BedsLife Magazine October 19

OCT 19

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS BABY & TODDLER GROUPS LOVE LIBRARIES CLUBS & GROUPS SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

WIN!

A PAIR OF CINEWORLD TICKETS

£25 CROSSWORD PRIZE ‘MARTY MACDONALD’S TOY MACHINE’ TICKETS

FREE

LOVE BEDFORD VOUCHERS – THE PERFECT GIFT! The BedfordBID Love Bedford gift vouchers are redeemable in over 270 businesses.

These make great individual gifts, but can also be used as staff incentives/ bonuses. Shop virtually anywhere in Bedford and take advantage of their wide acceptance as opposed to a specific store voucher scheme. They can be redeemed in major stores as well as restaurants, cafes, bars, coffee shops, hairdressers, beauty salons, travel agents and even estate agents!

Visit www.lovebedford.co.uk for a complete list of participating businesses or call our friendly staff on 01234 404500.

The vouchers are available in £5, £10 and £20 denominations and can be purchased online.

Gift vouchers now available to purchase from Gallones Ice Cream Parlour in The Arcade and Michael R Peters on The Broadway.

Also available online at wwww.lovebedford.co.uk

CONTENTS Council News Alistair Burt MP

Wood Green Healthwatch Bedford Borough Volunteer Opportunities Bedford Daycare Hospice Clubs & Groups Baby & Toddler Groups Book Review Film Review Halloween Fun

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Don’t forget to check out our website www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

‘Marty MacDonald’s Toy Machine’ Tickets Competition 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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LIKE our Facebook page BedsLife Magazine to keep up to date with events, offers and local businesses and services.

FOLLOW us on @bedslife_magazine and @bedsLife

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Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk

Gardening Bedford Blues Last months Crossword Answers

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Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good

BedsLife Magazine would like to thank all our advertisers for their continued support without which we would not have a publication.

Please remember, if you enjoy reading BedsLife and are looking for a trades person or a service, we have a whole range of fantastic local businesses promoting themselves each month.

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.

NOVEMBER ISSUE BOOKING DEADLINE MONDAY 7TH OCTOBER

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Pavenham Oakley

Clapham Brickhill Polhill Putnoe Cranbourne Gardens A4280

Goldington

Bromham Great Denham Biddenham

Willington BEDFORD BED B BE E ED DFO ORD O OR RD Riverfield Drive Kempston Castle Road Newnham Wootton Wixams A421 A6

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COMMUNITY

COUNCIL

news

KOOTH: NEW ONLINE COUNSELLING AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN BEDFORD BOROUGH EXPERIENCING EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Kooth is available for young people aged 11-19 living in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Children and young people have access to articles written by young people, can join forums to receive peer-to-peer support, access self-help materials and keep a daily journal.

The regular forums cover a range of topics from exam stress and anxiety to eating disorders and grief.

Young people can also drop-in or book a one-toone online ‘chat’ session with a trained counsellor between 12pm and 10pm on weekdays, and from 6pm and 10pm at weekends, all year round.

Children and young people can sign up to the service via their laptop, tablet or smartphone and can access all the self-help materials, articles and forums linked to emotional wellbeing at www.kooth.com.

PRIORY COUNTRY PARK NATIONALLY RECOGNISED Priory Country Park is once again in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame after receiving a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ for five years in a row.

The 2019 ‘Certificate of Excellence’ recognises that this fantastic local country park consistently receives high ratings from visitors. The Hall of

Fame recognises those sites that receive these consistently high ratings for five years in a row.

This announcement follows news earlier this year that Priory Country Park once again won the Green Flag Award, for the 18th year in a row, alongside three other local parks; Addison Howard Park, Bedford Park and Harrold-Odell Country Park.

IMPROVING COMMUNITIES AND CREATING HOUSING: BRINGING LONG-TERM EMPTY HOMES BACK INTO USE Bedford Borough Council is proactive in tackling long-term empty homes, allocating nearly £3million in recent years to fund the compulsory purchase of properties, which is the last resort after all attempts to work with the owner have proved unsuccessful.

Following a change in government legislation, from April 2019 owners of properties that have been empty for two years are charged double the normal rate of Council Tax. From April 2020, owners of properties that have been empty over five years will have to pay triple the normal Council Tax rate, increasing to four times for properties that have been empty for over ten years from April 4

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2021. It is hoped that this will encourage people to contact the Council, and get advice to bring their property back into use.

Individuals and local communities can support the Council’s efforts to bring empty homes back into use by reporting empty properties to our Housing Strategy team via www.bedford. gov.uk/emptyhomes. If you have an empty property and would like advice on bringing it back into use, please contact the Housing Strategy Team on (01234) 718581 or email housing.strategy@bedford.gov.uk.

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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. . .

Reflecting on change

A few weeks ago, I announced that I would be retiring as the MP for NE Bedfordshire. Regardless of issues surrounding Brexit and the Conservative Party, my wife and I decided the time was right to go.

I have been an MP for thirty-two years, in the current top twenty by length of service, spending some twenty six years on the front or PPS bench of the Conservative Party, including eleven years as a Minister serving three Prime Ministers. I am proud of the record, but feel it is time to allow someone else the honour and privilege I have had, and for me and Eve to work in a different arena.

As I do not at the time of writing know the election date, I will leave a formal farewell for now, but reflect a little on the changes I have observed since arriving in the Commons at the age of twenty eight.

The Commons looks very different! In 1983 there were twenty-three women MPs, compared to two hundred and eight now. There was no designated BME MP at all, and some fifty-two now. The issues at that election look quite dated – Trade Union reform and industrial strife, Rates reform, nuclear disarmament, Mrs Thatcher herself – though there was Europe! Labour wanted to leave, the Conservative Party was passionate to stay; I make no comment.

Communications have had a revolution. The twenty-four hour news cycle provides a running 6

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commentary for politicians and public worldwide, requiring instant, and sometimes poorly thought through, responses to events. The advent first of computers, then internet, email and social media has radically re-defined how MPs and their constituents communicate. I can recall being told to take a black and white camera to any event I attended back in the day, to process my own photographs for the local newspaper if reporters did not attend!

Contact with constituents has increased, as have expectations. When first elected, a direct approach for help to an MP was rarely made until all other avenues had been pursued.

Now we are a first port of call, which MPs have encouraged as we seek to be more available and helpful for whatever issue a constituent suggests is important.

On the darker side, risks have always been present. In my time I have lost colleagues to IRA terror, and now white extremist terror; colleagues have been stabbed in their surgeries, and anonymous abuse, especially towards women MPs, is present as never before. My house has been attacked, and security for public representatives has been rightly stepped up.

But this should not obscure the fact that the vast, vast majority of my interactions with constituents over the years have been excellent, and I trust useful for all. I would not have missed the experience of being an MP for anything, and still count it as the greatest honour of a citizen.

Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP

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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WOOD GREEN THE ANIMALS CHARITY

Wood Green’s aim is to help every pet and pet owner that comes to them.

Wood Green, The Animal Charity’s aim is to bring pets and people closer together, providing pets with loving homes that they deserve whilst empowering owners with the knowledge to take the very best care of their beloved pets. Wood Green offers free pet advice to anyone who needs it, whether you are considering having a pet in the future and need guidance on pet choice, or you already have a pet and need some general advice or intensive support.

In a year, Wood Green found loving homes for more than 4,000 pets and reunited 164 pets with their owners. Their dedicated team gave one-to-one care and support to 2,343 pets and their owners, with more than 10,000 veterinary consultations and around 3,200 operations carried out. It is always a joy for Wood Green’s pet rehoming team to successfully match pets with people and hear back that dogs like Perry are settling well in a happy home. Six-yearold Perry had a turbulent start in life and got a 8

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second chance home with Joy who fell in love when she “found out that he had been there longer than most dogs and it broke her heart”.

Sponsoring a pet pen is a meaningful way to be part of rescue pets’ journeys at Wood Green and help the financial effort in providing the best quality treatment and care possible – from shelter, regular nutritious meals and veterinary care to training, love and affection. Pets at Wood Green stay for an average of 30-35 days, meaning you will play a vital role in giving a number of adorable pets the happy ending they deserve. You will receive regular updates from your dog, cat or small animal pen and follow pets’ amazing journeys, seeing first-hand how your support is making a difference.

For more information, please visit woodgreen.org.uk.

SERVICES

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Bromham Painting QP.pdf

CALLING ALL VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN BEDFORD BOROUGH Do you have any views about health and social care services?

Healthwatch Bedford Borough is the independent champion for people using local health and social care services. We listen to what people like about services and what could be improved and share their views with those with the power to make change happen.

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An Interactive Workshop for Voluntary and Community Organisations Thursday 31st October 2019 When: Commencing at 12.00 noon with a Sandwich Lunch Where: Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU To reserve a place please email: enquiries@ healthwatchbedfordborough.co.uk or telephone: 01234 718018 Look forward to seeing you!!

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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 Marie Curie – Community Fundraising Volunteer – Help raise vital funds by organising collections and speaking in public about events in the area. Lots of day-time opportunities.

Friends for Life – Chair – An opportunity to join the Board of Trustees as Chair, to help this charity which is working to address the social isolation of residents in Bedfordshire’s care homes.

Citizens Advice Bedford – Adviser – Full training given so that you can undertake client interviews and research information in order to help clients understand the options regarding their problems and offer practical help. Ideal for anyone wishing to train as a solicitor.

Music 24 – Trustee – A dynamic and highly skilled individual is wanted to join the board of trustees for this newly registered charity offering music therapy services and activities. Luton based, with preference for candidates working or living in Central Bedfordshire.

Circles East (Bedfordshire) – Volunteer – An opportunity for members of the community to respond bravely and positively to the needs and risks of sex offenders being released into their communities, to be part of a restorative justice, effectively reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Stevenage based.

Yarl’s Wood Befrienders – Mandarin & Cantonese speakers – Use your language skills to help those detained to feel less isolated, and to help look after their emotional well-being.

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

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SERVICES

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B E D F O R D D AYC A R E H O S P I C E

OPENS 5TH ‘NEARLY NEW’ BOUTIQUE Bedford Daycare Hospice was Established in 1992 and provides excellent quality specialist, palliative and end of life care, from the point of diagnosis. They have provided care and support to many hundreds of people, their relatives, families, carers and healthcare professionals in a unique day care only way.

As an independent charity Bedford Daycare Hospice is responsible for its own fundraising and currently receives little statutory funding.

They rely heavily on their fundraising team and the wonderful work the volunteers do.

An important part of the fundraising they do is through their Nearly-New shops. The money raised through these shops contributes significantly to the funds required to run the Hospice each year. With this being the case Bedford Daycare Hospice are extremely proud to announce that they have recently opened their 5th Shop at 125 Castle Road, Bedford and would love to invite you all to come and visit the new boutique. You will find a great selection of clothing and bric-a-brac for you to browse.

Volunteers and stock donations very welcome.

The Castle Road shop was officially opened by their patron, the Lord Lieutenant, Helen Nellis.

For more information visit http://bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk

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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 “Christina Rossetti and her artists” and “Art inspired

by Wine” Annual Membership is £4, guests £8 a visit.

We are a friendly welcoming society so do get in touch.

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: Jackie 07880 518465, Kevin 07780 756436 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

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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 BEDFORD “WHAT IS THE BIBLE?” A SEVEN WEEK COURSE, Tuesdays 10th September to 22nd October.

A warm and friendly group finding out more about the bible. We meet at All Nations Church, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7QF. 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.”

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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 LINEDANCE 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.

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

FR I E N DS H I P

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

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

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.

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

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CLUBS & GROUPS 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 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 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 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.

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

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

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.

Admission £2 Carer free Oasis Swimming Pool Bedford.

Call Rose on 07954784795 or Val 07973859940 or just turn up!

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.”

For more groups and classes visit www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk BedsLife Magazine can not held responsible for any be amends or cancellatio changes, ns of an event.

&

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 coffee morning. Lots of toys to play with, 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 all the children. £1 per child Village Hall, Church Lane, Oakley MK43 7RJ

TU ESDAY ST MARK’S CHURCH BRICKHILL CHAT & MAKE Tuesdays 9am – 12pm (Term Time) Crafts, toys, songs, story and refreshments £1.

Term time for babies and toddlers 0-5 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 PARK ROAD METHODIST CHURCH BABY & TODDLER GROUP Every Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am (in the hall).

Roff Avenue, Bedford MK41 7TJ JELLITOTS Tuesdays 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

WINSEY HOUSE FARM PARENT & TODDLER GROUP Tuesdays 10.30am to 12.30pm Come and get hands on with our ponies with a lovely selection of fun activities. £5 per child includes snack time. Just off the A6 Sharnbrook, MK44 1NB Facebook @winseyhousefarm

W ED N ESDAY MAYPOLE FARM, KEMPSTON Wednesdays 9.30am – 11.00am Crafts, colouring, books and more. £1 per child.

Fletcher Road, Beds MK42 7FY ALL NATIONS CHURCH TODDLER GROUP Wednesdays, 10.30am – 12.00pm 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.

Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7QF Tel 01234 273773

TH U RSDAY BROMHAM BAPTIST CHURCH MESS & MUSIC Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30am (term time only) Free-play and arts and crafts, followed by music- songs with actions and instruments for babies and toddlers.Snack & drinks. No charge, donations welcome.

Village Road Bromham, Bedfordshire MK43 8LJ Tel 01234 822681 CLAPHAM PARISH CHURCH LITTLE MONKEYS Thursdays 9am (Term Time) Free Play, Craft, Songtime & Refreshments.

01234 352814 (Sue) Fellowship Centre, Green Lane, Clapham MK41 6EP

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 1NYY WILSTEAD TOTS & TODDLERS GROUP Fridays 9.30 – 11.30 (during term-time) Range of craft activities throughout the year including themed crafts for special occasions. Singing, snacks and games. Wilstead Methodist Church Hall, 24 Dines Close, Wilstead MK45 3BU Tel 07811 235538

SATU RDAY ALL NATIONS CHURCH TODDLER GROUP TODDLERS FOR DADS Third Saturday of each month 10.00am – 12.00pm This group gives dads the opportunity to meet up with other dads and join in with their children’s activities.

Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7QF. Tel 01234 273773

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event.

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SERVICES

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HOW CAN COACHING S U P P O R T W E L LBEING? Coaching is distinctly different to counselling, therapy, mentoring and consulting in that it supports and enables people to be their best, both personally and professionally. It does this by encouraging them to design and commit to actions using their own thoughts, skills and resources.

Coaching is a change process. In other words, a planned process that leads to a desired change. The coaching process concentrates on where clients are right now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future. It is also a way of helping clients find their own answers.

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At each meeting the client chooses the focus of discussion, whilst the coach actively listens, contributes observations and asks questions.

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23

BOOK REVIE

THOSE WHO ARE LOVED

by Victoria Hislop Reviewed by Roz Masters

In her gripping sixth novel Sunday Times Number One bestseller Victoria Hislop – her first novel was The Island – returns to Greece.

Those Who Are Loved is set during the German occupation of Greece, the civil war that followed and a military dictatorship.

The novel opens in Athens in 2016 as Themis, an old woman, is visited by her large family to celebrate her birthday. When they have all left the party apart from two grandchildren who are in their twenties, Themis decides to tell them the story of her life as her legacy to them. She begins in the 1930s when she was a child being brought up by her grandmother together with her two brothers and her sister.

Themis describes the political differences which always caused arguments in her family and which intensified during the Nazi occupation of Athens in 1941. Polarised between right and left wing views when the Germans invade, many of the Greek people suffer greatly and Themis, now age 15, sees friends die during the famine.

When civil war follows the end of the occupation Themis carries out acts of resistance and outraged by those who have collaborated with the Nazis she joins the Communist army. She learns how to use a gun, experiences both love and hate and tries to comprehend the paradox of a war where Greeks fight against Greeks.

Eventually imprisoned on the infamous islands of exile, Makronisos and then Trikeri, Themis suffers extreme physical violence and endures hard labour. This painstakingly researched novel takes the complexity and tragedy of Greece’s past and intermingles its history with the fictional story of an ordinary woman compelled to live an extraordinary life.

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DC CARPENTRY Specialist in Carpentry & Joinery 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 latch supplied Free advice and estimates call

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

www.dccarpenrty.org

FILM REVIEW

ONCE UPON A T I M E I N H O LLY W O O D O N C E UPON A TIME IN H O L LY W O O D Tarantino is a film geek and this is a film for people like him, don’t get me wrong that doesn’t mean that everyone else will not like this it just means the more you are into film the more you will get out of it, the more you will notice the names of the characters, know who they are and know what he is referencing.

If you are not that deeply into film then this is still a truly stunning film. A long, rambling journey through Hollywood and the lives of a fading star and his stuntman/double interspersed with real people and the very well-known Manson cult.

Tarantino has always been excellent with dialogue and this is no different. It doesn’t take long before you are caught up in the world of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprios characters and time flies by (the film is 2½ hours long).

This is a film about characters rather than action, though there is a little bit of that.

Tarantino rarely makes a bad film but this time he has made one that is, in my opinion, up there with the best he has ever done.

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

25

42nd Bedford Beer & Cider Festival Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL

Wed 2nd - Sat 5th October 2019

Open Wed 4-11, Thu-Fri 12-11, Sat 11.30-10.30

@nbcamra

@northbedfordshirecamra

About 150 real ales and craft beers Draught and bottled international beers 50 ciders and perries red and white wines Admission � � � � �

Before 4pm: £1 After 4pm: Wed £2, Thu £3, Fri £4, Sat £2 CAMRA members free at all times No under 18s – ID may be required Card payments accepted

Other Features � � � � � � � � � � �

Souvenir glasses £3 sale or return Token scheme to pay at bars Oversize glasses for a full 20 oz pint Pint, half and third pint measures Street pass-outs for smokers etc Wheelchair access to all floors Hot and cold food from Angelo’s Mead and chocolate stalls Cloakroom run by Bedford Lions Free soft drinks Engraver

Entertainment

Tombola and Shut the Box game Wed eve – Fran Pegg & Pete Bonas Sat lunch – Red Cuthbert Morris Sat eve – Carlos Linnett & Nick Wood

Sponsor a Cask!

� £50 puts your business on the bar � £35 for private celebrations � Phone 01234 822698 or email sponsors@northbeds.camra.org.uk

Volunteers needed!

Festival organised and run entirely by volunteers.

To offer help, use staffing form on branch website or phone 01234 261812

northbeds.camra.org.uk

SERVICES

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.

Neville Funerals Advert May 2019.pdf 1 15/05/2019 09:58:11

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

27

n e e w o l Hal

fun

KI DS H A LLO W E E N D I S CO Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 5pm to 7pm Dust off your best fancy dress costumes and get ready to dance, scream and play lots of party games as we celebrate the spookiest time of year! £8 per child - includes kids’ meal and squash.

Parental supervision is essential!

Suitable for ages 3+. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking.

BOOK FAST - THIS ONE SELLS OUT QUICKLY Marston Vale Forest Centre Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR 01234 767037 or www.marstonvale.org/events

E M M A U S V I LLAG E CA R LTO N H A LLO W E E N S CAV E N G E R H U NT Thursday 31 October Bring the family for free Halloween fun Start your free Halloween adventure anytime between 10am and noon, by collecting a sheet from the bric-a-brac till in the bistro.

Entertain your little spooks by exploring our site to find the pumpkins hidden around the site; copy the faces and hand in your completed sheet at the end to receive your prize.

Each prize comes with a voucher for a free child’s Ribena or Fruit juice carton with any hot drink at em’s Bistro that day. Children, dress up!

Make your afternoon even more spooktacular by wearing your favourite costume: a black cat, a wizard, a witch – surprise us!

School Lane, Carlton, Bedford MK43 7LQ

M O N STE R M AS H FA N CY D R ESS D I S CO

H A LLO W E E N AT TH E S W I SS G A R D E N

Friday 25th October sessions 2.30pm to 4pm and 5pm – 6.30pm Dance to some spooky tunes. Prizes will be given for the best fancy dress!

All children must be accompanied by an adult, and tickets will be available soon. £2.50 per child or buy them a ticket for all three Halloween Spooktacular events for just £5!

Numbers are limited so get your tickets before they sell out!

Drinks & Refreshments will be available.

Tickets available from The Eatery, Unit A Roman Gate, Saxon Way, Great Denham Bedford MK40 4FU Great Denham Community Hall, 86 Saxon Way, Great Denham Bedford MK40 4GP

Saturday 26th October Join us for a family fun-filled evening. Walk our spooky trail stopping for scary stories as you go, then enjoy ghoulish games plus a biscuit and drink.

Entry times are staggered from 5.20pm, please arrive at your allotted time. If you dare, come along from 7pm for scarier stories!

Don’t forget to bring your torches for this Halloween event! £8 per child* (3 -12 years) and £5 per adult.

Please call 01767 627933 to book your place.

Old Warden Park, Old Warden, Biggleswade SG18 9ER

tt

Pole

SERVICES

Falcon Gymnastics

Falcon Gymnastics

Pre School Classes!

Location: Scott Primary School

Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Mornings.

Birthday Parties!

Location: Scott Primary School.

16 months - 4 Years.

Afternoons.

Developing:

• Co-ordination •

One hour fifteen minutes with

• Balance • Agility • • Confidence •

Saturday & Sunday

qualified gymnastics coaches and half hour in our party room.

Games • Air Track • Box •

- Alongside parents and qualified coaches.

Trampette • Floor • Beam •

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Hannah - 07854 789451

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“Polam is great because it is like a mini family but at school” – Year 2 pupil

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Call 01234 261864 to book a Private Tour or see www.polamschool.co.uk for Open Days.

Telephone: 01234 261864 admissions@polamschool.co.uk 43-45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford MK40 2BU

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

29

WIN A Pair of Tickets magazine.co.uk ail christa@bedslife To enter simply em ine’ in the subject ch Ma y cDonald’s To and put ‘Marty Ma tober.

by Monday 14th Oc and notified by chosen at random The winner will be er .

Friday 18th Octob

Saturday 2nd November at 2pm The Harpur Suite, 3 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1LE Tickets Adult £10.00 Child £9.00 The Box Office Tel 01234 718044 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

jacqui dankworth vocals

chris garrick violin

jacqui dankworth & butterfly’s wing le départ

rupert gillett cello

david gordon

piano & arrangements

Friday, 18 October, 2019 The Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s 26 St. Peter’s Street Bedford MK40 2NN

7:30pm

www.quarrytheatre.org.uk Box Office: 01234 362337

“…the male vocal performance of the year.” Jazz Journal “Remember the first time you heard Dylan, or Springsteen, or Costello, or Waits? Charlie Wood delivers that same jolt.” Jazz Times “Grade-A natural beauty.” MOJO

CHARLIE WOOD

and band

Saturday, 19 October, 2019 7:30pm The Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s 26 St. Peter’s Street Bedford MK40 2NN

www.quarrytheatre.org.uk Box Office: 01234 362337

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

31

What’sON ARTS & CRAFTS, TALKS & DEMONSTRATIONS

BEDFORD FLORAL ART SOCIETY Tuesday 1st October at 7.30pm Floral demonstration by Yvonne Tan entitled “Holiday in the Sun”.

Visitors welcome £7. Addison Centre, Kempston www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk POP UP ART EXHIBITION Saturday, 5th October 10am to 5pm Sunday, 6th October 10.30am to 4pm Over 70 local and National artists and sculptors displaying and selling their paintings over the weekend. MS Therapy Centre, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9RX BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE TRUST ‘WILD LIFE AND PEOPLE’ Wednesday 9th October Meeting 7-15 for 7.30 An illustrated talk by Nick Hammond about how the human view of the natural world has changed.

Plenty of parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057 THE FRIENDS OF THE HIGGINS BEDFORD Tuesday 15th October 2019 – 7.30 pm ‘An Exceeding Good Ball; Dancing in the Life and Novels of Jane Austen’ Illustrated talk by Dr Anne Daye Friends £4, Guests £9 The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk BEDFORD NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION Tuesday 15th October 2.30pm Speaker Mr Alex Turner on “Monologues and Meanderings”.

No need to book. Everyone welcome. Small charge for admission. Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN

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BIDDENHAM GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Tuesday 15th October 7.30pm “Alpines and Bulbs” By Rob Potterton Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & Refreshments Biddenham Village Hall, Nodders Way, Biddenham MK40 4BJ www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk.

QUINARY: CONTEMPORARY TEXTILE EXHIBITION THREADS Tuesday 15th October – Saturday 19th October 11.00 AM – 4.00 PM The Basement @ Bunyan Mill Street www.quinary12.wordpress.com BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP Thursday 17th October 7.30pm Jennifer Smart from the University of East Anglia and the RSPB, with a two-part presentation ‘Trials and tribulations of grassland waders’ – problems faced by lowland breeding waders and ‘Project Godwit’ – securing their future in the UK. 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. Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford THE FRIENDS OF THE HIGGINS BEDFORD Tuesday 29th October 2019 – 7.30 pm ‘Artists’ Feuds Illustrated talk by Barry Venning Friends £4, Guests £9 The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk ROYAL AND REGAL THE HAUNTED HISTORY OF HUNTINGDONSHIRE Wednesday 30th October, 12/12.30pm Talk by Mark Egerton, Author & Paranormal Investigator, preceded by 2-course lunch. Tickets £16: Pat Abbott: 01933.358319/patabbott1936@yahoo.co.uk Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, MK44 1NP Theatre’s Warm-up/Cool-down Appeal. Registered Charity

CHARITY / COMMUNITY FIVERFEST Saturday 5th to Saturday 12th October Loads of amazing £5 offers from Independent shops and businesses in Bedford Visit www.towncentrechampions.co.uk/ for more info COFFEE MORNING Sunday 13th October 10am- 12noon Come and meet our horses. Raffle, Refreshments and more... Elisabeth Curtis Centre- Riding for the Disabled Chestnut Ave, Bromham MK43 8HP

WHAT’S ON BROMHAM MILL APPLE DAY Sunday 20th October 11am – 4pm A celebration of country living, food, art, craft, heritage of the mill, music and apples. Entrance and parking fee charged going to support Bromham Mill heritage site.

Expressions of interest welcome from crafters, artists, demonstrators, workshops and musicians.

Car parking available in Bromham Park, MK43 8HU. Entrance off Village Road, Bromham. £3 per car.

AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA Friday 25th October 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

CRAFT FAYRES / TABLE TOP & JUMBLE SALES BROMHAM SCOUT GROUP JUMBLE SALE Saturday 5TH October 1pm Main Sale – 1pm – in Village Hall Bric-a-brac Sale – 1.45pm – in School Hall (adjacent).

Pre-loved & nearly new: clothing & textiles; footwear & bags; jigsaws, toys & games; books & DVDs. Kitchen & dining items; tools & electricals. Possibility of bicycles, garden equipment & small furniture.

Bromham Village Hall, Village Road, Bromham, MK43 8JP.

FAMILY INDOOR CRAFTS – HEDGEHOG MAKING Tuesday 22nd October 10am to 3.15pm 4 x 45min sessions: 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm Marston Vale Forest Centre Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR Tel 01234 767037 or www.marstonvale.org/events HARRY POTTER WEEKEND Saturday 12th October to Sunday 13th October There will be so much wizarding fun to be had with fun for all the muggles and wizards alike. Try your hand at Harry Potter crafts, take part in a Witches & Wizards Scavenger hunt or even try flying an owl.

You will have the chance to meet and greet various owls, meet Harry & Hagrid with their owls and enjoy an extensive range of daily hands-on activities. All included in the admission price.

Adults £14, Seniors £12, Child (3-15) £13 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £40 Herrings Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Centre, Herrings Green Farm , Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire, MK45 3DT

MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE

TABLE TOP SALE Saturday 12th October 9am – 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

BEDFORD GALLERY QUIRE IN CONCERT Saturday 5th October 7.30pm A concert by Bedford Gallery Quire and Band, singing and playing music to bring to life the church and social music of the West Gallery period.

Tickets £10 (under 16s £5), from Alison (01234 781372) St Mary’s Church, Bletsoe MK44 1QD

AUTUMN CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR Saturday 12th October 10am – 3pm Craft and gift stalls, Tombola, Cake Stall, Raffle Refreshments served all day. Entrance £1 Proceeds to All Saints’ Church and G.B. Women’s Institute.

Great Barford Village Hall, Fisher’s Close, MK44 3HA

BEDFORD EXTRAVAGANZA: TWISTED CABARET SHOW Friday 18th October 8pm – 12 Midnight.

Twisted Cabaret brings together top class performers from the UK burlesque, drag and live music scenes.

A darkly gothic evening of glamour, horror and decadence. £12 in advance £15 on the door. www.skiddle.com Bedford Esquires, Room 2. 60A Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QG BEDFORD ORGAN AND KEYBOARD CLUB PRESENT POPULAR ENTERTAINER ELIZABETH HARRISON IN CONCERT Wednesday 30th October 7.30 – 10.00 pm Members £5 Non-Members £6 Pay at door Refreshments/Bar/Raffle Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event.

For more What’s On visit www.bedslifemagazine 33

SERVICES

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

BROMHAM LIBRARY SPRINGFIELD DRIVE, BEDFORD MK43 8NT TEL 01234 824391

Tuesday 22nd October 2.30 to 4.30 pm Monster Mania Scratch Art

Monday 28th October 10.00 to 11.30 pm Trick or Treat Boxes

Wednesday 23rd October 10.00 to 11.30 Monster Crowns

Monday 21st October 11.30 am to 3.30 pm Spooky Bunting Help decorate the children’s library.

Saturday 19th October 10.30 to 12.30 pm Halloween Window Decorations

Thursday 24th October 2.30 to 4.30 pm Spooky Finger Puppets

Monday 28th October 11.00 to 11.30 am Introduction to Freegal Learn to stream and download music for free.

Tuesday 22nd October 11.15 to 1.15 pm Spooky Mural Fun Create a spooky mural with the students from Bedford College.

Wednesday 23rd October 11.30 to 3.30 pm iExplore Day See books come to life!

Thursday 24th October 12.00 to 3.30 pm Chalk Drawing Come and be artistic.

Friday 25th October 11.15 to 12.15 pm and 1.30 to 2.30 pm Ozobot Creative Robot Sessions Book your place on one of the sessions.

Saturday 26th October 10.30 to 4.30 pm Paper Pumpkin Decorating Monday 28th October 11.30 to 3.30 pm Spooky Crafts Make treat bags, crowns and honeycomb decorations.

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Saturday 19th October 10.30 to 12.30 pm Quiver Colouring Bring colouring to life with the Quiver app and special colouring sheets.

Monday 21st October 10.00 to 11.30 am Spooky Halloween Fridge Magnets Monday 21st October 11.00 to 11.30 am Introduction to Rbdigital Learn how to get started and access audiobooks, e-books and magazines for children with your library card number and PIN.

Friday 25th October 10.00 to 11.30 Halloween Scratch Art Fridge Magnets Friday 25th October 11.0 to 11.30 am Britannica Online An introduction to the Britannica Library resource for children’s learning and fun.

Saturday 26th October 10.30 to 12.30 Sugar Candy Skull Window Decorations

KEMPSTON LIBRARY 32 HALSEY RD, KEMPSTON, MK42 8AT TEL 01234 276453 Saturday 19th October 9.30 to 3.30 pm Scratch Art Fridge Magnets Tuesday 22nd October 11.30 to 4.30 pm Robot Crafts with kitchen rolls

Wednesday 23rd October 2.00 to 5.00 pm Personalised Binary Bracelets

Saturday 19th October 10.00 to 3.00pm Scratch Art Woodland Animal Magnets.

Saturday 26th October 10.00 to 3.00 pm Scratch Art Haunted House Craft

Tuesday 22nd October 10.00 to 11.30 am Terrific Tuesday Spooky finger puppets.

Wednesday 23rd October 2.00 to 5.00 pm Make Do and Mend Join us to have a try at a new craft.

Monday 21st October 2.30 to 5.00 pm Make your own Hedgehog Pals to take home.

Monday 28th October 2.30 to 5.00 Crafty Mash Up Pop in to catch up on any crafts you missed last week.

Wednesday 23rd October 2.00 to 4.30 pm Cat Pom Pom Craft

Thursday 24th October 10.00 to 4.30 pm Matchbox Cameras Make a camera with us.

Friday 25th October 2.00 to 5.00 pm Minecraft Boxes Saturday 26th October 9.30 to 3.30 pm Design a Craft Tablet Design your own tablet – maybe your idea will make you a fortune in the future!

PUTNOE LIBRARY LIBRARY WALK, PUTNOE ST, BEDFORD MK41 8HQ TEL 01234 276462

Tuesday 22nd October 10.30 to 4.00 pm Make and decorate a wooden Leaf Magnet Author Event with Jean Fullerton Wednesday 23rd October between 12.00 and 1:30pm Tickets £2.00 available from the Library.

Wednesday 23rd October 2.30 to 4.00 pm Autumn Wreaths Thursday 24th October 10.30 to 4.00 pm Design and decorate a popsicle stick picture frame.

Friday 25th October 2.30 to 4.00 Weave an Owl using paper.

WOOTTON LIBRARY LORRAINE ROAD, WOOTTON MK43 9LH TEL 01234 766061 Saturday 19th October 11.00 to 12.30 pm Smiley Saturday Drop in to make your own camera.

Monday 21st October 2.00 to 4.30 pm Dragon and fairy scratch art for the whole family

Thursday 24th October 10.00 to 11.30 am Terrifying Tuesday Make a funky spider decoration Friday 25th October 2.00 to 4.30 pm Make a robot themed biff bat Saturday 26th October 11.00 to 12.30 pm Super Saturday Catch up on the crafts you missed this week.

Monday 28th October 2.00 to 4.30 pm Lucky Dip Crafts

37

SERVICES

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39

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

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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

ÂŁ25

PRIZE CROSSWORD Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 11th October.

Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – K Baker, Bedford

ACROSS

1 Ripped (4) 4 Commenced, began (8) 8 The ______ Night, painting

by Van Gogh (6) 9 Gifted, high intellect (6) 10 Type of bean (4) 11 Worn to shreds (8) 13 Autonomously (13) 16 Breaking out (8) 19 Exhaust, drain (4)

20 Decline (6) 22 Inception, genesis (6) 23 Mimics (8) 24 Lady ____, singer and actor (4)

DOWN

2 Expenses (9) 3 Commentate (7) 4 Home of the Pyramids (5)

5 6 7 12 14 15 17 18 21

Small-minded, prejudiced (7) Wash out in clear water (5) Flightless bird (3) Making bigger (9) Obvious (7) zero (7) Grown-up (5) Paint with a shiny finish (5) Type of deciduous tree (3)

For last months answers please turn to P62

Name: Address:

42

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Tel:

SERVICES

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING NEEDS...

Internal & External Decorating Plastering Refurbishments Quality Workmanship A friendly and reliable service

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43

PET

INSURANCE It is estimated that 1 in 3 pets will need unexpected veterinary care each year.

Taking out pet insurance whilst your pet is fit and well should give you peace of mind that you will not need to worry about money if your pet falls ill.

CONSIDER A “LIFETIME” POLICY

Lifetime policies mean that if an insured pet develops a medical condition, the insurance company will continue to fund this condition for the rest of the pet’s life (within the policy terms and conditions).

Time-limited policies are generally cheaper to buy, but mean that illnesses are only covered by the insurance company for 12 months after the firwst date that they occur. After this period, the insurance company will not pay for any treatment relating to this illness.

CHECK THE ANNUAL VETERINARY FEE COVER

Pet insurance policies vary in the amount of money that they will pay out if your pet is ill. It is best to purchase the highest amount of cover that you can afford (the most comprehensive policies cover around £10 000 of veterinary fees per year). Some of the most common insurance claims are for: • Damaged cruciate ligaments in dogs (can cost £4000 per leg, both legs can be affected) • Bladder obstruction in cats (can cost £2000 to stabilise and correct each episode, reoccurrence is common).

• Road traffic accidents (costs can reach many thousands of pounds if there are multiple broken bones or internal injuries).

CHECK THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Nearly all insurance companies will charge an excess – this is the amount of money that the owner is expected to pay towards the vet fees themselves. Many policies charge a fixed excess of around £100, but some policies also charge owners a percentage of the total bill.

REMEMBER

Not all policies are equal – read the terms and conditions carefully!

Ask for recommendations from friends who have had to claim for their pets in the past.

Be aware that if you move from one insurance policy to another, any conditions that your pet has had in the past will not be covered on the new policy.

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

45

TAKE ME HOME

Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade

Luna

Amber

Hardy

Sweet natured girl looking for love and cuddles

Tabby girl looking for her forever home

Former Stray looking for an indoor home

Kitty

Chester

Working Cats

Affectionate girl looking for a lap

Recently homed

Professional mousers looking for work

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

4

We are Wood Green.

We think having a pet is amazing.

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

Registered Charity No. 298348

46

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Join us for a festive Traditional Afternoon Tea and browse our gift stalls Biddenham Village Hall - 30th November Wixams Village Hall - 14th December For more information and to book visit www.bedford.cats.org.uk

GARDENING

BEAUTIFUL BLUEBERRIES

I love blueberries and they are not only incredibly good for you but also quite simple to grow. They thrive in a sunny border or in a pot on a balcony or patio, so there’s no excuse for not harvesting a crop of your own.

In addition, they are a generous plant. All varieties produce pretty white flowers in the spring, followed by delicate green fruits which ripen to deep blue. If that wasn’t enough, the foliage then turns pink and peach for Autumn.

Blueberry bushes do require an acid soil to thrive but if you don’t have that (I don’t!) then use pots of well-drained ericaceous compost. When you need to re-pot, choose a pot just a few inches larger because they fruit better in a snug pot!

Ensure it has adequate drainage holes and put some stones or crocks in the bottom and keep it raised so it doesn’t become waterlogged. Water with rainwater from your water butt, especially if you live in a hardwater area. Make sure they are watered well while they become established and also while the fruit is ripening. Feeding with tomato food helps too. Poor or erratic watering causes the blueberries to shrivel or split, and noone likes a shrivelled blueberry!

If you have acid soil you can plant blueberry bushes at any time of year when the ground is soft. Dig a hole twice the size of the root-ball and 48

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spread the roots as you refill the hole to the base of the stem. Press the soil down with the heel of your boot.

Blueberries are sun-lovers and will fruit most abundantly in full sun. They are better grown in pairs to allow for cross-pollination. If you can bear it, remove the flower buds in the first year after planting because it encourages strong stem growth better fruiting for the following year. They don’t require any pruning for a few years. After that thin overcrowded or unproductive branches in winter after the leaves have fallen. Remember blueberries fruit on branches produced the previous year, so each year remove one or two of the oldest canes to make space for the more productive younger stems.

In the winter move pots to a sheltered area or the shed for protection.

NOTE – Our feathered friends love blueberries as much as we do so make sure you protect you harvest with netting!

Happy gardening!

SERVICES

Guttering Problems?

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

01234 480244 or 07977 206403

For All Your Landscaping Needs Landscaping:

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-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.

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

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

49

GARDENING

A TIME TO PLANT Winter is a good time to think about planting new trees in your garden. This can be to replace a tree lost or just to enhance your garden. A new tree can be a great asset to your property as long as the right selection is made and the correct care is taken of the tree during it s early years. Many trees have differing attributes to take into account,

Flowering: Prunus Shirofugen – Flowering Cherry Makes a small tree with a rounded crown which is rather spreading, mature height 5-10 metres. Foliage is copper coloured when young which contrasts well with its large, double white flowers which finish pink.

Bark Interest: Betula utilis Jacquemontii – Himalayan Birch Makes a medium sized tree with a mature height of 15-20metres. Bears oval, dark green leaves which turn golden yellow in autumn. Its white bark is accentuated by lenticels lines and peels routinely each year.

Autumn colour: Fraxinus angustifolia Raywood – Raywood Ash Medium sized tree with a dense, upright, oval and relatively compact habit. Mature height 10-15 metres.

Its dark green leaves turn a wine red in autumn.

Berries: Sorbus aucuparia Joseph Rock-Mountain Ash Small tree with ascending branches, mature height 5-10metres.Bunches of small white flowers appear in spring and in autumn creamy yellow berries appear when the leaves turn a lovely red.

Watering – Water regularly if the weather is dry, normally from April onwards throughout the growing season. A standard 12-14foot high tree needs at least 20litres of water on a weekly basis to encourage good establishment.

Mulching – Helps enormously, increases the availability of water & nutrients, and prevents the development of weed growth.

Staking – Once established the trees stem will increase in girth, therefore an annual check must be made & the stake/strap adjusted as required.

Feeding – Regular feeding with a balanced slow release, water soluble fertiliser to improve root and shoot growth. Improving the trees health and therefore improving resistance from pest and disease issues.

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01767 627 532 Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford UK

GARDENING

Bedfordshire

Ready for Autumn Call now:

01234 949 007

beds@easigrass.com Whether you are looking to freshen up a lawn or create a whole new garden, investing in easigrass™ is a great way to transform outdoor space.

no mud no mess no mowing www.easigrass.com Showroom: Frosts Garden Centre, Newport Road, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, MK17 8UE

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

51

SERVICES

52

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ColourFence Bedford

Beautifully practical fencing Fencing blends in, but chances are that the last timber fence you noticed was because it was falling down. This revolutionary fencing is attractive and practical. Unique Colorbond TM steel offers low maintenance and longevity plus versatile style and colour combinations to match your theme or make a statement. No more painting or repairs, just a beautiful backdrop for years to come. ColourFence is also an incredibly strong product. It has been tested to withstand winds of up to 130mph without falling over, which means peace of mind, come rain or shine!

Low maintenance – hose off just twice a year Will withstand winds up to 130mph No painting or repairs required Guaranteed for 25 years* *T&C’s apply - visit website for details

“

We are delighted with this product for its strength and appearance and the knowledge that it will never rot, rust or fall apart. It will also withstand the strongest gales which gives us great peace of mind. We would strongly recommend having ColourFence

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Mr Cunningham

For a FREE no obligation quote & survey, contact Pat Ward on

colourfencebedford.co.uk

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SERVICES

Sureclean PROFESSIONAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Tile & Hard Floor Cleaning

YOUR LOCAL EXPERT PLUMBING & DRAINAGE SERVICE No call out charges • Pre-fixed price 24/7 • 365 days a year

DRIVEWAY & PATIO CLEANING Re-sanding & Sealing GUTTER CLEANING, INSPECTION & REPAIRS Roof Moss Removal

Call your local plumber today Bedford & Surrounding Areas

01234 742900

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Local Company ~ Fully Insured T: 01234 510501 or 07870 338074 W: www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk

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EDEN TREE SPECIALISTS

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

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Hedge maintenance and trimming

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

SERVICES

Bromham Windows & Home Improvements

With over a decade of experience and a strong reputation for quality workmanship and reliability.

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.

Plastering of ceilings and walls Damaged ceilings and walls repaired Covering artex Plasterboarding Skimming Patch repairs Insurance work

For a free no obligation quotation call:-

Small, friendly plastering company based in Bedford       

Tel: 07847 307334 E | info@cmplastering.net W | www.cmplastering.net

01234 306662 or 07960 109429

R.J.S

Email: bromhamwindows007@gmail.com

Building & Maintenance Sevices

Extensions ~ Garden walls ~ Driveways Relay & Repairs of existing Driveways & Patios Jet washing of driveways, patios & garden walls Gutter cleaning ~ Garden clearance

Any work undertaken, No job too small

Call Richard James Saunders on

01234 343645 or 07780 331052 56

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BEDFORD BLUES

Limited

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that they have been selected to host the International Women’s clash between England and Italy on Saturday 23rd November 2019 (KO 3pm).

Offering a wide variety of services, including: • • • • • • • •

Commercial & Domestic Skip Hire 2 yard - 20 yard skips We r ec 14 yard enclosed skips at le ycle ast Grab service Wait & Load of w % Same Day Service a rece ste ived 20 yard - 40 yard ro/ro bins Account facilities available

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Recycling Rubbish Reclaiming Resources

Tel: 01234 843326 Email: richesskips@aol.com www.paul-riches-skips.com

Goldington Road will open its gates to Simon Middleton’s charges as they prepare to face the Azzurri in the Quilter Autumn International series which also sees the Red Roses taking on France twice.

Speaking about the announcement, Bedford Blues Chairman Geoff Irvine said: “We are delighted to welcome England and Italy Women’s teams to Goldington Road for the Quilter Autumn Internationals in November, there will certainly be a huge buzz around the town having hosted the U20s fixture last season.

“Bedford is a rugby town with a huge Italian community, so it is the perfect setting for such an encounter and one that we are very proud to be hosting.”

The women’s game has grown enormously in England in recent years, helped no doubt by the 2014 World Cup win as well as the Grand Slam in the Six Nations this year. With Bedford also hosting the largest concentration of Italian people in Britain, the Club are excited to be chosen as the venue and expect plenty of support for both teams on the day as evidenced by the Under 20s Six Nations fixture held earlier this year.

England Head Coach Simon Midddleton said: “Goldington Road is a fantastic ground and we know Bedford will embrace hosting an international fixture like Exeter and Doncaster did. Their fans are so passionate and love their rugby. It’ll be a great experience for us and another chance to take the Red Roses around the country.”

Early bird tickets for the game are on sale now atwww.bedfordrugby.co.uk with a saving of £4 on adult tickets with ground entry costing £10 and £14 for a seat in the Eagle Stand. Under 18s will gain entry to the ground for just £1. games at www.bedfordrugby.co.uk.

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

57

BEDSLIFE DIRECTORY AMERICAN VEHICLE SERVICE CENTRE Atlantic Autos 27

CURTAINS & BLINDS Emperor Blinds

ARTIFICIAL GRASS Artificial Grass & Turf Solutions Easi Grass Prestige Lawns

DRAIN SERVICES Drain Doctor

BATHROOMS/BEDROOMS Bedford Kitchens & Bathrooms Dream Doors Premier Kitchens & bathrooms QP Interiors

52 51 49 19 9 21

BUILDERS High Point Construction RJS Builders

15 56

CARPENTRY D C Carpentry

24

CARPETS & FLOORING A&A Carpets

11

CHARITY Cats Protection Wood Green Animal Shelter

47 46

CHIMNEY SWEEP The Black Horse Chimney Sweep

34

CLEANING Aroma Clean 39 CitrusClean 21 J&D Window Cleaning 62 Sureclean 54 CLOCK SALES & REPAIRS Bedford Clocks

60

COMPUTER REPAIR/MAINTENANCE/ SALES Oakley IT 39 COACHING AND TUTORING SERVICE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Mind Steps 23

58

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DRIVEWAYS & PAVING Paviour Doctor

60

54

EDUCATION Polam 29 ELECTRICAL GOODS / REPAIRS JB Domestic

62

ELECTRICIAN Craddock Electrical DH Electrical Impact Electrical & Security

10 13 31

EVENTS Bedford Beer & Cider Festival 26 Bedford Daycare Hospice Dinner Dance 14 Charlie Wood & Band 31 Jacqui Dankworth & Butterfly’s Wing 31 FENCING Colourfence 53 FUNERAL SERVICES Neville Funeral Service

27

GARAGE DOORS Almond Garage Doors

60

GARDEN SEVICES/SUPPLIES Beaver Sheds 52 Bryan Johnson 61 LWS 52 M J Nicholson 61 Mr Fix Property Maintenance 24 Sureclean 54 TPI 49 Whites 60 GUTTERING SERVICES MK Guttering

49

GYMNASTICS CLUB Falcon Gymnastics

29

HAIRDRESSING Deborah Mobile Hairdressr

61

HANDY MAN SERVICES TJ Odd-Job Services

61

HOUSE CLEARANCE Bedford House Clearance

61

KITCHENS Bedford Kitchens & Bathrooms Dream Doors F and D Kitchens Premier Kitchens & bathrooms

19 9 37 21

LEISURE Cineworld 38 LOCKSMITH A Rocket LOFT LADDERS Home counties Loft Ladders

12 7

MOTOR MECHANIC Too Wheels or More

61

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

10 43 60

PLASTERER CM Plastering CP Ceilings Craig Johnson

56 12 43

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

57 43 9 61 22

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

43

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CP Ceilings 12 HomeFix 11 Mr Fix Property Maintenance 24 ROOFING Bridge Roofing 39 Bucks Roofing 25 Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions 13 SECURITY / CCTV / INTRUDER ALARMS Impact Electrical & Security

35

SKIP HIRE Paul Riches Skips

57

STOVES Cromwell Stoves

25

TAXI/AIRPORT TRANSFER Ace Cars

23

TILING Dave Moore Tiling

34

TREE SURGEONS Bartlett Tree Experts Eden Tree Specialists

51 55

UPHOLSTERY M&S Upholstery

60

VEHICLE HIRE Rent Xpress

61

VETS Acorn House

44

WILL WRITING The Will Writing Company

63

WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Bromham Windows 56 Cloudy2Clear 64 Kempston Windows 22 WINDOW CLEANING J&D Window Cleaning

62

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

59

CLASSIFIEDS

CLOCK SALES & REPAIRS

Clock Repairs • Clock Sales Call Michael:

01234 217104 Associate member of the British Horological institute for 25 years

www.bedfordclocks.co.uk OLD CLOCKS WANTED FOR PARTS

DECORATING SERVICES

FOOTCARE

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

Mr. ROB FOOT CLINIC 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

Call 01234 307411 or 07973 470650

DOG WALKING SERVICES

07389 185073

robfootclinic.co.uk

GARAGE DOORS ALMOND GARAGE DOORS LTD  Bedford & Milton Keynes  New Sales & Installations  Existing Doors Automated  Spare Parts 01234 828953

info@almondgd.co.uk

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

FURNISHINGS

M&S

Upholstery

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

60

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GARDENING SERVICES

WHITE’S LAWNMOWERS & GARDEN MACHINERY SALES, SERVICE, REPAIR & PARTS

Commercial & Domestic, all leading brands.

01234 826066 www.whites-online.co.uk College Farm, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RX

CLASSIFIEDS

HEATING SERVICES

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

HOUSE CLEARENCE

Bedford House Clearance House Clearances & Waste Removal Environment Agency Licensed

01234 889 024 We also buy antiques, collectables & unwanted household items

bedfordhouseclearance.com

MECHANIC

HAIRDRESSER

DEBORAH

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER BEDFORD

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

01234 210337 07976 394798

Deborah mobile hairdresser yell (Bedford)

HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

VEHICLE HIRE

T J Odd-Job Services

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

• 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

61

J&D WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES BEDFORD Over 25 years experience...

• Traditional window cleaning • Window cleaning using our safety reach pole system • Domestic & commercial cleans • Guttering • Facia • Driveway • Conservatories/Conservatory roofs

Tel: 07745369697 / 07526275764 doncoalter@googlemail.com

SEPTEMBER PRIZE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

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 October 2019

FREE WILL VOUCHER

This voucher entitles you to a FREE Mirror Will (normal cost ÂŁ125) or a FREE Single Will (normal cost ÂŁ85)

Valid until 31st October 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.