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YO U R L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E A N D W E B S I T E
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CONTENTS
Don’t forget to check out our website www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information! LIKE our Facebook page BedsLife Magazine to keep up to date with events, offers and local businesses and services.
Tribute to Tom Moore – P8
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Classroom Challenges Wixams Stones Stagecoach East Pays Tribute to Captain Tom Moore Prize Crossword Volunteer Opportunities Treasure Trails Book Review Houghton Conquest Church Lockdown Library FACES Laptop Appeal
4 6 8 10 12 19 19 20 21
Coffee Break Puzzle Page Local Offer SEND Help Keep Young Trees Thriving New Family Wellbeing Programme Gardening Last Months Crossword Answers Coffee Break Puzzle Page Solutions
@bedslife_magazine and
22 24
@bedsLife
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Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk
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BedsLife Magazine would like to thank all our advertisers for their continued support, without which we would not have a publication.
Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good
faith, however, BedsLife Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
Please remember, if you have enjoyed reading BedsLife and are looking for a trades person or service, we have a whole range of fantastic local businesses promoting themselves each month.
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3
CLASSROOM
CHALLENGES
Coming out of lockdown presents particular challenges for families with kids will have been in school all along; some will have had a good lockdown experience; some will have struggled for many reasons, and some will not be going back at all this side of the summer break This is a challenging time for families as they readjust while still dealing with anxieties and worries about the pandemic, jobs, relatives, and finances.
additional stress of returning after a lockdown. Never belittle or trivialise their problems. Share some of your feelings and experiences in an age-appropriate manner. Also share your own healthy coping mechanisms. Try to keep communication channels open so they will talk honestly with you. Discuss important issues but also make time for silly stories about your day or theirs.
Your child may be excited about the return to school and reuniting with their friends, or they may be worried and anxious. Talk to them about what they are looking forward to and what concerns they may have about going back to school.
Make it a priority to motivate their learning. Be curious and interested in their lessons and link it back to the learning they did at home if you can. Give specific, concrete praise such as “I really like your detailed approach to this project,” rather than a general comment “ That’s great!”
Try to act as a sounding board, listening without immediately offering advice. Sometimes just talking something through can help children come up with solutions of their own.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Let teachers know if you’re worried about anything in particular, or if you feel child could benefit from extra help in making the transition back from home to school.
Take your child’s concerns seriously. Academic and social pressure is daunting enough without the
By Tracey Anderson
4
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5
WIXAMS ‘ROCK SNAKE’
KEEPS VILLAGE CHILDREN CONNECTED
The children of Wixams have been very busy being during lockdown creating the Wixams ‘Rock Snake’
Chloe, aged 6
The idea was started by a little girl called Millie Kidman, age 4, who thought it would be a great way to keep in touch with her friends whilst they were apart. She decorated and placed the first stone back in May with a note attached to a tree inviting everyone to paint and add rocks to see how long the village snake could get. There are now an amazing 547 rocks down and it’s growing every day. Once a suitable site has been found the snake is going to be cemented in place and the rocks weather proofed to create a colourful permanent attraction to remind the residents of the community spirit during the COVID-19.
6
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7
STAGECOACH EAST BRANDS BUS
IN TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN TOM MOORE
Stagecoach East is paying tribute to National Treasure Captain Tom Moore by branding a bus in his honour.
They are combating loneliness, supporting hospices and helping those facing bereavement.
The double decker features prominent adverts promoting the war veteran’s new Foundation and a life-size picture of him inside.
Passengers on the new bus will be encouraged to take Captain Tom selfies (social distancing and safety issues permitting) and, as part of Stagecoach’s current exact fare policy, any money over the price of a journey will be donated to the Foundation.
Captain Tom had always been active, even driving every day, until he slipped and fractured his hip two years ago. The care and after-treatment he received then, and earlier through a cancer scare, left him eternally grateful to so many people in the NHS. When the coronavirus pandemic struck, Captain Tom wanted to give something back to the healthcare staff who looked after him and were putting their lives on the line during the pandemic. His initial plan was to complete 100 laps of his garden, at 50 meters a time, before his hundredth birthday. He hoped to raise £1,000 for NHS charities. Over £32 million later, the centenarian has inspired a whole nation, and drawn praise and admiration from all around the world. Determined to do more, Captain Tom and his family have identified causes close to their hearts which will benefit from the newly formed Captain Tom Foundation. 8
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The company is encouraging people to tweet their pictures to @Stagecoach_east The bus will initially be based in Captain Tom’s home town of Bedford but will then go into service at other depots including Cambridge, Peterborough and, possibly, other parts of the country. For more information about the Captain Tom Foundation, go to: https://captaintom.org
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9
£25
PRIZE CROSSWORD Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 17th July. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Faye Oxlade, Wixams
ACROSS
7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19
Transport of goods by sea (8) Repetition of sound (4) Eat hungrily or greedily (6) Arranged, group (6) Smoker’s accessory (7) Make a formal request (5) Striped cat (5) Keyboard musician (7) Type of word that ends in ‘ly’ (6)
21 Tiny, small (6) 23 Clean, untainted (4) 24 Convenience meal (8)
DOWN
1 Footwear item (4) 2 Christmas vegetable! (6) 3 Interpret mouth movements (3-4) 4 Grows older (4)
5 Rip to shreds (4,2) 6 Persuades by persistent flattery (8) 12 Attract attention (5,3) 14 Feel hostility towards (7) 16 Ale or beer-producer (6) 18 Sort of ok (3,3) 20 Tub for taking a wash (4) 22 Fertile soil (4)
For last months answers please turn to P46
Name: Address:
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11
VOLUNTEERING
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering brings great rewards and we have opportunities for all. View hundreds of options through our online facility where you can register as a volunteer and apply. Search for this month’s featured roles by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our on-line role search facility at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer Trustee at Putnoe Woods preschool As a trustee you would be a part of a voluntary group of people guiding Putnoe Woods preschool into the future. The preschool is particularly keen to enlist a trustee who has knowledge or experience of early years education. Keech Hospice Care Catering Volunteer This Luton based children’s hospice is looking for someone with an interest in cooking, a friendly and caring nature and good communication skills to assist catering staff in the smooth running of their busy kitchen.
Girlguiding Bedfordshire Administrator This volunteer role will provide administrative support to contribute to the smooth running of Girlguiding in Bedfordshire. You will be point of contact for events and training, provide support for the leadership team, respond to correspondence and help with managing equipment, stock and financial records. Sight Concern Social Media Coordinator The social media coordinator will be responsible for maintaining and measuring success in this area, liaising with colleagues and developing Sight Concern`s social media presence. You will keep social media channels updated regularly, encouraging interaction and increasing following.
Sight Concern Wordpress volunteer This role is to help keep Sight Concern’s website updated. A minimum of 10 hours donated time will allow the update of web pages to reflect the new Covid information and services. You will need experience in Wordpress SORTED Counselling Services SORTED Counselling Services provides counselling to children and young people in Central Bedfordshire. Trustees with an interest in mental health and young people’s wellbeing and enthusiasm are wanted – and in particular, those with business, strategic and fundraising skills.
43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 12 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
Over the past few months, Community Voluntary Service has been busy supporting groups in their response to the Covid-19 pandemic – and one aspect of this has been working to help ensure that volunteering needs are met across the county. The response to requests has been phenomenal and has demonstrated an undeniable public willingness to build and enrich community in difficult times. Whilst these difficult times are by no means over, our emphasis in volunteering is now starting to return to those organisations that are able to deliver their established essential services to communities. Some groups can offer services much as before; others are having to adapt extensively to enable social distancing, or move online; and many are responding to new and emerging needs as a consequence of Covid-19.
Lots of Bedfordians will have been volunteering for the first time, and experienced the satisfaction of being able to offer their skills and abilities to those in need. We hope that many of you will keep up this input and respond to one of the 100s of opportunities in local groups. If you would like to speak more about volunteering in Bedfordshire, our CVS advisor is happy to offer one to one sessions online to help you find the best fit. You can contact Paul at volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk.
If you know what you would like to do, or prefer to find out what is available for yourself, all the information and applications can be made through our Simply Connect online system.
Find out more at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteering.
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13
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR PART-TIME COURSES
STARTING THIS SEPTEMBER! Discover a fascinating hobby or interest, develop skills to move on at work, or start training for a whole new career. However you’re looking to spend your spare time, turn it into time well spent with part-time study with The Bedford College Group.
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Studying for industry-recognised qualifications on a part-time basis enables you to take your career in a new direction, or enhance your existing skills while continuing to work. It could be your first step into a skilled role, such as a teacher or electronic engineer, and you’ll gain transferable workplace skills along the way.
From Photography to Practical Garden Design, our short leisure courses vary in length from a few hours to a few weeks. They are perfect for exploring a new or existing hobby, brushing up on skills or making new friends.
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We Put Your Safety First At All Time During the Corona Virus pandemic, we have continued to provide all of our services. We have made over 10,000 hours of home visits without incident. This is due to the diligence of our team in following the additional safety measures we introduced at the beginning of March 2020. 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.
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During the Corona Virus pandemic, we have continued to provide all of our services. We have made over 10,000 hours of home visits without incident. This is due to the diligence of our team in following the additional safety measures we introduced at the beginning of March 2020.
78–82 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QH Tel: 01234 360510 www.ageukbedfordshire.org.uk To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk
15
A new nursery setting for Marston Moretaine is inviting local families and commuters, looking for high-quality childcare in the Bedfordshire area, to take a tour of the new facility this summer. The Marston Day Nursery, based at the Marston Business Park development at Lower Hazeldines, will officially open for children this coming August, and is the latest addition to the independent CC Nurseries group, which already provides inspirational Early Childhood Learning and Care for over 500 families in settings across England and Scotland. With occupancy for 101 children, the new Ofstedregistered Nursery houses bespoke rooms for babies, toddlers and pre-school age children from 12 weeks to five years, and is equipped with a range of modern facilities and resources, including a fingerprint security system.
It is also the first Nursery in the country to include a new piece of play equipment, dubbed The Foxden, from German manufacturers, Haba Education. Senior Manager Hannah Little said: “We have brought together years of experience in Early Years and the latest research as to how children learn to create a stimulating, enticing, curious and above all, fun place to be. Our Nursery is designed to put children at the heart of everything we do. “We are very proud to be a part of the Marston Moretaine community and we look forward to welcoming you to our family. It is hard to describe what we offer in words, so the best thing to do is to come and visit us!� Work is set to continue throughout the summer ready for the first cohort of children, with a fully landscaped garden and allotment space set to take shape over the coming months.
Interested families are welcome to book a Nursery tour, and can find more information at www.marstondaynursery.co.uk, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/themarstondaynursery or by calling 01234 432777 16 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
BOOK REVIE
FOUND
by Erin Kingsley
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare: you are waiting for your child to come home from school and they don’t. This is the situation that Claire and Matt found themselves in when their 11-year-old son, Evan did not come home from school after football practice. The police are called, and the search is on. Claire and Matt are torn apart by the events and as the months drift on they give up all hope of Evan coming home. But, as the title suggests, Evan is indeed found. But the boy that returns to them is not the same boy that went missing. Refusing to talk to anyone he is withdrawn, only finding short moments of happiness and peace when visiting his grandparents on their farm. The police try to ascertain what happened but to no avail. Until another boy goes missing. What drew me to this book is the fact that the focus is on what happened AFTERWARDS. We all watch news reports of children who are abducted and sometimes there is a happy ending. For us, as onlookers, that is where the story ends. But is it possible for a a family just pick up and carry on as if nothing happened? How on earth do you rebuild those lost moments with your child?
TREASURE TRAILS Real – Life adventures that fire up the imagination and get you exploring as a whole family. A Treasure Trail is an imaginative way to explore towns, cities & villages across the UK with a self-guided themed walk. An easy to follow route will enable you to crack the clues whilst taking in some of the most fascinating sights along the way. They have over 1,200 Trails across the UK, however with the current situation, they advise you choose the one that is most local to you. The Trails are great for seeing a location from a new perspective, whatever age, whatever the weather! Trails can be downloaded anytime day or night for you to print off at home, or we can pop one in the post for you at a price of £9.99. Visit www.treasuretrails.co.uk to download your next adventure!
Where every child matters Street Dance - Musical Theatre - Drama Kempston Cotton End Cranfield 3 - 18 YRS
Book your FREE TRIAL now! www.inspirepa.co.uk
Contact Rosie on 07305809342 or inspirepa@outlook.com 18 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
WOOD GREEN’S ADVICE
FOR IDENTIFYING BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES IN PETS
Pets are creatures of habit and it’s likely that some owners will have seen a change in their beloved pets’ behaviour as a result of lockdown. Wood Green, The Animals Charity is warning owners that many of our furry friends, especially dogs, will experience separation anxiety as owners return to work and school - bringing yet another disruption. If you notice a sudden change in your pet’s physical or mental wellbeing, it’s advisable to get them seen by a vet first to rule out any physical causes. Next, you can address pets’ emotional state, which influences their behaviour. For dogs, chewing can be caused by boredom and barking can be caused by fear. For cats, feelings of frustration can lead to aggression. By getting a deeper understanding of why our pets behave the way they do, we can begin to manage their behaviour with different care techniques and training methods.
It can be incredibly stressful if you’re having trouble with a pet, so the best approach is to seek help as soon as possible. Wood Green offers free pet advice to anyone who needs it and can guide you at every step of your journey – whether you’re considering getting a new pet, or need help with an existing pet. Find out more at woodgreen.org.uk/pet-advice
Looking for free pet advice? Our team can help. At Wood Green, we can support you with all aspects of pet care – from behavioural problems and dietary needs, to health and happiness.
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To find out more, please call 0300 303 9333 or email pet.support@woodgreen.org.uk To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk
19
LOCKDOWN LIBRARY
AT H O U G H TO N CONQUEST CHURCH
Houghton Conquest Church is a beautiful 14th Century grade 1 listed building. Their latest fundraising event to raise money to replace their lead roof, which was stolen back in 2018, is “Lockdown Library”. This event is held every Saturday from 2-4pm in the churchyard (weather permitting) and there are opportunities to buy, borrow, swap and donate books. They are also happy to receive unwanted clean, folded clothes, shoe, bags and belts for recycling. Raffle tickets will also be on sale for £1 each or 6 for £5 so please do pop along and support them. All Saints Church, Houghton Conquest, Bedford MK45 3JU
20 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
FA C E S & L AY E R 8 LAUNCH TECH4CHILDREN C A M PA I G N FACES & Layer 8 have launched a new service to tackle Digital Poverty in Bedfordshire. In partnership with the The Harpur Trust and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, 2020-2021 they aim to distribute laptops to children and young people to ensure that they have equal access to learning and so that, through no fault of their own, they do not fall behind at school. In addition, It is also thought that in some areas of the UK up to 24% of children and young people do not have access to the internet and 70% do not even have access to IT equipment, leaving them unable to contact their friends, and critically unable to keep up with schoolwork. “In some families there is just one SmartPhone and they are trying to share that between multiple adults and children”, said
Wendie Harvey CEO of FACES. “We are extremely concerned about our families. The lack of access to technology at a time like this increases the poverty and education gap”.
Please get in touch if you have any working laptops that you would be willing to donate. Please email us at Tech4Children@layer8ltd. co.uk and they will send you further information on how to donate.
The K9 Klub Doggy Daycare Unit 3, Harrowden Lane Cardington. MK42 0TD T. 07802 534216 / 07801704044 E. thek9klub@hotmail.co.uk www.thek9klub.co.uk
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21
Coffee break P U Z Z L E PA G E For the answers please turn to P31
Can you find all of the these words hidden in the grid? acre bushel cord dram fathom foot furlong gallon gill grain hand hundredweight inch
mile minim ounce peck pennyweight pint pound quart rod scruple ton yard
22 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
FROM I S O L AT I O N T O S TAYC AT I O N Foreign travel cancelled? Seeking a holiday environment? Blackthorns Sun Club is set in 15 acres of woodland and offers you a break from the stress of everyday life so it’s beneficial for your heart and mental wellbeing. With a pool, sauna, sports facilities, and friendly banter, what more do you need? And when the temperature rises, you can be even more relaxed by shedding your uncomfortable clothing. Nothing beats that feeling of freedom!
letting the sun shine on our skin is the easiest way to obtain it. It’s also reputed to aid viral & bacterial respiratory infections and helps in the treatment of Tuberculosis, Asthma & COPD as well as fighting several cancers.
Our family friendly community means we can trust each other to stay safe in these trying times.
Scientists are working hard to develop tests and vaccine for Covid-19 but Vit D can play its part of boosting the immune system and fighting this respiratory virus. It’s not a cure. so please still take care and follow the Government Guidelines.
Our bodies need Vitamin D, renowned for maintaining healthy, strong bones and teeth and
Keep Calm. Be Alert. Stay Safe and join a naturist club!
Blackthorns Sun Club From Lockdown to Staycation! Sit by a pool with sunshine bouncing off the water, blue skies, a peaceful 15 acre woodland backdrop, surrounded by friends, snooze on your sun lounger, enjoy the drink of your choice, share in happy banter and if the sun is truly kind to us, remove those tight waistbands (perhaps even tighter after the Lockdown!) and bulky clothes and relax in your own skin! Get in touch to learn a bit more about naturism for all the family at Blackthorns Sun Club and arrange a visit.
Tel. 07759971899
email: membership@blackthorns.org.uk To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 23
BEDFORD BOROUGH’S LOCAL OFFER
BRIDGE ROOFING All aspects of roofing, facias and guttering. Free quotes All work guaranteed
Bedford Borough’s Local Offer is 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. You will also be able to find information about local schools and childcare as well as the latest policies and procedures. There is a helpful advice and guidance section which shows you who you can contact for more support or to ask any questions. The website has been designed, developed, and tested with children and young people with SEND, Parents and Carers and professionals from a variety of services across the local area. If you have any questions about local services or the website or if you know of a service that is not on the local offer website please contact the Local Offer Officer to tell them of the service so that they can make contact and get their details onto the site to support other families If you ‘sign up’ to the Local Offer you can save your ‘Shortlist’ for future logins and you can be added the contact list where you will receive updates on new services and events coming up relevant to the Local Offer. www.localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/kb5/bedford/ directory/home.page 24 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
01234 404080 07542 719971
www.roofingbedford.co.uk
H E L P K E E P YO U N G TREES THRIVING
I N YO U R N E I G H B O U R H O O D Bedford Borough Council is joining with the Arboricultural Association, London Tree Officers Association, Municipal Tree Officers Association and the Association of Tree Officers in their campaign to ensure that newly planted trees are watered regularly over the summer months. Maintenance and watering of young trees is just as important as planting, and newly- planted trees need to be watered regularly over the summer months if they are going to become established and thrive. The dry weather which much of the UK experienced during April raised the question about how trees might be affected by COVID-19 if those people who ordinarily water them are no longer able to do so Bedford Borough Council has planted over 900 trees in the last 2 years but due to the dry spring, many of these trees are struggling to survive.
We are encouraging residents to get involved by watering newly planted trees – if you have a tree outside your home, or you pass by one while out exercising you can help. Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said “Planting and ensuring trees become established and thrive is great for the environment, for local neighbourhoods, and to keep our Borough looking its best. “With the dry weather being experienced across the country, national organisations are encouraging people to help keep new trees watered and the Council is pleased to our add our voice to this locally. “Every bit of water helps, so if have a newly planted tree outside your home or nearby please do help us keep these trees healthy and growing.” If you would like to report a young tree in need of water, contact the tree team by email at customerservices@bedford.gov.uk or by calling 01234 267422
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the family wellbeing programme the family wellbeing programme free webinars 6th - 13th july 2020 The Family Wellbeing Programme is an exciting and timely new initiative devised by outdoor learning and wellbeing specialists, Wild for Life, aimed at parents, grandparents and primary carers of children aged 4-12 years old. Wild for Life, in partnership with Frosts and with support from Greensand Country, will deliver three sets of three 1hr long webinars for parents, grandparents and primary carers in July, which will focus on how to manage the wellbeing of their children, with a particular focus on the detrimental effects of lockdown. The FREE webinars will demonstrate how outdoor environments and activities can be a catalyst for better mental and physical wellbeing. The Family Wellbeing Programme series will take place over three days, with activities to complete in between sessions, and will cover: How to assess your own wellbeing. How to assess, understand and improve your children’s wellbeing. Outdoor and nature-led activities to try with your children to help them understand and reflect on their thoughts and feelings. How and when to seek help. Lockdown has had a huge impact on wellbeing: for some it has been a positive experience, but for others it has been a complex juggling act, a strain on finances and relationships and period of uncertainty, stress and frustration. Children will be greatly unsettled by this period as they have had their regular routines turned upside down and, often, they struggle to process and express their thoughts and emotions. The free webinars will equip parents and carers with the tools they need to assess and improve the wellbeing of their families in order to move forward out of lockdown positively. They will also encourage and inspire families to explore, discover and reap the benefits of spending quality time outdoors in gardens and local natural landscapes.
sign up today!
booking information part one Mon, 6 July 2020 10am, 1.30pm, or 7.30pm
parttwo Thurs, 9 July 2020 10am, 1.30pm, or 7.30m
part three Mon, 13 July 2020 10am, 1.30pm, or 7.30pm To find out more information about the programme or to book your place, please visit the booking page: w4lfamilywellbeing.eventbrite.co.uk or email info@wildforlife.co.uk
H E L P I N G FA M I L I E S E M E R G E P O S I T I V E LY FROM LOCKDOWN: FROSTS AND WILD FOR LIFE LAUNCH NEW FAMILY WELLBEING PROGRAMME Outdoor learning and wellbeing organisation, Wild for Life, today has launched The Family Wellbeing Programme, an exciting and timely new initiative sponsored by Frosts, the established, family-run garden centre group, and supported by The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, a Heritage Lottery funded programme increasing accessibility to local natural landscapes. Wild for Life will deliver three sets of three 1hr long webinars for parents, grandparents and primary carers of children aged 4-12 years old in July, which will focus on how to manage the wellbeing of their children, with a particular focus on the detrimental effects of lockdown. The FREE webinars will run as a series and they will demonstrate how outdoor environments and activities can be a catalyst for better mental and physical wellbeing. Throughout lockdown, many people have discovered solace in the great outdoors. Children who have access to gardens and outdoor space
have been running free and learning outdoors, more than ever before. As schools begin to welcome back pupils, outdoor learning will become the norm rather than an occasional pastime, to aid social distancing, help create healthy working environments and allow children a different way to transition back into school. Schools, families and communities will have to deal with heightened levels of anxiety, confusion and concern, unusual routines and practices. The hope is that greater access to nature and outdoor spaces will help to alleviate these challenges. The webinar series will take place on Monday, 6 July, Thursday, 9th July and Monday, 13th July. There will be three opportunities to catch each webinar at 10am, 1.30pm and 7.30pm. For more information about the webinars’ content and to book a place, visit the Eventbrite booking page: https://w4lfamilywellbeing.eventbrite.co.uk
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GARDENING
LOCKDOWN MUSINGS. Back in May garden centres became some of the first businesses allowed to reopen to the public. For gardeners stuck at home (even though we understood and supported the lockdown), it’s been a frustrating time. We’ve been unable to plant during one of the best springs I can ever remember. And for many of the UK’s growers it has been devastating. Millions of lost plants nurtured to be at their best by Easter were lost. The scale of the issue was mind-boggling. Garden centres and nurseries usually make the bulk of their income during the early growing season as people prepare their plots for the summer but instead they’ve been forced to compost or recycle millions of plants, leaving one in three growers in serious financial difficulties, with little possibility of recouping their losses later in the year. So, as we hit July is there anything easy which you can still plant, and which will still grow? The good news is yes.
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Nasturtiums can be sown throughout this month. They are known for their brightly coloured flowers and attractive foliage. There are trailing, climbing, and dwarf varieties. The showy flowers can be single or double and come in fiery shades of reds, oranges, and yellows. Leaves are pale green and umbrella-shaped with long stems. They are the perfect flowers for beginner gardeners so if the kids have been dying to have a go at gardening these are your go-to plant. Sow the seeds and within 7-10 days, you should see sprouting. They are drought tolerant and ideal for hanging baskets and containers. Even better, you can add the flowers, buds and young leaves to salads, and they have the most wonderful peppery taste. Love-in-the-mist are easy to grow and have distinctive seed heads. These can be sown until early July and also again in September so they will get a head start for next year. Happy gardening, By Rachael Leverton
SERVICES
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CLOCK SALES & REPAIRS
Clock Repairs • Clock Sales
HEATING SERVICES
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