a unique footballing experience, developing physical, social and communication skills. www.bedfordfcminisoccer.com.

Falcon SA Gymnastics Club Saturdays 1.15pm to 2.15pm Scott Primary School, Hawk Drive, Bedford. Boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 14. Fusing traditional gymnastics and acrobatics with tricks and stunts made famous from the movies. This includes rolling climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, plyometrics, as well as learning flics and somersaults in a safe and inclusive environment with qualified coaches. www.falcongym.com

GYMNASTICS

RUGBY

Falcon SA Gymnastics Club Weekday evenings from 4.45pm Saturday Mornings Scott Primary School, Hawk Drive, Bedford Gymnastics for boys and girls from 4 years, In a safe and friendly environment. Offering Floor work, apparatus and badges www.falcongym.com

KARATE GKR Karate Classes Wednesdays at 6.30pm to 7.30pm Anyone who turns up for a class who is not already a GKR student will get a free 1 hour training session. Putnoe Heights Church, 32 Putnoe Heights, Bedford MK41 8EB

MARTIAL ARTS Shinpi Izumi Martial Arts Club – Ju Jutsu style Juniors – Mondays -term time only 6-7pm Adult / Senior Tuesdays – all year round 8-9pm St Cuthbert’s Hall, Newnham Street, Bedford, MK40 3JR. Please contact Rob Sensei on 07840 314869 for prices and further information One month free trial available

Little Scrummers Rugby Club Every Saturday at Kings Oak Primary School 8.30am until 11.10am. Exciting, fun & inspiring children’s tag rugby classes for girls and boys from 18 months up to 7 years old! We want to bring rugby to children at a young age to enable them to build their confidence, enjoy sport & have fun! For more information & to book in for a FREE TRIAL please visit us at www.littlescrummers.com

RUNNING Bedford Parkrun Saturdays Meet at The Bandstand at 9am. Join us for a 5km run around the park (dogs, children and buggies all welcome). Register for free on the Parkrun UK website www.parkrun.org.uk

TABLE TENNIS Social Table Tennis Mondays & Tuesdays 7.30pm10.00pm All Ages Welcome. Just Turn Up £4 per player per session, Bats Available, Free Hire Coaching Available. Sports Hall, Lincroft School, Oakley. Call John 07921 093199 Bedford Community Table Tennis Club Every weekday at 2 venues: Bedford Academy Mile Road and Church Lane Community Centre, Goldington.Each session is 2 hours. First Session is FREE at Bedford Academy Wednesday 7.30pm9.30pm Call Harvey on 07884 938753 first.

WALKING/ RAMBLING Bedford Rambling Club Small, friendly and sociable group who meet on Sunday and Monday mornings for 2-3 hour circular walks generally in and around the Bedford area. We are always looking for new members and non members are welcome to join us. Please visit our website or contact us for further information. https://bedfordramblingclub.org Email: bedfordramblingclub@gmail. com Phone: Christine 01234 360769

Bedford Junior Parkrun Sundays (4-14 year olds) Jubilee Park, Moulton Ave, Bedford MK42 0HL Weekly free 2k timed run for juniors but please register before your first run! Meet at the skate park 8.45am for warm up www.parkrun.org.uk/bedfordjuniors/

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of a listing. For loads more information on local Sports & Activities visit www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

£25

PRIZE CROSSWORD Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 8th November. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY

SERVICES

DC CARPENTRY Specialist in Carpentry & Joinery 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

Carpentry and Repairs Undertaken Including

Doors Gates Kitchens Flat Pack Assembly Skirting / Architrave Flooring Special Offer! Decking ained door with Single 6 panel gr le, hinges and e hand Victorian chrom and fitted from £75 d lie pp su h latc Free advice and estimates call

01234 306575 / 07961 328721 (Brickhill Based) info@dccarpentry.org

www.dccarpenrty.org

Last Months Crossword Winner – Marjorie Gardner, Bedford

ACROSS 1 5 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 18

Affirms (6) Grabbing, seizing (6) British aristocrat (4) Rest, break (8) Defensive walls of a castle (8) Part of the foot (4) Athletic throwing event (6) Apologise, atone (6) Scrap, fight (4) Members of the crow family (8)

20 Remove the riding seat from a horse (8) 21 Enclosure for chickens (4) 22 Pacify (6) 23 Arduous, irritating (6)

DOWN

2 Giant rogue wave (7) 3 Bind, fasten securely (3,2) 4 Not at all intoxicated (5,2,1,5)

5 Large box filled with riches (8,5) 6 Thick sweet tomato sauce (7) 7 Female relation (5) 13 Small edible fruit, may be black, white or red (7) 15 Infant (7) 17 Christmas theatre show (5) 19 Atrophy (5)

For last months answers please turn to P62

Name:

Tel:

Address:

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GETTING R E A DY F O R Laparoscopic (keyhole) spays now available at Acorn House More comfortable, faster recovery from spay

FIREWORKS As the firework season approaches, we need to remember that our furry friends can find the loud noises and flashes of light very frightening. What can we do to help?

Back to normal exercise within days Smaller wounds Maximum precision, minimally invasive * additional fee applies

KEEP PETS INDOORS

Try to walk dogs before dusk and keep cats indoors after dark. Make sure both dogs and cats are microchipped so that you can be reunited with them if they do become startled and bolt.

MAKE THE HOUSE FEEL SAFE

Drawing the curtains, having the television or radio on, and acting calmly yourself will help to minimise the effect of fireworks on your pet.

PROVIDE A SAFE HIDING PLACE

Many dogs and cats choose to hide away when the fireworks start. Help your pet by providing a safe, enclosed space well in advance of the firework season. Dogs often appreciate a crate/cage with the door removed and a blanket over the top. Cats like to be up high, in igloo-style beds. During the day, place treats inside the hiding place for your pet to find, helping them to see the hiding place as a place where good things happen. Try not to disturb your pet when they are hiding.

Acorn House Veterinary Hospital Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7HN

Tel: 01234 261839 www.acornhousevets.com Register online today.

TALK TO YOUR VET

If your pet continues to show distress around fireworks despite these measures do speak to your vet. Medication can relieve distress and prevent noise fears from getting more severe over time. New medications specifically for dogs with firework fear have recently been developed. One of these is suitable to use preventatively throughout the 2-3 week firework period, avoiding the problem of having to guess when the fireworks are going to go off! Any pet that suddenly becomes worried by noises when previously they were unconcerned should have a thorough health check because some medical conditions can cause noise phobias.

Many dogs and cats choose to hide away when the fireworks start. Help your pet by providing a safe, enclosed space

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TAKE ME HOME

Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade

Jade

Maud

Ole

Girl needs a patient, loving indoor home to settle into

Sweet girl looking for a loving indoor home

Playful sibling looking for a new start

Pheobe

Rashford

Simba

Shy kitten looking for a home to blossom in

Playful sibling looking for a new start

Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade Branch Call 0345 260 2505 or visit www.bedford.cats.org.uk

Bringing pets and people closer together

AS SEEN ON CHANN EL

The national charity is looking for puppy parents in Bedford and surrounding areas to provide their puppies with the love, care and skills they need to get ready for the next stage of their training. Canine Partners trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities, boosting their confidence and independence. The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and dressing a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency.

We can help if you’re looking for a new pet or need help with your pet. Ask Wood Green anything about owning a pet at woodgreen.org.uk

Puppies-in-training live in the volunteer’s home from around eight-weeks-old until they are ready to start advanced training when they are between 12 and 14 months, at the Southern Training Centre near Midhurst or the Midlands Training Centre in Leicestershire.

Registered Charity No. 298348

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THE BEST START IN LIFE

VOLUNTEERS are needed to offer the best start in life to a puppy training to be an assistance dog for charity Canine Partners.

We are Wood Green. We think having a pet is amazing.

GIVE AN ASSISTANCE DOG

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Canine Partners’ expert trainers are on hand to support puppy parents, as training involves home visits, one-to-ones, town visits and puppy classes in order to socialise the puppy and get them used to all situations they may need to be in as a fully trained canine partner. To become a puppy parent in one of Canine Partners’ 13 puppy satellites across the country including Bedford, you need to be aged 18 or over, work less than full-time and be willing to make a long term commitment of at least 14 months. To find out more about becoming a puppy parent for Canine Partners, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/puppy-parents/, call 08456 580 480 or email puppyoffice@ caninepartners.org.uk

GARDENING

POTS OF CABBAGE! November can be a bit of a grey, miserable month so I like to inject some colour with winter bedding plants. Obviously, the choice of plants for winter is not as large as during the summer months but there are enough varieties around to make very attractive combinations for pots. My favourite plant for winter pots has to be the ornamental cabbage. These robust beauties come in wonderful colours including cream, pink and purple – with either attractive frilly or very spiky leaves. They pair beautifully with winterflowering pansies and hardy cyclamen. Try planting three pots of different sizes using a colour scheme which co-ordinates with the cabbages. Plant a 50cm / 20inch pot with four large ornamental frilly cabbages surrounding a central spiky one, to give some height to the display. Then choose a smaller pot (38cm / 15inches) and plant one frilly ornamental cabbage surrounded by pink and purple winter-flowering pansies. Finally plant a small pot (25cm / 10inches) with a mixture of hardy cyclamen and white pansies. The resulting display will give you pleasure through November, December and January.

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Top Tips Select a frostproof container because these pots need to withstand wintery conditions. The most dependable pots are made of fibreglass, lead, iron, heavy plastic, or stone. Most terracotta will crack in cold temperatures, but some glazed varieties are frost-proof. Use a good general-purpose compost. There are mixes specifically made for use in containers, which provide the essential drainage that plants living in pots need. Make sure you place plenty of drainage material in the bottom of the pots. A good compost will contain enough slow release fertiliser to maintain the plants for several weeks during autumn and winter. If they still going strong as winter turns to you can give them a bit of a feed, but by February or March you will want to think about replanting your pots with spring bedding. Think about gravel – I like to use a layer of gravel over the soil of my winter pots for several reasons. It gives the planted pots an attractive finish, keeps rain from splashing back on to the plants, provides some insulation for the soil and reflects light and warmth in any winter sun thus creating a little microclimate in which the plants will be happier.

Bedfordshire

Ready for Autumn Call now:

01234 949 007

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GARDENING

BEECH BARK DISEASE Beech bark disease is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of a sap-sucking insect, known as beech scale or Crytococcus fagisuga, and two species of fungi, Nectria coccinea var. faginata and Nectria galligena.

GARDENING Beech bark disease is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of a sap-sucking insect, known as beech scale or Crytococcus fagisuga, and two species of fungi, Nectria coccinea var. faginata and Nectria galligena. Beech scales themselves do not threaten the health of beech trees, but the insects feed on the sap in the inner bark of the tree leaving exposed areas, making the tree susceptible to Nectria colonisation which causes their decline. Mortality occurs within 3-6 years after scales infest the area. Up to 95 percent of beech trees in a given area can succumb to beech bark disease once initial infection occurs. The pattern of insect spread and the subsequent occurrence of Nectria infection and tree death have led to a three stage classification of disease development: Stage 1. The advancing front - areas recently invaded by the beech scale. Stage 2. The killing front - areas that are characterized by high populations of beech scale, severe Nectria attacks, and heavy tree mortality. Stage 3. The aftermath zone - areas where heavy mortality occurred at some time in the past. Large trees, over 20 cm in diameter, succumb more readily than small ones. Treatments are most effective when applied to young crawlers before they have settled and begun to form their protective scales with the application of a spraying oil + an organic pyrethroid insecticide (autumn or spring). Nitrogen fertilisation of infested trees should be delayed until control of insects has been achieved. Few biological controls for scales are available. Fully dormant trees can be treated with spray oil + pyrethroid insecticide in Dec-Jan to kill overwintering scales and eggs. Beech scales can be controlled by manually scrubbing infested trees with a soft brush or by power washing the trees with a moderate-high pressure hose. Once Nectria fungi infect the trees, applications of phosphites with an appropriate bark penetrating agent are recommended.

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01767 627 532 Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bedford UK To advertise with us please get in touch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

GARDENING

Guttering Problems?

For All Your Landscaping Needs Landscaping:

Maintenance:

-Fencing -Patios -Decking -Turfing -Gravelling

-Grass Cutting -Hedge Trimming -Garden Clearance -Small Tree Works -Pressure Washing

Professional Service, FREE Quotes, Fully Insured & All Waste Removed.

• Gutters cleaned • Leaking gutters repaired • New guttering fitted All by a friendly, local, established company

EDEN TREE SPECIALISTS

Call Rob on

01234 480244 or 07977 206403

T: 01234 960690 M: 07889 920435 www.tpigardenservices.co.uk

01234 960796

www.edentreespecialists.co.uk info@edentreespecialists.co.uk

Careful felling and sectional dismantling of trees

Stump grinding and removal

Expert pruning, including crown reductions, crown thins, deadwood removal and pollarding

£10m Public Liability Insurance

Hedge maintenance and trimming 54

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Tree and hedge planting TPO and conservation Area applications ARB Approved Contractors Free quotations and advice given

SERVICES

BEDFORD BLUES

Is your business starting to think about Christmas?

If you need some inspiration and ideas we can help!

From Festive Menus, Christmas Advert Campaigns, Seasonal Posters and much more. Talk to us about your design requirements and make this your best and busiest Christmas EVER!

01767 316139 07808 770845 doug@dougdawson.co.uk

Again on the agenda are a group of fantastic local Fire Entertainers, Kundalini Fire, who will grip the crowds in front of the Eagle Stand between both displays.

www.dougdawson.co.uk

DDC Bedslife advert.indd 1

Motorbike mechanic Rushden based with 25 years of experience Servicing, diagnostics, customisations Cars welcome too. For friendly and professional advice Honest service and reasonable rates. www.facebook.com/toowheelsormore 07737 489949 56

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The annual Fireworks Display and Funfair is back at Bedford Blues on Friday 1st November 2019, with ticket sales now open. Gates open on the evening at 6pm for an action packed, fun filled evening of entertainment. The much-anticipated funfair and bars will also be open from 6pm, leaving plenty of time to take a wander around the ground and soak up the family atmosphere at this traditional town event, before the children’s display starts at 7pm.

13/08/2019 21:26

The main display kicks off at 8pm providing spectators with a spectacular show, the aim remains to put on another bright, loud and entertaining firework display as Firemagic attempt to raise the bar year on year. From Catherine Wheels to Rockets, Goldington Road will be ablaze with colour for the night, illuminating the sky for miles around. Join the fun with thousands of others, including Heart Radio as Presenter Nicky Vadera takes the mic for the annual event. You can purchase your tickets for the fireworks display – as well the Blues home game against Newcastle Falcons – at www.bedfordrugby.co.uk.

NOVEMBER FIXTURES Saturday 2nd Doncaster v Bedford 2.30pm Saturday 9th Bedford v Newcastle 3pm Sunday 17th Nottingham v Bedford 3pm To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

BEDSLIFE DIRECTORY AMERICAN VEHICLE SERVICE CENTRE Atlantic Autos 40

DANCE LESSONS Footsteps School of Dance

ARTIFICIAL GRASS Artificial Grass & Turf Solutions Easi Grass Prestige Lawns

54 51 53

DOG WALKING & PET SERVICES Fetch ‘N’ Go

BATHROOMS/BEDROOMS Bedford Kitchens & Bathrooms Dream Doors QP Interiors

19 11 5

BOOKKEEPING Joda Services BUILDERS High Point Construction CARPENTRY D C Carpentry CARPETS & FLOORING A&A Carpets CHARITY Friends for Life Wood Green Animal Shelter CHIMNEY SWEEP The Black Horse Chimney Sweep

60 27 45

ELECTRICAL GOODS / REPAIRS JB Domestic ELECTRICIAN Craddock Electrical DH Electrical

FUNERAL SERVICES Neville Funeral Service

37 48

GARAGE DOORS Almond Garage Doors

56 39 40

EVENTS Bedford Daycare Hospice Dinner Dance 14 Christmas Light Switch On 31 2 Christmas Market St Mark’s Christmas Fair 29 35 Swings The Thing

CLEANING Aroma Clean 15 CitrusClean 21 J&D Window Cleaning 24 Sureclean 13 CLOCK SALES & REPAIRS Bedford Clocks

EDUCATION Polam 29

27 61

GARDEN SEVICES/SUPPLIES Beaver Sheds 51 61 Bryan Johnson LWS 51 M J Nicholson 61 Mr Fix Property Maintenance 57 Sureclean 13 TPI 54 Whites 61

COMPUTER REPAIR/MAINTENANCE/ SALES Oakley IT 10

GUTTERING SERVICES MK Guttering

GYMNASTICS CLUB Falcon Gymnastics

CURTAINS & BLINDS Emperor Blinds

HANDY MAN SERVICES TJ Odd-Job Services

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HOUSE CLEARANCE Bedford House Clearance

KITCHENS Bedford Kitchens & Bathrooms Dream Doors F and D Kitchens

19 11 30

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT Cineworld 38 Milton Keynes Theatre 34 LOCKSMITH A Rocket LOFT LADDERS Home counties Loft Ladders MOTOR MECHANIC Too Wheels or More

39 7 56

PAINTING & DECORATING Bromham Painting & Decorating Craig Johnson David Lower Decorating

62 24 60

PLASTERER CM Plastering CP Ceilings Craig Johnson

45 25 24

PLUMBING & HEATING Aquasure Plumbing C M Plumbing & Heating T R Donnelly The Bedford Plumbers

12 9 61 45

PODIATRY / CHIROPODY / FOOTCARE Feet To Go Mr Rob Foot Clinic

22 60

ROOFING Bridge Roofing 12 62 Bucks Roofing Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions 11 SKIP HIRE Paul Riches Skips

STOVES Cromwell Stoves

TAXI/AIRPORT TRANSFER Ace Cars

TILING Dave Moore Tiling

TREE SURGEONS Bartlett Tree Experts Eden Tree Specialists

53 55

UPHOLSTERY M&S Upholstery

VEHICLE HIRE Rent Xpress

VETS Acorn House

WILL WRITING The Will Writing Company

WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Bromham Windows 13 Cloudy2Clear 64 Kempston Windows 39 WINDOW CLEANING J&D Window Cleaning

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CP Ceilings 25 HomeFix 21 Mr Fix Property Maintenance 57

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS

BOOK KEEPING

CLASSIFIEDS

GARAGE DOORS ALMOND GARAGE DOORS LTD

DOG WALKING SERVICES

 Bedford & Milton Keynes  New Sales & Installations  Existing Doors Automated  Spare Parts 01234 828953

info@almondgd.co.uk

Unit 1a, College Farm, Oakley, MK43 7RX

DANCE LESSONS

FURNISHINGS

M&S

Upholstery

Complete Re-upholstery Service

Quality Service Call now at: 01234 302883 Or: 07954161786

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

CLOCK SALES & REPAIRS

01234 217104

Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

T.R.Donnelly

HEATING SERVICES

557766

Local Engineer Specialising in all heating appliances Breakdowns & Installations Fixed Boiler Services £65 Landlord Gas Certs Power Flushing All Plumbing Repairs Carried Out

01234 307 667 | 07967 643 405

We also buy antiques, collectables & unwanted household items

www.bedfordclocks.co.uk

College Farm, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RX

HEATING SERVICES

01234 889 024 bedfordhouseclearance.com

OLD CLOCKS WANTED FOR PARTS

Call 01234 307411 or 07973 470650

Commercial & Domestic, all leading brands.

01234 826066 www.whites-online.co.uk

Give me a call, see if I can help you Tony Joslin T: 01234 218923 M: 07761 561131 E: tjoddjobs@yahoo.com

House Clearances & Waste Removal Environment Agency Licensed

Associate member of the British Horological institute for 25 years

Interior & Exterior Decorating Local – Bedford based Over 40 years experience Competitive Rates Discounts for Senior Citizens

SALES, SERVICE, REPAIR & PARTS

General House & Garden Maintenance

Bedford House Clearance

Call Michael:

DAVID LOWER DECORATING SERVICES

WHITE’S LAWNMOWERS & GARDEN MACHINERY

T J Odd-Job Services

HOUSE CLEARENCE

Clock Repairs • Clock Sales

DECORATING SERVICES

GARDENING SERVICES

HANDYMAN SERVICES

FOOTCARE

Mr. ROB FOOT CLINIC

VEHICLE HIRE

ROBERT TARNOVEANU MCFHP MAFHP

Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

• Fungal Nails • Ingrown Toenail • Corns & Calluses • Nail Trimming MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

BEDFORD AREA

THE STABLES THERAPY CENTRE 108 MILTON RD, CLAPHAM. MK416AS

07389 185073

robfootclinic.co.uk

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

rentxpressltd.co.uk 01234 339008 To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Bromham Painting QP.pdf

01/05/2019

12:08

The Will Writing Company

BROMHAM PAINTING & DECORATING C

CMY

Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 964911

• Full Profession Service • Fully Insured • FREE Quotations • Internal & External Work 30 years experience We only use local trade people as and when required We take on all aspects of painting and decorating and Home Improvements. 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:

01234 822651 • 07748 032051

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.

OCTOBER

PRIZE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

OFFER ENDS 30th November 2019

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 30th November 2019 The Will Writing Company

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

Tel 01234 964911

Email:enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk

Terms and Conditions. The voucher must be produced at your appointment.