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inside Bedford Festival Fringe – Our Top Picks Marston Forest – Dazzling Dragons and Damsels What’s On WIN Family Tickets to Box End Aqua Park £25 Prize Crossword
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10,000 copies Delivered to Elstow, Shortstown, Wixams, Wilstead, Houghton Conquest, Stewartby, Marston Moretaine.
Richmond Manor in Ampthill
A carer and a companion all in one – Elstow Manor introduce their award-winning model of care to the older community of Wixams
Opening soon, Elstow Manor in Wixams
Award-winning care from the Homemakers of Hamberley
Opening soon, and following in the footsteps of Richmond Manor in Ampthill and Caddington Grove in Dunstable, Elstow Manor will be the third Bedfordshire based care home for the award-winning Hamberley Care Homes group. Situated on Bedford Road in Wixams, Elstow Manor will offer residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short breaks for the older community, all within a truly luxurious setting. The 80-bed home includes all the stunning features that you would expect from a high-quality care home, such as a wellbeing and beauty salon, an elegant cafe and bar and a classic cinema. But as you walk through the doors you’ll notice a radically different way of providing personalised care for older people. Within every Hamberley Care Home you’ll find the awardwinning Homemakers. “The Homemakers are just wonderful, making every day an experience for residents” - Daughter of a resident
The Homemakers not only provide the highest quality of care, but they focus on the tiny details that make each day special for every resident, from always keeping things clean and tidy, to offering support with hobbies and interests, the Homemakers ensure that every Hamberley care home is a luxury care home with a heart. “Mum always looks lovely when we visit as the Homemakers take time to make sure her hair, nails and makeup are done giving her the respect and dignity she deserves.” - Daughter of a resident The Homemakers are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for every resident, and will go out of their way to facilitate activities that help residents embrace life. After all, life is for living. Book your tour of Elstow Manor today – call the friendly team on 01234 676766 or enquiries@ hamberleycarehomes.co.uk Elstow Manor, Bedford Road, Wixams MK42 6FZ
Milton Ernest Pavenham
Council News
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Mamma’s House – A Walk in the Park
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Turvey
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Heron and Hush
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Box End Aqua Park Competition
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What’s On
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Bedford Festival Fringe
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ProFlite Professional Flight Simulation
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Marston Fores00t – Dazzling Dragons and Damsels
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Gardening – Complete Guide to Composting 34 Useful Resources
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council news Bedford Borough launches a Summer of SEND Bedford Borough Council, The Parent Carer Forum and BLMK CCG are hosting The Summer of SEND.
much more for everyone. So far you can book to engage with specialist SEND parenting sessions, attend dedicated training sessions on Dyslexia and ADHD, and learn about the brand new disability employment information page.
For 2021, organisers have been hard at work, looking at the best way to engage with as many children, young people, parents and carers as possible in Bedford Borough and so, The Summer of SEND was born.
If you have any topic ideas or would like to put on an event and be part of Bedford Borough’s Summer of SEND, there is still time. Please get in touch Local. Offer@bedford.gov.uk.
As part of The Summer of SEND, there are a whole a host of events, webinars, activities, training and
Follow the Local Offer social media and use the hashtag #SummerOfSEND
Success as Bedford Borough wins £22.6m for Town Deal In October 2020, Bedford Borough Council and the Bedford Town Deal Board submitted their Town Investment Plan as part of their bid for up to £25million from Central Government. The Town Investment Plan put forward a clear vision and strategy for how the money will be used in Bedford and identifies value for money projects that will have a positive impact on the town. The projects submitted in the plan include regeneration of the Station Quarter and Midland Road, public realm improvements to St. Paul’s Square, improvements to town centre junctions and local pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and investment in Health, Science and Digital Skills and Full Fibre broadband. The regeneration of the Station Quarter and Midland Road will bring important investment to these spaces as key gateways to the town centre for visitors in Bedford. The regeneration projects will also see investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, which connects the two areas and creates a vibrant corridor to the town centre. The suggested public realm improvements to St. Paul’s Square will enhance the experience for both
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shoppers and visitors, increasing the vibrancy of the centre of Bedford and promoting the town as a place to meet friends and family and have fun. The proposed investment in our roads, pedestrian and cycling network will promote greater accessibility and mobility for residents, while relieving pinch points across the town centre, reducing congestion and creating a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians. The Town Investment Plan also includes a scheme for funding investment in Health, Science and Digital Skills, through expanding the current offer from Bedford College to allow them to offer spaces to an additional 250 learners each year and improve the learning environment for current students. The plan also includes a project to support the rollout of full fibre infrastructure across the urban areas of Bedford by a private provider, helping to attract investment from private sector businesses. Bedford Town Deal projects are required to be completed by March 2026.
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Panacea Charitable Trust – Front of House Volunteer Help to create a friendly visitor-focused environment at the Panacea Museum in Bedford, ensuring all visitors have the best experience possible. Ideal for those interested in history and religion or wanting to build their skillset for employment.
Community Led Initiatives – Mentor You will be offering community-based support across Bedfordshire, making a difference in the lives of people who are vulnerable and often disadvantaged. The role will suit a volunteer who is confident, outgoing, positive and resourceful.
Money Advice – St Andrews as Debt Adviser
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
43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 6
Join a team of trained volunteers offering free confidential advice to anyone in Bedford who may have problems with debt or managing their money.
Headway Bedford – Trustee As a trustee you are vitally important in ensuring the continuing success of this enthusiastic group which is affiliated to Headway – the brain injury association. You will help to advise on operational strategy and support the existing team of paid staff and volunteers.
Bedfordshire Opportunities for Learning Disabilities – Treasurer An opportunity to actively contribute to building a strong and financially viable charity that will deliver better outcomes. The Treasurer will see first-hand how efficient management of finances impacts positively on what can be achieved. You will need experience in charity finance.
Hear2Listen CIC – NCS Volunteer Help support the running of the National Citizen service (NCS) programme – a skills-building and social action programme for 16 and 17 year olds. Run activities encouraging young people to challenge themselves. The requirement is typically for several weeks over the school holiday periods.
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust! These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in. The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our
watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
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A Walk in the Park We love getting outdoors, especially in the Summer.
This past year we have all depended on parks and open spaces to play, exercise and to help our mental health. This month we celebrate Love Parks Week nicely paired with National Picnic Month, and so we have taken a look at some of our favourite local play parks. The best bit is you don’t have to spend a lot (or any) money to have a fun time out. Why not pack a picnic and a ball too.
Bromham There’s a lovely park hidden in Bromham on Chestnut Avenue. It has all your usual swings and slides for lots of fun. What we like best is that right next to it, is a huge field; which is great for a picnic and a game of catch.
Great Denham Great Denham has a big sand park by the Pavilion. It has lots to do for a range of ages, but probably best known for its huge climbing frame and slide. It has a big variety of play equipment to climb and slide down. My kids love running up and rolling down the hills too. If you haven’t been before it’s worth a visit. You can even go for a nice circular walk or bike ride.
Mowsbury Park Mowsbury Park is one of the better known parks in Bedford. There’s lots to do for small children with two play parks, one with sand and climbing equipment as well as swings and slides. It has a lovely cafe that serves lots of delicious food and treats. There’s also a wooded area to explore, as well as a BMX track.
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Wixams Wixams has a few lovely parks and walks. Our favourite has to be what we call the ‘Parrot Park’ on Brooklands Avenue. It has sand, some little huts and a huge slide you have to climb up to get to. It also has some tyre swings. It’s a great little park for toddlers and slightly older kids too. There are two other parks, one has a pirate ship with sand and swings aswell as a zip wire. It has a lovely view of the lake, and lots of swans and cygnets this time of year. There is also a third park on Green Lane, with more swings and sand as well as play equipment for older kids. Definitely worth a look if you are in the area.
Wootton There is an excellent park in Wootton, just behind the Village Hall. It has a small sensory area, as well as lots of play equipment for toddlers and slightly older children. It’s really interactive, and has a swing you can sit in with your baby so you can swing together. It also has a ground trampoline, an accessible roundabout and lots to climb and sit in such as a car and fire engine. It is next to a big playing field and a skate park too. Remember to keep our play parks tidy, bin your rubbish and if there are no bins or they are full, take your rubbish home. I’d love to hear your favourite parks, tag me with your recommendations @mammas_house on Instagram.
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Books to get stuck into this July Whether you fancy a modern romance or a fast-paced thriller, a study of sport or a delicious cake recipe, July’s book releases have you covered.
Happy Cooking: Easy Uplifting Meals and Comforting Treats by Candice Brown (July 1) “The kitchen has always been my happy place – it’s the only place I feel completely at ease,” explains The Great British BakeOff champ Candice Brown on her delectable new cookbook. Including everyday favourites such as chicken nuggets, cinnamon pastry twists and brown butter macaroni cheese along with ‘therapy’ recipes which use the meditative qualities of baking and cooking to ease an anxious mind, this is the kind of cookbook you will return to again and again when you are craving comfort. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (July 8) Having worked for almost a decade as Senior Vice President and Head of Drama Series at HBO – developing and overseeing such shows as The Sopranos, Six Feet Under and The Wire – it should come as no surprise that Miranda Cowley Heller’s debut novel is an impressive work of captivating storytelling. Set over 24 hours and across 50 years, The Paper Palace is as elegant and intoxicating as the scorching August day in Cape Cod on which it is set.
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Rabbit Hole by Mark Billingham (July 8) From The Sunday Times bestselling author of the Tom Thorne crime series comes this complex and compelling new thriller, set in the sinister corridors and wards of a psychiatric hospital where there is a killer on the loose. For DC Alice Armitage, a methodical and tireless game of cat and mouse begins as she races to find the truth from within the wards, for she herself is a patient. Relentless: Secrets of the Sporting Elite by Alistair Brownlee (July 8) Whether you are training for your first half marathon or are simply a devoted sports fan, double Olympic champion and one half of Britain’s finest triathlon duo, Alistair Brownlee’s ambitious new book seeks to answer one of sport’s greatest questions: what does take it take to become a champion? From Ian Poulter to Ian Botham, this is an extensive and thorough exploration of an athletes’ inner workings. The Lock In by Phoebe Luckhurst (July 22) Whilst nursing the hangover from hell, Ellen stumbles downstairs to discover the kitchen slowly filling with water. Panic quickly sets in, and the three flatmates find themselves in the attic desperately attempting to switch off the water supply. But when Ben, Alexa’s Hinge date from the night before, walks in, the door slams, the handle breaks, and all four of them are trapped…
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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 9th July Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Claire George, Shortstown
For last months answers please turn to P38
Across
3 Feline (3) 7 Evening jacket (6) 8 Sloping text style (6) 9 Tear (3) 10 Overpowered, routed (6) 11 Played at Wimbledon (6) 12 Young hen (6) 14 Increase in length or time (6) 17 Exits (6) 21 Souvenirs, trophies (6) 24 Disastrous failure (6)
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Stand Up Paddleboarding: My passion or obsession? Work or play? All of the above and way more! If you ask anyone who knows me where to find me, the answer will undoubtedly be ‘on the river!’ And why wouldn’t I be!? A stone’s throw from my house and the jewel in Bedford’s crown. Moving from Stevenage to Bedford almost 20 years ago now, one of the very reasons I wanted to relocate, way before paddleboarding was known to me or even really in the UK, was to be closer to the water whilst staying close to my family. Bedford was the obvious place, with The River Great Ouse flowing right through the heart of the historic market town and a short twenty minute stroll from my new home took me to the beautiful Priory Country Park, completely away from the hustle and bustle of the town when I
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just needed some calm. Now, the very reason I was originally drawn to Bedford has become the perfect escapism from a busy life and the perfect spot to paddle, not only personally but also for teaching others with my independently owned and operated local paddleboarding business, Heron and Hush. Heron and Hush is more than a small enterprise, It’s become a SUP community that has grown over the last two years through offering opportunities for all to not just try paddleboarding but to become part of our SUP Club, a weekly meet-up to paddle, socialise and delight in our stunning and everchanging local lake and waterway whilst consuming essential paddle fuel (otherwise known as cake and cookies!) The River Great Ouse is such a treasured area and Heron and Hush wishes to help keep it that way. Sadly, particularly throughout the last year, our green and blue spaces have been subjected to a lot of littering, to the detriment of our local wildlife and environment. To help to be part of the solution, Heron and Hush have run Planet Patrol events to help combat the issues, protect our local wildlife and keep
Paddling in the snow or even in the rain is a fantastic experience but warm summer days are still my favourite. our river clean for all to enjoy. Planet Patrol is a global movement to clean-up our beautiful countryside and waterways, and log the litter found to monitor and share information with the brands and Government to cause industrial change. Our next Planet Patrol event will be in August, these Clean-ups include a £10 voluntary donation to Planet Patrol, all equipment to safely paddle and pick and SUP tutorial. We hope you can join us on our next one! For me and so many others, Paddleboarding is the ultimate exercise for both body and mind. The feeling of calm and space to disconnect from the daily grind, to completely immerse yourself in nature, nurtures mental wellbeing as much as it does physical health.
For this very reason we also run annual RED January fundraising paddles with all the proceeds going to support incredible mental health charities such as MIND Charity and Sport in Mind. Our previous and upcoming events include SUP Surf and Race Training opportunities to name but a few for those that have truly caught the SUP-bug and want to widen their skills! This July we’ve teamed up with Kentbased Daddyboards to provide our first SUP adventure weekend in Wales, staying in an eco-built boathouse in a secluded bay. We can’t wait! Personally, I love to paddle all year round, as long as the conditions are safe to do so, paddling in the snow or even in the rain is a fantastic experience but warm summer days are still my favourite. The long light summer evenings are perfect for a post-work paddle following my day working as a Pastoral Lead at Bedford Free School. My absolute favourite time of the day is sunset and sharing this time with my friends, bobbing about on the river, completely immersed in nature with paddle snacks and a cheeky gin or cider, is my favourite way to end the day, every day! 17
WIN!
A FAMILY AQUA PARK SESSION FOR 4 PEOPLE “The Box End Aqua-Park is back for this summer and is even bigger and better than before! Featuring amazing new obstacles and challenges it’s the best summer day out you will have in Bedford!
Swing, climb, jump and slide your way around the different obstacles and try to avoid a total Wipeout! The amazing new ‘Mega-slide’ is the biggest vertical drop Aqua Park slide in the UK! – are you brave enough to take it on....? Sessions cost £15 per person and include a full safety briefing, free parking and hire of a buoyancy aid.
The Aqua Park is open to 6 year olds upwards. You can check opening times and make a booking at www.boxendpark.com
The Box End Park Aqua Park is the best family Watersports day you can have! It’s also perfect for kids parties. We are excited to be giving away 2 family pass’s to the Aqua Park, giving you the chance to win the ultimate family day out! To enter simply Email your name to competitions@bedslifemagazine.co.uk no later than Monday 12th July with the Subject “Aqua Park*. Family pass’s are for up to 4 participants and can be used to book an experience directly with Box End Park anytime this year”
BOX END RD, KEMPSTON MK43 8RQ | INFO@BOXENDPARK.COM
Box End Park is the perfect day out if you are looking for safe, outdoor fun for the kids, a group, or a party!
· Giant inflatable aqua park
· Kids holiday camps
· Kneeboard & Wakeboard lessons
· Open water swimming
· Stand up paddle boarding
· Lakeside cafe, bar & restaurant
Head to www.boxendpark.com for full details and to make a booking.
What’sOn
FUNTOPIA Saturday 3rd July, Sunday 25th July 11am - 5pm Millenium Park (the Rec), Coniston Road, Flitwick, MK45 1QQ A fun-packed event which is perfect for tots to tweens. Filled with bouncy castles, obstacle course, activity inflatables, under 5’s area, sumo suits, interactive play system and much more! Funtopia is ‘pay and play all day’! So when you’ve purchased your wristband you can go on any activity as many times as you like - all included in the price! Please note: some activities have height/age restrictions attached. www.facebook.com/funtopiauk SUNDAY STROLL Sunday 4th July 10.30am – 12.30pm Forest of Marston Vale, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PR Free but donations welcome A guided social walk led by our Volunteers around the Millennium Country Park. We’ll be using surfaced paths so the walk is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. WARDEN ABBEY VINEYARD TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC Sunday 4th July 2pm – 5.30pm (Gates open 1.30pm) Warden Abbey Vineyard, Bedford Rd, Old Warden SG18 9LS Bring your Teddy Bears, your picnic, chairs and blankets. Have fun with the bears and watch out for planes from Shuttleworth military air display. Ice-cream Joe will be calling in at 3pm. Teddy Trail * Teddy Tots Bear-aerobics * Teddy Tales with our storyteller * Fuzzy Bee Crafts The picnic coincides with the nearby Shuttleworth air-show and there’s usually a chance to spot planes heading our way, although this may depend on which way the wind is blowing. Advance bookings only. www.wardenvineyard.org.uk/event/picnic-and-planes-4th-july
ST PAUL’S LUNCHTIME CONCERTS St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ Tuesday 6th July NIKITA LUKINOV – Piano Tuesday 13th July 2021 LEAH NICHOLSON – Piano Lunchtime concerts are held every Tuesday at 1.10pm during academic terms and last around 40 minutes. The concerts are free with a voluntary donation. HOMEMADE IN HARROLD, CARLTON AND ODELL Saturday 10th July Harrold Centre, High Street, Harrold MK43 7BH A celebration of local art, craft and creativity THE FOX AT CARLTON GIN FESTIVAL Saturday July 10th from midday 35 High Street, Carlton MK43 7LA 20 Gins plus live music. Bring a picnic!
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SUMMER MAGIC SHOW! Sunday 11th July from 10.30am! The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton Mill Lane, Off Faldo Road, Barton Le Clay MK45 4RF Krisgar and Tricky Teddy are finally back to entertain you! Come and enjoy a 30 minute Magic and Puppet show with Krisgar and Tricky Teddy, bringing fun for all the family! Children £5.00 Adults £2.00 Tickets https://buytickets.at/ thewatermillexperience/518197 BEDFORD FLEA Sunday 11th July 10am – 3.30pm St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ A smorgasbord of quality second-hand goods, talented artists and fresh, locally grown ingredients and homemade produce. www.bedfordflea.wixsite.com/market CEREMONY – A NEW MUSIC ALL DAY FESTIVAL AT BEDFORD ESQUIRES Saturday 17th July 17 12:00 pm - July 18 @ 3:00 am 60A Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QG A brand new all dayer from The Pad Presents, The Roar Club and Club Biscuit. We’re extremely proud of the diverse line up we’ve pulled together for the multi room event at Esquires, with blender putting together a strong line up of their own for the outdoor stage. www.bedfordesquires.co.uk/events/ceremony-anew-music-all-day-festival/ BEDS & NORTHANTS MS THERAPY CENTRE MONTHLY CHARITY SALE Third Saturday of every month (Starting 17th July) 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 BEDFORD 10K Sunday 18th July Russell Park, Bedford MK40 3RH A brand new 10k race that will serve as a test event ahead of the Bedford Running Festival in September. We’ve gone the extra mile and have worked closely with the local council to bring you a brand new town-centre course that will weave past many of Bedford’s iconic landmarks. It’s fast, flat, traffic free and you will be rewarded with a highly sought-after bespoke finisher medal. https://www.bedford10k.co.uk/
BEDFORD CRAFT MARKET Sunday 25th July 10am – 3.30pm St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ Amazing smells, personalised gifts, knitwear, plants, baked goods and much more! Free parking in council run car parks on Sundays. BEDFORD CHORAL SOCIETY BANDSTAND CONCERT Sunday 25th July Mill Meadows Bandstand, The Embankment, Bedford A musical performance in Bedford’s iconic bandstand https://bedfordchoralsociety.org.uk/ FLITWICK HOT N SPICY FOODIE FEST Sunday 25th July 12 noon Millenium Park (the Rec), Coniston Road, Flitwick, MK45 1QQ Get those taste buds tingly with fiery and tasty delight as you sample some of the best hot and spicy foods. With an array of dishes that can bring a taste sensation you are sure to find something that will delight everyone’s taste buds! EAT FEAST FOOD MARKET Friday 30th July 4pm – 9pm Riverside Square, Bedford MK40 1AS Food market offering a wide range of tasty meals from popular street food vendors to take away and enjoy https://www.facebook.com/eatfeastco/ DANISH CAMP PARTY WEEKEND CELEBRATING 20 YEARS! Chapel Lane, Willington MK44 3QG Friday 30th July Rhubarb (Local 6 piece band) 8am till late FREE Admission Saturday 31st July The Pride (8 piece band playing rocksteady, reggae and ska) 8 till late Tickets £15 Over 18’s only www.danishcamp.co.uk/
To list an event in the August issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 9th July 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. 21
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The 14th Annual Bedford Festival Fringe From Thursday 22nd July to Sunday 1st August, Bedford will host the 14th International Bedford Festival Fringe bringing to the town a carefully selected programme of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance & physical theatre, spoken word and poetry. This year, events will be held at The Quarry Theatre. Expect to see 150+ events in 11 days across 3 venues! Here are a few of our top picks!
Alfie Moore: It’s A Fair Cop – Comedy 22 July Quarry Theatre (13yrs+) Join Humberside police sergeant-turnedcomedian Alfie Moore for a live version of his critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 comedy show ‘IT’S A FAIR COP’.
Silent Adventures – Music 24 July Quarry Theatre Fourecourt (All Ages) Join the Silent Adventures Team as we lead you in song and dance around the streets & squares of Bedford for our famous one hour guided adventure.
The Dark Room (For Kids!) 24 July Quarry Theatre (11yrs+) John Robertson returns to Bedfringe with his terrifying, live-action videogame ‘The Dark Room’, now in Family Friendly flavour!
Juliette Burton: ReDefined - Comedy 31 July Quarry Theatre (14yrs+) Juliette’s original show was all about what happened when everything steadfast in her life back in 2018 vanished leading her to redefine her love, life and labels... herself. Now she’s back to explore how recent times have Redefined EVERYTHING.
‘Twas a Dark and Stormy Night - Poetry & Spoken Word 31 July Quarry Theatre (12yrs+) Bedfringe regular, and twice a ‘Bedfringe Sellout’, Mark Steinhardt is back for the eighth time in the last eleven years.
Pip Utton: Einstein - Theatre 1 August Quarry Theatre (13yrs+) ‘Einstein’ is Pip’s latest work. Probably the most famous scientist of all time, Albert Einstein is the image of a crazy scientist, a mad professor. Pip brings to life not only the scientist but a musician, politician, human rights campaigner and a ‘deeply religious Jew who doesn’t believe in God’.
For the full line up and tickets visit
Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq - Music 30 July Quarry Theatre Garden (14yrs+) Bedford’s own viral star returns to Bedfringe. With over 140,000 subscribers and over 8 million views of his notorious, sweary classic ‘I’ve No More .... To Give’ on YouTube alone, Thomas will be bringing his banjolele for a mix of (radio friendly versions of) his original satirical songs and sing-a-long classics.
WWW.BEDFRINGE.COM
Max Fulham & Matt Daniel-Baker in ‘An Extraordinary Evening’ - Comedy 29 July Quarry Theatre (All Ages) A superb evening of Comedy & Mind Reading. TWO sensational talents perform their extraordinary skills for ONE NIGHT ONLY!
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New Zealand’s mountainous Queenstown. We have so many to choose from!
Welcome to ProFlite UK, the home of professional flight simulation, where you can enjoy a truly unique and exciting experience flying our Airbus A320 fixed-base simulator. Sample what it’s like to be an airline pilot flying a modern, sophisticated passenger jet under the guidance of a highly experienced airline professional. It doesn’t get any more realistic!
Our simulator is a faithful replica of the Airbus A320, one of the most widely flown airliners in today’s skies. Fly to some of the world’s most famous and demanding airports and try your skills at landing in challenging weather conditions, just like the professionals. We have more than 100 detailed airports for you to choose from including UK favourites like London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Alternatively, make an approach into Hong Kong’s famous Kai Tak Airport towards the checkerboard as you visually bank right to land on Runway 13 – or try your hand at an approach and landing into one of Europe’s scenic alpine airfields like Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zürich, Geneva or Chambéry. If you prefer warmer climes, fly a night-time approach into busy Dubai or zip down-under to Sydney or
Located in the Bedford area, we are unique, being the only such facility operating an Airbus simulator in the region. Launching on 1 August, we are open to professional pilots as well as enthusiasts, so realism is guaranteed. Each booking of 60 minutes or more includes a 30-minute pre-flight briefing followed by a full session at the controls of your choice (min 30 mins/max 4 hours). A short debrief will conclude this very special experience. You can even share the time at the controls with a friend or family member.
For information on price and availability, please visit www.pro-flite.com. Alternatively, you can email us at contact@pro-flite.com or call on 01234 218320. Birthday and special occasion bookings are welcome (max 3 people).
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New exhibition:
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Tel: 01234 360 510 www.ageukbedfordshire.org.uk
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We put your safety first at ALL times Fully trained and supervised Home Helps. Thorough vetting and DBS checks on all workers. Regular daily or weekly visits to suit your needs. A variety of payment methods including monthly invoicing.
During the Corona Virus pandemic, we have continued to provide all of our services. We carry out 1000 hours of home visits per week, without any Covid 19 incidents. This is due to the diligence of our team in following the additional safety measures we introduced at the beginning of March 2020.
From Isolation to Staycation! Feeling miserable because you can’t jet off to your chosen holiday destination? How about spending some quality time this year, closer to home but still with that holiday vibe? Come to Blackthorns Sun Club! With the whole family catered for with a pool, communal BBQ, miniten, petanque and volley ball courts, crazy golf and finska. Not only do you get rest & relaxation within 15 acres of woodland but also a sauna, children’s play area and clubhouse and the chance to attend socials with meals, disco and live music the whole year through. The longest package holiday you could dream of! Vitamin D is known to help fight this respiratory virus of Covid-19 just as it does TB, Asthma and COPD. It’s also a recognised benefit against certain cancers and is vital to maintain strong bones, teeth and muscle and the easiest way to get sufficient quantities is to spend some time outdoors soaking up some sunshine, whilst still taking sensible care not to burn. We are following the Government Guidelines to keep our members safe. Please contact the club to arrange a visit to see for yourselves what we have to offer. Don’t worry if you’re new to naturism, we will make you feel at home. tel. 07759971899
or email: membership@blackthorns.org.uk
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If you’re exploring the Wetlands Nature Reserve at Millennium Country Park on a warm, sunny day this summer, you’re likely to encounter some of the jewels of the insect world: dragonflies and damselflies. These vivid insects come in an array of colours from brilliant reds to metallic blues and iridescent greens. It’s worth bringing along a pair of binoculars if you’d like to look at them closely as they’re prone to darting off if they sense nearby movement, so it is often better to view them from afar.
Dazzling dragons and damsels
a guide to these wetland wonders
So how do you tell the difference between the two? As a general rule, dragonflies are broader and stockier than their smaller, more delicate cousins. A dragonfly in flight brings to mind a harrier jumpjet – it is agile, strong and purposeful. Dragonflies have four independently mobile wings which give them a supreme manoeuvrability, enabling them to hover, as well as move swiftly upwards, downwards, forwards and backwards just like the famous aircraft. Damselflies, on the other hand, have a much more gentle, fluttery flight, more akin to a butterfly than a fighter plane. While resting, damsels fold their wings neatly next to their bodies, while dragons’ wings are outstretched. The dragonfly is an aggressive airborne predator. Using its acute eyesight and efficient aerial skills, it hunts a variety of insects, capturing them mid-air. And despite their delicate appearance, damselflies are also voracious predators, snatching other insects by creating a ‘basket’ shape with their legs to scoop up their prey while in flight. These hunting techniques have been perfected over millions of years – their ancestral line dates back to around 300 million years ago - before dinosaurs roamed the earth! Back then, they were much bigger than they are today, with a wingspan up to 30cm.
Although dragonflies and damselflies are best known as flying insects, they actually spend the majority of their lives underwater. The adult, flying stage of their lives usually only lasts for a few weeks, during which time their primary purpose is to mate and produce the next generation. Dragons and damsels start their lives as tiny eggs, which are laid underwater, sometimes within plants, by the female. The larvae, or nymph, hatches after around a week and is a ferocious underwater predator, with an extendable hinged jaw which it uses to eat other aquatic insects. As it grows, it sheds its skin several times, and when it is ready to change into an adult – usually after between six months and a few years depending on the species - it leaves the water, and crawls up a plant stem. The transformation that happens now is pretty astounding – the skin along the nymph’s body actually splits open and the new adult insect emerges from the old skin! The wings at this stage are crumpled and soft so the insect pumps fluid into its veins to stretch them out. Over the next few days, the body will elongate and the wings will harden until the adult is ready to take flight. During this period of transformation, the emerging adult is at its most vulnerable to predators. A keen observer may sometimes spot the empty skins of nymphs on plants around the water’s edge, and on a still, sunny day there’s an
excellent chance of seeing a dragonfly cruising along the water or a damsel fluttering among the bankside vegetation at the Wetlands Nature Reserve. A total of 11 species of dragonfly and eight damselfly species have been recorded at the park in recent years. A few to look out for are: • Brown hawker – Easily recognised, this large dragonfly has a slender brown body, with bright yellow stripes on the sides of the thorax and golden-brown wings. • Emperor dragonfly – Britain’s largest dragonfly, this majestic species has a bright blue/green body and large eyes. You’ll most likely see this active hunter in flight as it rarely settles. • Banded demoiselle – this stunning damselfly is often seen fluttering near to vegetation at the water’s edge. Males are a vivid metallic blue with a distinctive black band on their wings, while females are a vivid green. • Common blue damselfly – a common species which can be seen in a variety of habitats, from open water to woodland. The males are bright blue with bands of black along the body, while females are a paler blue or green. Don’t forget to let us know on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter if you see any dragons or damsels while you’re out exploring – we’d love to hear about your sightings! Just search for ‘Forest of Marston Vale’ to get in touch.
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COMPLETE GUIDE TO COMPOSTING A generational eco trend that will replenish your garden whilst saving on bin waste.
If you are looking for a staple of eco living, venture no further than composting. This practice of letting scraps, waste and off-cuttings decompose away to produce a refreshingly dense, fertile, and wholly beneficial layer of goodness for your outdoor space predates almost all the green, recycling and energy conservation moves and initiatives we have now embedded into our everyday lives. And rightly so, since creating compost actually reduces the effort required in dealing with throwaway materials. That said, to get your compost really producing the type of nutrient-rich humus that will bring lawns, beds and green areas flourishing back to life, there are a few useful tips you may want to pay attention to.
Carbon vs nitrogen Getting the balance between these two correct will ultimately define just how good your compost is. Carbon matter includes branches, stems, wood, paper bags, coffee filters, eggshells, wood ash and more. It is this carbon layer that will give your compost space, lightness, and a fluffy consistency. Nitrogen-heavy matter, on the other hand, includes food waste, manure, and kitchen waste, and provides a heavier, protein-rich presence. For the best compost, you will want to look for one-third green versus two-thirds brown material – in other words, more carbon (the nice-smelling stuff) than nitrogen (the less-nice smelling stuff). If you are uncertain of your ratios, the simple rule is to add more carbon.
A few don’ts Do not put meat, bones, or fish scraps in your compost. Not only will they smell, but they will also attract pests, and you will soon find yourself clearing up the remnants of foxes, cats, and other night roamers. Obviously, it is smart to keep weeds or diseased plants away from your mix; while beware banana peels and orange rinds, as these may contain pesticide residues.
Straw law Many believe straw is the secret weapon where composting is concerned. It is a great way to ensure a good carbon/nitrogen balance, whilst adding oxygen space. You can also cut out some of the labour-heavy turning (see below) if you have a respectably high straw content.
Getting started When it comes to kicking off your composting revolution, find a space on bare earth so that worms and other organisms can access and aerate your compost, all the while transferring it into your beds. Lay twigs or straw down, then begin to build your compost layer by layer, remembering your carbon and nitrogen mix, and ensuring plenty of gaps are left in between levels so that oxygen can work its magic. Watering the compost can be a good idea and covering the top with a sheet will help it retain moisture and heat, as well as preventing it from becoming drenched by downpours of rain.
Aeration using a shovel, and a generous turn every week or so will keep the compost evolving and speeds up the process towards completion.
Is the air there? The big requirement for composting is oxygen, and its ability to find a route through the kitchen and yard waste you are disposing of. In landfill, the organic matter is tightly packed and covered over, and the lack of air produces methane gas, which is harmful to the environment. Always consider this when composting.
Temperature A healthy compost pile will reach extremely high temperatures – up to 150°F at the middle. You may even see the compost steaming away – this is a good sign and shows that your microscopic critters are doing their thing.
Spreading When you have accessed your compost, spread at thickness of up to one inch before adding a wood mulch layer to lock in all that nutrient-rich goodness. Your plants, lawns and produce will love the benefits and your garden will be a more beautiful and productive entity because of it.
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UsefulResources 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
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY Delivering a wide range of rural development and community projects. Tel 01234 838771 www.bedsrcc.org.uk
Tel 07376 262 873 www.accessbedford.org.uk
AGE UK BEDFORDSHIRE
BEDFORDSHIRE WELLBEING SERVICE
Local organisation solely devoted to the welfare of the over 50’s in Bedfordshire.
Offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.
Tel 01234 360510 www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire
Tel 01234 880400 www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk
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
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
BEDFORD WOMEN’S CENTRE Supporting women in the community who may have experienced Domestic Abuse or want more information about healthy relationships. Tel 01234 316801 www.bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk
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
CHUMS
MINDBLMK
Mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people
Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.
01525 863924 www.chumscharity.org
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)
OPEN DOOR Charity providing FREE and confidential counselling
local independent charity offering practical and emotional support to families under stress.
to young people aged 13 – 25.
01234 270601 www.facesbedford.org
Tel 01234 360388 www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk
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
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
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