www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk FREE South edition inside Community News Heritage Open Days What’s On Prize Crossword 10,000 copies Delivered to Elstow, Shortstown, Wixams, Wilstead, Houghton Conquest, Stewartby, Marston Moretaine. 2022 SEPTEMBER
• Loft Ladders • Hatches • Boarding • Insulation • Lights • Fully Guaranteed : ladder, light plus 50 sqft boarding, fully from £444 Need more INSTALL A LOFT LADDER AND USE YOUR LOFT! Following COVID-19 GuidelinesSecure 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 - 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! Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust! CALL FREE: 0808 301 9559 storage space? STARTER PACKAGE Aluminium loft
Don’t forget to check out our website WWW.BEDSLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information! LIKE our Facebook page BedsLife Magazine to keep up to date with events, o ers and local businesses and services. FOLLOW us @bedslife_magazineon and @bedsLife Contents ADVERTISING Christa: Tel 01234 962929 | 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk DESIGN AND ARTWORK www.dougdawson.co.uk DISCLAIMER All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, BedsLife Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. Community News 4 & 6 Volunteering Opportunities 8 Martin Lewis Column 10 Prize Crossword 12 Books 14 What’s On 16 Heritage Open Days 22 Forest of Marston Vale –A Guide to Raptors 26 Gardening 28 Last Months Crossword Answers 30 DO YOU WANT TO LOCALLY?YOURPROMOTEBUSINESS For more information call Christa on Tel 07827 015170 or christa@bedslifemagazine.co.ukemail DELIVERED IN TOTAL TO 10,000 HOMES, OUR READERS ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS! www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk FREE South edition inside CommunityNews HeritageOpenDays What’s On Prize Crossword 10,000copies DeliveredtoElstow,Shortstown,Wixams,Wilstead,HoughtonConquest,Stewartby,MarstonMoretaine. 2022 OCTOBER ISSUE DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER
Bedford Borough Council’s brand-new solar farm has been fully energised and is now exporting lowcarbon electricity to the grid. The project, which is made up of over 8,000 solar panels, is capable of generating up to 4.2MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 1,000 homes. Guests from South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), Bedford Borough Council and Vital Energi gathered to celebrate the event at an official grand opening which was marked by the cutting of a ribbon by Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough. Bedford Borough Council has set ambitious targets of becoming net-zero by 2030 and the solar array will play an important role in meeting these targets.
“The project has cost £4.15m – with Bedford Borough Council investing over £2.2million and the project being awarded more than £1.8million from the South East Midlands Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). I would like to thank them for their contribution.”
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Awards to communitycelebratespirit
Mayor Dave Hodgson said, “This project creates green energy at a former landfill site right here in Bedford Borough. The solar farm is delivering low carbon, clean energy and will encourage others to reduce carbon emissions, adopt innovative technologies and improve air quality.
Elstow Solar Farm goes live
community news
Marston Moreteyne Parish Council has announced its 2022 Community Awards to recognise people, groups or organisations in the parish who have contributed to the community life of the village. Whether it be through acts of kindness, support or making positive impacts and differences, the council would like to pass on their thanks and give people the recognition that they deserve for their efforts, skills, or commitment.
The Marston Moreteyne Parish Community Awards 2022 will have eight categories and the council is asking parish residents to nominate individuals, groups or organisations for an award. The award categories are Volunteer, Carer, Young Person (under 18), Local Group, Local Organisation, Community Facilitator, Local Business and Lifetime NominationAchievement.forms can be obtained by emailing clerk@marstonmoreteyne-pc.gov.uk. The nomination deadline is Friday 30th September, and the lucky winners will be invited to an Awards Ceremony at the Community Centre in November. As well as nominations, the council is also looking for two resident volunteers from the parish – one under 18 and one over 18 – to join the panel of judges and help choose the winners of each category. To obtain an application form to join the judges’ panel, email clerk@marstonmoreteyne-pc. gov.uk. The application deadline is Monday 5th September.
This year’s event will also include The Community Forest Cake Off when amateur bakers can put their skills to the test to see if they’ve got what it takes to be crowned the best baker in the Forest. There will be a class for ages 16 and under and over 16s with four categories: Decorated Cupcakes, Biscuits/Cookies, Traybake and Victoria ForestSandwich.Family
Marston Vale Forest Centre, Henlow and Stewartby. For those who prefer something a little different, there is a flexible walk and river cruise along the Great Ouse and there are a number of longer routes for more seasoned walkers, including the North Bedfordshire Village meander. Bedfordshire has a very varied landscape with the chalk hills of the south, the wooded ridge of Greensand Country in the middle and the woldlike landscape of the north. Most walks are free and do not require booking. You can find out more at www.bedswalkfest.co.uk
Do you have some village news to share? Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk
Join our local Walking Festival
Copy deadline for the October issue is 9th September.
The Thethedaywalksfromcounty.everySeptemberthisWalkingBedfordshireFestivalreturnsyearfrom10to18withwalksdayacrosstheRoutesvaryshortheritagetohalfandfull-walks,rightupto40-mileGreensandChallenge.informativeheritagewalksinclude
Forest Family Fun Day Head to Marston Vale Forest Centre on 3rd September for a fun family day out. The Forest’s annual fundraising event takes place from 10am until 4pm with lots to do for all ages. Don’t miss the giant obstacle course, helterskelter, climbing wall, bungee trampolines, teacups, Animal Edge petting farm, archery, face painting, nature trail, climbing tower, crazy golf, and an opportunity to meet Peppa Pig and George throughout the day. There will also be a variety of stalls to browse and local food and drink to enjoy along with a grand raffle offering fantastic prizes.
Fun Day tickets are £2 for children, £1 for adults in advance and £3 for children and £2 for adults on the day. Entry to the Cake Off is £1 per person per category. All money raised will help support the work of planting trees and managing the Community Woodlands and Millennium Country Park. For more information and to enter The Community Forest Cake Off, visit www.marstonvale.org
To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk It’s time to upgrade your garage door to a Garolla electric door. Not only are they strong and secure, they are also thermally insulated. So if you’re transforming the garage into a home gym, o ce or even a garden bar, Garolla is perfect for you. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up FREE of charge. TWO REMOTE CONTROLS ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS CALL US TODAY ON: MOBILE: 07537 149 128 www.garolla.co.uk Quality doors. Great Service. Free Fitting. Example shown: • 3.6m wide opening • 77” Anthracite grey slats Only £1,990 Price on this door style can range from £1,440 - £2,740 depending on the width of door opening. Why replace when you can reface? Quality Kitchen Facelifts Guaranteed fitting before Christmas www.dreamdoors.co.uk Call Mark or Riana For a Free Estimate: 01234 852151 Dreammk@dreamdoors.co.ukDoorsKempston, 73 High Street, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7BT Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks and taps Made to measure custom-built doors and units Installed by local skilled tradesman 1999 7
National Trust Wimpole Estate Food & Beverage Volunteer
This is a role for someone with a sound knowledge of how information systems support an organisation’s management and development. You will be guiding CPRE Bedfordshire in upgrading their IT system.
Canine Partners Volunteer Puppy Parent
Provide one-to-one support to people with sight loss by visiting them in their own homes to help them get the most out of technology. Tasks will include setting up new devices and troubleshooting problems. You will support people local to your own area.
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.
Being a parent is the best qualification to help with this service for families who are struggling t o cope and being supported by FACES. You will be carefully matched to families according to where you can fit in according to your experience and confidence.
FACES Family Support Volunteer – Home Visiting Service
Do you think you could offer a caring home in Bedford to raise, socialise and train puppies and young dogs up the age of 18 months? You would need to be available for online training, visits including home visits and regular puppy training classes.
Bedford Gallery Quire Independent Accounts Examiner
Royal National Institute of Blind People Roaming Tech Support
OPPORTUNITIESVOLUNTEERING
Here is our volunteering pick for September 2022 as we head into Autumn. 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. You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter at volunteeringforvolunteer-newsletterwww.cvsbeds.org.uk/allthelatestopportunitiesandotherrelatednews. 43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: www.cvsbeds.org.ukvolunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk
Our Food and Beverage volunteers understand the importance of a little sit-down, and help visitors to relax, refuel and refresh during their visit to Wimpole. Great for someone who likes being around people and doing a varied role –juggling tasks as well as trays of food!
CPRE Bedfordshire – The Countryside Charity IT Volunteer
This group is looking for someone who can independently examine the accounts of a small community music group with a turnover of less than £3,000. All you will need is a good understanding of accounts. It is a task that would need to be done between mid-January and mid-February.
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SUE STARLIGHTRYDER HIKE BEDFORD
Get together with family and friends on Saturday 15th October and walk under the stars to celebrate and remember the life of someone special while supporting Sue Ryder. Kindly sponsored by M&DH Insurance Services Ltd, Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Bedford will start at Everard Meadow and follow a 5k or 10k route along the beautiful Bedford Embankment and through Russell Park. There will be pre-walk entertainment to build the party atmosphere and a fun warm-up before participants sporting fancy dress, flashing headwear and neon face paint set out on their walk, enjoying live music along the way. The funds raised will help Sue Ryder to provide even more expert and compassionate care, ensuring that the end of people’s lives can be filled with friendship, family and love in those final moments together.
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Caring for your home
Last year Sue Ryder provided over 830,000 hours of care to thousands of families across the country, including from its Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in SignMoggerhanger.upnowat sueryder.org/bedfordstarlight or contact the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice Fundraising Team via email stjohnsfundraising@ sueryder.org or call 01767 642412. Tickets are £15 for adults and £6 for children aged 6-12. Family and group ticket options are also available.
Offering an honest, reliable & professional domestic cleaning service. We would be happy to visit you to discuss your requirements. DBS checked and fully insured. References available. CLEANERS WANTED Are you reliable, hard working and enjoy cleaning? We would love to hear from you! Call Sue on 07792 citruscleanuk@gmail.com369102
The columnLewisMartin
In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at how, in a time of rising costs, we can make savings in other places. There’s so much attention at the moment on the cost of petrol, the cost of our utilities, the rise in inflation, and it all seems like bad news. Yet sometimes we are all guilty of obsessing over the negative elements whilst failing to recognise good opportunities elsewhere; and if you’re looking for one sector where costs, pretty much consistently over time, have always decreased, then reach into your pocket and take out your trusty mobile phone.
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
So by selecting one of the smaller companies all you’re doing is going with a virtual network, and everything else should remain the same. Obviously check before you sign up to see if 5G or tethering conditions are available, but beyond those things it’s the same line.
Telecommunications, broadband and connected industries continue to slash prices in what is a consumer-led price war, and the simple truth is many of us are still paying too much for our mobile phone contracts. So if you’re coughing more than about a tenner a month for your mobile phone contract – and by that I mean calls, texts and data, not the device itself – you’re probably in line to save some Itmoney.allcomes down to looking for the best-priced SIM for your needs, because once you find the right deal, it’s really very easy nowadays to grab your PAC code and switch networks. Now usually when I suggest switching to a di erent mobile provider, people come back with concern over signal strength for, say, Lebara Mobile or PlusNet or whoever it is o ering the best deal on data. The reality though is that the communications network is run by four companies and four companies only – O2, EE, Vodafone and Three.
It’s strange that mobile phones are such an integral part of our lives, yet many of us take for granted the competitiveness of the industry and don’t realise where we can be making savings.
MIND...ONMONEYMY
CONSUMER
Every other provider is piggybacking o their signal, so, in e ect, it’s the same signal.
In an era of prices rising inexplicably across the board in other elements of our life, the time is now to start working the equation back in our favour, so have a look at your bill, survey the competition and start the conversation! 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 advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk NU -LO O K Replacement Conservatory Roofs U Scan me! www.rgr-garages.co.uk01234750207 RGR Garages (Cranfield) Ltd, High Street, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0DG RGR 50dealershipaCranfiGarageseldfamilyrunFORDforoveryears For all makes and models of vehicle –service, repair and MOT MOT standalone cost £45, if booked with a scheduled service MOT is £35 Free collection and delivery in 15 mile radius Please quote‘Beds Life” whenbooking for10% discount. 11
Address:Name: Tel: For last turnanswersmonthspleasetoP30 Prize Crossword Across 1 Pointed tipped weapons (6) 5 Terrific, wonderful (6) 8 Source of wealth or valuable information (4,4) 9 Resides at the Vatican Palace (4) 10 Undiluted (4) 11 Support from beneath (8) 12 Roadside facility for travellers (7,4) 15 Device to measure energy usage (3,5) 18 Weak cry (4) 20 Soft feathers (4) 21 Bend over with laughter (6,2) 22 Tacky, gummy (6) 23 Make furious (6) Down 1 Communication device (5) 3 Examiner of accounts (7) 4 Actions responsesproducing(7) 5 ____ = distance / time (5) 6 The Pied _____ of Hamlin (5) 7 Exact copy (7) 12 Coastal town (7) 13 On the way (2,5) 14 Hiker, leisure walker (7) 16 Frenzied (5) 17 Contraction of Edward (5) 19 Squeezed and twisted to remove water (5) £25 Last CrosswordMonthsWinner –John ElstowMather, Complete crossword,thefill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 9th MK43BedfordshireFoxbrook,BedsLife,PrizeSeptember.Crossword,17Stevington,7QY
To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 25 years Experience All Work Guaranteed Contact 07538 495073 01234 225857 m.hdecorating@yahoo.com No-obligation quotes available No job too small NOW INSTALLING HOME VEHICLE CHARGERS WE OFFER ON ALL BOILER INSTALLATIONS* BAILEY'S HEATING COMPANY LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative and provides a pure client introduction through Improveasy Ltd (FRN 708623). The firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a broker, not a lender and offers credit facilities from a panel of lenders. The credit is subject to application and status. 13
Published by Forever on September 1st 14
Penned by one of the people who knew him best, this official biography of the storytelling genius that was Terry Pratchett draws on both the writer’s own unpublished notes and interviews from close friends and family, to create a resounding tribute to a unique literary talent.
At the time of his death in 2015, award-winning and bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett was working on his finest story yet – his own. Following his untimely death from Alzheimer’s disease, the mantle of completing Terry’s memoir was passed to Rob Wilkins, his former assistant, friend and now head of the author’s literary estate, and now the circle has been squared on a writing career that inspired so many.
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
Trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline, and soon the gang are hot on the trail of two murders, 10 years apart. To make matters worse, a new nemesis pays Elizabeth a visit, presenting her with a deadly mission: kill or be killed... While Elizabeth grapples with her conscience (and a gun), the gang and their unlikely new friends (including TV stars, money launderers and ex-KGB colonels) unravel a new mystery. But can they catch the culprit and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?
One: Simple One-Pan Wonders by Jamie Oliver Jamie Oliver is back to basics with over 120 simple, delicious, one-pan recipes.
Published by Viking on September 15th
BOOK BAG
Packed with budget-friendly dishes you can rustle up any time, One has everything from delicious work from home lunches to quick dinners the whole family will love; from meat-free options to meals that will get novice cooks started.
From the author of The Spanish Love Deception, this eagerly anticipated follow-up features Rosie Graham and Lucas Martín, who are forced to share a New York apartment.
This month, four non-fiction.fictionthereleasesSeptemberacrossspectrumofandMixed
Published by Transworld on September 29th
To help with her terrible writer’s block, Lucas offers to take Rosie on a series of experimental dates meant to jump-start her romantic inspiration; if only Lucas’s time in New York didn’t have an expiration date!
The ExperimentRoommateAmerican by Elena Armas
A Life With Footnotes by Terry Pratchett
Published by Simon & Schuster on September 6th
In One, Jamie will guide you through over 120 recipes for tasty, fuss-free and satisfying dishes cooked in just one pan. Better still, each recipe has just eight ingredients or fewer, meaning minimal prep (and washing up) and maximum convenience.
To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Ageing Well Festival and Exhibition for the over 50’s Wednesday 19th October 2022 Bedford Corn Exchange 10am to 2pm 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. Free Refreshments will be served all day and a free raffle draw will take place. For more information contact Jo Rising on 01234 360510 or email enquiries@ageukbedfordshire.org.uk 15
WHAT’SON 16
ST PAUL’S CHURCH SEPTEMBER RECITALS
Tuesdays lunch time recitals: 1.00 pm. FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds.
BIDDENHAM SHOW
FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 7.15 FOR 7.30 START Nicky Hunter Talk/demonstration of Flowers in Watercolour. Nicky’s radiant artworks capture “realism with a touch of romance” in a colourful, expressive style. Entry free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson on 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for further information.
Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB
Registration is from 11am and it is £2 to enter one class or £5 for three classes Judging starts at 12.30pm and rosettes are awarded for 1st to 5th place plus special prizes. There will also be lots more to enjoy from a bouncy castle and little donkeys to meet to ice cream and sweet stalls, craft classes and much more. Also don’t miss the dogs demonstration at 12pm. All money raised is donated to the Canine Partners charity. Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Radwell Road, Bedford MK44 1SH
SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 12 NOON TO 5PM
Our floral demonstrator will be Beverley Short with “All the World’s a Garden” Visitors welcome £7 Addison Centre, Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8PN www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk
END OF SUMMER FAIR SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 11AM TO 3PM Live Entertainment, Refreshments, Games, Treats for every visitor and much more Blakelands Lodge Care Home, Gee View, Marston Moretaine MK43 2AH
GARDEN CENTRE SUNDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 11AM TO 4PM
www.bedfordclockandbells.com/
FUN DOG SHOW AT MILTON ERNEST
BEDFORD ART SOCIETY MEETING
SUNDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 12 NOON TO 4 PM
This year’s Show will be opened by players from Bedford Blues. Join us for a fun day out for all the family. Lots of food concessions, competitions,and a wide variety of stalls including Bouncy Castle, Circus Skills, Fun Dog Show, Human Fruit Machine, Face Painting, Children’s Fancy Dress Competition, Tennis Skills, Beer, Cider & Pimm’ s
BEDFORD FLORAL ART SOCIETY TUESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 7.30PM
ANNUAL BIKE & HIKE SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER
Suggest min £5.00 Monthly Saturday organ recitals: 12 noon, also FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds Sat 10th 12 noon Organ, Chris Ouvry-Johns of Leicester Cathedral Tues 13th Harry Bagnall tenor and Paul Searle, Piano Tues 20th Emmanuel Bach, Violin Tues 27th Nataly Ganina, Piano Bell Sundaysringing:4th, 3 pm in honour of the Lord Lieutenant and 25th September, 3 pm for the High Sheriff’s Justice Service (This service brings together, gives thanks for and supports all who administer law and order in the county, together with those who work to prevent offending behaviour, protect our society, provide support for all who need it ) Sunday 11th & 18th, 11. 40am (supporting the Tower, Clock & Bells appeal
Our annual fun day for all the family, Inflatables, Zorbs and rides, food and trade stands, Big Raffle and more. Come and support our community for a great day of fun and entertainment. At the Playing Field and Village Hall in Fishers Close, MK44 3JA.
Walk or Drive round open churches. Help maintain many beautiful and ancient buildings by raising funds through sponsorship for the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust. Last year almost £8000 was raised for the Trust by Bedford participants and sponsors. Details from Area Organiser – Alan Colley (Bedford) colley64@yahoo.co.uk or Ann at St Paul’s, Bedford 07989 837819
GREAT BARFORD FUN DAY
Jumble/Garage Sale Trail Bric a’ Brac stalls, Lucky bags and Games, Refreshments available, Tea, coffee and squash Bacon rolls and more. Free Entry. London Road Methodist Church, London Road, Bedford MK42 0NT
SEPTEMBER – MEETING
The legendary local cover band, perform hits 1970s -2000! Main stage Licensed bar. A fundraising event for Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, Reg. Charity 242164 Tickets £12 www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk/ tickets or Pick-a-Lily, Florists, Sharnbook, in person. Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, MK44 1NP OAKLEY SHOW SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 9AM Showcase your home grown produce as well as arts and crafts at this year’s Village show. Oakley Village Hall, Church Ln, Oakley, MK43 7RJ
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA
SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 10AM TO 11AM
BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYTRUST14TH
7.30PM AIMING TO FINISH BY 9.30PM Jo Thomas presents ‘Wildlife of Panama – from the Canal to the Sky’. Jo runs the travel company ‘Wild about Travel’ and has a vast & interesting knowledge of much of the world’s spectacular wildlife. Tonight, as the title suggests, is devoted to Panama. 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 For more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford
MENTAL HEALTH MATES SEPTEMBER WALK
Table Top Sale as part of the Bedford (South)
BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP
You don’t have to register in advance to attend a walk – just turn up on the day. Our events are always free, and we make them as accessible as possible. You can bring friends, family (including children and/or pets) and colleagues to the walks. They may not necessarily have mental health issues themselves, but are still welcome to attend. Meet at The Pavilion – Park Av, Bedford MK41 7SS To list an event in our October issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 9th September. Priority will be given to non profit events. FOR MORE WHAT’S ON EVENTS WWW.BEDSLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UKVISIT
or call 07905199769
FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 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 Nigel on 07780 617057
FYNNIUS SATURDAYFOGG17TH SEPTEMBER 7.30PM
THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER – MEETING
7.15PM FOR 7.30PM Illustrated talk ‘An Introduction to Bedfordshire’s Geology‘ By Bev Fowlston Plenty of parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057 Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Covid restrictions may apply. Should there be a deterioration and medical advice not to meet, then we would adhere to that.
JUMBLE TRAIL SALE STALLS SUNDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 11.30AM TO 3PM
Covid restrictions may apply. Should there be a deterioration and medical advice not to meet, then we would adhere to that.
Tent, Food & Refreshments, Dog Agility Course, Tea & Cakes and more. Admission: £2.50, Under 12’s Free St James’ CE VA Primary & Village Hall, Main Road, Biddenham. www.biddenhamshow.org
KEMPSTON PARK INDOOR BOWLS CLUB
This year especially, we are all enjoying our freedom and the outdoor activities involved. But what about those coming Autumn and Winter months when the days shorten and the weather changes? Well, no worries, you can always be assured of a warm welcome at any time of the year at Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club (KPIBC).
During the Winter Season, the club is open seven days a week. There are 19 leagues for bowling at all levels with mens, ladies and mixed teams. There are also ‘roll up’ periods where members can come on the day and put their names down for a social bowl. This enables all members to practice but particularly for new members to gain experience with specific coaches available to help. Also, anyone can pop in and have a look, play a few ends, and make your mind up before joining. Besides an active period of bowling for all, social activities include – Craft and coffee mornings, Bingo, Race Nights, Quiz evenings, Knit and Natter plus special evenings with entertainment. Light and lunch time meals are available during the week at very reasonable prices in our spacious social area. Tea, coffee, and chocolate are always available. There is also a full-size snooker table, a darts area, and a full bar service. Age, ability both physical or mental and previous experience are not important at KPIBC, just the wish to play indoor bowls. There is an active Wheelstars section where special wheelchairs are provided, and Tibbs Dementia also use the club on a regular basis. Our last major improvement included a new suspended ceiling with special climate control heating and cooling with differing levels for the bowling area and social area and the refurbishments of the toilet and changing facilities. This has made the club one of the best in the area for Thefacilities.Management team and staff work enthusiastically for the club and for its members. But the ethos of KPIBC right from its beginning is that the club is run by the members for the members. The winter season starts in September when memberships are renewed for the full year. The fees for 2022/2023 are £78.00 for bowling members and £15.00 for social members. A two-hour bowling session costs £3.50. 290 Hillgrounds Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8UB. Our telephone Tel 01234 852291. Winter Season (from September 19th) opening hours are from 9.00am each morning. The closing times are Mondays 7.00pm, Tuesdays 9.30pm, Wednesdays 9.30pm, Thursdays 10.00pm, Fridays 9.30pm, Saturdays 1.00pm and Sundays 1.00pm. We have a planned Coffee Morning on Tuesday 13th September from 10.00am to 12 noon so do please come along and visit the club. www.kempstonparkbowls.co.uk
To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Traditional Hatha Yoga for all abilities and ages To improve and maintain health –Drop in…….no termly fees Fully qualified, insured, experienced teacher Cotton End Village Hall MK45 3AU Please bring a mat. juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk Three Counties Antiques and Fine Art Fair The Rufus Centre Flitwick, Beds. MK45 1AH Sat/Sun 10th & 11th September 10.00am to 4.00pm Admission £3.00 email: info@castlewood-antique-fairs.co.uk 19
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AUTUMN TERM EVENTS 2022 Coffee Morning Monday 19th September - 9.30am-11.30am Evening Get Together Tuesday 20th September - 5-7pm IPSEA Training for Parent Carers Tuesday 27th September - 9.30am-3.30pm Coffee Morning Monday 3rd October - 9.30am-11.30am Coffee Morning Monday 17th October - 9.30am-11.30am Coffee Morning Monday 31st October - 9.30am-11.30am Coffee Morning Monday 14th November- 9.30am-11.30am Coffee Morning Monday 28th November - 9.30am-11.30am Coffee Morning Monday 12th December - 9.30am-11.30am All our coffee mornings and evening get togethers will be held at Project 229, Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8DA. No booking needed, just come along and join us for a cuppa and some cake. We will have guest speakers at each one so check out our website to see who will be joining us www.bbpcf.co.uk www.bbpcf.co.uk
Saturday 10 September: 1000-1600 Burial records from 1855 onwards will be available, no organised guided walks, but leaflets for self-guided walks will be Sundayavailable.11September: 1345-1600 guided walks around the cemetery showing graves of particular interest and natural history. No booking required. Contact Mrs Margaret Carpenter 07951 577461 www.fosterhillroadcemetery.co.uk/ Shuttleworth Shuttleworth, Alder Drive, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DT
The cemetery is on a beautiful sloping site and some areas can be steep, so need care for anyone with reduced mobility.
We hope it will be possible to have all the registers from 1855 available for everyone to see and search for individual burials as required. Representatives of the Friends of Bedford Cemetery (which is arranging the event) will be available to help with searches of the registers and also the grounds of the cemetery itself.
OPENHERITAGEDAYS
Explore Shuttleworth House, Shuttleworth Swiss Garden, and the Shuttleworth Collection. Take a relaxing walk around the Shuttleworth Swiss Garden filled with pretty seasonal colours and two delightful peacocks. Wander along the woodland sculpture trail, around a lake home to a variety of 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 It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore. Here are a few of the local historical venues that will be taking part this year. Heritage Open Days 2022 9th-18th September
Foster Hill Road Cemetery
The Gatehouse, Foster Hill Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 7TD
We will be leading guided walks to areas of special interest, many of them themed walks. We will be taking groups around the cemetery on guided walks, or you can take a leaflet and follow it around at your own pace.
A beautiful Victorian Grade II listed cemetery with great trees and lovely surroundings.
Stotfold Watermill and Nature Reserve Mill Lane, Stotfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4NU Stotfold Mill is a fully restored and operating watermill. It’s a great place to explore, with a traditional tearoom, gift shop and riverside nature reserve. Ample free parking and disabled access to all floors. Run entirely by volunteers the watermill covers three floors and is in operation, water level allowing, at set times during opening hours. Information panels describe its history and restoration and our Milly Mouse signs direct visitors to key points around the building giving insight into the milling process, along with volunteer guides on all the floors, there are also working models and displays. There are loads of fun things for kids to do as well, including grinding their own flour and following the Milly Mouse trail around the mill and nature reserve. There will also be an exhibition in the Ivel Room showcasing model vehicles, from horse-drawn to diesel. All created by local craftspeople. Cream teas are on sale in Randall’s Tearoom along with soup and a wide selection of cakes. Our stoneground flour and oats can be purchased from the Kingfisher gift shop. The Mill stands on an eightacre Local Nature Reserve which is a great place to take a relaxing stroll or have a picnic. Sunday 11 September: 1230-1700 Sunday 18 September: 1230-1700 No booking required Contact Pat Clarey 01462 734541 www.stotfoldmill.com
We tell the story of the Marston Vale Railway Line engineered by Robert Stephenson which opened in 1846 and celebrating its 175th Anniversary Year. 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 landfills in the former clay workings. Now at the heart of the East-West Rail Scheme to reconnect Oxford back to Cambridge. Guided tours are available at the Heritage Centre. New Marston Vale Line 175th Anniversary Exhibition. There may be an opportunity to ‘meet’ one of the former Victorian station staff on Sundays during Heritage Open Days. Family Quiz and Puzzle Booklet are available to purchase from the Gift Shop. New Symbol Spot Trail for children aged five and over. Collect your free pack from the Gift Shop with a valid train ticket. Vintage Tea Room in the former Ladies Waiting Room (10% discount available for rail passengers). A variety of circular & linear walks are available from the Heritage Centre. Friday 9 September – Sunday 11 September : Wednesday1000-1600 14 September – Sunday 18 September : 1000-1600 No booking required. Booking recommended for Tea Room – call 01525 287120. New outside seating area available. Contact Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Gift Shop 01525 287121 www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk
Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, Station Road, Ridgmont, Bedfordshire, MK43 0XP
For more information visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk 23
rooms. Discover the Shuttleworth Collection, showcasing the best of early aviation, vintage vehicles and Clayton & Shuttleworth industrial heritage. Thursday 15 September: 1000-1700 heritageopenday2022/www.shuttleworth.org/product/
An award-winning Victorian (1846) station house restoration in the Gothic Cottage Orné style, with Museum (Original Victorian Booking Office with historical displays & temporary exhibitions) Station Master’s Parlour, vintage tea room & more!
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Although diet ranges from species to species, raptors are all meat eaters. As well as small mammals, such as mice and voles, these birds of prey will hunt a variety of creatures ranging from other birds to large insects, reptiles and amphibians. Many will also take carrion.
Derived from the Latin word rapere, meaning to seize or take by force, the word raptor is used to describe a group of birds that includes falcons, buzzards, eagles and hawks. They share a number of common characteristics – keen eyesight, agile flight and strong bills and talons – qualities which combine to make them excellent hunters.
There are 15 species of raptor breeding in Britain, and many of these have been recorded in Bedfordshire. The three you’re probably most likely to see while out and about are the buzzard, kestrel and the sparrowhawk, which you’re most likely to encounter in your garden! Buzzard It’s hard to believe that as recently as the 1960s the buzzard was a scarce species, having su ered from years of persecution and pesticides. Today they’re the most common and widespread bird of prey in the UK, with an estimated breeding population of up to 79,000 pairs. These large, impressive birds have a wingspan of up to 1.3 metres, and as you’d expect, they build a bulky nest – often over a metre in width – high up in trees. Buzzards normally mate for life and are fiercely territorial. They are adept at hunting a wide range of animals, from mice, voles and rabbits to worms and large insects if other food is scarce. This flexibility in their diet is a key contributor in enabling them to rebuild healthy populations, with numbers quadrupling nationally since the 1970s. You will often hear a buzzard before you see it – listen out for their distinctive “mewing” call, and then raise your eyes to the skies to see them soaring overhead. Kestrel Unlike the buzzard, for reasons as yet unclear, this small falcon has seen its population decline over the past 50 years. Possible causes include a decline in available nesting sites and a fall in the population of voles, which account for the majority of its diet. Most people encounter kestrels as they hunt along road verges of country lanes, main roads and even motorways. Kestrels use various methods to hunt prey but the most well-known is the stationary hover. They will hold their head
A GUIDE TO
An encounter with a raptor is one of nature’s most exhilarating experiences. You can’t fail to be awed by a buzzard gliding majestically over farmland, or a kestrel’s steely focus as it hovers mid-air at the side of a busy road.
Ifbuzzard.youspot any of these wonderful birds of prey please be sure to let us know, especially if you’ve seen them across our sites.
perfectly still as they hover in the air, dropping down from the sky once they have spotted their next Asmeal.well as the hovering technique – which is more energy-consuming – they will also perch stock still on a post or tree branch and wait for passing prey before pouncing. Their eyesight is extremely keen, and its thought that kestrels can spot a beetle from 50 metres away! Sparrowhawk
An alarm call, a whoosh, and a few feathers tumble down to earth from where a bird once fed on the feeder. This is usually the most people ever see of sparrowhawks. Much maligned by some, it’s worth remembering that having a sparrowhawk in your garden is a good thing, because it’s a sign the local bird population is strong enough to support this fantastic predator. Consequently, the best place to see a sparrowhawk is in your garden: it’s a truly urban raptor. Male sparrowhawks are around the size of a blackbird, while females are larger, around the size of a pigeon. They have bright yellow eyes, which can become orange in older birds. They rely on an element of surprise when hunting, perching out of sight near to a popular feeding station and then quickly swooping in to seize their prey. They are incredibly agile in flight, reaching speeds of up to While30mph.buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks are amongst the most common raptor species in our county, there are several other raptors that you might be lucky enough to encounter while you’re out and about. A little harder to find, but all recorded in Bedfordshire, are peregrines, red kites, osprey, merlin, hen harriers, marsh harriers and honey
Onions are late ripening some seasons, which is hardly surprising when you think of the unpredictable nature of our climate. If the tops have not been turned over yet to expose the bulbs to the sunshine, promise me you’ll do it now. Continue to gather early apples and pears as, generally speaking, these early maturing varieties are not long Remember,keeping. none of us are ever too old to stop learning.
GETTING READY FOR AUTUMN 28
Early September is the time to take lavender cuttings and those taken with a heel (a thin strip of bark), root most readily. They can be rooted in a sunny, sheltered bed outdoors or in sandy soil in a cold frame. Your rose cuttings can also go in now. Rambler roses always grow well from cuttings as do many of the old-fashioned floribunda.
A lesson I have learned and want to share with you is the enduring happiness that the love of gardening gives. Something else I’ve learned… plant and your spouse plants with you, weed and you weed alone. Please get out there in your gardens and enjoy every minute – planning, preparing, planting, caring for it and enjoying all its fruits, colours and tastes.
Finish planting your strawberries as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will not have time to establish themselves and build strong crowns for fruiting next year.
Welcome again to my rather hot potting shed. Last month saw several hosepipe bans come into force, so it’s out with the watering cans and a modest use of our water. I’ve no need to remind you that early morning and late evening is the best time to do your watering –just enough, directed at soil level. Our lawns have been depressing with yellow sandy coloured areas. Don’t worry, the green, green grass of our home lawns will return; it always does. We’re heading for autumn next month. At this time of year, our gardens produce garden waste that will add invaluable organic richness back into your soil next year. It’s a good time to make a gift of your flowers. Plant hyacinth and amaryllis bulbs indoors so you can give your friends and family a flowering pot for Christmas.
One of my favourite flowers (and I have many) are lilies. Most lilies should be planted during October and November but an exception, and one I recommend, is the lovely Madonna Lilly ‘Lilium Candidum’ which can be planted any time now. Don’t bury them too deeply. Just an inch of soil above them is ample.
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