BedsLife September 2021 by BedsLife Magazine

FREE SEPTEMBER

2021

inside Great Big Green Week Comes to Bedford The Bedfordshire Walking Festival is Back Heritage Open Days CPRE Bedfordshire - Living Countryside Award Winners

SEPTEMBER 2021

£25 Prize Crossword

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Contents

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4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 30 32 34 32 38 42 46 50 55 58 62 64 66 68 72 74

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Council News Richard Fuller MP Mohammad Yasin MP Volunteer Opportunities Big Green Week Green Play Home Interiors – The Copper Kitchen The Elizabeth Curtis Centre Fashion – Looks to Fall For Health – Aged for Fitness The Bedfordshire Walking Festival Authors for Autumn Stevington 12K Prize Crossword Lyd Eats Food – Bridges Espresso The Composing Cook – Crème Brulee What’s On Milky’s Music Matters Heritage Open Days Marston Forest – Oak Trees Acorn House Pet Advice The Great Outdoors – Red Squirrels Gardening – Fake to Finesse CPRE Bedfordshire Awards Bedford Town FC Advertiser Index Useful Local Resources Last months Crossword Answers

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SEPTEMB ER

2021

inside

SEPTEM BER

2021

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council news Bedford Borough Supports Sunflower Lanyards Last year, in 2020, Bedford Borough Council, Cambridgeshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, The Harpur Centre, Love Bedford (Bedford BID), Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum and Access Bedford announced their support for hidden disability sunflower lanyards in the borough. Sunflower lanyards are free and can help people who have disabilities that are not immediately obvious to others. This could include people with learning difficulties, those living with dementia or poor mental health, as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments. Wearing the sunflower lanyard indicates to others, including shop workers, members of the community, colleagues and health professionals that additional support, help or a little patience may be needed. Throughout the pandemic, sunflower lanyards have been used by many people and has helped others to recognise those that may require additional support or assistance and easily identify that someone may be exempt from wearing a face covering. BedfordBID recently received funding from the Town Centre Grant

• • • •

Bedford Central Library The Higgins Bedford Halifax bank Lloyds Bank

• • • •

Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco M&S food halls

If you or someone you know has a hidden disability and want more information about services, support, information and advice, clubs and activities then visit the Bedford Borough Local Offer. To see the businesses that have opted to join the scheme and received training from the BedfordBID visit www.lovebedford.co.uk/sunflower.php

Bedford Borough Council Appoints New Chief Exec

Phase Two of High Street Improvement Works Begin

Following approval at Full Council on Wednesday 14 July, Laura Church, is set to become the new permanent Chief Executive at Bedford Borough Council and will take on the new role later this year. Laura has been at Luton Borough Council since 1988, working initially in planning and since taking on roles such as the head of Regeneration and service director for Business and Consumer Services.

Since February 2021, Bedford Borough Council has been delivering high quality regeneration works to Bedford High Street in order to permanently make it one lane only for traffic and create more space for shoppers and pedestrians.

She then led the Council’s work on Place and Infrastructure as the Corporate Director, before becoming Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Population Wellbeing with responsibility for adult social care, public health and housing.

to purchase sunflower window stickers and tuition packs for town centre businesses. So far, almost 50 shops are now displaying stickers and posters in their windows, this will allow those customers with hidden disabilities to easily identify those businesses that have trained their staff in recognising hidden disabilities and what the sunflower lanyard means. To get a free lanyard for yourself, a family member or friend with a hidden disability, visit one of the following places in Bedford Borough. Please continue to follow social distancing guidelines:

Phase one of these works, which is now complete, ran from St Peters Street to Mill Street and the Council has now started the second phase of works which stretch from Mill Street down to St Paul’s Square. The works are planned to last until November 2021. As part of these works, the Council will be making the pavement wider and repaving the section of the high street with high quality York paving and granite kerbstones. Speed cameras will also be installed along the road to enforce the 20mph speed limit on Bedford High Street.

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One year on, we can see that the Plan for Jobs is working as intended. Peak unemployment is now forecast to be two million fewer than previously expected. The latest forecast is that unemployment will peak at 6 percent rather than the previously expected 12 percent. The Plan for Jobs includes policies such as Kickstart - a scheme to fully fund and create 250,000 jobs for young people at risk of longterm unemployment and Restart – a three-year long scheme that offers up to 12 months of intensive, tailored employment support to increase the prospects of the long-term unemployed on Universal Credit to find a job. Other measures include tripling the number of Traineeships for 1624 year olds, giving SMEs £3,000 when they take on an apprentice of any age and a Lifetime Skills Guarantee so that any adult without a Level 3 qualification will be fully funded by the government to access free L3 courses, worth £3,500 each. Skills Bootcamps have also been extended providing short, flexible training courses lasting 12 to 16 weeks for adults wanting to upskill and retrain in digital, construction and technical skills.

Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire Last summer, the government launched its ‘Plan for Jobs’ – an ambitious plan to help people back into work, earn more and gain the right skills so they can compete for the jobs of tomorrow. This plan aimed to focus the whole of the UK Government on protecting, supporting and creating jobs across the country.

As a result, the labour market is performing strongly with job vacancies in June around 29 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels and the number of people in jobs has now grown for five consecutive months. The furlough programme saved millions of jobs and as the economy recovers we have seen furlough numbers decline from a peak of 11 million last year, to 5.5 million earlier this year and to 1.9 million at the end of June – outperforming expectations that 2 million people would still be on furlough at the end of September. At the end of July, apprenticeship numbers also hit an all-time high with 18,950 vacancies available for the summer giving more and more young people new opportunities. Other parts of the economy are also showing signs of growth. Household incomes have been largely protected throughout the pandemic, consumer confidence has returned to pre-crisis levels, business confidence and intentions to invest are at historically high levels and business insolvencies in 2020 were lower than in 2019. At the end of July, the IMF also announced that the UK’s economy is set to be the fastest growing in the G7 this year. The economic damage wrought by the pandemic has caused the worst recession in this country for 300 years. In response, the government has provided over £400 billion of support to protect jobs and businesses. We are not out of the woods yet but progress is encouraging. If you would like any information on the measures in the Plan for Jobs, please visit www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/plan-for-jobs.

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The leading world body for the assessment of climate change reported that within the next two decades, temperatures are likely to rise by more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, breaching the ambition of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, and bringing widespread devastation and extreme weather. The report could not have been timelier, published just as firefighters across Europe were being deployed to tackle the raging wildfires in Greece and fires blazed in western North America. Extreme weather reports are no longer unusual – when it’s not blazing, parts of the world are flooding, like those recently in Germany, China, and the UK. Frightening though the report is, it has been clear for decades that the Earth’s climate is changing, and the role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed.

Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published earlier this month is the starkest reminder yet that the climate crisis is here right now and is the biggest long-term threat we face.

I take comfort in the fact that as humans have caused it, we also have the power to reverse it. But time has run out for talk and gestures. We must make the changes necessary to match the scale of the problem and with the level of urgency we have seen across the world in trying to combat the pandemic. The evidence is abundantly clear that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main driver of climate change, even as other greenhouse gases and air pollutants also affect the climate. “Stabilizing the climate will require strong, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and reaching net zero CO2 emissions. Limiting other greenhouse gases and air pollutants, especially methane, could have benefits both for health and the climate.” As we prepare to host Cop 26, perhaps the Earth’s last chance for political leaders to bring in the urgent measures needed to drive down emissions, I hope leaders take the opportunity to deliver progressive solutions for our citizens to ensure a global effort to tackle the climate and nature crisis and limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. It can feel overwhelming for governments and individuals to make the necessary changes to the way we all live our lives. But the biggest threat we now face isn’t climate denial but climate delay. The small differences we can make as individuals are vital because our consumer power means small changes lead to big changes, but we need action from political leaders both here and across the globe to help us make those changes whether it is to make electric cars affordable or massively ramp up cheap and accessible solar panel and renewable energy initiatives.

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Bedford Book Club – Co Ordinator For someone with a genuine interest in reading this is an opportunity to become part of a community whilst working from home for 2-3 hours a week, engaging with members and taking part in monthly meetings – occasionally chairing meetings and drafting discussion notes.

Headway Bedford – Volunteer Rehabilitation Assistant Physiotherapy Sessions At Headway we provide a wide range of services to help rebuild lives after brain injury. The main purpose of this role is to assist clients with their Physiotherapy exercises – individual and group, or walking practice as delegated by the Physiotherapist. The volunteer role is to encourage and give emotional and practical support.

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) – County Manager

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering brings great rewards and your time will be well spent as you support the community around you. We are bringing new opportunities on to our Simply Connect system every week and you can view these and many more at our Simply Connect online facility where you can register as a volunteer and apply. Search for any of this month’s featured roles by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer

We have created a new Community Fundraising Programme and are now looking for enthusiastic animal lovers to join our team and help us build strong fundraising communities locally. As a County Manager for IAPWA, you will recruit, manage and support a dedicated team of fundraising volunteers

Biddenham Cricket Club – Cricket Club Groundsman We are looking for an individual with time and the relevant expertise to look after the cricket pitches and ground in the centre of Biddenham. There is a small but experienced support team with knowledge of what is required on a day to day basis.

Dine With Us – Community Larder Collectors Help is needed to collect food from the supermarkets and drop to the Community Larder in Bedford town for onward distribution to those in need. You will be helping to save food waste from landfill. Car and full driving licence is required for this role.

Open House Bedford – Assisting Group Leader We are looking for volunteers to assist the group leader with the general running of the club which is for adults with learning disabilities and meets for four hours on a Wednesday at St Marks Church and Community Centre.

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 10

We have just introduced a monthly newsletter highlighting all our new opportunities as they come onboard, and sharing stories and volunteering hints and tips. Subscribe at Volunteer Newsletter | CVS Bedfordshire (cvsbeds.org.uk)

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Climate action coming to Bedford as part of nationwide campaign Residents in Bedford are taking part in a nationwide campaign this September to highlight the need for urgent action on climate and nature ahead of COP26,the United Nations Climate talks, later this year in Glasgow.

Taking place between 18-26 September, the climate action campaign known as the Great Big Green Week will see thousands of people across the UK organising local festivals and events. The campaign aims to draw attention to climate change, destruction of the natural world, while also making a connection with these issues in communities like Bedford, at the same time as showcasing actions to tackle climate change. The Bedford week long event which is being run with Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum will see businesses and community groups, individuals and schools organise events as part of the week to raise the profile of groups taking action on climate change, and to encourage more, from communities and politicians alike. The Great Big Green Week Bedford follows on from the success of the previous three Bedford Sustainability Week events that were held in the past year. The Great Big Green Week is being organised by The Climate Coalition, the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change, whose members include the National Trust, WWF, Women’s Institute, Oxfam, and RSPB. Other organisations

supporting the campaign included BT, British Mountaineering Council, and the Manchester United Foundation. Cory Walker, coordinator for the week in Bedford said: “I want to see progress on tackling climate change because I care about those in other countries that are feeling the worst effects of climate change and I think we need to do all we can to protect them” “We’ve seen how climate change can affect us directly. We need to tackle it now and we need our MP to lead the way” Chair of Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum, Lucy Bywater said: “A lot of local people are really concerned about the global climate crisis and want to press leaders for serious action at COP26 this winter, as well as doing what they can in their own lives to make a real change. We want to use events at Green Week in September to empower ways for Bedford to do both’ To get involved with the week or to find out more details, you can head to the Great Big Green Week Bedford Facebook page, or by emailing greatbiggreenweek.bedford@gmail.com www.greatbiggreenweekbedford.co.uk/

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Pa r to fan a t i o n wi d ec e l e b r a t i o n o fa c t i o no nc l i ma t ec h a n g e g r e a t b i g g r e e n we e k . b e d f o r d @g ma i l . c o m

Green Play Four ideas for engaging your kids in environmental activities. Recycle - Start at home with the basics: labelling

bulbs to vegetables such as tomatoes and runner beans, there are many plants which offer a quick seed-to-fruit yield – ideal for impatient children.

Reuse - Naturally green-minded kids know better than anyone how useful discarded packaging can be: boxes become rocket ships, empty toilet rolls become pirate-seeking telescopes, and jars are transformed into dazzling tealight holders.

Many local councils are now investing in community gardens too, where children can plant, play and learn about all the wormy, muddy joys of composting.

your bins and sorting through your refuse can actually become a fun game for children, then start tackling recycling on a bigger scale. Picking up litter on a dog walk for example, or even partaking on a community clean-up – an excellent way to meet other budding environmentalists.

Yet beyond play, we can also teach our children how to minimise waste by choosing the eco-friendly option - refilling bottles in-store, for instance.

Grow - If you have access to a garden, get

planning, get planting! From easy-to-seed flower

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Repurpose - Consider upcycling - perhaps you’ve an old chest of drawers that needs a new lick of paint, or a suitcase that’s begging to be transformed into a unique toybox. Even just turning a plastic bottle into a birdfeeder can be great fun for kids!

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

Thank You

Grazie Dziękuję Ci Ačiū Mulțumesc Thank you to everyone who has had their vaccine so far. You are protecting our community. Thank you to everyone who has had to self-isolate. We know it’s been really hard but it makes a huge difference in reducing transmission. Thank you to everyone who is using the rapid COVID-19 tests at home. You are helping to stop the spread of the virus.

Let’s get vaccinated. Get back to the things we love. To find out more, visit:

www.bedford.gov.uk/vaccinations

Home Interiors – The Copper Kitchen

This year’s interior trends are all pointing to one thing: copper. It’s the metal of the moment, and combining understated lux, infinite cool and incredible functionality, its place is in the kitchen. So why not give your own scullery a rustic European twist with these classy copper touches. Individual items Why not experiment with a range of copper pots of varying sizes, seen throughout rural Italy as a touch of rural continental class? Consider also a kettle, toaster or even cocktail shaker; and mix between those that have an antique chic, and new items fresh from the shop. Bolder statements Going a step further, consider a copper splashback for a hob, or perhaps a copper worksurface countertop that, on a kitchen island, will provide a real standout look. A splashback or countertop can complement minimally16

styled cabinets in subtle shades of black, white, grey and even green. With its natural anti-microbial qualities meaning that bacteria will only be able to survive a couple of hours after coming into contact, copper makes for a perfect material to fashion a sink from; and by trading out mundane marble or commonplace ceramic for copper tiles you can subvert traditional designs with a bold burnished twist. Upcycling You can even combine fashion with efficiency by upcycling – unlike iron or steel, copper is a soft metal that can be repurposed after years of use. Reclaimed traditional materials like old copper pipes can be used to make kitchen taps, or larger sheets can be fashioned into bar stools that can complement everything around them. Gauge your audience When reusing materials you should bear in mind the copper sheet’s ‘gauge’. As the gauge value decreases, the

thickness of the metal increases. If you’re looking to turn that old copper pipe into a snazzy new centrepiece, steer clear of anything higher than a 16 gauge as this will be too thin for longterm use. Find something with a 12-14 gauge, however, and you’ll be able to re-use and repurpose to your heart’s content. Maintain and marvel The fear with copper items is that they will tarnish or oxidise, though sensible maintenance should mean any ageing over time only adds to the splendid rustic, red effect. In the first instance, you shouldn’t heat a dry copper pan. Instead, use warm water first – this will prepare the pan for cooking which, given it heats up 20 times as quickly as its stainless steel counterpart, is a wise move! Before polishing, use a soap and water solution; while lemon juice and salt (at a 3:1 ratio) provides a really good solution for ridding any oxidation marks, spots and smears.

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Better days ahead with riding for the disabled association The Elisabeth Curtis Centre for the Disabled in Bromham, part of RDA, is delighted to welcome back our Participants and Volunteers after the closure due to Covid 19. It has been a difficult 18 months. However, we are thrilled to re-open our doors to provide disabled children and adults from across the local area, therapy, achievement and the fun of horses as part of Riding for the Disabled Association. The parent of one of our participants said: “He was excited and glad to be riding again. We, as parents feel riding has helped him immensely with managing his fears, developing his confidence and above all helped him with improving his physical abilities, especially his coordination, posture and strength.”

Demand for our services has surged, and income fell. Our waiting list is longer than ever, but, as we work to re-build, we are confident that we will be able to welcome new participants to the special world of RDA. We have been fortunate to receive generous support from the Borough Council, our Parkland neighbours and countless individuals in supporting our fundraising efforts. If you would like to find out more information about us and getting involved visit us at www.elisabethcurtiscentre.co.uk or find us on Facebook As our rider’s T shirt says, there really are ‘Better Days Ahead’’

One Size Fits All ‘One Size Fits All’ is an anthology of poetry written by Tracey Lingwood and the people of Bedfordshire and Luton. The book was inspired by Ben Salmons who works for the East London Foundation Trust and his ‘Let’s Break the Stigma’ campaign about mental health.

career working in the NHS Tracey started the anthology with her own pieces of poetry then with the help of Niki Scott, Aisling O’Callaghan and Jenny Doe of CAMHS, started to collate poetry from the service users of CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and East London Foundation Trust – “Why sail in the boat alone when we can ride the storm together”

Caring for your home

Offering an honest, reliable and professional domestic cleaning service. be happy to visit you to discuss Tracey stumbledWe acrosswould Ben’s collaboration with The Higgins your requirements. Art Gallery and Museum in ‘One Size Fits All’ is due for Bedford one day on the internet, fullyoninsured. References available. Amazon in the next and DBS the displaychecked of poetry and andrelease few days and all proceeds will artwork created by the people of be donated to CAMHS Child CLEANERS WANTED Bedfordshire, young and old. She Adolescent Mental Health contacted and after aHARD couple ARE YOUBen RELIABLE, WORKING Services of conversations the idea for ‘One AND ENJOY CLEANING? WE WOULD across Bedfordshire and Luton and has been fully Size Fits All’ was born. Drawing LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! endorsed by both CAMHS and the East from her experience as a special London Foundation Trust. needs teaching assistant, and a

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

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LOOKS TO FALL FOR Your guide to the hottest trends from the autumn/winter 2021 shows. Living colour

Perhaps counter-intuitive from the usual plummy or forest green palette of autumns past, this look is about saturated shades in the hottest pinks, the bluest blues and fever-dream-inducing neon yellows. From Versace to Raf Simons, catwalks were awash with winter brights in the form of mid-length mohair cardigans, power suits and daring mini dresses with matching tights and heels. Pure colour therapy in motion.

Wallflowers

For the meeker among us, there is the floral print trend which takes a nod from the kind of delicate bloomy designs we usually associate with springtime. Gorgeously golden with an almost antique and chintzy feel, think dreamy dresses and blouses with puffed-out sleeves and voluminous hemlines. It is also a luxurious look, emulating Liberty prints of yore in brocade fabrics – the epitome of old money with a brand new makeover.

Printed tights

While an end to lockdown hibernation may mean we have to ditch those beloved leggings that have been such faithful companions over the last year, the good news is printed tights are waiting in the wings to become your autumn outfit go-to. Ideal for either adding a little a ‘ooh la la’ to a demure office look or for fully embracing your more attention-seeking side; whether sheer, 100denier or even knitted, prints range from the more classic geometric patterns at Prada to fullon tie-die at Maisie Wilen.

Snow play

Longing for an alpine adventure? Well this autumn you can create one from your very own wardrobe with this apres-ski inspired look. Fair-isle knits will be in abundance along with chunky scarves and wool-lined boots; and paired with big hair and oversized jewellery they create an added hit of glamour. Why worry about making it to the slopes yourself this winter when you can eat raclette in perfect style at home?

Duvet days

Is the thought of heading outside making you tremble with anxiety? Well fear not, for the catwalk has you covered with this ingenious padded trend. Far from the stuffed, nylon atrocities of the nineties, puffer jackets are now a thing of beauty and of course, unparalleled cosiness. Mostly in more muted shades such as caramel, mustard and aubergine in silhouettes that are better described as ‘voluminous’ rather than ‘padded’, it is clear that the puffer coat is here to stay.

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AGED FOR FITNESS The best workouts for every age.

Generally speaking, the older we get, the less we feel like the lean, mean, dynamic machines we once were. In reality though, staying fit as we get older is as achievable and realistic as it ever was, and the secret to reaching and preserving good health simply comes through careful exercise selection. Here’s our guide to appropriate exercise types for your age – see if you can get inspired.

Twenties You have time and energy, so this is when you want to get out there, explore different sports, try a variety of workouts and figure out what you really love. This decade is a time of freedom, with fewer people than ever in the 20-30 age group weighed down by childcare. Think team games, rock climbing, surfing, plus anything that is challenging and also offers a social aspect. In career and relationships, your twenties are regarded as the decade of discovery, and that goes for fitness and health too.

Thirties The body’s metabolism begins to slow down in your thirties, so start including interval training into your workouts to burn fat effectively. You also begin to lose muscle mass – around a third of a pound per year – so lifting heavy weights once a week is a good way to build back what you’ve lost. 22

Also consider yoga and meditation for relaxion, as this decade is thought to be one of life’s most stressful with job and family pressures beginning to build.

Forties Your forties represent a vital time for exercise, and they’ll really determine how your body ages over the second half of your life. Cardio is vital to keep fat from settling on your abdomen (a leading cause of heart disease), and weightbearing activities like hiking and jogging are particularly good for building bone density. Strength training is also a worthy investment for later on.

Fifties They say life begins at 50, so make the most of your free time by taking up a hobby that inspires and challenges you, like tennis, dancing or hiking. In this decade it’s also vital to maintain suppleness and flexibility, so consider attending a Pilates or yoga class to refine joint movement and build muscle memory.

Sixties and beyond You may not think you need to focus too much on strength training in your sixties, but the opposite is true. Studies have shown that physical activity can prevent a decline in the brain’s white matter, warding off strokes, as well as conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Along with lifting moderate weights once a week, try to do 30 minutes of gentle aerobic activities like walking or gardening. Your body and brain will thank you.

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The Bedfordshire Walking Festival

The Bedfordshire Walking Festival is back and offers almost 40 walking opportunities over nine days in September. The festival starts at 8-00am on Saturday 11th September and finishes Sunday afternoon 19th September. Now in its 11th year the festival attracts almost all levels of walkers from those who want a short distance and some information about the places they walk through, to the walkers who want a good enjoyable walk for around three hours or six to eight miles, to those who want a long walk taking most of the day. If you have ever thought about getting out into the countryside but feel it would better to go with others, or if you are new to Bedfordshire and want to see what it has to offer the festival offers a great opportunity. The Bedfordshire Walking Festival has walks across the length and breath of the county and there are plenty of interesting ones here in Bedford Borough starting with an informative walk around the model village of Stewartby on the first Saturday, and in Bedford Cemetery on the Sunday. Those wanting to defy superstition on the 13th can explore Renhold from Go Outdoors car park or go to the Mill Theatre car park in Sharnbrook to explore that area. Have 24

you ever thought of taking a slow way to Riseley, if so, your opportunity is on Wednesday 15th and on the following day for the very fit why not “Don the cap of north Bedfordshire” and join the Long Distance Walkers for a 17 mile circular starting in Riseley. There are walks too from Little Staughton, Harrold Odell Country park, Bedford Park and Mowsbury Park. If challenges are your thing there is the 3 Green Wheel Challenge over the weekend of the 11th & 12th September (13 miles Saturday and 11 miles Sunday) based in East Bedfordshire and the 30k Mini Greensand Ridge Path Challenge circular on Saturday 18th from Ampthill. Almost all the walks are free however unlike previous years when you could just turn up many require advance booking because of Government regulations relating to Covid. Where advance booking is not required contact details will be taken on the day. Don’t let this stop you from coming along and enjoying a walk at the Bedfordshire Walking Festival 11th to 19th September. We look forward to meeting you. The full programme is available on the Fesival web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk.

New Guinot Beauty Rooms in Great Denham Experts in Anti Ageing Skincare, the ultimate in relaxation, because ‘you’ and your skin matters

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Choose from a wide variety of facials to suit you. We are offering the following services: Hydradermie Youth Age Logic / Hydradermie Lift / Hydradermie Lift Express / Hydradermie Lift Deluxe / Eye lift. Guinot is the No.1 skincare brand in France! Research and development is paramount as science is the driving force behind this French brand. The manufacturing of all products and experiences are carried out with the highest standard of pharmaceutical accuracy and diligence. The Electrical facials offer a great alternative to aesthetic medicine. The technology used across the facials are designed to boost your skin’s cellular energy, to enhance and rejuvenate your complexion. This facial experience will have you feeling and looking radiant and even more youthful.

Guinot prides itself in offering manual facials that leaves skin feeling renewed and loved. These manual treatments are led by our highly qualified beauty doctors. We are offering various types of anti ageing facials including; Age Summum / Lift Summum / Hydra Peeling / Hydra Peeling Sensitive / Detoxygene. The facials are completed with a combination of stimulating massages, alongside high end skincare products that are twice the strength of ingredients than home skincare products for optimum results. Designed to care for and improve different skin types, the treatments offer a variety of benefits to suit each individual. Add extra luxury to your chosen facial with either heated Booties or Mitts, incorporating a foot or hand mask for the ultimate pamper. If you are unsure of which treatment may be most suitable for you, get in touch with us today.

Harley Street Consulting Clinic, Guinot Beauty Rooms 5A Meiklejohn Centre, 3-7 Kingswood Way, Great Denham, Bedford, MK40 4GH Call 01234 247414 or Text 07535 502085

Authors for Autumn Lose yourself this September within the pages of these thrilling fictional offerings.

Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian Thriller lovers will enjoy getting stuck into Vera Kurian’s fresh take on the psychopath trope whose main protagonist is Chloe, a ‘First-year student, ordinary, legging-wearing, girl next door... and highly intelligent diagnosed psychopath.’ Never Saw Me Coming is a sharp, electrifying and hugely entertaining thriller with an antiheroine who will work her manipulative magic on you. Published by Harvill Secker on September 9 Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty Fans of the Australian author will revel in the twisty, thrilling joys in this highly anticipated release, which doesn’t disappoint. Joy Delaney and husband Stan have done well. Four wonderful grown-up children; a family business to envy; the golden years of retirement ahead of them. So, when Joy Delaney vanishes – no note, no calls, her bike missing – it’s natural that tongues will wag… but for the Delaney children there is a much more terrifying question: did they ever know their parents at all? Published by Michael Joseph on September 14 The Magician by Colm Tóibín From one of our greatest living writers comes a sweeping novel of unrequited love, exile, war, and family. The Magician tells the story of Thomas Mann, whose life was filled with great acclaim and contradiction. 26

Found on the wrong side of history in the First World War, he would have six children and keep his homosexuality hidden; a man forever connected to his family and yet bore witness to the ravages of suicide, eventually winning the Nobel Prize. Through one life, Colm Tóibín tells the breath-taking story of the twentieth century. Published by Viking on September 23 The Hill We Climb and Other Poems by Amanda Gorman Anyone who watched the inauguration of the 46th President of The United States, Joe Biden, will remember the stirring and highly emotive reading by Amanda Gorman of her poem The Hill We Climb. Now presenting her debut collection of poetry under the same name, Gorman further proves her extraordinary talent and potential as one of literature’s brightest rising stars. Published by Chatto & Windus on September 21 Beautiful Country – A Memoir of An Undocumented Childhood by Qian Julie Wang Qian is just seven when she moves to America, the ‘Beautiful Country’, where she and her parents find that the roads of New York City are not paved with gold but crushing fear and scarcity. This memoir is an unforgettable account of what it means to live under the perpetual threat of deportation and the small joys and sheer determination that kept her family afloat in a new land. Published by Viking on September 30

Local Bedford Author Local Bedford author T A Charnley’s new book is now available online as a kindle and print on demand paperback. Carol Davis is an abused woman, suffering on a daily basis at the hands of her violent husband, Sean. While out shopping in town one day, purely by chance, Carol meets another man. What follows, is an afternoon together with a man who treats her with the love and respect that she has been starved of for so long. Later on that evening, after accidentally burning dinner, she gets more than they both could have bargained for, an amazing night in another man’s bed. However, for every action, there’s always consequences and to have any chance of a future with this man, she will have to confront her worst fears, even if it means going back and facing them head on. ANOTHER MAN’S BED is the story of one brave woman who simply wants to be loved.

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Bedford Daycare Hospice Caring for people with life-limiting illnesses

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

We offer a warm welcome with friendly, professional coaches offering training for enjoyment and progression. We have a lovely group of more mature riders; if you are new to our riding stables and would like to ride with us, please email with your riding ability and hopefully we will be able to help.

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

Tel 07843 744963 / 07858 086578

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As our rider’s T shirt says, there really are ‘Better Days Ahead’’

Stevington 12k The Stevington 12k is a very popular race, now in its 40th year, making it one of the longest running events in Bedfordshire. This year’s race is being held on Sunday 19th September at 11am and is open to all comers of 17 years old and upwards and is a great event for club and fun runners alike. The race is England Athletics affiliated and chip timed, and the course takes runners via country roads through the villages of Oakley and Pavenham in an anti-clockwise direction returning to Stevington Village Hall for the finish line. The event is family friendly with hot and cold refreshments, a licensed bar, BBQ, children’s playground and plenty of parking. Changing facilities, showers and toilets are available to runners. Trophies will be presented to the 1st Senior Male, 1st Senior Female, 1st Veteran Male, 1st Veteran Female plus 1st Stevington resident. Finishing times range

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from 40 – 95 mins with no cut off time. A perfect distance for a PB! The Stevington 12k is managed and run by volunteers from the village as a non-profit event to raise funds for the maintenance and support of the village hall and playing field. This year the race will also be raising funds for the Sue Ryder charity. Advance online entry fees are £20.00 non-UK Athletic or £18.00 for UK Athletic affiliated members. On the day entry is welcome but incurs an additional £4. Please see the website for more details about the event. www.stevington12k.uk

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Bumper Prize Crossword Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 10th September Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner –Kirsten McDermott, Harrold

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43 33

Bridges Espresso Bar It’s been amazing to see so many foodie businesses open over the past year and watch them thrive against all odds. Bridges Espresso Bar is one of those places; each time you go, you’ll want to go back for more. It’s always busy with a buzzing atmosphere, a host of exciting events and a warm welcome every time. Based on Riverside Square, Bridges is the perfect spot to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. From sunny day times to cosy evenings, you’ll find them serving up delicious coffees, cocktails and food. They make fantastic use of quality, locally sourced products and ingredients from across Bedfordshire. The menu changes seasonally and there is something for everyone! Start the day with the fluffiest buttermilk pancakes in town, grab a sandwich at lunch or while away the evening with their jaw droppingly divine sharing platters. There is always a fabulous array of veggie options too. I am a sucker for their delicious range of hot chocolates, but for these last days of summer – I’d recommend Bedford’s classiest chocolate toothpaste and a Willow Tree G&T to wash it down. You could easily spend the whole day here, in fact I recommend you do!

Find me on Instagram @lydeatsfood for all your local foodie finds!

-FRESH GRIMSBY FISHTHE FISH SHACK AT MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE ON THE MAIN CAR PARK.

At Docklands we offer a large choice of fresh Grimsby fish and seafood including sustainably wild caught produce. We can even tell you how and where our fish is caught. DON’T WANT TO COOK? - See our large range of gourmet meals all made from the best fish from Grimsby market. NEW TO EATING FISH? We can give you expert advise on different cooking methods.

First time customers with children will get a FREE portion to help encourage them to try new flavours.

Tel: 07563 581483 | docklandsfish@gmail.com

Browns of Stagsden... A proper farm shop on a proper working family run farm

Stop at Stagsden for all your local produce Licensed

Home reared/local meat & poultry Fruit/vegetables. Homemade pies

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The Composing Cook The Composing Cook

VELVETY SMOOTH CRÈME BRÛLÉE

INGREDIENTS: 600ml double cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 100g caster sugar 6 large eggs Serves 6

When someone mentions the words Crème Brûlée, many people automatically think, “Oh I love that dessert, but it’s so hard to make”. I can tell you this; it is one of the easiest desserts to make and I guarantee, once you’ve made it; you will be making it over and over again. This is pure Indulgence with a capital ‘I’!

Preheat oven to 140°C fan, 150°C gas. Pour the double cream into a pan and bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Give it a stir now and then. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, add the caster sugar, eggs & vanilla extract and beat with a whisk until combined. Once the double cream has had its 5 minutes, gradually add the double cream to the egg mixture whisking continually. Now pour this mixture into a measuring jug. Place 6 ramekins into a large deep roasting tin and pour the mixture from the jug into the ramekins. Using a kitchen towel, dab away any large air bubbles that may have formed in the ramekins. Pour hot water from a recently boiled kettle into the roasting tin to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until custards are just set but still have a bit of a wobble in the middle. Remove ramekins from roasting tin and place on a wire rack to cool. When ready to serve sprinkle a level teaspoon on top of each Crème Brûlée, then caramelize using a chef’s blow torch, or just place under a hot grill. Set aside to cool for a few minutes to allow the sugar to harden. This stage is optional as some people prefer Crème Brûlée without the hard topping. Tuck in and enjoy.

You can watch me make this recipe, amongst many others, by visiting my YouTube Channel, The Composing Cook. Just head over to: www.YouTube.com/TheComposingCook and there you will find me. Happy Cooking.

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What’sOn

FOREST FAMILY FUN DAY

Saturday 4th September 10am – 4pm Forest of Marston Vale, The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PR Come and see Peppa Pig and George at intervals throughout the day! Lots to do for all the family – from local food and drink, to stalls, to the grand raffle, to rides and games. Pre-book online for discounted entry to the event. BOOK NOW ticket prices: £2 Children £1 Adult ON THE DAY entry prices: £3 Children £2 Adult www.marstonvale.org/Event/forest-familyfun-day-2021

TABLE TOP SWAP SHOP 2021 Saturday 4th September 10am – 12pm The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE Fancy a few bargains? Happening outdoors, using social distancing, the Table Top Swap Shop is a safe and fun way to pick up some Summer bargains. THE VILLAGE SHOW AT KEYSOE

Saturday 4th September Keysoe Village Hall MK44 2JE Show to be opened by The Lord Lieutenant Helen Nellis. Crafts, Cooking, Stalls, Refreshments and lots more. Fun for all the family.

CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR AT JORDANS Saturday 11th September 10am Holme Mills, Langford Rd, Biggleswade SG18 9JY A fantastic range of stalls including; sweet treats, hand-made items, locally made foods and more, there is something for everyone. This event is held in the Rear Car Park of Jordans Mill. Visit the website to see a full list of stallholders attending each event: https://jordansmill.com/events

FAMILY FUN DAY AND DOG SHOW Sunday 12th September 11am Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH There will be a bouncy castle, Pots of Fun craft workshops, face painting, Ice Cream Joe, raffle prizes, stalls including the little treat stall a variety of dog classes and much. MOTOWN SOUL NIGHT IN AID OF MOGGERHANGER HOSPICE & ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH UK Saturday 11th September North End Social Club, 60 Roff Avenue, Bedford MK41 7TW A fun night with Soul & Motown music from the 70s & 80s. Dinosaur Disco and the North End Social Club are kindly donating their DJ skills and venue for a fun night to raise money for two very worthwhile charities! www.eventbrite.co.uk

BEDFORD FLEA MARKET Sunday 12th September 10am – 3.30pm St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Affordable art and Local produce. Unique, second-hand goods that fall under antiques, vintage, collectables, bric-a-brac & curiosities. Locally grown ingredients and homemade produce direct to you, from small, artisan businesses.

BEDFORD DEATH CAFÉ Thursday 16th September 5pm The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE Join Grief Wellies for their first Death Café at The Place Theatre Bedford. A Death Café is an informal gathering of people (often strangers) to talk about death over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The topic of discussion is generated by the group and there is no agenda, objective or prescribed theme. A Death Café is an open, accessible and confidential space for those interested in talking about anything in relation to death. www.deathcafe.com BEDS & NORTHANTS MS THERAPY CENTRE MONTHLY CHARITY SALE Third Saturday of every month 10am – 12.00 noon 155 Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9RX FREE PARKING Clothing, Bric a Brac, Books, Linen, Toys and Games Refreshments available Tel: 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com

BIGGLESWADE ANTIQUES & VINTAGE FAIR

Sunday 19th September The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH The fair has over 45 dealers and there is always a wide range of stalls from dateline antiques through to vintage. There is a cafe serving hot and cold food all day as well as free parking with step-free access. https://www.madisonevents.co.uk

THE TIME MACHINE

GEOFF NORCOTT: I BLAME THE PARENTS Saturday 18th September 7.30pm The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, 26 St Peters St, Bedford MK40 2NN This brand-new comedy show will mostly explore personal responsibility, parenting and who should take the blame when things go wrong www.quarrytheatre.ticketsolve. com BLETSOE COUNTRY FETE Saturday 18th September 1.30pm Bletsoe Country Fete might have missed the last two summers but we are having a ‘special fete’ on 18th September to welcome back village life. Alan Dedicoat, the ‘Voice of Strictly Come Dancing’, will be our host for our great Classic Car Show, Dog Show, model train and animal displays, drumming workshops plus all the usual stalls, bar, barbeque, teas and the Ouse Valley Swing Band. All for £2.50 adults, £1 children

Wednesday 29th September The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE An eccentric Victorian Time Traveller has crashlanded in the 21st Century. He has journeyed across time to escape the horrors of Earth’s far-flung future. Stunning puppetry, scintillating movement and a unique electronic soundtrack combine to create a visual feast that brings HG Wells’ classic sci-fi story to the stage like never seen before. www.theplacebedford.org.uk Due to COVID-19 event information is being updated frequently and events may be cancelled or postponed. Please ensure you check ahead before visiting any event listed.

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BEDFORD PARK CONCERTS BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ART & INDUSTRY PRESENTS:

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YEARS

SUNDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER

MILKYS MUSIC MATTERS FOCUS ON UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS CUD are a four-piece who formed in Leeds back in 1987, famously recording a Peel session which then became their first official release. A handful of Top 40 hits and 5 studio albums followed before the band temporarily broke up in 1995. Since reforming in 2012 they’ve won over audiences new and old with classics such as ‘Rich and Strange’, ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and ‘Magic’, they will surprisingly pay their first visit to Esquires (28th October). Echobelly were at the forefront of the UK indie scene in the 90’s and are fondly remembered as art of the lauded Britpop scene, they return to play Esquires for a 4th time on the 17th. Beds Life threw some questions at CUD’s bassist William Potter and Echobelly’s guitarist Glenn Johansson.

Its been a while since you gigged, what with the enforced lay-off, have you written any new songs ? WP: We have, though getting together to rehearse and record them is another matter… We hope to drop a few new tunes into a set of classics on this tour. Saying that, all of the songs we’ll be playing won’t have been heard live for 20 months, so they should all sound fresh. GJ: We have written some new stuff during lockdown, we’ve also been back in the studio for a re-make of a song from Anarchy and Alchemy called ‘Firefly’ with piano, violin, acoustic guitar and electronics. Did you have to bin off a covid concept album that spewed forth from your imprisoned subconscious? WP: All of our albums have the theme of the imprisoned subconscious. GJ: Ha… no, trying hard to avoid the subject, what you focus on gets stronger! I tried to learn Spanish (gave up after smashing my mouse on day 8), discovered i quite liked Red Wine – honestly had never drunk it before. Learn any new skills in lockdown ? WP: Ticking off messier objects. GJ: That’s funny coz we discovered that we really like red wine, way too much! Also started learning Indian guitar, very exciting. Did the band meet on zoom during lockdown ? That got old soon didn’t it ? WP: I’m the only member of the band not based in Leeds. The b*st*rds kept video-calling me from pubs when they were able to get together in person, without me. I am owed many ciders. GJ: Well we managed to avoid that! We kept in touch the old fashion way, the blower.

SUPPORT THE BEDFORD LIVE SCENE – UPCOMING GIGS FOR YOUR DIARY

Restrictions have lifted (hopefully), let’s get gigging!!! Esquires Wed 1st Sept Thur 2nd Sept Sat 4th Sept Wed 8th Sept Fri 10th Sept Sat 11th Sept Sun 12th Sept Fri 17th Sept Sat 18th Sept Sat 25th Sept Wed 29th Sept Thur 30th Sept Fri 1st Oct Sat 2nd Oct Fri 7th Oct Sat 8th Oct

The Lounge Society The Goa Express Mark Morriss Outer Stella Overdrive Skinnyman Lady Bird The Smyths Spear of Destiny The Futureheads The Meteors Yard Act October Drift Willie J Healey Shonen Knife The Hawkmen Red Rum Club

Wed 13th Oct Thur 14th Oct` Fri 15th Oct Sat 16th Oct Sun 17th Oct Fri 22 Oct Sat 23rd Oct Wed 27th Oct Thur 28th Oct Sat 20th Oct

Jaya the Cat Hawklords ft Nik Turner Coach Party Dub Pistols Echobelly Neville Staple Band Hands off Gretel CUD TV Priest + Genn Ferocious Dog

Bedford Park concerts Thur 9th Sept Ocean Colour Scene + Dodgy Fri 10th Sept Olly Murs Sat 11th Sept Cafe Mambo Ibiza Sun 12th Sept Proms in the Park

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

Did you do any streaming performances ? WP: You don’t want to see the inside of our houses or the band in jogging pants. GJ: Yes, we did a couple of them, one really early on during lockdown and another one for a South American radio later on. It was actually quite fun to do.

Have you been tweaking any classic tracks for the live arena ? WP: We play all the CUD classics in a K-Pop style now with a guest rapper called Cheesy D. GJ: Yes, Great Things and Car Fiction are a little different to the recordings. We have rehearsed a few old favourites that we haven’t played in ages.

Has your set changed significantly from what you had planned to play 18 months ago to where it is now ? WP: We’ll have to pick a different anniversary to celebrate now. What year is it? GJ: Ours has changed a bit due to the re-release of ‘Gravity Pulls’ and ‘People Are Expensive’ so we’re excited to be including a few songs from those albums.

Have you been busy designing loads of new merch for the tour ? Masks may be a bit late now ? WP: Due to lack of Tory contacts, our CUD-branded PPE failed to reach the market. Hoping to repurpose our masks as codpieces. GJ: We’ve got some new merch in our Townsend Online Store.

When do/did you start rehearsing ? Did you just click into gear ? WP: What made you think we rehearse?! GJ: We actually started a couple of weeks ago, definitely a bit rusty not quite match fit but we’re getting there.

I went to Standon Calling festival, a lot of bands were on stage for the first time in 18 months saying how emotional they felt. Will you be asking for hankies on the rider ? WP: We always ask for hankies on the rider because of spillage backstage. GJ: Nah, more room for the alcohol ha ha.

Found a new artist in lockdown who you love and can share with us ? WP: I recommend the last band I saw before lockdown – Japanese all-female punk outfit Otoboke Beaver. GJ: A Danish artist called Myrkyr, a beautiful mix of Scandinavian folk music and Death Metal. If a film studio put a movie together of your band, what genre would it fall into... drama, comedy, horror ? WP: Rom-com. GJ: Drama – of the death, drugs and rock’n’roll variety. Say you had to cover one of each other’s songs, what would you pick ? WP: King of the Kerb. Would like to hear Carl attempt those high notes. Even better, a duet with Sonya. GJ: Robinson Crusoe.

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COMING UP, COMING UP Bands who will go onto bigger things (don’t miss your chance to see them before they play much bigger venues) – The Lounge Society, The Goa Express, Yard Act, Coach Party, TV Priest, Wille J Healey, Lady Bird, Outer Stella Overdrive. Big names – The Futureheads, Echobelly, CUD, Mark Morriss ) The Bluetones), Spear of Destiny, The Meteors Party vibes – Dub Pistols, Jaya the Cat Ska – Neville Staple Band (Specials) Keep music live, Milky.

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Heritage open days Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

Foster Hill Road Cemetery Open day The Gatehouse, Foster Hill Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 7TD A beautiful Victorian Grade II listed cemetery with great trees and lovely surroundings. There will be guided walks to areas of special interest, many of them themed walks. If this is not possible due to covid regulations, a variety of suggested walks with maps, brief details and photos of individual graves will be handed out. We hope it will be possible to have all the registers from 1855 available for everyone to see them, and search for individual burials as required. This will of course depend on the Covid regulations in place at the time. Representatives of the Friends will be available to help with searches of the registers and also the grounds of the cemetery itself. Event Times Saturday 11 September: 11am-4pm - Will be open for viewing of the original burial registers only, but not for GUIDED walks. Direction sheets for SELF GUIDED walks will however be available on the day Sunday 12 September: 2pm-4.30pm - GUIDED walks

Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred The cemetery is free to visit at anytime but the walks are scheduled for Sunday afternoon only Booking Contact: Margaret Carpenter Tel: 01234 360003 Email: mo@mikecarpenter33.plus.com www.fosterhillroadcemetery.co.uk

John Bunyan Museum John Bunyan Museum, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3EU Join John Bunyan Museum and Library in person and online in a special celebration of Edible England for Heritage Open Days 2021. On Saturday 18th September there will be family trails, handling sessions and foodie demonstrations. John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, is one of Bedford’s most famous sons. Visit the Museum and Church and take a walk through Bunyan’s life and times to discover more about the renowned author, pastor and preacher. Especially for Heritage Open Days (on Saturday 18th September only): A family activity trail of ‘edible’ history around the main museum; a handling session with 17th century objects about dining in John Bunyan’s day, usually only available to paid groups; a demonstration of recipes made during Bunyan’s day, especially for the Edible England theme. Some activities will be delivered online via the website and YouTube channel, depending on Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions at the time. Pre-booking may be required to limit numbers.

Event Times Saturday 18 September: 11am-4pm Booking Details - No booking required Contact for the day: Jennifer Ayley/ Helen O’Hara (Joint Curators) 01234 270303

Shuttleworth Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP Explore Shuttleworth House, Shuttleworth Swiss Garden, and the Shuttleworth Collection. Take a relaxing walk around the beautiful Swiss Garden filled with pretty seasonal colour and two delightful peacocks. Wander along the woodland sculpture trail, around a lake home to nesting wildlife. Observe fantastic views and scenic surrounding countryside from North Park’s gentle hills, before a stroll around the paddocks overlooking the grass airfield. Venture inside the Shuttleworth House and admire its grand period rooms. Discover the Shuttleworth Collection, showcasing the best of early aviation, vintage vehicles and Clayton & Shuttleworth industrial heritage. Event Times Wednesday 15 September: 10am – 5pm Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred Pre-booking is not required, but is recommended to avoid disappointment

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, Station Road, Ridgmont, Bedfordshire, MK43 0XP An award-winning Victorian (1846) station house and booking office restoration in the Gothic Cottage Orné style, with Original Victorian Booking Office, Station Master’s Parlour, Vintage Tea Room & Gift Shop. Discover the story of the Marston Vale Railway Line engineered by Robert Stephenson and opened in 1846. It was the first railway line to reach Bedford and for much of its life serviced the vast clay workings and brickworks at Brogborough and Stewartby; later transporting much of London’s rubbish to landfill in the former clay workings. Now at the heart of the East - West Rail Scheme to reconnect Oxford back to Cambridge. Guided tours available of the Heritage Centre. New Marston Vale Line 175th Anniversary Exhibition. Family Quiz and Puzzle Booklet available to purchase from the Gift Shop. New Symbol Spot Trail for children aged five and over. Find the Vintage Tea Room in the former Ladies Waiting Room (10% discount available for rail passengers). Group and school parties welcome all year by prior booking. Event Times Friday 10th – Sunday 12th September: 10am – 4pm Wednesday 15th – Sunday 19th September: 10am – 4pm Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

For more information on Heritage Open Days visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk 47

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OAK TREES Oak trees hold a special place in the hearts of the nation. One of the most widespread trees in the UK, their size and longevity symbolise strength and endurance. There are two native species of oak in Britain: the English oak and the Sessile oak. Telling them apart is simple, just take a close look at their leaves and acorns. English oak leaves have a very short stalk while Sessile oak leaves have a long one, and conversely, English oak acorns grow at the end of long stalks while Sessile oak acorns have no stalks.

Both species can reach a grand old age – oaks over 1,000 years old can be found around the country – and anything over 400 years old is classed as an ‘Ancient Tree’. With increasing age, oaks become shorter and wider, developing gnarly crevices and hollows. Oaks are well known for supporting a huge variety of wildlife, and as they age they attract even more species. Specialist insects feed on the dead and decaying wood within an aged oak, and many birds and bats use their holes and cavities for nesting and roosting.

Research published by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in 2019 revealed that mature oak trees support a staggering 2,300 different wild species. Throughout the year in every season, oaks offer valuable living accommodation, food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife. Oaks flower in springtime, producing long, pollen-rich green catkins – these are the male flowers. Their pollen is dispersed by the wind, fertilising the small red female flowers, which then grow into acorns. Oak flowers and pollen provide food for a host of creatures, from squirrels to butterflies. The caterpillars of the dazzling purple hairstreak butterfly feast on oak flower buds and leaves, while many bee species rely on oak pollen to provide a springtime buffet. If you’ve ever seen an unusual shaped growth on an oak tree, you’ve probably stumbled across a gall. Oaks play host to a variety of galls, the most

common ones being the oak apple gall, oak marble gall and oak knopper gall. These galls are caused by wasps who lay their eggs onto different parts of the tree. The resulting larvae produce chemicals which cause a distortion in the growth of the tree. The resulting galls vary in shape and size from perfect spheres, like the oak marble gall, to knobbly, walnut-shaped growths like the knopper gall. Galls provide a protective home and food for the larvae growing inside. Once the larvae is ready to emerge from the gall, it will fall off the tree, and you can discover woody, spent galls underneath oaks during summer and autumn. Look for a telltale hole on the outside where the insect growing inside has tunnelled out. In autumn, oak trees provide wild creatures with another gift to help them survive the winter months. Mammals and birds from badgers to woodpeckers feast on the acorn bounty produced

by oaks. Acorns are a firm favourite of jays – and these attractive birds also play a part in planting the next generation of oak trees too. Jays store acorns in preparation for winter, and inevitably sometimes forget the locations of their cache, allowing them to germinate the following spring. Even as the oak drops its leaves on the ground in autumn it provides a valuable resource for wildlife. The layer of leaves on the woodland floor is like a winter duvet, offering protection in the cold months for countless invertebrates. Many of these creatures break down the leaves and other natural debris through feeding, nourishing the woodland soil beneath.

because of their size and longevity oaks are one of the best long-term stores of carbon. The iconic oak tree has been by our side throughout history – providing us with strong building materials to get us through wars and fuel to keep us warm. Now oaks stand by us again as we face another of humanity’s biggest challenges – the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis.

In the Forest of Marston Vale, we have planted thousands of oaks, which not only benefit wildlife but people too. As oaks grow, they absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, helping us to tackle the impacts of climate change. Although slow-growing, 51

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

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Dental care in

cats and dogs

Although dogs and cats very rarely suffer from dental cavities, they do suffer from periodontal disease. Just as in people, good oral hygiene is key to maintaining a healthy mouth.

What is periodontal disease? Plaque will form on the teeth of dogs and cats, just as it does in humans. Plaque is a sticky combination of saliva, food particles, and bacteria. If the plaque is not removed, the bacteria will release toxins that cause the gums to become inflamed (swollen and red). Over a period of time, this will gradually lead to loosening and dissolving of the ligaments, bone and gum that hold the teeth in place. Initial symptoms will include bad breath and tender gums. Over time, teeth can become loose and painful, or develop root infections and abscesses.

How is periodontal disease prevented? Regular tooth brushing (at least once a day) will remove plaque before it can cause further problems. A pet toothpaste should be used, as pets do not like mint or bubbles. Finger brushes and long-handled toothbrushes are available.

Just as in people, sometimes brushing is not enough to prevent plaque formation, especially in hard-to-reach places like the back of the mouth or between closely-positioned teeth. Your pet should receive a dental check up at least once a year, and a professional scale and polish can be carried out under anaesthetic if needed.

What if periodontal disease is already present? In the early stages of periodontal disease, a thorough scale and polish of the teeth will allow the gum disease to reverse. In later stages, when there is irreversible gum or bone loss or root infection/loosening, then affected teeth will be Xrayed and extracted. Dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30 so it is likely that there will be plenty of teeth remaining, however even without any teeth, dogs and cats with healthy gums are able to eat normally, even biscuits if they like!

Acorn House Acorn House has a designated dental suite with digital dental radiography and full anaesthetic monitoring, so that dental procedures can be carried out to a very high standard at the practice.

Wood Green: Pet owners’ first port of call

Have you ever had difficulty with a pet? If so, you’re not alone. Each month, around 500 people contact Wood Green, The Animals Charity seeking guidance about their pet. The charity can help at every step of the way, with a range of services available:

Access online advice and workshops

Get help covering the cost of pet care

As a pet owner, you’ve probably turned to Google about their diet, health or behaviour. For trusted advice on all aspects of pet care, at any time of day, visit Wood Green’s website to browse informative articles, howto videos and a regularly updated schedule of workshops.

Sometimes, the unexpected happens. If you’re faced with a veterinary bill you can’t afford or find yourself unable to access the basics for your pet, Wood Green can help by contributing towards veterinary care or supplying essentials like pet food and flea treatment*.

Speak to a behaviourist for free

Don’t wait to ask for help If you are struggling or feel unable to continue caring for a pet, for any reason, the charity will work with you to discuss your options and find the right solution for your pet. Whatever you’re going through, talk to Wood Green first. Simply call the team on 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk. *Financial support is subject to assessment

Dog’s manners not up to scratch? Talk to us first. Whatever problem you’re experiencing with your pet, our experts can help you solve it – every step of the way.

We offer free, life-long support for you and your pet. Talk to us on 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk

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Red Squirrels at Aviemore, Scotland WILDLIFE IN THE UK – GREG COYNE, WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER

I have just returned from a week’s stay in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. The main reason for my visit was to photograph diving ospreys, but I like to get a few hours in a red squirrel hide while I’m there, and there is no

better hide in the UK than that operated by Neil McIntyre. From the car park it’s a half mile trek, alongside a beautiful lake, into the forest to reach Neil’s hide. It’s almost like walking into a magical world and, thankfully with temperatures into the 30s during my visit, the midges were low in numbers so there was no need for protective gear. Having said that, carrying the camera bags meant a slow and measured walk in the hot weather up to the hide. The hide itself is superb for squirrel photography with openings at the front and both sides enabling portrait shots from the front and left and a squirrel jumping area to the right of the hide. The perches where the squirrels feed are set up to gain the best of the light coming through the trees. With ferns and flowers, it’s a stunning area in which to see these beautiful and fun squirrels.

The squirrels know when it’s time to feed as they are now very used to Neil’s guests who frequent the hide. We placed hazelnuts and peanuts strategically on the forest perches and didn’t have long to wait before the first squirrels started to arrive. The secret is to hide the nuts in various nooks and crannies on the logs, perches and in holes in the trees. That way you can see how intelligent they are and how quickly and nimbly they jump and run across the forest floor and the perches. Scotland has red squirrels across most of the country, but the highland squirrels are a bit special – they seem to have bushier tails and hang on to the tufts on their ears for longer. We are now seeing the red squirrel moving south into Northern England and, every year when I am down in Dorset, I like to see the red squirrels on Browning Island – probably our nearest red squirrel haven to Bedfordshire. To me, red squirrels are more photogenic that the grey squirrels that we see over most of England, but grey squirrels can still be fun for photographers in our gardens. If you do have a garden that grey squirrels frequent, why not try setting up your own jump for them to use? It’s great to watch them – unless you are my pal Mick, who backs onto woodland in Bromham, and the squirrels are a pain on his bird feeders. My plan is to return to Scotland when there is some snow early next year. Red squirrels in a snowy environment would make fantastic photography, although driving on the snowy roads may be a bit of a challenge too far. If I get there, I will share some of the images on these pages in a future edition. If you would like to see more of my images, simply log on to my Facebook Page which is Greg Coyne Photography, where you will also find video clips.

Recycle Recap

Six common errors we make when we attempt to recycle. ONE - Lift the lid Reapplying plastic lids can leave liquid inside, which means it weighs more and subsequently confuses the sorting machine. It can also trap air, which can force bottle bales apart. Collapse the bottle and reapply the lid, and you should be okay. TWO - A caffeine inconvenience Our ambivalence to recycling coffee cups has become one of the major ﬂaws in recycling

action, with eco groups keen to add dedicated cup deposit points in coffee shop. Better still, bring your own reusable vessels into cafes. THREE - Bag it up Plastic bags will instantly be rejected at the recycling plant, and will end up in landﬁll. Instead, tip your recycling into the main bin, then gather your plastic bags together and leave in a separate pile. Take them to a local plastic bag recycling point, or even hand them back in at the supermarket. FOUR - An appetite for… compost? Recycling doesn’t just stop at the disposal of manmade materials. For leftover food items such as egg shells, peel from fruit and vegetables, and even unwanted nuts and pips, adding these to compost.

FIVE - Excellent textiles Similarly, textiles banks can make real use of unwanted clothing, meaning your tatty old jumper can come back to life as anything from furniture padding to loudspeaker cones! SIX - Green is clean And remember, no matter what you’re recycling, unless it’s washed clean, it’s not going to make the cut.

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Fake to Finesse

How to get the artificial grass lawn that suits your needs. ONE Ditch the lawnmower, buy a broom Your trusty Flymo will be redundant once an artificial grass lawn is fitted, but using a stiff broom to sweep away elements caught in the grass is a good idea. Indeed, some gardeners even use a hoover to clear away light debris. Sprinkling on water is a good method for removing spillages and marks, and will encourage small mossy shoots from within to add to the natural effect.

wood, or any other existing surface. However, for extra padding and sponginess, consider adding an external underlay, in much the same way as you would do a carpet for your home.

FIVE Colour care A number of lawns will come with different coloured strands, all adding to the realism of the carpet. Some even have light brown “dead grass” strands for extra visual appeal, ultimately softening the single-tone approach of the lawn.

TWO Get the height right A shorter pile height (around 15mm at the smallest) will give the impression of a tight, well-maintained lawn, though perhaps won’t have the same natural effect as a longer length. A deeper pile (up to 35mm) looks more realistic and adds to a natural, luscious feel. For this, it’s recommended to sprinkle the surface with sand, which helps the strands stay facing upwards.

THREE Decide on density As well as pile height, density counts where artificial grass is concerned. Simply, this is the number of strands sewn into a square inch – the more strands, the more the appearance of quality and comfort underfoot and, typically speaking, the higher the cost!

FOUR Underlay, underrated? Many brands of artificial grass come with a resilient bottom layer which can be laid directly onto concrete, 62

SIX Size matters While the temptation is to take the maintenance out of your grass areas by completely covering the space in a luscious artificial lawn, in reality this horticultural innovation is intended for smaller spaces. Laying an expansive garden may give a plastic look, while more concentrated areas are tidied by an artificial lawn.

SEVEN Fit for purpose Generally speaking, it’s better to get your artificial lawn fitted by a professional. Managing a huge roll of carpet, including cutting, slicing and joining together, isn’t as easy as it may seem.

EIGHT The clean theme While laying artificial grass certainly creates a more hands-off space, it’s still important to clear up animal mess and other spillages. In addition, ensuring frost and snow are cleared away as soon as possible will help prevent the salt left behind from forming a crusty layer over each blade of grass.

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CPRE Bedfordshire is delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 Living Countryside Awards A huge variety of projects from across Bedfordshire entered the awards. The judges faced a difficult but rewarding task.

Better places to live – winner – Abbey Fields Roundabout Group (Elstow) The Abbey Fields Roundabout Group have replanted and taken on the care of all five roundabouts on the Abbey Fields estate in Elstow, planting shrubs, trees and flowers. The group has recently created a picnic area on the Abbey Fields Moor, with picnic tables, a planter box and trees providing a place for people to rest when walking on the Moor. During Covid the Group felt strongly that they made a difference by showing the community hope and care. The judges praised the way the community has engaged with the project and the different themes on the roundabout.

Houghton Hall Park Kitchen Garden (Houghton Regis) The volunteer group brings together a host of varied members of the community. The produce and flowers that are sold provide healthy and sustainable options for the community, and all the profits from sales are ploughed back into the project. This is a holistic way to engage with nature and help with the issues of mental health, food poverty and healthy choices at the same time. The work that the volunteers produce is also a draw for the public, who often visit the park just to see the latest display. The garden is managed using sustainable methods and uses recycled items where possible. The commitment and creativity of the volunteers and staff that worked as a team to create this wonderful community garden stood out for the judging panel. 64

Made in Bedfordshire – winner – Riverside Dairy (Carlton) This family farm sits along the banks of the River Great Ouse as it meanders through the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside. They use the fresh milk from their free range, pasture fed herd of cows to make artisan ice-creams. The herd of crossbred Jerseys and Friesians produces high quality milk which is just perfect for making ice-cream. Customers not only love the taste of the ice cream, but love the fact they can see the cows, and that the ice cream has been made on-site, becoming far more aware of food provenance, food miles and standards. The judges were impressed with the shift to a more sustainable way of farming – and the amazing ice cream!

Bedfordshire Choice – winner – Treewell Community Farm (Moggerhanger) Chosen by people of Bedfordshire through an online vote, with more than 3,000 votes cast in total. Treewell was a dilapidated chicken farm when Richard and Meghan bought it nearly two years ago. The 30 vegetable patches which were disused and a beautiful Victorian greenhouse in a state of disrepair. The Community Farm now has over 30 volunteers who have transformed the land and grow their own vegetables for free. The project has provided an excellent opportunity for people struggling with mental health issues or for those who don’t have gardens. The full list of winners including highly commended and commended projects, alongside films featuring the winners can be found on our website www.cprebeds.org.uk/discover/results2021/

Flat Tarmacked Course

10KM RACE

& 3KM FUN RUN

26th SEPTEMBER 2021 Wheelchair Entry Available

Family Event

Food & Drink

Free T-shirt for All Entrants

BEDFORD AUTODROME

Custom Medals for 10km

Run Britain Approved

Thurleigh Rd, Bedford, MK44 1QT

IN SUPPORT OF

HOW TO ENTER To register online, please visit sdc50.co.uk and follow the links to the event page.

ENTRY PRICES

RACE TIMES

Fun Run - £10 per person 10K Race - £15 per person Any further donations will be greatly appreciated

Gates Open - 9:00 Final Registration - 9:45 3km Start Time - 10:00 10km Start Time - 11:00

LEAD SPONSOR

TSHIRT & MEDAL SPONSOR

Spot Prizes Anyone Can Win

Great Marathon Prep

Professional Event

WC Plenty of Free Parking

Plenty of WC’s

Bedford Town Football For the first time in ten-month’s, competitive football is back at The Eyrie, and Bedford Town have got off to the best possible start against a team fancied to do well in the PitchingIn Southern League Division One Central after their move sideways from the Isthimian league during the Summer. Waltham Abbey, who were top of the table last season when it was curtailed, were given a lesson in football when The Eagles got their talons into the Essex side. Five goals ahead at half time in the first match of the season is unprecedented for Bedford, who have a habit of losing their opening fixture. They went on to concede two goals in the second half, but the damage had already been done and the first three points of the season secured. Some impressive signings in the close season featured in this first match. Australian born fullback Lewis Miccio, who until recently has played his football down under, played a part in four of Bedford’s goals. Hugh AlbanJones has had a career playing in Spain before coming back to the United Kingdom looked strong in midfield.

Club

The star of the show though was last minute, lone signing Harmeed Ishola. The eighteen-year-old Peterborough United striker, who will be with the Eagles throughout the season and who played for The Posh first team preseason, came on as a first half substitute and immediately made an impact. Outpacing the opposition with his mazy runs, before finding the net twice all within ten minutes is a debut Bedford fans will hope he can replicate many more times this season. Forthcoming fixtures: Saturday 28 August AFC Dunstable V Bedford Town Monday 30 August Bedford Town V Biggleswade Saturday 4 September FA Cup see www.bedfordeagles.net Friday 10 September Bedford Town V Hertford Town Tuesday 14 September Bedford Town V Ware Saturday 18 September Bedford Town V Thame United Saturday 25 September Bedford Town V St Neots Town (FA Trophy) Tuesday 20 September Berkhamstead V Bedford Town See www.bedfordeagles.net for the latest updates

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING NEEDS... Internal & External Decorating Plastering Refurbishments Quality Workmanship A friendly and reliable service

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Curtains & Blinds 49

Architects Benchmark Architects

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Bedford Bricklaying & General Building Ltd

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Clothing Claytons at Hatters

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Bedford Park Concerts Bedford Autodrome Fun Run Oak Fostering Open Day

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Education Bedford College

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ARTIFICIAL GRASS CLEANING ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE REPAIR AND RESTORATION IN BEDFORDSHIRE

RESTORERS OF ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE. FRENCH POLISHING. French Polishing&•MODERN Kitchen FURNITURE. Worktop Sand & Re-oil RESTORERS OF ANTIQUE FRENCH POLISHING. HAYDN CLARKE Desk Leathers Supplied & Fitted • On-Site French Polishing HAYDN CLARKE Work Insurance, Fire & Flood work TEL:Undertaken 01923 252738 MOBILE: 07958 710979 59 TEL: ELSTOW KEMPSTON, BEDS. MK428HH Collection & Delivery 01923ROAD, 252738 MOBILE: 07958 710979

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CLOCK SALES & REPAIRS

Clock Repairs • Clock Sales Call Michael:

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

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Ballroom, Latin, Sequence, Freestyle, Fitsteps Classes for adults & children in Bedford www.countydance.webs.com 01767222038 or 07908819244

01234 828953

info@almondgd.co.uk

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

GARDENING SERVICES

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DEBORAH

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

01234 210337 07976 394798

Deborah mobile hairdresser yell (Bedford)

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TIME TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN? LET US DO THE JOB YOU HATE BEFORE

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Domestic & Commercial Garden Machinery College Farm, Lovell Road, Oakley, MK43 7RX 01234 826066 in info@whites-online.co.uk www.whites-online.co.uk www.whites-online.co.uk Tel: 01234 826066 College Farm, Lovell Road, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RX Sales, Service, Parts, Repair & Hire Briggs & Stratton Service Centre

Also Available Indespenison & Brian James Trailers

Anna Humphreys Worried about lockdown gaps in your child’s Maths and English? Calm, friendly tuition with an experienced teacher for Primary age children. Email: annahtutoring@gmail.com Instagram: annahtutoring

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MEDALS

USED CAR DISPOSAL

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• Medal framing and medal mounting. • Full size and miniature • Regimental gifts, British replica replacement Army, RAF, medals. Royal Navy & Merchant. Tel: 01234 268738 Mobile: 07877 242408 www.duchemins.co.uk 71

Useful

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

BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY Delivering a wide range of rural development and community projects. Tel 01234 838771 www.bedsrcc.org.uk

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

BEDFORD WOMEN’S CENTRE

Local organisation solely devoted to the welfare of the over 50’s in Bedfordshire.

Supporting women in the community who may have experienced Domestic Abuse or want more information about healthy relationships.

Tel 01234 360510 www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Tel 01234 316801 www.bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk

AGE UK BEDFORDSHIRE

AUTISM BEDFORDSHIRE Independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people and their families across Bedfordshire.. Tel 01234 350704 www.autismbedfordshire.net BEDFORD BOROUGH LOCAL OFFER A place where parents and young people with Special Educational Needs and or disabilities can find clubs, activities and services to support them and their families Here you will find details of upcoming events, clubs and services available in the Borough of Bedford. www.localoffer.bedford.gov.uk

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

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

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

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

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

CITIZENS ADVICE

MINDBLMK

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

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Tel 01234 867944 www.bedfordcab.org.uk COMMUNITY VOLUNTARY SERVICE BEDFORDSHIRE (CVS ) Support for voluntary and community sector organisations in Bedfordshire. Tel 01234 354366 www.cvsbeds.org.uk

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

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

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

FAMILIES FIRST BEDFORDSHIRE 01234 341977 www.familiesfirstbedfordshire.org.uk FRIENDS FOR LIFE A local charity working to address the social isolation of residents in Bedford’s care homes Tel 07460 575410 www.friendsforlifebedford.org.uk

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

ROAD VICTIMS TRUST Offers a range of free support services to residents of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire who have been affected by fatal road collisions. Tel 01234 843345 www.rvtrust.org.uk

SMILEY CLUB (PART OF BEDFORD MENCAP) Provides a fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities. Tel 07798 762 808

MEN AS VICTIMS Group support is provided for men who have experienced domestic abuse in a safe, therapeutic environment. This service is for male victims living in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire or Luton. Tel 01234 341977 www.bedsdv.org.uk/get-help/men-as-victims/

MENCAP (BEDFORD) A voluntary organisation operating in Bedford and surrounding areas supporting individuals with a learning disability and their families. Tel 07973 859940 www.bedfordmencap.org.uk

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

THE JOBS HUB Provides an all age careers advice and employment support service for people that live in and around Bedford. Tel 01234 223510 www.bedfordjobshub.co.uk 73

AUGUST PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

AUGUST PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

James Mellor Creative

Bespoke Cartoons & Corporate Copywriting for publications, websites, social media, presentations and conferences www.jamesmellorcreative.com @jamesdfmellor 74

Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

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 30th September 2021

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 September 2021 The Will Writing Company

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Tel 01234 964911

Email:enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk

Terms and Conditions. Office and telephone appointments available. This voucher can not be exchanged for cash – The voucher must be produced at your appointment.

Have Your Windows Steamed Up? Replace the pane, not the frame!

“I really liked the fact that they were a local community run business” Janet Beard All glazing backed by our

We are a Which? Trusted Trader Social distancing in operation

Faulty locks, handles or hinges? Priority freephone www.cloudy2clear.co.uk

Love Your Home - Protect Your Windows - Save Money

BedsLife September 2021

Articles inside

Useful Local Resources

Gardening – Fake to Finesse

Bedford Town FC

The Great Outdoors – Red Squirrels

Heritage Open Days

Acorn House Pet Advice

Marston Forest – Oak Trees

Lyd Eats Food – Bridges Espresso

Milky’s Music Matters

Authors for Autumn

The Bedfordshire Walking Festival

Stevington 12K

Green Play

Health – Aged for Fitness

Home Interiors – The Copper Kitchen

Richard Fuller MP

Council News

Volunteer Opportunities

Big Green Week

Mohammad Yasin MP