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.

communitynews

Work Underway at Wixams Station

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

Geotechnical 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

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

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!

Small, friendly plastering company based in Bedford

With over a decade of experience and a strong reputation for quality workmanship and reliability.

Plastering of ceilings and walls Damaged ceilings and walls repaired Covering artex Plasterboarding Skimming Patch repairs Insurance work

Tel: 07847 307334

E | info@cmplastering.net W | www.cmplastering.net

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY INSURED Free Estimates, Testing and Condition Reporting, Fuse Boards, Smoke Alarm, Domestic, Commercial, Industrial Installation Emergency lighting, Fire Alarms, new builds, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, external sockets, hot tub, sauna power. L.E.D Lighting Upgrades Lighting Design ELECTRICAL CAR CHARGING

ALL STAFF FULLY CRB CHECKED AND QUALIFIED *NO JOB TOO SMALL*

TEL: BEDFORD 01234 402653 MOB: 0776 0821 221 EMAIL: INFO@MHALLSELELCTRICAL.CO.UK