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CONTENTS
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, offers and local businesses and services. FOLLOW us on @bedslife_magazine and
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Community News New COVID-19 Walk-in Testing Centre Volunteer Opportunities Beds Ramblers Bike ‘n Hike Mamas House
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Captain Sir Tom‘s Children’s Book Prize Crossword What’s On Home Library Service Back to School Gardening
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SEPTEMBER 2020
YO U R L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E A N D W E B S I T E
Stewartby
INSIDE Bedfordshire Ramblers Captain Sir Tom Moore releases children’s picture book
Bike ‘n Hike raising money for the Beds and Herts Historic churches Trust
£25 Prize Crossword
Captain Sir Tom Moore releases children’s picture book
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INSIDE Home Library Service
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New Covid-19 walk-in testing centre
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YO U R L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E A N D W E B S I T E
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south edition
£25 Prize Crossword
www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk 30,000 copies
Delivered to Bedford and North Beds Villages
www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk 10,000 copies
Delivered to Elstow, Shortstown, Wixams, Wilstead, Houghton Conquest, Stewartby, Marston Moretaine.
For more information call Christa on Tel 07827 015170 or email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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3
news COMMUNITY
ACT WITH CAUTION IF YOU RECEIVE A SUSPICIOUS TELEPHONE CALL The Trading Standards team has been made aware of a number of suspicious unsolicited telephone calls either raising concerns over the safety of, or offering to improve the performance of, a resident’s loft insulation. Callers have been reported as claiming that there may be a safety issue with loft insulation recently fitted or even offering to spray a resident’s loft to help make the loft insulation more effective. Some callers have claimed to be associated with a ‘green deal’ or grant scheme. The callers try to obtain personal details from residents by asking a series of questions and then attempt to arrange for a representative to visit the resident’s home to discuss further options.
Do not provide any personal details to a caller who has contacted you out of the blue. If you’re interested in what is being offered by the caller, take time to verify any claims being made and seek further advice by contacting local reputable businesses. If you do have doubts about a telephone call you’ve received, then do not be afraid to end the call by simply hanging up! If you receive a telephone call that you suspect maybe a scam, please report it by calling us on 0808 223 1133.
We would urge anyone who receives any type of unsolicited telephone call to act with caution. Never be intimidated into making a quick decision and always take a moment to ask yourself if the caller is genuine.
Please help protect others from falling victim to this type of scam, by letting your family, friends and neighbours know about this alert.
BEDFORDSHIRE ARCHIVES MAP MARKS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF VJ DAY. Bedfordshire Archives marked the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day (Saturday 15 August) by launching an interactive map of Bedfordshire in World War Two. This map enables people to explore some of the varied experiences of the war across the county online. From the memorial to the aircrew who crashed at Yelden in the north, ‘Make Do and Mend’ at Woburn in the west, the new auxiliary fire 4
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service tender at Stotfold in the east and the Luton home guard in the south, the map has lots to explore. Each marker gives some detail about the place, and offers suggestions for exploring the stories further. You can find this interactive map at www.bedford.gov.uk/WorldWarTwo.
SERVICES
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NEW COVID-19 WALK-IN TESTING CENTRE
IS OPENING THIS WEEK IN BEDFORD BOROUGH The centre, based in Prebend Street car park, is operating on a walk-in basis for anybody in the borough who needs a test, and will be open every day from Friday. As a walk-in site, residents must either walk or cycle to the site, not drive or take public transport. Strict safety control measures will be in place; a face covering will need to be worn and social distancing must be followed at all times.
Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing said, “If you are experiencing any of these symptoms; a new, persistent cough, high temperature, loss or change in sense of smell or taste, you should immediately isolate at home with the rest of your household, and arrange a test. “Anyone testing positive for Covid-19 will be helped by the NHS test and trace service to identify recent contacts so that they can be alerted.” Test results will be available within 24-72 hours of completing the test. People testing positive should self-isolate for seven days, with other people in their household needing to isolate for 14 days. Drive through testing is also still available in Bedford. These appointments must be booked in advance. To book a test, visit nhs.uk/ coronavirus or call 119, seven days a week.
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HIGH TEMPERATURE, NEW PERSISTENT COUGH, CHANGE IN SENSE OF TASTE OR SMELL
Free tests are available in Bedford. Book your test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 now.
VOLUNTEERING
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering brings great rewards and we have opportunities for all. View hundreds of options through our online facility where you can register as a volunteer and apply. Search for this month’s featured roles by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our on-line role search facility at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer Telephone Befriender with Age UK Bedfordshire Through planned, regular telephone conversations, you will develop a small number of positive and valued relationships with isolated older people who have been identified by Age UK Bedfordshire. You will be helping to reduce social isolation of these older people. YMCA Bedfordshire Maintenance Admin Assistant For someone with good IT skills and administration skills, an understanding of confidentiality and a willingness to carry out instructions this role will involve helping with filing, copying, shredding and other administrative duties at YMCA offices in Bedford Town Centre. You will need to be able to offer 10 hours a week or more to undertake this role.
BOLD Chairperson Become a board member at Bedfordshire Opportunities for Learning Disabilities (BOLD) – you will have a knowledge of the work undertaken by BOLD and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and beyond. You will use your leadership skills and experience of committee work to ensure that everyone fulfils their duties and responsibilities and remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit. TVC Weekday Conservation Team You will be involved in practical environmental conservation work throughout Bedfordshire and occasionally North Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Cambridgeshire. Transport is
available from Bedford Cemetery. Your tasks might be anything from building fences, stiles and kissing gates to cleaning out ponds, hedge laying, coppicing and scrub clearance. Come along for as many or as few sessions as you like. Carers in Bedfordshire Early Responder Early responders volunteers listen to carers who register with Carers in Bedfordshire charity to find out what support they need. You will determine what help is required using a specific assessment method, which will assist in identifying those carers in most need and those who can benefit from groups, training and other programmes. This volunteer role is ideal for anyone who has a background in telephone support or information, advice or guidance.
43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 8
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9
BEDFORDSHIRE RAMBLERS
ARE GOING POP IN SEPTEMBER Having to cancel the annual Bedfordshire walking festival was a step too far for the Bedfordshire Ramblers so they have come up with an alternative version which encourages people to get out and stays within Government guidelines for keeping people safe. Area Chair Nick Markham said “This alternative to our normal festival ticks all the right boxes by encouraging people pop out and join a walk, stay out for longer, take on a challenge and even participate in our on line training”. Bedfordshire Area Ramblers will be offering:Pop up walks. These small group walks are aimed at non Rambler members and for people who don’t like walking alone. Pop Out time challenge. During September people of all ages and abilities can sign up for the POP OUT Time Challenge by setting themselves a target to increase the time they spend walking each day or each week and they can update their targets at any time.
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Pop Off Greensand Challenge. The Greensand Ridge Path 40 miles Challenge over two days is always a popular event at the festival and this year small groups can use the festival web site to sign up to the Pop Off Greensand Challenge and do as much as they can over the weekend of the 12th & 13th September. Route maps can be provided and POP Certificates will be sent to all participating groups or individuals and Greensand Challenge Certificates for all those completing the whole 40 miles when verified by pictures. Pop Along to Apps and Maps and discover our on line training courses A spokesperson from one of the other organisations involved said “ What Bedfordshire Ramblers are doing is absolutely fantastic and we will be encouraging people to support it”. For more information and to book visit www.bedswalkfest.co.uk For more information: Barry Ingram Organiser@bedswalkfest.co.uk
A NEW HOME FOR YOUR CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE De Montfort Place is a luxury collection of 3 & 5 bedroom homes set within a beautiful conservation area in the heart of Bedford. These homes offer an exceptional opportunity to enjoy high quality family accommodation with spacious downstairs living areas, a separate study for working from home and generous bedrooms. Make the garden an extension of your home too and enjoy outdoor living with a south facing garden, there is also the benefit of secure car parking for all residents.
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CAROLINE INGRAM COUNSELLING & COACHING
Have the last six months left you feeling anxious and overwhelmed? Are you worried about the impact of Covid-19 on you and your family? I am a qualified counsellor and can help you explore your feelings in a quiet, safe space. Everyone benefits from talking. I understand that finding the right counsellor can feel daunting so please contact me for an initial conversation on how we can work together...
Hello, I’m Caroline, a qualified counsellor and founder of Caroline Ingram Counselling & Coaching in Bedford. The coronavirus pandemic has left many of us with new challenges, possibly on top of existing situations, and you, like many others, may be finding it extremely difficult to find hope for the future or any sense of safety and stability. Feelings of anxiety, depression or feeling sad are common. I can support you in seeing things in a different, more positive way and gain new perspectives within a safe and non-judgemental relationship. I will listen and help you to understand your struggles. Although your feelings may seem complicated and sometimes overwhelming, counselling can help you achieve clarity and an understanding of yourself and your behaviour. Coaching will help you make long lasting change. You will achieve a clear understanding of your goals and want you need to do to move forward. I can help you take action, make progress and succeed. Working from Bedford Heights in a comfortable, spacious office I offer face to face sessions or alternatively we can speak remotely via Zoom. As well as having a private practice I also work for two local charities. Please email me or call for a chat about how I can help.
contact@caroline-ingram.co.uk 07766 578453 www.caroline-ingram.co.uk 12 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
07766 578453 contact@caroline-ingram.co.uk
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BELLA CHIC Boutique Bella Chic Boutique opened its doors on Tuesday 4th August in Seasons Garden Centre, Wixams, Bedford, selling stylish contemporary clothing & accessories in styles to suit the season and most importantly your taste. Owner Debbie Young, from Bedford, hopes to appeal to many shoppers who want the designer experience but at a fraction of the cost.
Debbie, who started off in retail many years ago was dealing with different fashions and designers on a regular basis Debbie knew she had a passion for fashion, Debbie set up a Handbag Business called Bags in the City UK, in 2015 selling through party plan and local events bringing in other women's fashion items. In October 2018, she joined a French Clothing Company called Captain Tortue which sold through pop up shops alongside her handbags. Then in January 2019 she rebranded to Bella Chic Boutique and continued with Captain Tortue and started Sourcing her own stock. In April 2020 by chance that Debbie got to hear about the concession units to rent in Seasons Garden Centre, Wixams, and spotted her opportunity, since opening, Debbie has enjoyed getting to know her new customers, Debbie added the first few weeks have been fabulous. Open Tuesday – Saturday Seasons Garden Centre, Wixams MK45 3HU Bedford 07868 526415 bellachicuk@gmail.com
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PLANNING FOR A BETTER FUTURE
FOR ALL
Like many small independent charities, Bedford Daycare Hospice has faced some new unique challenges during the coronavirus pandemic The Hospice was asked to close its doors to day patients in March. Patients with life-limiting illnesses are among the most vulnerable in society and attending a day hospice posed too much of a risk to their health, so whilst unable offer the face-to-face support that patients and their carers rely on, staff at the Hospice have been finding new ways to offer much needed services to the community.
“When I asked for help I was desperate for my life to turn back into some type of normal but I didn’t know where to start or how to grieve for dad, nothing made sense until Jane understood my pain. She helped me put my jigsaw back together again so I could understand my feelings and accept dad had gone. Her kindness and understanding of how I felt really helped no end. She has changed my life for the better again”
Confidential sessions of up to an hour via the telephone or video link are available and faceto-face support will be offered once it is safe A grant from the BCLF and the L&Q Foundation has to do so. If you or some you know is struggling enabled the Hospice to offer a free Counselling with grief following a bereavement, our & Bereavement Service led by Jane Maxfield specialist pre and post bereavement support (Counselling Diploma MBACP RN BSc), for all who counsellors are available to help. Please contact ai158029125411_Neville Funerals Advert Jan 2020.pdf of 1 29/01/2020 09:47:34 have been impacted by the devastating effects Linda Byer (Nurse Manager) on 0123 352015 or COVID-19. email: Linda.byer@bdc-hospice.org.uk
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This service is not solely for Hospice patients. Available to all communities in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and surrounding areas. Please contact Bedford Daycare Hospice
01234 352015 www.bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk Bedford Daycare Hospice Gladys Ibbett House 3 Linden Road, Bedford MK40 2DD North Bedfordshire Hospice Care Ltd. An Independent Charity Registered no. 1001614 Company Registration no. 2572949
A VERY DIFFERENT
SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2020 The Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust runs the Bike ‘n Hike on the second Saturday of September each year to raise money both for the Trust and for the participating churches, with half of the sponsorship money going to each. It is even more important than ever this year because churches have been closed for so long. Churches have lost income from services and other fundraising events and buildings deteriorate even when not in use. The Bike ’n Hike is key to enabling the Trust to continue to give grants to churches and chapels for the care of their buildings, which are so important in the lives of our towns and villages. The Trust is nondenominational and the Bike ‘n Hike is supported by many different denominations. Grants are available to any place of public Christian worship of whatever age. The church’s share of the money raised can be used for any of the church’s activities, not just building projects. It is open to everyone to take part, whether church-goer or not, bikers, hikers and other visitors, whether by car, mobility scooter or horse. 16 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
Although this year things will be very different, the objective is still to visit as many churches and chapels as you can to obtain sponsorship for your efforts. However, because of the Covid-19 pandemic – · Assume that churches will not be open · There will be no-one to welcome you · There may be no refreshments · Toilets are unlikely to be available · There will be no Register of Visitors · Please sign your own sponsor form · Stay safe and enjoy the day If you take selfies at churches to show where you have visited, upload the best onto our Facebook page accessed through www.b-n-h.co.uk/publicity.htm After the event, everyone who has taken part should give the money raised to their Church Organiser, together with their sponsorship forms. The Church Organiser then submits them to the Treasurer using the remittance form which also asks for details needed by BHHCT to return the
BIKE ’N HIKE church’s share of the money. Sponsorship money can be gift-aided, which increases the amount by 25% courtesy of the tax man. This gift aid is kept by the Trust to add to the money available for grants. The Trust uses JustGiving to make it even easier to collect sponsorship money. Any participant can create a page on JustGiving and use email or social media to encourage friends and relatives to sponsor their efforts. Some larger companies run matched giving schemes. You may wish to check whether your employer will support your efforts. There are electronic means to save handling cash – JustGiving, bank transfers from sponsors and to Church Organisers.
Folk of all ages are encouraged to take part but please be aware of personal safety and take appropriate care. · Follow Government guidance on Covid-19, extant at the time · If you enter a church, touch as little as possible · Take hand sanitiser · Take your own refreshments · Remember the Highway Code · Use off road routes where possible If Government re-imposes restrictions, the event may need to be cancelled. For up-todate information, visit b-n-h.co.uk
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17
woods on our walks. There are lots of great ‘pick your own’ farms in and around Bedfordshire too.
Go outdoors for some ‘berry’ good fun this September! This month is a great time to forage for wild blackberries – a wonderful and timeless family activity, especially for children! My two absolutely love hunting for blackberries. It’s an activity I remember doing with my parents and grandparents as a child. We take small buckets and gather the blackberries from hedges and
If you are foraging outdoors, make sure you stick to designated footpaths and teach your little ones that there are some berries we can eat and others that will make us poorly. Encourage them to show you all the berries they pick so you can tell them if they are safe to eat. Don’t forget to give the berries a good wash before enjoying eating them together and don’t over pick – leave some for nature and for others too. Why not make something tasty with them when you get home? Try throwing them in with your apple crumble or adding them to your yoghurt.
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You could even introduce some taste safe sensory play. Let your children have fun squishing the blackberries onto some paper and seeing what patterns they can make. Or get them to mash them up and then use a paint brush to paint with. For more ideas like this follow @mammas_house on Instagram
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CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE
releases children’s picture book Captain Sir Tom’s children’s book is an inspirational picture book about adventure, helping people and never giving up. This book, tells the incredible story of the man who walked 100 laps of his garden and captured the heart of a nation. Fully illustrated for younger readers, and following the key moments from Captain Tom’s incredible life, the book shows what is possible when we come together and never, ever give up. Published by Puffin Books UK and illustrated by Adam Larkum, this is an inspiring and exciting story of a life of everyday adventure from an iconic hero!
To find out more about The Captain Tom Foundation visit https://captaintom.org/
Captain Sir Tom Moore will also be releasing his autobiography in September. Both books will
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£25
PRIZE CROSSWORD Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 11th September. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Maggie Bennett – Carlton
ACROSS 1
5 8 9 10 11 12 14 19
Requested the pleasure of, summoned (7) Gargantuan (5) Closest (7) Compete for (3) Chuckled, giggled (7) Reach, spread (5) Commenced (5) Alarm (5) Bargain (5)
21 Mythical creature (7) 23 Grassland (3) 24 Defensive wall of a castle (7) 25 Part with cash (5) 26 Proposition, axiom (7)
DOWN 1 2 3 4
Ethics, principles (6) Enterprise, Endeavor (7) Impart skills or knowledge (5) Frightened of (6)
Name: Address:
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Tel:
5 Authentic, unvarnished (7) 6 Crow-like bird (5) 7 A prime number (6) 13 Aimed, hoped (7) 15 Cockerel (7) 16 Climbs, clambers (6) 17 Peak, crest (6) 18 Advise, notify (6) 20 Delete (5) 22 Picture, figure (5)
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What’sON AIR SHOW
Shuttleworth Drive-in Airshow (Vintage) Sunday 6 September 11am – 6pm A socially distanced, drive-in airshow, featuring an array of aircraft that form part of the Shuttleworth family’s history. Bring an FM radio to tune into commentary and preshow music, before the flying display programme. Enjoy the unmistakable sound of the Spitfire, and if the weather is kind the pilots will do their magnificent best in the early Edwardian aircraft! On-site takeaway catering will be available, plenty of clean toilets and sanitiser. 11am – Gates Open 2pm – Flying Display begins 6pm – Flying ends (18.30 if Edwardians fly) www.shuttleworth.org/events/drivein-vintage/ ARTS & CRAFTS Carers in Bedfordshire Carers Choir Tuesday afternoons 2 pm Via Zoom All levels, For unpaid family carers Contact weg@carersinbeds.org.uk for more details or visit www.carersinbeds.org.uk Memory Navigation Service Poetry group for people with dementia or memory loss and their carers Second Weds of the month, 11 – 12pm Via Zoom Bring and share your favourite poems, try out a quiz or simply watch and enjoy. For details contact flora.stewart@carersinbeds.org.uk, ring 0300 111 9090 or visit memoryinbeds.org.uk Carers in Bedfordshire – Art for Wellbeing Thursdays 11.30am Via Zoom and art pack posted out. For all levels – with Natasha. For unpaid family carers, the person they care for Contact weg@carersinbeds.org.uk for more details or visit www.carersinbeds.org.uk The Higgins – Sketch Friday Sketch Friday is now online. Every week the Higgins will post an object or artwork from their collections which they hope will inspire you to create your own piece of art. 22 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
You are invited to share a photo of your work. No particular artistic skills required, any media that takes your fancy – it’s just for fun. Suggestions for future themes are welcome. Join the Sketch Friday group on Facebook. The Higgins Knitting and Crocheting Group The Higgins knitting and crocheting group is now online! While staying at home, you can join in to share photos and talk all things knitting and crocheting. Knitting for various charities, improving wellbeing and keeping each other company. Join The Higgins Knitting and Crochet Group on Facebook
CAR SHOWS Cars and Coffee Show Sunday September 13th 10.30am – 1.30pm Show off your pride and joy classic, retro, American, muscle or just because its special to you. To take part please email the following: Reg, Make and model of your car to Autoanonymous2020@gmail.com. Passes will be issues to people as space is limited, but fear not if you don’t get in this time you will next time. Please exercise social distancing rules and remember your face mask when you grab a coffee/ breakfast. Seasons Garden Centre Wilstead, Bedford Road, MK45 3HU HEALTH & WELLBEING Carers in Bedfordshire Interactive Five Ways to Wellbeing Workshop 18 September 10 – 1.30pm or 28 October 10 – 1.30pm Learn about and practice ways to promote your own health and wellbeing~For unpaid family carers, the person they care for Contact weg@carersinbeds.org.uk for more details or visit www.carersinbeds.org.uk
WALKING/RAMBLING Carers in Bedfordshire – Walking group Third Weds of the month Bedford Park, Meet by Pavillion Café For unpaid family carers, the person they care for Contact weg@carersinbeds.org.uk for more details or visit www.carersinbeds.org.uk rship 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. Reg.Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF
Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust! These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in. The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! 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 are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.
- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles. At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for
every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9559 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!
Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers
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HOME LIBRARY SERVICE IN BEDFORDSHIRE LIBRARIES The Home Library Service is available to anyone who wants to read or listen to books and has no-one able to choose and collect items for them from a library, and who satisfies at least one of the service eligibility criteria. The service is available to people of all ages. It is also available to carers who may be housebound due to the nature of their caring duties. It is available to people who: • have a physical disability that prevents them travelling to a library building • have a learning or developmental difficulty that makes it difficult for them to leave home • have a mental health difficulty that makes it difficult for them to leave home • are registered blind or are partially sighted • are frail or in poor health • cannot walk or travel to access a library building • are unable to go out without help • have a disability or fluctuating condition and it is difficult to carry library books between the library and their home are recovering from an operation and in need of short term help
How does the service work? Family and Friends Service If you have a member of your family or a friend that can visit the library and choose books for you and you satisfy at least one of the service eligibility criteria, library staff can arrange for them to have a 'family and friends' Home Library Service library card that they can use on your behalf. Your family member or friend will be able to select books for you direct from the library shelves. You will be entitled to ten books (including large print), 10 spoken word items and 2 DVDs as part of this service. There are no overdue charges, but
we will expect your family member or friend to visit the library at least every three weeks to return your loans and collect new items for you. There are no fines or charges for the Home Library Service and you can request items as well. Volunteer Delivery Service If you do not have anyone that is able to visit the library and choose books for you and you satisfy at least one of the service eligibility criteria, please
contact your local Central Bedfordshire library and ask to speak to a member of staff about the volunteer delivery Home Library Service. Library staff will try to match you with a volunteer who will bring the books to your home and will talk to you about the books you like to read (so that suitable books can be brought to you). You will be entitled to ten books (including large print), 10 spoken word items and 2 DVDs as part of this service. There are no overdue charges
for this service. Before the volunteer visits you a member of library staff will be in contact to tell you who to expect and arrange a mutually agreeable appointment. The volunteer will be carrying identity and will expect you to check it before you let them into your home. The volunteer will generally visit every three weeks to bring you new items and return those that are no longer required. If a volunteer is not immediately available they may be a short wait until an appropriate person can be found. There are no fines or charges for the Home Library Service and you can request items as well. How do I apply? Applications for the Home Library Service can be made by friends or relatives or by the person themselves. You can apply by contacting your local library. Download the Home Library Service application form by visiting http://virtual-library.culturalservices. net/cgi-bin/vlib.sh and popping Home Library Service application form in the search bar. All information is treated confidentially. Volunteers Volunteers help run the Home Library Service. If you would like to volunteer please visit the volunteering opportunities page for more information. All Home Library Service volunteers will require checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service before they are matched with a Home Library Service user.
To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 25
Back to School – Back to Normal? If you have school-aged children then you may have found that the last few months have been – to put it mildly – challenging. A recent YouGov poll [www. yougov.co.uk] found that a third of UK parents haven’t coped very well. They’ve struggled with home schooling, citing discipline, motivation and finding adequate time as the main issues they faced. Others said that they couldn’t access the resources they needed, including things like laptops and help from schools. The Summer holidays are usually a time for families to leave the school gates firmly behind them and take a nice long break. But no doubt for many parents this year has been a different story. For some children the drastic changes to routine, the isolation from their friends and teachers, and the move to online lessons, being taught or supervised by one or more parent, and even having exams cancelled, risks causing long-term damage to their educational progress. Some parents may have felt pressured
into continuing learning through the holidays to give their children a chance to catch up. And not everyone can afford private tuition, which puts the better-off pupils at a distinct advantage. The Institute of Fiscal Studies warns that any further prolonged school closures “are almost certain to increase educational inequalities.” [www.ifs.org.uk] The impact on children’s mental health also cannot be ignored. School is one of the key focal points in children’s lives, giving them stability, meaning, selfworth, esteem, and a purpose. When children are not with their classmates and friends they are not learning how to interact, and much of this learning is done in the playground. In June the government advisory group Sage warned that both children and teachers will need a lot of psychological support once things return to normal because their lives will have been so badly disrupted by school closures. The current plan* is for all schools in England to fully re-open at the start of the Autumn term in September 2020 and for all children to return full time. This includes those with special educational needs and disabilities, and those who have been shielding. The only exceptions are if they
26 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
or someone close to them has Covid-19 or is displaying the symptoms. Should a school have a suspected coronavirus outbreak, teachers will liaise with local health teams with the aim of keeping as much of the school open as possible. And should it be necessary to close completely then they are expected to have a homeworking plan ready to go. It will remain to be seen just how well both educators and families deal with the new version of daily school life come September. Many teachers will have spent their Summers working on their back-to-school strategies which this year will look and feel very different from previous years with a plethora of additional measures needed to make sure children, parents and staff feel safe. Whatever the new school term looks like for you and your family, we wish you all well. [*Advice correct as at 6/8/2020 – please check www. gov.uk for the latest updates] Author: Helen Say cblservices.co.uk
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Coffee break P U Z Z L E PA G E
Can you find all of the these words hidden in the grid? Alkmene Beryl Bismark Braeburn Cameo Crispin Elstar Empire Fiesta Forge Fuji Gala Gavin George Cave Golden Delicious Harvey Idared
Jazz Jupiter Kanzi Katy Kent Lemoen Liberty Lodi Margil Mother Nonpareil Pearl Polka Queen Rival Saturn Spartan Sunset
One gem is missing from the grid. For a bonus point, can you discover which one it is, and for double bonus points, what it used to be used for? 28 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
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GARDENING
DAZZLING DAHLIAS The dahlia originates from Mexico and there are 30 species and around 20,000 cultivars! Don’t let its exotic past fool you; it hails from high mountain regions so is happy in cool, wet, and windy conditions. It doesn’t matter what size your garden is there is a dahlia for you, from dwarf varieties to giants. There is even one variety (Imperialis) that can reach 6m (20 feet) in the wild in its native South America.
Dahlias come in the most amazing array of colours.
If your garden is on the exposed side, or you live in the north then look for the pompom varieties as the colourful globes are very hardy, standing up to the worst of the British weather.
Dahlia ‘Cornel Brons’ produces wonderful round copper-coloured architectural flowers. They are long-lasting and make spectacular cut flowers. They look good in the middle of a border because they grow to 90cm.
Dahlia bulbs are comprised of tubers. In order to sprout the tuber must have an ‘eye’. If you live in a very cold area, you can dig up the tubers at the end of the season and plant them out again the following year. My garden is quite sheltered, so I simply cut them down and mulch them. I learned the hard way that mulched dahlias survive and thrive much better than unmulched plants. Dahlia tubers are hungry beasts and don’t take kindly to being undernourished. The first year I planted them I didn’t mulch and the second year the flowers were sparse and undersized. On the advice of a neighbour I fed them, mulched them, and watered them through the hot season, and they returned in full vigour the following year. 30 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
‘Lubega Power Yellow-Orange’ sounds like a toilet cleaner but is in fact a gloriously tropical dwarf bedding dahlia which produces masses of double flowers well into autumn if you deadhead it regularly. At 30cm you can plant it at the front of the border or in window boxes to brighten the dullest of days.
For gardeners who prefer a more subtle or unusual colour palette: Dahlia ‘Cafe aux Lait produces enormous exquisite blooms in a soft apricot-pink colour, which fade to vintage cream. It’s the perfect dahlia for creating a focal point toward the back of the border as it grows to 120cm. Dahlia ‘Creme de Cassis’ has stunning two-tone petals on water lily-shaped flowers. It grows to 90cm so is good for the middle of a border and also looks fabulous in a big pot. By Rachael Leverton
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