BedsLife SOUTH Magazine October 2022

Home Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days homeownersmostsuffer 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 justin50sqftwiththeiropportunityhomeownersbasedcompany,locally,offersthetomaximisestoragespacealoftladder,ofboardingandlessthanadayfrom

£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 Ourafford.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

Need more

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding Atprinciples.theend 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!

The nights may be getting longer as Winter approaches but there’s still enough daylight hours to get out and about exploring. October in our region means misty mornings, grey clouds, and crisp afternoons, not to mention the wonderful sight of parks, woodlands and tree-lined streets enveloped in fiery red and orange foliage. We for one shall be making the most of it before we need to retreat inside and into our layers of Octoberclothing.

is best known for its Halloween festivities and half term, but it’s also a month loaded with national and global celebrations. In addition to Vegetarian Awareness Month and Black History Month, October’s schedule includes days to celebrate science and technology, health and fitness, art, culture and architecture, and the natural world. You can see a full list at Project Britain (projectbritain.com/specialdays).

Just before we sign o , here’s a reminder that the clocks go back on Sunday 30th October – who else is looking forward to an extra hour in bed?

Until next time, Christa & The BedsLife Team

Her Majesty The Queen 1926 – 2022

Like the whole of the UK and many people around the world, the BedsLife team were extremely saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September. For all of us here she was a constant and steadfast presence in our lives, and the one person we could rely on to hold true to her values as the world around us underwent epoch-defining changes.

Although she lived to a remarkably great age of 96, she had understandably become a more private person after the death of her husband Prince Philip in 2021. Nevertheless, she was still there at the most important moments, despite her increasing mobility problems, and who can forget the wonderful four-day celebration of her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year in June?

The Queen notched up some remarkable achievements during her 70-year reign. In pure numbers alone they would have required immense stamina, focus and fortitude. Since 1952 she travelled to more than 100 countries and made more than 150 visits to Commonwealth countries including 82 state visits. She worked with all 15 UK Prime Ministers, met 13 US Presidents and 7 Popes. She attended 21,000 public engagements, including 39 Royal Variety Performances, posed for 1,000 official photographic and painted portraits, sent 300,000 birthday messages to centenarians, vetted over 1,000 new laws, and owned 30 corgis.

Those closest to her often talked about her wicked sense of humour, which became apparent to the rest of us during some big national moments. The 2012 Olympics opening ceremony featured a skit in which she accompanied Daniel Craig as James Bond from the palace to the Olympic Stadium; her own idea, which she had kept secret from the rest of her family. This year, her Platinum Jubilee celebrations included her playing herself in a short video with a CGI version of Paddington Bear, bonding over a shared love of marmalade sandwiches – finally revealing the secret of what she’d been keeping in her handbag for all those years!

And let us not forget she was also a mother and grandmother, a matriarch as well as a monarch. She was married to Prince Philip for 73 years, had four children, eight grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren. For them as well as us, she was a symbol of stability, resilience, and wisdom. During times of national strife, she provided comfort and reassurance. It’s difficult to summarise her legacy in just a few words, other than to say that we’re grateful for her grace, humour, and tireless support in helping Britain navigate its way through the 20th century and onto the 21st. She was an extraordinary figure, and we feel proud and very, very lucky to have had her in our lives for as long as we did.

Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.

community news Work Underway atWixams Station

Fundraising Quiz Night

Think you know it all? Then head to Houghton Conquest Village Hall on Saturday 8th October for a fun quiz night in aid of the Houghton Conquest Care Group and The Jigsaw Club. Gather your friends and family for teams of six which can be made up on the night.

Tickets are £12, including a buffet supper with drinks available to purchase at the licensed bar. To purchase your ticket phone or text Sue 07886 459225, Jan 07940 218634, Val 07591 391161 or Kate 01234 740522

Sweet 16 for Country Park

Geotechnicalunderway.

surveys are ongoing and a programme for ecology works has commenced, which will involve clearance of vegetation and installation of ecological fencing, all in preparation for the construction phase of the project which will begin in late 2023

Mayor Dave said, “I had a useful meeting on site with colleagues to discuss the Wixams railway station project. It was great to see that enabling work has commenced and after many years of waiting something can now be seen to be happening, so will be welcomed by many local residents.”

You can find out more about the project at www.bedford.gov.uk/wixamsstation

The Forest of Marston Vale is once again raising a Green Flag Award at its Millennium Country Park, as it scoops the prestigious prize for the sixteenth year in a row. The award is the international quality mark for outstanding parks and green spaces with high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management.

Head Ranger Anna Charles said: “We’re incredibly proud and delighted to be celebrating our sweet sixteen as one of the UK’s best green spaces!

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson has visited the site of the proposed Wixams railway station to observe the current works that are

October Fun at Stewartby Club

To have received this national recognition again this year is an honour and a testament to the hard work done by the Forest of Marston Vale team, volunteers and members of the public, whose support for our small charity is invaluable.”

The Millennium Country Park spans 225 hectares and is a mix of woodlands, open water, meadows and reed bed as well as a Wetlands Nature Reserve and trail. Open all year round, the Park offers space for a range of leisure activities with family and seasonal events throughout the year.

Crafters & Artisans Wanted!

Marston Moreteyne Parish Council is looking for stall holders for their Christmas event and would love to hear from local crafters and artisans.

The event, which will offer a craft market along with other festive activities, will be held at Marston Moreteyne Community Centre on Saturday 3rd December. Craft stalls are £15, which includes a complimentary tea or coffee and mince pie.

The number of stall holders selling the same products will be limited for fairness and variety. For more information or to express an interest, email admin@marstonmoreteyne-pc.gov.uk

on Sunday 2nd October and their friendly rock ’n’ roll Caddy Club on Friday 7th

OnOctober.Saturday

8th October they will host Karl Johnson as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody with a Twist. Karl is well known as an energetic and charismatic frontman, bringing together many classic rock anthems of the last thirty October’syears.entertainment

concludes with a family Halloween disco on Sunday 30th at 2.30pm with party games and hot food available to purchase.

Membership to the club is just £13 and new members are always welcome. For more information, visit www.stewartbyclub.com

Do you have some village news to share?

Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Copy deadline for the November issue is 14th October.

OPPORTUNITIESVOLUNTEERING

Here is our volunteering pick for October 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.

Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity Wellbeing walk leader

The Wellbeing Walk Leaders support existing walks and set up new walks across Bedfordshire for those wanting to exercise, enjoy the great outdoors and make some friends.

Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner Independent Custody Visitor

Independent Visitors visit police stations at unannounced times and with agreement speak to detainees about their treatment or conditions, and take up any issues of concern with custody staff.

Cowper and Newton Museum Front of House Volunteer

The volunteers work across all front of house areas of the museum, including visitor welcome at the entrance shop and admission processing.

The Panacea Charitable Trust / Panacea Museum Art Session Support Volunteer

Assist the workshop leader with setting up and clearing away the monthly printing workshops that take place one Saturday a month.

You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter at volunteeringforvolunteer-newsletterwww.cvsbeds.org.uk/allthelatestopportunitiesandotherrelatednews.

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.

Bedford Daycare Hospice Volunteer Van Driver & Van Drivers Mate

A van driver plus one van drivers’ mate will collect and deliver furniture and small electrical items in the Bedford area for the Bedford Daycare Hospice Shop.

Citizens Advice Bedford –Telephone/Email Gateway Assessor

You will be clients initial first contact with Citizens Advice. You will provide an effective and efficient telephone and email triage service to members of the public in Bedford Borough.

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

The columnLewisMartin

MIND...ONMONEYMY

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.

typically more expensive, so that leads us to a potential conflict of choice – do we look after our planet, or do we prioritise the money in our pockets?

The answer – from research I have been doing on part of my website, and a collection of other polls that pool data on this subject – is very much that green issues take a massive backseat when our backs are against the wall.

to play by the rules with clear billing and fair price schemes; we expect home insulation initiatives to really add up in the short-term, not 25 years down the line; and we expect new customer incentives to be accompanied by rewards for existing ones.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at whether it’s possible to still be green at times of real economic restraint.

None of us need reminding how tough this year has been, and while we’re all looking for the green shoots of recovery, that greenness has become another sticking point of late, with environmental campaigners looking to keep their own eco priorities live and real.

As consumers, we’re all pretty aware that products and services that are more organic, or better ethically sourced, or that contain a strong environmental edge, are

Now that’s not to say I don’t have a green conscience, or the average Joe in the street doesn’t work hard to preserve the planet, but the absolute truth is that in the vast, vast majority of cases – both at times of struggle and even when things are less chaotic – individuals are not willing to make big sacrifices.

What I think is important though is that, in future, it would be nice if people are being incentivised to go green, and doing so means we are given all the support we expect from government. We expect tax cuts on fuel and a decrease in oil price to be reflected at the pump; we expect utility providers

What’s more, the days of us feeling guilt-tripped into buying a green product over one that isn’t, are probably and hopefully over. Of course, we all want to get back to a place of economic and environmental prosperity, and I’m sure that will come, but our conscience to feed our families has been proven, time and again, to be stronger than anything else.

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

ElizabethQueenRemembersBedfordII

Princess Elizabeth on the balcony of the Swan Hotel, Bedford. 18 Feb 1946

Queen Elizabeth II walking along the St Mary’s Garden embankment near the King’s Ditch, 11 May 1976

Queen Elizabeth II escorted by Mr Johnson leaving an Old People’s Home, Bedford, 11 May 1976

Princess Elizabeth walking from the Swan Hotel to the saluting base. 18 Feb 1946

Queen Elizabeth II greeting people on the St Mary’s Garden embankment, Bedford 11 May 1976

Queen Elizabeth II talking to pupils of John Bunyan Upper School, Bedford, 11 May 1976

Queen Elizabeth II walking over the King’s Ditch with crowds of well-wishers.11 May 1976

Queen Elizabeth II greeting people on the St Mary’s Garden embankment, Bedford 11 May 1976

Queen Elizabeth II on a walk about in St Paul’s Square, Bedford during her visit of 21 November 1996

FAMILY FUN BARN DANCE

SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER 6PM TO 10PM

Dancing, games and raffle

Bring and share food, Bar available

Adults £5 - Family £15

For information call Sue on 07977 569053

Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

BEDFORD FLORAL ART SOCIETY ON TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER 7.30PM

A special flower arrangement demonstration by National Demonstrator, Coral Gardiner, entitled ‘Autumn Opulence’. Visitors welcome £15 at the door or Addisontickets@bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk”onlineCentre,Kempston,MK428PN.

RECITALS AT ST PAUL’S

TUESDAYS LUNCH TIME RECITALS: 1.00 PM.

FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds. Suggest min £5.00 Tues 4th 1.00 pm, Paul Edwards and friends, Piano & TuesOrgan11th, Osman Tack, Piano

Tues 18th Samuel Finch, Flute

Tues 25th ‘Solstice’, Vocal Duo

Monthly Saturday organ recitals 12 noon, Sat 8th 12 noon Organ, Simon Headley, (Loughborough)

Also FREE with retiring collection in aid of church StfundsPaul’S Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ

SHARNBROOK SCARECROW FESTIVAL

FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER

Scarecrows will be displayed from 9am Friday 7th October and voting will end at 2pm on Saturday 8th October. All voting forms to be returned to Sharnbrook Village Hall by 2pm on Saturday 8th October. Join us in the village hall from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday for tea and cakes but especially when the winner’s will be announced and receive their prizes at 3pm.

Scarecrow trail map and voting form will be available for £1 from Co-op, Pick-a-Lily, Sharnbrook

Deli and Cafe, and Ready, Steady Roll. All proceeds to Children’s Charities

BEDFORDSHIRE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY’S FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER DOORS OPEN AT 7.00PM FOR 7.30PM

Speaker:Dr Nick Barratt speaking on “Tracing Your Ag Lab Ancestors”

At Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive Bedford MK41 8PX

Members free, Visitors £1

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING SUNDAY 9TH OCT 9AM TO 1PM

Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

For information call Marion on 07751 317744

BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYTRUST 12TH OCTOBER MEETING 7-15PM FOR 7.30PM

‘The Hidden World of the Cow Pat – and more’ an illustrated talk by Nancy Reed. Plenty of parking available. All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057

ST. PETER’S CHURCH SHARNBROOK FRIDAY 14TH OCTOBER 7.30PM

A concert of popular and inspirational music by the ‘Sharnbrook Community Choir’ supported by ‘The Brookettes’ Tickets £7 (including wine and nibbles) from Colin Scott - 01234 781559 or Rachel Turner – 07584 552278. Proceeds to St. Peter’s Church funds.

BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP THURSDAY 20TH OCTOBER 7.30PM AIMING TO FINISH BY 9.30PM

Andy Harding Presents, “The Danube Delta - Paradise for Birds” 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. More info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford or call ARA07905199769club,Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF

COLMWORTH & NEIGHBOURS HISTORY FRIDAYSOCIETY21ST

OCTOBER 7.30PM

John Hutchings will tell us about North Bedfordshire Medieval Churches. We shall hear the story of the local medieval church as it was before Henry VIII’s disastrous legislation that changed beliefs held for perhaps 1,000 years. Free for members. Visitors welcomed for a donation of £4. Colmworth Village Hall, Church Road, Colmworth MK44 2JX. www.colmworthhistory.org.uk for further info.

BEDFORD SATURDAYSINFONIA22NDOCTOBER 7.30PM

Conductor: Michael Rose Programme: Mozart Symphony No. 35 (Haffner) Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 (soloist: Paul Searle-Barnes). Haydn Symphony No. 99 in E flat For tickets go to www.bedfordsymphony.com St. Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF

ALTERNATIVE CRAFTS & WELLBEING EVENT SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER 11AM – 3PM

Hand made goods, body care, crystals, mediumship readings, alternative therapies, massage treatments, home wares and holistic remedies and much more. Great Barford Village Hall, Fishers Close, MK44 3JA

ROYAL PAPWORTH HOSPITAL CENTENARY

FILM-SHOWING, AND AFTERNOON TEA.

SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER 3.15 FOR 3.30PM

UK’s leading cardiothoracic centre; fascinating history, development and recent relocation to The Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Tickets £13.50 from (01234) 782377 or twhg1@outlook.com Sharnbrook Mill Theatre MK44 1NP; Reg. Charity 242164. Fundraising event

BEDFORD BRANCH HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER 7.30 PM

Annual talks for Bedford branch Historical Association resume LIVE (with others on zoom).

Dr Sean Long of Ruskin University: Raj and Reality; understanding British in India.

Chapter House, St Peter’s Church, De Parys Ave, BEDFORD, MK40 2TX

Non members welcome with a donation. Further Details James Collett-White Tel 07989 837819

AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA FRIDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2PM TO 4PM

Entry Includes£4.

tea, home-made cake and friendship

Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

For information call Sue on 07977 569053

BEDFORD RECORD FAIR SATURDAY 29TH OCT 10.00AM TO 3.30PM

Big Record fairs return to Bedford EARLY BIRD ENTRY £6 9am, avoid the crowds! The Harpur Suite, Bedford Corn Exchange, Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 1LE

MURDER MYSTERY AT THE MANOR SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 7.30PM

Experience a unique, theatrical and immersive experience that compliments your sumptuous three course meal. The interactive show offers you and your friends a chance to play suspects in the Murder Mystery, with elements of escape rooms, panto and a significant amount of drama.

Woodland Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Green Lane, Clapham, Bedford MK41 6EP

For tickets call the events team on 01234 905 323 or email events@woodlandmanorhotel.co.uk

To list an event in our November issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 14th October. Priority will be given to non profit events. MORE WHAT’S ON EVENTS

Ageing Well Festival and Exhibition for the over 50’s 19th October 2022 Corn Exchange

Come along to see a wide range of Information stands on Health and Wellbeing, Care, Benefits, Sport and Leisure. Take part in Taster sessions such as Yoga, Chair Based Exercise, and Origami.

Come along and get a Health Check, Hand Massage, Energy Saving Products and have the opportunity to talk to the Mayor at his clinic.

HALLOWEEN FUN

Frosts Pumpkin Patch

7 – 9 October,

14 – 16 October, 21 – 31 October

Sandy Rd, Willington, Bedford MK44 3QP

This spooky season explore Frosts pumpkin patch at Willington in Bedford and pick your very own pumpkins! Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just there for the photos, this is going to be one epic Halloween event. frosts-pumpkin-patchfrostsgardencentres.co.uk/activities/53/

‘Secret Pumpkin’ Patch PYO

8 – 9 October, 15 – 16 October, 22 – 31 October

The Secret Farm, Andersons Farm & Nursery, Blunham Road, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RA

A fun day out for all the family. There will be a straw maze, straw obstacle course, Pumpkin cannon (Donations to local charities), Pumpkin carving, Pumpkin wash, graveyard, mini tractors, Space hoppers and more!

The Centre of Hocus Pocus

22 – 31 WilsteadFarm,HerringsOctoberGreenActivityCottonEndRoad,MK453DT

All Wizards, Witches and Warlocks are invited to the magical Centre of Hocus Pocus. There will be a pumpkin patch, creepy critter encounters, flying displays, Halloween crafts, tractor and barrel rides and much more! Plus a FREE pumpkin for every paying child. halloween-2022/birdsofpreycentre.co.uk/product-category/

Halloween Half Term at Wrest Park

22 – 30 October

Wrest Park, Silsoe, MK45 4HR

Gather your little monsters and prepare for a ghoulishly good day out at Wrest Park. Follow Dennis, Gnasher and friends to solve creepy clues on the fun family quest around the gardens. Then, meet costumed performers to hear tall tales of the strange, the supernatural and the downright silly. With so much spooky stu to see and do, it’s a phantomtastic, great value day out for families – and tickets are even cheaper if you book in advance.

wrest-park-halloween-22-30-oct-2022/english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/

Halloween at Marston Vale Forest 25-30 MK43MoretaineForest,MarstonOctoberValeMarston0PR

Join in the spooky fun with Halloween themed crafts, a kids’ disco and a spooky activity trail this half term. marstonvale.org

Halloween at Don’t Get Locked In Escape Rooms

23-27 Allhallows, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 1LN

Extortion is set in an apartment in Bedford, a game with a creepy twist you and your friends are invited to come play between Friday 1st October and Sunday 31st October when the room is decorated in a spooky Halloween theme. The Secret Hut, the 1940’s themed room will also be turned into a dark and creepy game for any booked games between 1st and 31st October. There will be a Halloween ‘Best Dressed’ Competition again this year where you can win an experience for 6 people www.dontgetlockedin.com

THE POTTING SHED OF THE GENTLEMAN GARDENER

Hello everyone, you’re all very welcome back to my potting shed.

Where’s the year gone? Autumn o cially began on Friday 23rd of last month and already the nights are starting to creep in, with the clocks going back on Sunday 30th October.

Gardening is all about thinking ahead and doing everything in a timely manner. Perhaps, for next season, you might try your hand at something new to you? This year, I really enjoyed learning all about figs, olives and eucalyptus.

This month, finish planting your spring bulbs such as narcissus and crocus. Tulips can wait until November. Choose plump, firm bulbs and try to plant them, within a week of buying, in a location with good drainage.

Summer has just about gone, but your planters and baskets can still bring you pleasure. Just repot them with dwarf conifers, heathers, polyanthus or winter pansies.

If you have a pond, cover or net it now, before the autumn leaves start to fall (I nearly broke into song Keepthen).

gathering apples and pears as varieties become ready for picking at di erent times. Handle all fruit with care and only store really sound fruit.

When planting bedding for spring, please exercise great care preserving as many roots as possible. Take your time.

Your garden is a silent, loyal friend and a great listener. Please enjoy your gardens; it’s better than therapy, and you get tomatoes.

My kindest regards The Gentleman Gardener

As I address the nation, From here, beyond the sky, I know you cannot hear me, I'm here, I see you cry.

But do not weep my children, Be brave and dry those tears, Now it is my time to rest, Having reigned for 70 years.

My duties are complete now, I've seen my final dawn, My family surrounds me, My country starts to mourn.

And now join my Phillip, Together hand in hand, A picnic in the clouds, As leave behind this land.

Farewell my dearest people, I leave with no regret, Thank you, for everything, Your Queen, your Lilibet.

(Haydee Waldron Jones- 08/09/22)

Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022

Phillip came to me today, and said it was time to go. I looked at him and smiled, as i whispered that "I know"

I then turned and looked behind me, and seen I was asleep. All my Family were around me, and I could hear them weep.

I gently touched each shoulder, with Phillip by my side. Then I turned away and walked, with My Angel guide.

Phillip held my hand, as he lead the way, to a world where King's and Queens, are Monarch's every day.

I was given a crown to wear or a Halo known by some. The difference is up here, they are worn by everyone.

I felt a sense of peace, my reign had seen its end. 70 years I had served my Country, as the peoples friend.

Thank you for the years, for all your time and love. Now I am one of two again, in our Palace up above.(unknown author)

Don’t be frightened Ma’am... the world will be holding your hand