BedsLife SOUTH September 2021

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South edition

SEPTEMBER

2021

inside The Bedfordshire Walking Festival is Back Heritage Open Days CPRE Bedfordshire - Living Countryside Award Winners £25 Prize Crossword

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Contents

Carlton & Chellington

for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information!

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CPRE Bedfordshire is delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 Living Countryside Awards A huge variety of projects from across Bedfordshire entered the awards. The judges faced a difficult but rewarding task.

Better places to live – winner – Abbey Fields Roundabout Group (Elstow) The Abbey Fields Roundabout Group have replanted and taken on the care of all five roundabouts on the Abbey Fields estate in Elstow, planting shrubs, trees and flowers. The group has recently created a picnic area on the Abbey Fields Moor, with picnic tables, a planter box and trees providing a place for people to rest when walking on the Moor. During Covid the Group felt strongly that they made a difference by showing the community hope and care. The judges praised the way the community has engaged with the project and the different themes on the roundabout.

Houghton Hall Park Kitchen Garden (Houghton Regis) The volunteer group brings together a host of varied members of the community. The produce and flowers that are sold provide healthy and sustainable options for the community, and all the profits from sales are ploughed back into the project.

This is a holistic way to engage with nature and help with the issues of mental health, food poverty and healthy choices at the same time. The work that the volunteers produce is also a draw for the public, who often visit the park just to see the latest display. The garden is managed using sustainable methods and uses recycled items where possible. The commitment and creativity of the volunteers and staff that worked as a team to create this wonderful community garden stood out for the judging panel.

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Made in Bedfordshire – winner – Riverside Dairy (Carlton) This family farm sits along the banks of the River Great Ouse as it meanders through the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside. They use the fresh milk from their free range, pasture fed herd of cows to make artisan ice-creams. The herd of crossbred Jerseys and Friesians produces high quality milk which is just perfect for making ice-cream.

Customers not only love the taste of the ice cream, but love the fact they can see the cows, and that the ice cream has been made on-site, becoming far more aware of food provenance, food miles and standards. The judges were impressed with the shift to a more sustainable way of farming – and the amazing ice cream!

Bedfordshire Choice – winner – Treewell Community Farm (Moggerhanger) Chosen by people of Bedfordshire through an online vote, with more than 3,000 votes cast in total. Treewell was a dilapidated chicken farm when Richard and Meghan bought it nearly two years ago.

The 30 vegetable patches which were disused and a beautiful Victorian greenhouse in a state of disrepair.

The Community Farm now has over 30 volunteers who have transformed the land and grow their own vegetables for free. The project has provided an excellent opportunity for people struggling with mental health issues or for those who don’t have gardens.

The full list of winners including highly commended and commended projects, alongside films featuring the winners can be found on our website www.cprebeds.org.uk/discover/results2021/

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Bedford Book Club – Co Ordinator For someone with a genuine interest in reading this is an opportunity to become part of a community whilst working from home for 2-3 hours a week, engaging with members and taking part in monthly meetings – occasionally chairing meetings and drafting discussion notes.

Headway Bedford – Volunteer Rehabilitation Assistant Physiotherapy Sessions At Headway we provide a wide range of services to help rebuild lives after brain injury. The main purpose of this role is to assist clients with their Physiotherapy exercises – individual and group, or walking practice as delegated by the Physiotherapist. The volunteer role is to encourage and give emotional and practical support.

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) – County Manager

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

We have created a new Community Fundraising Programme and are now looking for enthusiastic animal lovers to join our team and help us build strong fundraising communities locally. As a County Manager for IAPWA, you will recruit, manage and support a dedicated team of fundraising volunteers

Biddenham Cricket Club – Cricket Club Groundsman We are looking for an individual with time and the relevant expertise to look after the cricket pitches and ground in the centre of Biddenham. There is a small but experienced support team with knowledge of what is required on a day to day basis.

Dine With Us – Community Larder Collectors Help is needed to collect food from the supermarkets and drop to the Community Larder in Bedford town for onward distribution to those in need. You will be helping to save food waste from landfill. Car and full driving licence is required for this role.

Open House Bedford – Assisting Group Leader We are looking for volunteers to assist the group leader with the general running of the club which is for adults with learning disabilities and meets for four hours on a Wednesday at St Marks Church and Community Centre.

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 6

We have just introduced a monthly newsletter highlighting all our new opportunities as they come onboard, and sharing stories and volunteering hints and tips. Subscribe at Volunteer Newsletter | CVS Bedfordshire (cvsbeds.org.uk)

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The Bedfordshire Walking Festival

The Bedfordshire Walking Festival is back and offers almost 40 walking opportunities over nine days in September. The festival starts at 8-00am on Saturday 11th September and finishes Sunday afternoon 19th September.

Now in its 11th year the festival attracts almost all levels of walkers from those who want a short distance and some information about the places they walk through, to the walkers who want a good enjoyable walk for around three hours or six to eight miles, to those who want a long walk taking most of the day.

If you have ever thought about getting out into the countryside but feel it would better to go with others, or if you are new to Bedfordshire and want to see what it has to offer the festival offers a great opportunity.

The Bedfordshire Walking Festival has walks across the length and breath of the county and there are plenty of interesting ones here in Bedford Borough starting with an informative walk around the model village of Stewartby on the first Saturday, and in Bedford Cemetery on the Sunday. Those wanting to defy superstition on the 13th can explore Renhold from Go Outdoors car park or go to the Mill Theatre car park in Sharnbrook to explore that area. Have 8

you ever thought of taking a slow way to Riseley, if so, your opportunity is on Wednesday 15th and on the following day for the very fit why not “Don the cap of north Bedfordshire” and join the Long Distance Walkers for a 17 mile circular starting in Riseley. There are walks too from Little Staughton, Harrold Odell Country park, Bedford Park and Mowsbury Park.

If challenges are your thing there is the 3 Green Wheel Challenge over the weekend of the 11th & 12th September (13 miles Saturday and 11 miles Sunday) based in East Bedfordshire and the 30k Mini Greensand Ridge Path Challenge circular on Saturday 18th from Ampthill.

Almost all the walks are free however unlike previous years when you could just turn up many require advance booking because of Government regulations relating to Covid. Where advance booking is not required contact details will be taken on the day. Don’t let this stop you from coming along and enjoying a walk at the Bedfordshire Walking Festival 11th to 19th September.

We look forward to meeting you.

The full programme is available on the Fesival web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk.

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Climate action coming to Bedford as part of nationwide campaign Residents in Bedford are taking part in a nationwide campaign this September to highlight the need for urgent action on climate and nature ahead of COP26,the United Nations Climate talks, later this year in Glasgow.

Taking place between 18-26 September, the climate action campaign known as the Great Big Green Week will see thousands of people across the UK organising local festivals and events. The campaign aims to draw attention to climate change, destruction of the natural world, while also making a connection with these issues in communities like Bedford, at the same time as showcasing actions to tackle climate change.

The Bedford week long event which is being run with Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum will see businesses and community groups, individuals and schools organise events as part of the week to raise the profile of groups taking action on climate change, and to encourage more, from communities and politicians alike.

The Great Big Green Week Bedford follows on from the success of the previous three Bedford Sustainability Week events that were held in the past year.

The Great Big Green Week is being organised by The Climate Coalition, the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change, whose members include the National Trust, WWF, Women’s Institute, Oxfam, and RSPB. Other organisations

supporting the campaign included BT, British Mountaineering Council, and the Manchester United Foundation.

Cory Walker, coordinator for the week in Bedford said: “I want to see progress on tackling climate change because I care about those in other countries that are feeling the worst effects of climate change and I think we need to do all we can to protect them” “We’ve seen how climate change can affect us directly.

We need to tackle it now and we need our MP to lead the way” Chair of Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum, Lucy Bywater said: “A lot of local people are really concerned about the global climate crisis and want to press leaders for serious action at COP26 this winter, as well as doing what they can in their own lives to make a real change. We want to use events at Green Week in September to empower ways for Bedford to do both’ To get involved with the week or to find out more details, you can head to the Great Big Green Week Bedford Facebook page, or by emailing greatbiggreenweek.bedford@gmail.com www.greatbiggreenweekbedford.co.uk/

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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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Heritage open days Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

Foster Hill Road Cemetery Open day The Gatehouse, Foster Hill Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 7TD A beautiful Victorian Grade II listed cemetery with great trees and lovely surroundings.

There will be guided walks to areas of special interest, many of them themed walks. If this is not possible due to covid regulations, a variety of suggested walks with maps, brief details and photos of individual graves will be handed out.

We hope it will be possible to have all the registers from 1855 available for everyone to see them, and search for individual burials as required. This will of course depend on the Covid regulations in place at the time. Representatives of the Friends will be available to help with searches of the registers and also the grounds of the cemetery itself.

Event Times Saturday 11 September: 11am-4pm - Will be open for viewing of the original burial registers only, but not for GUIDED walks. Direction sheets for SELF GUIDED walks will however be available on the day Sunday 12 September: 2pm-4.30pm - GUIDED walks

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Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred The cemetery is free to visit at anytime but the walks are scheduled for Sunday afternoon only Booking Contact: Margaret Carpenter Tel: 01234 360003 Email: mo@mikecarpenter33.plus.com www.fosterhillroadcemetery.co.uk

John Bunyan Museum John Bunyan Museum, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3EU Join John Bunyan Museum and Library in person and online in a special celebration of Edible England for Heritage Open Days 2021. On Saturday 18th September there will be family trails, handling sessions and foodie demonstrations.

John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, is one of Bedford’s most famous sons. Visit the Museum and Church and take a walk through Bunyan’s life and times to discover more about the renowned author, pastor and preacher.

Especially for Heritage Open Days (on Saturday 18th September only): A family activity trail of ‘edible’ history around the main museum; a handling session with 17th century objects about dining in John Bunyan’s day, usually only available to paid groups; a demonstration of recipes made during Bunyan’s day, especially for the Edible England theme.

Some activities will be delivered online via the website and YouTube channel, depending on Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions at the time.

Pre-booking may be required to limit numbers.

Event Times Saturday 18 September: 11am-4pm Booking Details - No booking required Contact for the day: Jennifer Ayley/ Helen O’Hara (Joint Curators) 01234 270303

Shuttleworth Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP Explore Shuttleworth House, Shuttleworth Swiss Garden, and the Shuttleworth Collection.

Take a relaxing walk around the beautiful Swiss Garden filled with pretty seasonal colour and two delightful peacocks. Wander along the woodland sculpture trail, around a lake home to nesting wildlife.

Observe fantastic views and scenic surrounding countryside from North Park’s gentle hills, before a stroll around the paddocks overlooking the grass airfield. Venture inside the Shuttleworth House and admire its grand period rooms. Discover the Shuttleworth Collection, showcasing the best of early aviation, vintage vehicles and Clayton & Shuttleworth industrial heritage.

Event Times Wednesday 15 September: 10am – 5pm Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred Pre-booking is not required, but is recommended to avoid disappointment

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, Station Road, Ridgmont, Bedfordshire, MK43 0XP An award-winning Victorian (1846) station house and booking office restoration in the Gothic Cottage Orné style, with Original Victorian Booking Office, Station Master’s Parlour, Vintage Tea Room & Gift Shop.

Discover the story of the Marston Vale Railway Line engineered by Robert Stephenson and opened in 1846. It was the first railway line to reach Bedford and for much of its life serviced the vast clay workings and brickworks at Brogborough and Stewartby; later transporting much of London’s rubbish to landfill in the former clay workings. Now at the heart of the East - West Rail Scheme to reconnect Oxford back to Cambridge. Guided tours available of the Heritage Centre.

New Marston Vale Line 175th Anniversary Exhibition.

Family Quiz and Puzzle Booklet available to purchase from the Gift Shop.

New Symbol Spot Trail for children aged five and over.

Find the Vintage Tea Room in the former Ladies Waiting Room (10% discount available for rail passengers).

Group and school parties welcome all year by prior booking.

Event Times Friday 10th – Sunday 12th September: 10am – 4pm Wednesday 15th – Sunday 19th September: 10am – 4pm Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

For more information on Heritage Open Days visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk 13

Green Play Four ideas for engaging your kids in environmental activities.

Recycle - Start at home with the basics: labelling

bulbs to vegetables such as tomatoes and runner beans, there are many plants which offer a quick seed-to-fruit yield – ideal for impatient children.

Reuse - Naturally green-minded kids know better than anyone how useful discarded packaging can be: boxes become rocket ships, empty toilet rolls become pirate-seeking telescopes, and jars are transformed into dazzling tealight holders.

Many local councils are now investing in community gardens too, where children can plant, play and learn about all the wormy, muddy joys of composting.

your bins and sorting through your refuse can actually become a fun game for children, then start tackling recycling on a bigger scale. Picking up litter on a dog walk for example, or even partaking on a community clean-up – an excellent way to meet other budding environmentalists.

Yet beyond play, we can also teach our children how to minimise waste by choosing the eco-friendly option - refilling bottles in-store, for instance.

Grow - If you have access to a garden, get

planning, get planting! From easy-to-seed flower

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OAK TREES Oak trees hold a special place in the hearts of the nation.

One of the most widespread trees in the UK, their size and longevity symbolise strength and endurance.

There are two native species of oak in Britain: the English oak and the Sessile oak. Telling them apart is simple, just take a close look at their leaves and acorns. English oak leaves have a very short stalk while Sessile oak leaves have a long one, and conversely, English oak acorns grow at the end of long stalks while Sessile oak acorns have no stalks.

Both species can reach a grand old age – oaks over 1,000 years old can be found around the country – and anything over 400 years old is classed as an ‘Ancient Tree’. With increasing age, oaks become shorter and wider, developing gnarly crevices and hollows.

Oaks are well known for supporting a huge variety of wildlife, and as they age they attract even more species.

Specialist insects feed on the dead and decaying wood within an aged oak, and many birds and bats use their holes and cavities for nesting and roosting.

Research published by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in 2019 revealed that mature oak trees support a staggering 2,300 different wild species. Throughout the year in every season, oaks offer valuable living accommodation, food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife.

Oaks flower in springtime, producing long, pollen-rich green catkins – these are the male flowers. Their pollen is dispersed by the wind, fertilising the small red female flowers, which then grow into acorns. Oak flowers and pollen provide food for a host of creatures, from squirrels to butterflies. The caterpillars of the dazzling purple hairstreak butterfly feast on oak flower buds and leaves, while many bee species rely on oak pollen to provide a springtime buffet.

If you’ve ever seen an unusual shaped growth on an oak tree, you’ve probably stumbled across a gall. Oaks play host to a variety of galls, the most

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common ones being the oak apple gall, oak marble gall and oak knopper gall. These galls are caused by wasps who lay their eggs onto different parts of the tree. The resulting larvae produce chemicals which cause a distortion in the growth of the tree. The resulting galls vary in shape and size from perfect spheres, like the oak marble gall, to knobbly, walnut-shaped growths like the knopper gall.

Galls provide a protective home and food for the larvae growing inside. Once the larvae is ready to emerge from the gall, it will fall off the tree, and you can discover woody, spent galls underneath oaks during summer and autumn.

Look for a telltale hole on the outside where the insect growing inside has tunnelled out.

In autumn, oak trees provide wild creatures with another gift to help them survive the winter months. Mammals and birds from badgers to woodpeckers feast on the acorn bounty produced

by oaks. Acorns are a firm favourite of jays – and these attractive birds also play a part in planting the next generation of oak trees too. Jays store acorns in preparation for winter, and inevitably sometimes forget the locations of their cache, allowing them to germinate the following spring.

Even as the oak drops its leaves on the ground in autumn it provides a valuable resource for wildlife. The layer of leaves on the woodland floor is like a winter duvet, offering protection in the cold months for countless invertebrates. Many of these creatures break down the leaves and other natural debris through feeding, nourishing the woodland soil beneath.

because of their size and longevity oaks are one of the best long-term stores of carbon.

The iconic oak tree has been by our side throughout history – providing us with strong building materials to get us through wars and fuel to keep us warm. Now oaks stand by us again as we face another of humanity’s biggest challenges – the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis.

In the Forest of Marston Vale, we have planted thousands of oaks, which not only benefit wildlife but people too.

As oaks grow, they absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, helping us to tackle the impacts of climate change.

Although slow-growing, 17

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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 10th September Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Sandra Fryer, Wilstead

For last months answers please turn to P30

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Small, friendly plastering company based in Bedford With over a decade of experience and a strong reputation for quality workmanship and reliability.

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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

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BRIDGE ROOFING All aspects of roofing, facias and guttering.

Free quotes All work guaranteed 01234 404080 07542 719971

www.roofingbedford.co.uk

AIR CONDITIONING

SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME OR HOME OFFICE

FREE SITE VISIT & QUOTE

Beat the summer rush,

Wouldn’t you like to be

our customers enjoy the

more comfortable in your

summer more because

home even when it’s hot

they sleep more!

and humid outside?

Contact us on 07771896589 now for a FREE quotation and site visit via WhatsApp/ video call REMEMBER: All air conditioning now heats more efficiently than electric heating so it’s not just for summer.

www.rp-x.services

+44 (0)1234 867490

Guttering Problems?

• Gutters cleaned • Leaking gutters repaired • New guttering fitted All by a friendly, local, established company Call Rob on

01234 480244 or 07977 206403

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Call Jamie to book a FREE survey & quotation

01234 815230

Fake to Finesse

How to get the artificial grass lawn that suits your needs.

ONE Ditch the lawnmower, buy a broom Your trusty Flymo will be redundant once an artificial grass lawn is fitted, but using a stiff broom to sweep away elements caught in the grass is a good idea.

Indeed, some gardeners even use a hoover to clear away light debris.

Sprinkling on water is a good method for removing spillages and marks, and will encourage small mossy shoots from within to add to the natural effect.

wood, or any other existing surface. However, for extra padding and sponginess, consider adding an external underlay, in much the same way as you would do a carpet for your home.

FIVE Colour care A number of lawns will come with different coloured strands, all adding to the realism of the carpet. Some even have light brown “dead grass” strands for extra visual appeal, ultimately softening the single-tone approach of the lawn.

TWO Get the height right A shorter pile height (around 15mm at the smallest) will give the impression of a tight, well-maintained lawn, though perhaps won’t have the same natural effect as a longer length.

A deeper pile (up to 35mm) looks more realistic and adds to a natural, luscious feel. For this, it’s recommended to sprinkle the surface with sand, which helps the strands stay facing upwards.

THREE Decide on density As well as pile height, density counts where artificial grass is concerned. Simply, this is the number of strands sewn into a square inch – the more strands, the more the appearance of quality and comfort underfoot and, typically speaking, the higher the cost!

FOUR Underlay, underrated?

Many brands of artificial grass come with a resilient bottom layer which can be laid directly onto concrete, 26

SIX Size matters While the temptation is to take the maintenance out of your grass areas by completely covering the space in a luscious artificial lawn, in reality this horticultural innovation is intended for smaller spaces. Laying an expansive garden may give a plastic look, while more concentrated areas are tidied by an artificial lawn.

SEVEN Fit for purpose Generally speaking, it’s better to get your artificial lawn fitted by a professional. Managing a huge roll of carpet, including cutting, slicing and joining together, isn’t as easy as it may seem.

EIGHT The clean theme While laying artificial grass certainly creates a more hands-off space, it’s still important to clear up animal mess and other spillages. In addition, ensuring frost and snow are cleared away as soon as possible will help prevent the salt left behind from forming a crusty layer over each blade of grass.

To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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Useful

Resources 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 Tel 07376 262 873 www.accessbedford.org.uk

BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY Delivering a wide range of rural development and community projects.

Tel 01234 838771 www.bedsrcc.org.uk

BEDFORDSHIRE WELLBEING SERVICE Offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.

Tel 01234 880400 www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk

BEDFORD WOMEN’S CENTRE

Local organisation solely devoted to the welfare of the over 50’s in Bedfordshire.

Supporting women in the community who may have experienced Domestic Abuse or want more information about healthy relationships.

Tel 01234 360510 www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Tel 01234 316801 www.bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk

AGE UK BEDFORDSHIRE

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

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

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

CHUMS Mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people 01525 863924 www.chumscharity.org

CITIZENS ADVICE

MINDBLMK

An independent charitable organisation that helps people resolve their problems by providing information and advice.

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Tel 01234 867944 www.bedfordcab.org.uk 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) local independent charity offering practical and emotional support to families under stress.

01234 270601 www.facesbedford.org

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

OPEN DOOR Charity providing FREE and confidential counselling to young people aged 13 – 25.

Tel 01234 360388 www.bedfordopendoor.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

AUGUST PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

TIME TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN? LET US DO THE JOB YOU HATE BEFORE AFTER

R&M DUCHEMINS

Ovens Filters Hobs l BBQs l Ranges Grills l l Extractors Microwaves AGAs Call Mark Plumbly or go online today for your FREE quote! l

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ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE REPAIR AND RESTORATION IN BEDFORDSHIRE

RESTORERS OF ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE. FRENCH POLISHING. French Polishing&•MODERN Kitchen FURNITURE. Worktop Sand & Re-oil RESTORERS OF ANTIQUE FRENCH POLISHING. HAYDN CLARKE Desk Leathers Supplied & Fitted • On-Site French Polishing HAYDN CLARKE Work Insurance, Fire07958 & Flood work TEL:Undertaken 01923 252738 MOBILE: 710979 59 TEL: ELSTOW KEMPSTON, BEDS. MK428HH Collection & Delivery 01923ROAD, 252738 MOBILE: 07958 710979

E-MAIL: HCRESTORATIONS@SKY.COM 59Haydn ELSTOW ROAD, KEMPSTON,WWW.HCRESTORATIONS.CO.UK BEDS. MK428HH on 01234 851 624 or 07958 710 979 E-MAIL:Call HCRESTORATIONS@SKY.COM WWW.HCRESTORATIONS.CO.UK hcrestorations@sky.com • www.hcrestorations.co.uk

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• Medal framing and medal mounting.

• Full size and miniature • Regimental gifts, British replica replacement Army, RAF, medals.

Royal Navy & Merchant.

Tel: 01234 268738 Mobile: 07877 242408 www.duchemins.co.uk

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

Thank You

Grazie Dziękuję Ci Ačiū Mulțumesc Thank you to everyone who has had their vaccine so far. You are protecting our community.

Thank you to everyone who has had to self-isolate. We know it’s been really hard but it makes a huge difference in reducing transmission.

Thank you to everyone who is using the rapid COVID-19 tests at home.

You are helping to stop the spread of the virus.

Let’s get vaccinated.

Get back to the things we love.

To find out more, visit:

www.bedford.gov.uk/vaccinations

Have Your Windows Steamed Up? Replace the pane, not the frame!

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Faulty locks, handles or hinges?

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