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 in less than a day from just £444! 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 tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.
Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.
At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
every installation we carry out!’
So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9559 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
November is the time when we commemorate
fallen on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday which this
is
13th November.
be the first time that
will be presided over by our new King Charles III. As the
states,
continue to emerge from a long period of great di culty,
should still take this opportunity
reinforce our admiration of the unfailing sense of
displayed by the Armed Forces, and commemorate those who gave their lives in our service. Do support them if you are able.
Whatever November has in
The family-run business in the heart of Wilstead serves great pub food with locally sourced ingredients where possible including meat from Woburn Country Foods, fresh fish from GCH Fishmongers in Bedford, and vegetables from Sinfields in Willington.
The popular pub’s takeaway menu has been designed to offer something for everyone with classics such as fish and chips, burgers, pizza and Sunday roasts along with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Sides include breaded mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, and spicy and sweet potato fries.
Takeaways are available from 5pm on Tuesdays to Sundays with a small £1 delivery charge to Wilstead and Wixams and a £2 delivery charge everywhere else. Call the pub on 01234 742318 to place an order.
The sites are among 15 new locations across the Borough where average speed cameras will be installed.
It is hoped that the average speed cameras will discourage drivers from both speeding and from having accidents on the road. Research from the RAC Foundation has suggested that the number of fatal and serious collisions decreases by up to 36% following the introduction of average speed cameras.
Although they are responsible for installing and maintaining average speed cameras, Bedford Borough Council does not keep the fines collected from road users who are caught speeding.
Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: “Average speed cameras are hugely useful for stopping reckless drivers from putting pedestrians, other road users and themselves at risk. I’ve talked to lots of residents who are concerned
The Woolpack in Wilstead has reintroduced takeaways, allowing customers to enjoy their delicious food in the comfort of their own homes.
Mayor Dave Hodgson plans to slam the brakes on reckless driving by installing average speed cameras in Wilstead and Wixams.
about rising road speeds and we want to reassure them that we’re delivering programmes that will lead to meaningful change.
“I’d also call on the government to review their stance on taking the income generated through fines away from local communities. Leaving this funding in the hands of councils means allows us to invest more into traffic calming measures that help us to keep people safe.”
A festive fair is a fantastic way to support local businesses, tick some presents off your list and really get into the Christmas spirit. Fortunately, we have plenty taking place in our local villages with Santa’s grottos, traditional stalls, carol singers and all the special treats that make this time of year so magical.
The fun begins on Saturday 26th November with a Christmas Fair & Santa’s Grotto in Stewartby Village Hall where you will find a variety of stalls, a raffle, and a tombola. The popular event takes place from 12-5pm, with the village Christmas tree lights switch on at 4pm. Drinks from the bar will be available as well as teas and coffee. The fun continues at the Elstow Christmas Fayre which takes place from 12-4pm at the playing field on Sunday 27th November. The following weekend brings more merriment with the Marston Moreteyne Christmas Fayre at the Community Centre, 11-3.30pm when you can enjoy the jolly sounds of St Mary’s Church, Marston Moreteyne and Lidlington, and Vale Community Church choirs. There will also be foodie favourites, festive treats and market stalls, along with merry-go-round rides and a visit from Father Christmas for the little ones. The much-loved Wixams Winter Wonderland also takes place on Saturday 3rd December from 12-6pm with this year promising to be the biggest and best yet.
The new menu at the Forest of Marston Vale café is proving a big hit with customers. Hannah Fothergill, General Manager, said: “We wanted to make the menu more exciting yet keep many of our traditional well-loved dishes. From quick bites to hot meals, there really is something for everyone and we are enjoying serving it. We have had great feedback so far.”
The new menu features lots of new dishes including a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Head Chef, Simon Kirkham, added: “We are offering a much wider range of plant-based options with this menu, and we have more exciting additions to come over the following months too.”
open daily from 9-5pm (winter hours 9-4pm) and breakfast is served until 11.30am.
Here is our volunteering pick for November 2022. It gives a flavour of the many opportunities we hold at CVS Bedfordshire from organisations across the area, so do contact us for more opportunities if you can’t see something that appeals to you.
Volunteers will help with the setting out of toys and tables/chairs ready for a weekly playgroup session taking place on a Friday morning during school term times only.
Volunteers will support the Children Centre Practitioner Team in their work with parents, carers and children under the age of 5 years within the ‘Play and Learn’ sessions. The 0-Cruisers Group are for those babies not yet walking focusing on ideas to support baby brain development.
The main purpose of this role is to work with the clients either within a group or individually to complete a variety of activities within cognitive sessions.
You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/vol unteer-newsletter for all the latest opportunities and other volunteering related news.
Search for and register an interest in all the listed roles above and many more, by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer. Call us if you need any further information on 01234 354366.
Volunteers will offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person’s life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
You will join 6 other trustees in managing the Rooms for the benefit of the people of Goldington and the wider public. The trustees meet once a month on the second Tuesday to discuss business
You will provide administrative support to support staff at Care and Support services. This may involve assisting with the duty desk, liaising with staff and external agencies, data input, maintaining customer records and general administrative duties and reception work.
He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert –a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.
to heat and light our homes, ensure water comes through our taps and more.
the benefit of privatisation if you work in that marketplace?
In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at the current energy crisis, and the fact no real solution appears close.
Our energy sector is in a mess, and there is little doubt about that. For too long we have experienced this continual up and down shift of prices and supply and tari s and everything else that, as consumers, drives us bonkers.
The reality of what we have and what’s going on right now has been brewing for a long time. A perfect storm of situations, from Brexit to covid to the conflict in Russia, e ectively means we are being throttled in our desire
You may say we have been unlucky to find these factors all colliding in together at one time, yet it is the job of the government – and any sort of decent opposition – to put fail safes in place so that when something catastrophic like this happens, the end result isn’t the sort of bewildering increase in bills that really may move a greater quantity of people into poverty than we have ever seen before.
It’s a disastrous combination and we are praying for shortand medium-term solutions that will see not just the most vulnerable through the winter, but everyone else besides, because this is a national problem coming at a time of huge inflation and cost of living emergency.
Let’s just go to a basic summary of what we have here – in the UK we’re talking about having privatised energy firms, but we e ectively now have restricted competition and regulated prices in the form of a price cap. You have to ask yourself, what is
The next price caps – they’re going to be in January and April – will reveal where we go from here.
All I can say right now is energy bills will go down – they will be lower in April than they will be in January, but higher than they are now.
And while we wait for a solution, we will need to ride this out – we have no choice. Yet rest assured the consumer has been sold down the river and the lessons of this will resonate with both current and future governments, as they should.
Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 7.5 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip
MK43
Colleagues at Cherry Trees Nursery in Cranfield got a boost this month with their company’s plan to raise pay again by an average 8% and provide up to £3,000 extra cash over six months to meet soaring energy bills.
Taking profit sharing to the next level at the employee-owned company, Childbase Partnership – a UK best workplace award-winner for 13 years – is extending the financial support to new recruits to the Cherry Trees team, with contracted hours, who will receive up to £100 a month, until April 2023, based on hours worked.
The reward means that full timers contributing to the company’s success during the last financial year will get six, monthly, tax-free payments of up to £500 each starting on December 1st and ending on May 1st, 2023, with pro-rata payments for others.
This is alongside access to ‘Perkbox’ discounted shopping, two meals a day in nursery throughout the winter months, and enhanced company training and mentoring to get colleagues to new qualifications and further hikes in salary.
Childbase Partnership Chief Executive Officer, Emma Rooney said: “Every employee is a partner in our business, and we stand together during tough times. Ensuring the
security and wellbeing of colleagues is not only vital to our mission to achieve the best possible outcomes for every child in our care it is also, quite simply, the right thing to do.”
The new pay rises – with starting rates for Qualified Level 3 practitioners ranging from £11.50 an hour to £13.00 an hour in high cost of living areas – follow a record tax-free, profit-sharing ‘Partnership Dividend’ payment of £1,500 for qualifying full-timers from Apprentices to the Chairman in January 2022.
Explaining the plan to colleagues, Emma Rooney said the need to act quickly with additional financial support during the cost-of-living crisis did not distract from the focus on maintaining and enhancing the current range of benefits and wellbeing initiatives, increasing loyalty payments to long-servers, cash gifts recognizing exceptional effort and achievement throughout the year; and investment in the tools and facilities they need as early years educators.
Childbase Partnership was rated ‘World Class’ and No. 1 (2020) and No. 2 (2021) UK ‘Best Large Company to Work For’ in the prestigious Best Companies league tables, and before that, was a ‘Sunday Times Best Company’ for 10 years.
Everyone is welcome to attend this talk, via Zoom, on Tuesday 1st November at 7.30 pm.
It will be presented by Laura Church who is Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council and is the principal policy adviser to the elected Mayor of Bedford. She will speak about the Cost-of-Living Crisis. The talk, arranged by Bedford Council of Faiths, may finish at around 8.15pm and will be followed by an opportunity for questions. Then after a short business meeting it should end by 9 pm. For more information visit https://www.bcof.org.uk/
TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 7.30 PM
Cantamus Chamber Choir Conducted by Paul Edwards Organist Ian Runnells Bumyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU Tickets on the door, £10.00 (£5 concessions)
Andrew Forkner Talk/demonstration in the use of graphite and coloured pencils. Due to the detailed nature of his work
Andrew’s demonstration is in the form of a power point presentation showing the step-by-step process he uses to create one of his paintings. Entry free for members, £5 for visitors. Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Contact Jean Paterson on 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for further information
SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER 5PM – 9PM
Fireworks, Live Band, Fun Fair, Kids Disco & Bouncy Castle,Stalls and more. Parking at Lincroft Academy School. Parking at Oakley Sports & Social Club is strictly for blue badge holders only
For more info and tickets visit https://oakleyssc. com/fireworks-2022 Oakley Sports & Social Club, church Lane, Oakley MK43 7RJ
There will be a painting raffle and a stall selling artwork in aid of Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. Free Entry.
SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 7.30PM
A special performance to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War packed with colour and tradition with special guests from “The Swingtime Sweethearts”. Supported by the amazing sounds from Bedford Brass and the Bedford Pipe band as well as by our very own Military wives’ choir of Henlow & Chicksands, there will be plenty to entertain you.
Tickets available from the Corn Exchange Box Office: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/ events/bedfordshire-festival-of-remembrance/
SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 7PM
Proceeds to church restoration. Please bring cash. Bletsoe Village Hall, Bennetts Close, Bletsoe, Bedford MK44 1QL. Tickets £10 (including meal) from Andrew Fyvie 07765 151950
Monthly Saturday organ recitals 12 noon. FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds. Tuesdays lunch time recitals: 1.00 pm. FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds. Suggest min £5.00 Sat 12 12 noon Organ, Ian Runnells, Director if Music, St Paul’s Tues 1 1.00 pm, Eri Yamamoto, Piano Tues 8 Eve McGrath, Soprano with Piano accompaniment
Tues 15 Peregrine Recorder Ensemble Tues 22 Zoe Barnett, Classical Guitar
SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER 10AM – 3.30PM
Plenty of gift ideas for yourself or your loved ones across all three sections! Plus live music to get you in the Christmas spirit, mulled wine & hot drinks to keep you warm while you shop. St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL *Free parking in council owned car parks on Sundays*
“HS2 Aerial Photography” drone pictures by Richard Clifford.
Richard and his drone take wonderful pictures of the construction.
Everyone welcome. No need to book. There will be a small entry fee. Plenty of parking at the Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN
For further information please contact Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421.
Richard Winspear – head of Technical Advice at the RSPB. Tonight’s talk entitled ‘RSPB work with Farmers’ will explain the RSPB’s work with farmers to encourage them to practice Nature-Friendly Farming.
‘Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential.
Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free. The facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking. ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF
Reg.Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org. uk/groups/bedford or call 07905199769
FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 7.30PM
Barry Tomlinson will describe many of the achievements of possibly the greatest engineer of all time, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Free for members. Visitors welcomed for a donation of £4.
Colmworth Village Hall, Church Road, Colmworth MK44 2JX. www.colmworthhistory.org.uk for further information
SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 7.30PM
Conductor Michael Rose
Soloist Stephen Meakins
Mendelssohn Ruy Blas Overture
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 in E minor Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford
MK40 1SL
Tickets available from the Corn Exchange Box Office: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/ events/bedfordshire-symphony-orchestraclassical-and-romantic/
PARK ROAD METHODIST CHURCH AUTUMN FAIR
SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2-4PM
Books, Bric a Brac, Cakes, Marmalade, Puzzles, Raffle and Refreshments Park Road West Bedford MK41 7SB
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA
FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2PM TO 4PM
Includes tea, home-made cake and friendship. Entry £4 Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call Sue on 07977 569053
CLAPHAM METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 10AM TO 12 NOON
Lots of Christmas stalls and refreshments. Everyone very welcome. 27 High Street, Clapham MK41 6EQ
CHRIST THE KING CHRISTMAS FAYRE SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 1PM TO 3PM
Refreshments, Bottle stall, tombola, raffle, crafts and more. Entry 50p Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call 01234 965497
MEPPERSHALL CHRISTMAS FAIR SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 12 NOON—4 PM
A variety of stalls with quality crafts and gifts. Christmas Carols to sing along to. Children’s entertainment to include Santa, children’s stalls and craft activities. Hot and cold refreshments, tea, coffee, cakes and bar.
Meppershall VH, Walnut Tree Way SG17 5AB
FOR MORE WHAT’S ON EVENTS VISIT WWW.BEDSLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
To list an event in our December issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 11th November. Priority will be given to non profit events.
‘Musicals’ is the theme for Bedford’s 22nd Christmas Tree Festival St Paul’s church, Bedford 30 November -4 December 2022
Over 5 days, the Festival will welcome 1000s of visitors to hear local children’s and adult choirs and musical groups perform and to explore the display of more than 60 Christmas trees which light up the beautiful St Paul’s Church in the heart of Bedford, with their vibrancy and twinkling lights. The trees are decorated by local community groups, schools and firms and this year’s theme for the decorations is ‘Musicals’.
Entry to the Festival is £3 and free for children under 16. This year the money raised will go towards funding much needed equipment for Bedford Hospital and supporting projects including the Primrose Car Service taking patients to and from Addenbrookes Hospital for radiotherapy, travelling in comfort.
The annual Festival Concert on Friday 2 December at 7.30pm features the ‘Minerva Piano Trio’ performing pieces by Mendelssohn and Beethoven in addition to Christmas favourites. It is a truly memorable evening for concert goers to enjoy the beautiful trees at night in the majestic setting of St Paul’s. Tickets £17.50
include a glass of wine from www.peoplesfundraising. com/concert-tickets or phone 01234 783181.
Why not start the countdown to Christmas by helping to raise even more funds this year? Young children will enjoy finding the Musicals in the trees with a chance to win a book token. The Bedford Pipe Band will lead visitors to the opening of the Festival by Sue Lousada, our new Lord Lieutenant, at 10.30 am on Wednesday 30 November.
Once again the Festival has been sponsored by Jayne Beard Associates, Jayne having been a former Chair of the Bedford Hospital Charity.
To find out more about getting involved with the Festival including how to volunteer at this event, please email treefestival@stpaulschurchbedford. org.uk
Festival opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday 105, with a Christingle service at 4. Sunday 12-4 Co ee/Tea and cake served daily. We hope to see you there!
Visit facebook.com/ bedfordchristmastreefestival to find out more. Tel 01234 340163
He presided over quite possibly the greatest sporting comeback ever – a colossally overweight, drug-addicted former champ whose deterioration in physical health was as profound as his plummet in mental health.
Thus, this no-holds-barred tome of bamboozling brilliance, both in the ring and out of it, chronicles the entirety of the Gypsy King’s career to date, from his tempestuous Travelling upbringing, through to the devotion he has to his wife and children.
Grounded yet never ground down, this book is an extension to his previous autobiography, released in January 2021, and worth the read.
Published by Penguin Books on November 10th
Matthew Perry is the incredible actor that brought to life Chandler Bing in Friends – the funny, witty, and often goofy character that lived across the hall from Rachel and Monica. Almost every one of his scenes had us in stitches, but it wasn’t until the reunion show that many realised Matthew was dealing with some profound struggles.
This moving memoir documents being catapulted to dizzy stardom; it’s about fame, wealth, living with addiction and recovering from some truly dark days.
Published by Headline on November 1st
With trademark wit and insight, Tom Allen writes about becoming a reluctant adult – leaving home, securing a boyfriend, and finally growing up by facing the grief of losing his beloved father.
The comedian, actor, writer and presenter, who is host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired and Bake Off: The Professionals, shares his unwillingness to move on from the arrested development of millennial life, whilst philosophising over travel adventures to Japan, America, and beyond.
Published by Hodder & Stoughton on November 10th
Ticket to the World is a joyous, nostalgic celebration of eighties culture from one man at the centre of it all.
In this candid, evocative memoir, Martin Kemp reflects on the unforgettable decade that made him, and that he in turn helped to shape, as he reminisces on leading the New Romantics, adventures with Spandau Ballet, the era-defining Live Aid and many other memorable moments along the way.
From friendships with George Michael, Sade and Boy George to living under Thatcher, from his musical influences to some of his more distinctive fashion choices, Ticket to the World explores both Martin’s personal experiences and the social and political climate underpinning the decade.
Published by Harper Collins on November 10th
This month, four November autobiographies to while away those increasingly dark nights.
Care experience is preferred but not essential as full training will be provided. A caring attitude is vital!
Are you a reliable, personable and caring individual?
Mr H is based near St Neots and works full time.
He has a busy and varied day to day life.
He also lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, uses an electric wheelchair and requires 24/7 care. He is looking for people to join his hard -working, friendly team.
If you are flexible and have life experience, this job could be for you!
The role includes:
Providing care in the home in a lovely, fully adapted working environment
Close knit team who will provide ongoing training support Day, Sleep -in and Weekend Shifts on a rota Driving around UK for work and pleasure Cooking and domestic chores Personal care and manual handling Potential for travel in the UK and abroad
Full UK driving licence and own transport to work are essential
Competitive and enhanced rates of pay available along with benefits including pension and loyalty bonus for commitment to the role.
If this role sounds like it might be for you, please contact us on: 07881 432493 or rosscare@icloud.com
Hello everyone, as usual, you’re most welcome back to my potting shed
I’ve just cleaned and sharpened my mowers and everyday tools. Please find time to do yours as the growing season slows down. I’m now enjoying some co ee from my flask and a couple of Hobnobs while I write to you with some gardening tips and humble advice.
It’s getting colder now, but you can still enjoy the taste of fresh herbs. Just fill a sunny windowsill box with chives and mint roots. They’ll add plenty of flavour during the winter months.
Please look after ladybirds. You can give them a little home by leaving some cover when you cut back herbaceous stems, and they will pay you back by keeping those pesky aphids at bay.
How has this year a ected your garden, with two record mini heat waves, drought conditions and hose pipe bans in some regions? Did you get around to trying something new? I hope you did but if not, there’s always next year. Gardening is
all about experimenting, failing now and then, and most importantly learning from your mistakes.
If you plan to plant a standard tree, here’s a simple tip: drive your supporting stake into the planting hole before the tree is in position. This will result in firm staking and ensure your stake does not go through the tree roots.
As the nights are drawing in, I like to be out in my garden as early as possible. In fact, the first thing I do each morning, donned in dressing gown with a mug of co ee in hand, is go into my garden.
They say money can’t buy happiness and that’s true. But it can buy plants, and that’s the same thing.
Please enjoy your garden. My co ee has all gone, biscuits too, so I’m shutting my potting shed up until tomorrow and I’m o home..
My kindest regards The Gentleman Gardener
