BedsLife Magazine August 2020

FREE AUGUST 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

INSIDE The Big Butterfly Count Lockdown Poems Teaching Puppies to Stay Home Alone £25 Prize Crossword www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk 30,000 copies

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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.

Bedford College – P22

Council News 4 Views from Richard Fuller MP 6 Volunteering Opportunities 8 The Big Butterfly Count 12 Book Review 14 All Hallows Improvements 15 Coffee Break Puzzle Page 16 Prize Crossword 20 Bedford College 22 Lockdown Poems 24 Don’t get locked In Escape Room 26

FOLLOW us on

Friends for Life Charity 32 Acorn House Pet Advice 35 Bright and Beautiful Bedford’s Embankment 37 Gardening 38 Action to Help Bugs and Bees 40 Shefford & Sandy Hockey Club 42 Bedford Blues 43 Bedford Town Football Club 44 Coffee Break Puzzle Page Solutions 46

@bedslife_magazine and @bedsLife

Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk

Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good

BedsLife Magazine would like to thank all our advertisers for their continued support, without which we would not have a publication.

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.

Please remember, if you have enjoyed reading BedsLife and are looking for a trades person or service, we have a whole range of fantastic local businesses promoting themselves each month.

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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

Stewartby

The Big Butterfly Count

Lockdown Poems

Lockdown Poems

Teaching Puppies to Stay Home Alone

Teaching puppies to stay home alone

£25 Prize Crossword

£25 Prize Crossword

www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

30,000 copies

Delivered to Bedford and North Bed villages

10,000 copies

Delivered to Elstow, Shortstown, Wixams, Wilstead, Houghton Conquest, Stewartby, Marston Moretaine.

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INSIDE

The Big Butterfly Count

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For more information call Christa on Tel 07827 015170 or email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 3

news COMMUNITY

FACE COVERINGS NOW MANDATORY IN SHOPS The Government announced that face coverings are now mandatory in supermarkets and shops as well as public transport.

Face coverings work by protecting others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth and prevent droplets being spread. There are lots of different options and, where possible, people are encouraged to use a reusable face covering rather than a disposable one, or people can make their own.

Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before putting a face covering on, and both before and after taking it off. Single-use masks should be disposed of with your non-recyclable waste and reusable masks should be washed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. You should avoid touching the face covering while you are wearing it.

Advice on face coverings, exemptions, and how to make face coverings can be found on the Governments website.

BEDFORD BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN REVIEW BEGINS Local Plans set out where growth and development will take place- everything from houses and jobs to schools and infrastructure.

Bedford Borough Council already has a Local Plan in place up to 2030. With changes to national planning policy and proposals around the Oxford to Cambridge Arc – which Bedford Borough is at the heart of – they now need to look further ahead, mainly focussing on developing a strategy to guide housing and employment growth and identify the infrastructure needed to support it.

Government requires councils to plan for a certain level of housing growth in their local plans. As part of the next Local Plan, allocations may need to be made for between 5,000 and 15,000 additional new dwellings over a plan period up to 2040. The exact number will depend on forthcoming revisions to the Government’s housing-need formula. It will also look at policies around climate change, protecting the natural environment, quality of development, self and custom build homes, open space in new developments, and policies around the town centre.

The town centre was the subject of a separate consultation last year, which has led to the 4

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development of a draft Town Centre Plan. This will form part of the background to the Local Plan review and people will have another chance to have their say in this consultation. This process will also open a ‘call for sites’ where people can put forward land to be allocated as a site for development in the next local plan. Sites to be submitted by Friday 14 August.

The full consultation paper, a presentation, and a set of FAQs about the paper can be seen at www.bedford.gov.uk/localplanreview. There will be paper copies at the Customer Service Centre in Bedford, which can be read by appointment only; call 01234 267422 to book an appointment.

You can also request a paper copy of the consultation and/or response form by calling 01234 718070. You can have your say online at www.bedford.gov.uk/localplanreview, or by completing a response form and sending it attached to an email to planningforthefuture@ bedford.gov.uk, or by posting a paper copy of your response form to Planning Policy Team, Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, MK42 9AP.

The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 4 September.

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5

MP COLUMN

VIEWS FROM RICHARD FULLER,

MP FOR NORTH EAST BEDFORDSHIRE

My recent Time is Now “Virtual Lobby” with constituents from across North East Bedfordshire was an opportunity to share our interest in creating a greener and more sustainable country that is more sensitive to our natural habitat.

The Prime Minister’s £5 billion New Deal for Britain – an ambitious economic strategy to rebuild Britain – includes measures that will help us meet some of these goals while focusing on the vital tasks of securing future jobs, skills and prosperity. It includes hospital maintenance, projects to improve our transport systems to get Britain moving and a tenyear school rebuilding programme.

A £3 billion green investment package will be launched to boost green home improvements and create thousands of jobs to help kickstart the economic recovery. The package includes a commitment of £2 billion in grants that are worth up to £5,000 per household and £10,000 for low-income households for green home upgrades to help cut energy bills. It also includes £1 billion to decarbonise public sector buildings such as hospitals and schools so we can meet our Net Zero 2050 target as well as £50 million to pilot innovative approaches to retrofit social housing to make them greener.

6

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Nearly a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions come from heating buildings so in addition to helping us reach net zero this supports thousands of new jobs across the country helping to boost our economy following the pandemic.

A £3 billion green investment package will be launched to boost green home improvements and create thousands of jobs to help kickstart the economic recovery.

The New Deal will help many companies – large and small – create jobs while building back greener and helping speed up our progress towards net-zero. With the New Deal, by creating a Food Standard and Agriculture Commission and via upcoming measures on animal welfare, this government is making good early strides on the ambitious environmental commitments in our election manifesto which many will welcome.

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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 Administrator at One Housing Group You will need good verbal and written skills, and an interest in working with vulnerable people.

The role will include assisting with the duty desk, liaising with staff and external agencies, data input, maintaining customer records and general administrative duties.

Bedford Credit Union Board Member The credit union is seeking new board members to widen their experience and skills.

You will gain experience in the general management of a financial services business whilst contributing your own skills and perspectives.

Bedford and Luton Community Foundation Panel Member You will play a vital part in the grant giving process in Bedfordshire. The independent grants committee is made up of 12 community representatives who oversee decisions on grant applications. Applicants from Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire who can demonstrate commitment to local community issues and community development are welcomed.

YMCA Bedfordshire Food Assistant You will be assisting customers with picking items from Food4, YMCA Bedfordshire’s free to use food distribution service which runs from Gadsby Street in Bedford. You will also be loading and unloading, weighing,

recording, and displaying food.

Customer service, empathy, and good food hygiene will be key.

Marie Curie Community Fundraising Volunteer Community Fundraising Volunteers use their local knowledge and contacts to help raise vital funds for Marie Curie. There are lots of different opportunities to get involved, depending on your interests.

St Paul’s Church Treasurer This role would suit a retired, qualified accountant who can spare approximately 10 hours a week to manage the finances at St Paul’s. It is an opportunity to help the busy Grade 1 listed civic church in Bedford, and to help identify new ways of fundraising for the church.

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 8

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Sweet ’ Success DURING LOCKDOWN Two young entrepreneurs, Chloe and Thomas Price, from Wixams have found an enterprising way to make the most of their time in lockdown by setting up their own company making and selling fudge, called Fujj.

sell is delivered for free to the Bedford area – on bike or on foot if possible. It’s proven popular as a gift as well as an indulgent treat with mouth-watering flavours on offer including Mmm-Teasers, Chunky Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Butter Delight.

“We made fudge for our mum’s birthday”, said Chloe “and it came out so well we decided to make different varieties and sell it.”

“Running a business has taught them about marketing, profit and loss, and most importantly, customer service” said their parents. “It’s a great way to earn some money and gain valuable skills”

“We researched how to set up a company, registered with the council and worked out our branding” added “Fujj is getting some great feedback online and we get lots of repeat custom”, Added Chloe, “so we will Thomas, “we then set up our own website and keep adding flavours and finding new ways to make Facebook page through our Dad’s account”. our customers happy.”

The entrepreneurial pair run the company around their school work and have sold it as far-afield as You can visit Fujj at https://fujjcompany.square.

Newcastle and Bristol, although most of what they site or their Facebook page facebook.com/fujjcompany.

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The Big BUTTERFLY COUNT

FRIDAY 17TH JULY TO SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST. During lockdown while trying to engage my children in schoolwork I discovered that there is a society called Butterfly Conservation. They have organised a nationwide butterfly count every year since 2010.

Butterflies are good indicators of the health of our environment because they react very quickly to change in their environment. This makes them excellent biodiversity indicators. The survey counts butterflies and day-flying moths from across the UK, which assists in identifying trends in species.

This helps Butterfly Conservation plan how to protect butterflies and understand the effect of climate change.

To take part you need to sit in your garden, a park, a wood or forest, or your school field for 15 minutes on a bright sunny day and simply count the butterflies you see. July and August are when most butterflies are at the adult stage of their lifecycle, and hopefully there is more sunshine, so they are 12 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

more likely to be seen. Count the maximum number of each species that you can see from your vantage point at a single time. So if you see three Peacock butterflies on the same bush at the same time record it as 3, but if you only see one on a bush at a time then record it as 1, even if you saw one on several occasions. This is so that you don’t count the same butterfly more than once. You can also count while on a walk. Simply add up the number of each butterfly species that you see during the 15 minutes.

You can submit separate records for different dates at the same place, and for different places that you visit during the counting period. Even if you don’t see any butterflies or moths your count is still useful.

For more information visit www.bigbutterflycount.org

Download identification apps for Android or IOS – search for Big Butterfly Count.

RAVENSDEN CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

Ravensden Church of England Primary School is tucked away in the beautiful, rural village of Ravensden, yet it is only a 10-minute drive from Bedford town centre. It is a small primary school that has provision for children from 2-11 years old.

Through our teaching, our environment and our engagement with community our vision enables all who work with us to do so positively. It allows each individual’s light to shine brightly as they learn. The headteacher; Anna Spyropoulos is available for tours of the school- please come and meet our fabulous staff and children and see our wonderful school for yourself! Full time places are available in our preschool from September 2020, and we have a few spaces in all year groups for September too.

Our school vision is “Let your light shine” and our children really do shine!

Our school vision is “Let your light shine” and our children really do shine! Our small class sizes and a highly nurturing Christian philosophy allow children to discover their potential in a safe and supportive school.

A creative and inspirational curriculum based on immersive learning means that every child has the opportunity to develop as a life-long learner and enjoy themselves as they do!

Please contact head@ravensdenprimary.org for an appointment or call 01234771316.

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T H E T E S TA M E N T S

by Margaret Atwood

Coming 30 years after her best selling The Handmaid’s Tale, readers certainly had a long wait for this sequel. The success of the recent television series has certainly brought in new fans, anxious to know what happens and whether Gilead will ever be brought down.

Here Atwood tries to give us some answers.

For those not familiar, the original novel told the story of America in the not so distant future where a totalitarian state has been established in the east of the country after a civil war. Women’s rights have been taken away from them and are subjugated in this patriarchal society.

This sequel tells us what happened next from the perspective of three women: Aunt Lydia, familiar to readers from the first novel, Agnes, a young woman living in Gilead, and Daisy, a young woman living in Canada. Here we learn something of how Gilead came to be in flash back accounts from Aunt Lydia, how the outside world sees Gilead, and the lifechanging decisions that are made for young girls in Gilead by society.

As a fan of the original I found this to be a gripping read that did not detract from the power of the 1985 novel. Is it a satisfying ending? Is everything resolved with the end of Gilead? That would be telling too much, and I’ll leave it up to you to make that discovery.

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These works will transform this busy area of Bedford town centre, with the existing pavements and roadway being rebuilt and re-laid with a high quality granite surface.

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Throughout the work, people will be able to access this area and the shops and cafes, and business deliveries will be facilitated to minimise the impact on people working, travelling, and living in the area and nearby.

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Alongside enhancements to the street scene including new seating and cycle stands, and new lighting, this will create a new public space for people to enjoy and help to attract new businesses.

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From Monday 27 July, the contractor Ryebridge Ltd will be setting up a site office with a dropin centre for the public, people will be asked to abide by social distancing measures if they visit. If you have questions about the scheme, you can also contact Sean Scully of Ryebridge Construction Ltd on 07970 053579.

Following initial exploratory works, the full reconstruction works will begin and take place in phases. Works will be suspended during December so that the busy Christmas period for the town centre isn’t affected. The project is expected to be complete next spring.

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Coffee break P U Z Z L E PA G E For the answers please turn to P46

Can you find all of the these words hidden in the grid?

Alexandrite Amber Amethyst Ametrine Aquamarine Citrine Diamond Emerald Garnet Iolite Jade Kunzite Lapis Lazuli Moonstone

Morganite Opal Pearl Peridot Rose Quartz Ruby Sapphire Spinel Sunstone Tanzanite Topaz Tourmaline Turquoise Zircon Â

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?

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PROFESSIONAL, DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WINDOW CLEANING We are a local business that use a water fed telescopic pole system which uses ultra-pure water made using advanced technology that filters the water using a water filtration system instead of chemicals. So, you get brilliant results with the added benefit of not harming the environment.

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PRIZE CROSSWORD Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 14th August.

Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – D Watson, Milton Ernest

ACROSS 7 8 9 10 11 14

Place for gambling (6) Char, sear (6) Reed instrument (4) Hikers (8) Ficus Elastica! (6,5) Alternative to skirt and jacket.

(7,4) 18 Without punishment or injury (4-4)

19 Animal prized for its fur (4) 20 Chopping these will make you cry (6) 21 False, incorrect (6)

DOWN 1 2 3 4

Port (7) Ascend (4) Medic (6) In addition (2,4)

5 6 12 13 15 16 17 19

Engagements, gigs (8) Chilling, creepy (5) Pub seat (3,5) King of Beasts’ baby (4,3) Civil disorder (6) Good look (informal) (6) Perfume, fragrance (5) Insect attracted to light (4)

For last months answers please turn to P46

Name: Address:

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Tel:

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ZOOMING IN ON NEW WAYS TO LEARN Now you’ve got the hang of Zoom for talking to the family, online ordering for the weekly shopping and Amazon for book orders, you may feel more confident about “distance learning”.

The Bedford College Group at its campuses across Beds and Northants, is a conduit to a huge range of online learning for fun, for employment, for promotion or job changes.

Many of us will be looking for new jobs post-Covid, or may need to compete against those with more modern qualifications, now, here is your chance to get employer-recognised skills.

Anyone who is 19+ is entitled to FREE distance learning courses covering a wide range of subjects which could help you secure full or part-time employment as the world gets back to a “new normal”.

FEWER HOURS ON CAMPUS

In addition to the free distance learning, other courses at the college will have additional online study elements from September. These are still be decided, but what it means is that a “full-time” course at college could now actually be fewer than 21 hours a week in the “classroom”. This flexibillity will mean that you can fit your study around your work or family commitments. The “new normal” will make it easier for you to gain vital qualifications.

Take a look at our websites for further information and how to find out more. www.bedford.ac.uk | tresham.ac.uk

The Bedford College Group at its campuses across Beds and Northants, is a conduit to a huge range of online learning for fun, for employment, for promotion or job changes.

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PART-TIME COURSES

STARTING THIS SEPTEMBER Discover a fascinating hobby or interest, develop skills to move on at work, or start training for a whole new career. However you’re looking to spend your spare time, turn it into time well spent with part-time study with The Bedford College Group.

TAKE YOUR HOBBY TO ANOTHER LEVEL WITH OUR LEISURE COURSES From Photography to Practical Garden Design, our short leisure courses vary in length from a few hours to a few weeks.

They are perfect for exploring a new or existing hobby, brushing up on skills or making new friends.

BOOST YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL COURSES Studying for industry-recognised qualifications on a part-time basis enables you to take your career in a new direction, or enhance your existing skills while continuing to work. It could be your first step into a skilled role, such as a teacher or electronic engineer, and you’ll gain transferable workplace skills along the way.

STUDY NOW, PAY LATER WITH AN ADVANCED LEARNER LOAN For more information visit:

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BOOK YOUR PLACE ONLINE NOW!

info@bedford.ac.uk www.bedford.ac.uk/part-time

01234 291000

Poetry Connect

Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council have invited everyone to get creative and write a poem on the theme of looking forward. All ages are welcome to join in land below is a selection from the poems that have been submitted already.

If you would like to join in please email your poems to bedfordshire.libraries@bedford.gov.uk This isn’t a competition, just a creative outlet for you to connect and share during this unusual time.

A Stranger Calle D

By Bodhi Hughes (Age 8)

A stranger called this morning, dressed all in black and grey He put every sound into a bag, and carried them away The hum of the sliver fridge The ding of the microwave The popping of the tasty toast, As it comes out of the toaster The sucking of the hoover, As it eats up the dirty dust The purring of the old lovely cat The clicking of the TV remote The swishing of the bubbly bath water The flushing of the loo when dad is done The Pencil scribbling a wonderful poem The clock ticking loudly on my wall The lego clicking together as I build a 500 piece spaceship A stranger called this morning, He didn’t leave his name Left us only silence, the house will never be the same.

24

Our Pub

By Ben Woodfine

We’ll soon be back at the bar after this time away, ordering our drinks with no further delay, The heart of our neighbourhood, our much loved home from home, It’s where we share a drink, a chat... sometimes a moan, Between those walls we share stories, true and fiction, And although at times there may be friction, We listen, learn, debate, and question, While enjoying every, single, lengthy, session, People come through that door for many reasons, For help, for comfort, for some discreet liaisons, For friendship, company, or time to themselves, To read the paper, or a book from the shelves, Old friendships continue while new ones begin, We know there’ll always be room at this inn, Some regulars have drunk here for generations, For our community this pub holds firm foundations, Bar staff guard secrets, share advice, and entertain, Get them a drink in, while they work they must refrain, They greet and serve us with a cheerful smile, Then gently tempt us to stay for a while, We are waiting to return, back to our pub, Our all-time favourite social hub, Don’t mess about once we’re allowed, Make mine a pint... it’s your round.

Time to Reflect

By Caroline Benbow-Hunt

Time to reflect, look up to the sky Make out some shapes as the clouds past by Can you see loved ones or spaces so deep?

A pathway so high the steps are so steep We are all as one under sky, moon and sun Those that have all, those that have none The stillness not calm, but life carries on Birds are still singing, they have not gone Key workers working above and beyond All being tested but strengthening their bond Time to reflect, what do we need?

Peace, love and harmony, certainly not greed!

We take things for granted but oh not the sky It asks for nothing but keeps floating by If it gets angry it calms back down It cries very often to moisten the ground

Maybe a time to all plant a seed To care for all others and give what they need The sky says good morning the sky says goodnight It gives us a rainbow for which at the end is a light Time to reflect and think of all others Think of the people without any covers This is a time we must all try and beat Our lights are the stars the sun is our heat We are all so lucky, we all have the sky Look up do, see the clouds passing by The sun always rises to greet us good day It sets the same wherever we lay Take some time, time to reflect Take time for others, a time to connect Those being cared for that feel no calm Time to reflect, hold their hearts in your palm

My Lockdown Poem

Lockdown

By Beverley Whayman The windows are empty, The doors are closed.

How long they’ll stay like that, Nobody knows.

Supermarkets stay open, With a supply of food.

You still can’t buy flour, So that’s no good.

They say the millers, Have run out of bags.

We all want flour, I’ll make some from rags!

The chickens I fear, Have gone on strike.

But you can always go, And purchase a bike!

Stay inside, Everyday we’re told.

Do this now, And you may live to grow old.

But people think,

It isn’t real.

And go outside, Like it’s no big deal.

On Thursdays we stand, And applause those working.

Don’t spend the rest of the week, Outside lurking.

If we stop this disease, Spreading from one to the other, You’ll be with your family, Your friends and your lover.

Try and get some exercise, Even if it’s just a walk.

You can smile at people, Even if you can’t stop and talk.

Don’t stay out, Any longer than an hour.

Even if you’re looking, For eggs an flour.

These times will pass, Although it’s hard to believe.

Please follow the guidelines, And don’t concede.

By Gill Jackson

After five weeks of lockdown, I know what I’ll do I’ll assemble my thoughts and pen a poem for you About life pushed indoors, so little for me No work to go to, no people to see At first it was tricky, I felt pretty glum I so missed my boys, my dad and my mum I couldn’t go shopping, out to eat – oh what gloom!

And only saw friends on something called “Zoom”!

“Use the time wisely, get new hobbies,” they say Learn Swedish, start painting, play ‘Scrabble’ each day Take walks in the country, give nature a chance Look at life fully, not just a quick glance So now more used to a splendid isolation, I see the benefits in this forced vacation It’s quiet and it’s peaceful, you get chance to breathe To keep safe, we MUST do this, that I concede “Stay home. Keep safe”, I have to agree, Is the rule we must live by, both you and me And with life back to how it was before It will have been worth it -that is for sure 25

It seems a long time ago that we closed the doors temporarily to Don’t Get Locked In, such a shame as we had literally been open for just 2 weeks. After moving our established family business to Allhallows, Bedford Town Centre it was sad to close but always wanting to see the positives, lockdown has given us the opportunity to build more rooms so we will reopen with 6 themed rooms plus our Lock In Lounge VIP Experience.

Don’t Get Locked In escape rooms make a great fun and unique social activity, whether you intend playing with friends/family or with colleagues playing as a team building event or visiting as part of your hen/ stag do you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

Escape rooms stimulate the mind as well as encouraging players to work together to make the challenge quicker and easier. They also help to strengthen communication skills.

We design our own games, so they are as totally unique, you’ll never see a room the same as ours and playing our Kudos Challenge (a clue-based system) you’ll also have the opportunity to win a bottle of our bespoke 70cl Don’t Get Locked Gin .

Players booking in have the option to upgrade to a VIP Experience where they will be able to come earlier than their booked time slot and have a drink in our fully licenced bar The Lock In Lounge before playing their game. The upgrade price also includes a post-game drink.

Book your game now www.dontgetlockedin.com or 0333 242 7357

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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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TEXT

TO GIVE

Friends for Life (FFL) are a local charity working to address the social isolation of residents in Bedford’s care homes by recruiting volunteers to become personal befrienders, offering friendship and company to residents who have few or no external visitors.

Founded in 2007, they have grown from a small local initiative to a charity with over 80 volunteers, supporting 35 care homes across Bedfordshire .

Social isolation is not going away and over the past few months we have all experienced this to some

Your generous donation of ÂŁ5 could mean:

A coffee and cake for a resident on a trip out with a Friends for Life befriender.

50% of the insurance cost per befriender, per year so they can send them into care homes safely.

The monthly cost for induction, training and a DBS check for one befriender.

32 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

extent. As our lives begin to go back to some form of normality, the loneliness for some residents in our Bedfordshire care homes continues. This makes what they do more important than ever.

Although befrienders are currently unable to physically visit their care home residents, Friends for Life are focused on supporting their volunteers to find different ways to stay connected with them.

Thank you for your support – your donations are making a huge difference at an uncertain time for small charities.

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Please visit our website for further details & pricing Acorn House Veterinary Hospital Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7HN

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TEACHING PUPPIES TO S TAY HOME A LO N E

Learning to stay calm when left alone is an important part of a dog’s training.

Even owners who do not go out to work will have to go out without their dog on occasion. If we want to avoid our dogs feeling stressed and scared when this happens, we need to teach them the skill of staying at home alone.

WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF MY DOG DOES NOT LEARN TO BE LEFT ALONE? Dogs that have never learned to be alone may feel very distressed when they find themselves in this situation. They may vocalise, destroy property or toilet inside the house. Vets are concerned that separation anxiety problems will become more common in dogs that were raised during the COVID lockdown, because there was very little opportunity for the puppies to be left alone during this time.

HOW DO I TEACH MY DOG TO BE LEFT ALONE?

The RSPCA has published a step by step guide to teaching dogs to be left alone and this is available at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/ training/leftalone. It involves providing your dog

with a positive experience (perhaps enjoying a treat or chew in their bed at a time when they are tired out and ready to rest) and gradually increasing the length of time that they are left alone.

WHAT IF MY DOG HAS ALREADY DEVELOPED A SEPARATION PROBLEM?

Some dogs become so distressed when they are left alone that they cannot engage with the simple training advice above. It is important to get professional help for these cases. Affected dogs should start by having a thorough veterinary examination as some medical conditions (including musculoskeletal pain and gastrointestinal problems) can contribute to behaviour problems, particularly if these arise suddenly in a dog that was previously unaffected. After this, you will be given advice by the veterinary surgeon or may be referred to a veterinary behaviourist (often one registered with the APBC) to devise a tailor-made plan for your dog’s situation. In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed to use in the initial stages of re-training, so that your dog can stay calm enough to learn the new skill of staying at home alone.

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 35

PETS

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BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL DOWN BEDFORD’S EMBANKMENT

Bedford’s Embankment is looking glorious this summer, with the Council planting over 20,000 plants along this stretch of river.

petunias, salvias, geraniums, cosmos and verbena giving a beautiful variety of flowers over the summer period.

These plants are now flowering, bringing a swath of brightness and colour to Bedford’s Embankment and valuable nectar sources for Bedford’s bugs and bees. Planting includes sunflowers, marigolds,

This year, the display was themed around ‘water’ so is made up of white, blue and yellow flowers.

This theme has been mirrored in the planters around Bedford town centre.

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To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 37

GARDENING

WELL-BEING AND WATER Most people find the sound of water relaxing. The benefits of ‘blue space’ – the sea, rivers, lakes, canals and waterfalls, have been studied, and found to be psychologically restorative; associated with increased sense of well-being, lower levels of stress and mental illness, lower blood pressure, and higher levels of vitamin D. In short, being by water is good for body and mind.

Can we replicate this in our gardens?

The presence of water in the garden can transform a space into a natural haven of calm, and provide a focal point. Running water in a garden produces negative ions which are known to increase serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin is the chemical that elevates our mood and relaxes us.

There are many ways to introduce water into a smaller space, including natural look ponds and waterfalls, but you don’t need a deep ornamental pond; you can create a small pond in a container, or create a toddler and pet-friendly pebble pond, or install a modern water feature which uses reflective surfaces that bounce light around, creating movement and life in the tiniest space.

Any water source will attract a wide range of wildlife. I have a metallic sphere water feature on my patio that seems to be a magnet for dragonflies, which are a delight to watch. A shallow beached area or pebble pool will attract bathing birds, and also frogs and toads, which can shelter, breed, and stay out of sight of potential predators. You may even attract a hedgehog or two. They enjoy shallow pools with sloped edges, so they can drink and bathe without falling in. A 38 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

small barrel or container pond will allow algae to grow which will attract water invertebrates including snails, pond skaters and water boatmen.

Kids love water so introducing a pond is a great way to encourage them to learn about local wildlife while having fun. Safety is crucial though; if you have young children it might be better to wait until they are older before creating a large pond, as it will require constant supervision. A pebble pool with a small fountain effect provides all the sound and fun of water with none of the depth, and a large trug or half barrel can be transformed into a tiny wildlife pond. If you do create a pond, position it where it can be seen from the house, make sure the edges slope gently, and fence it off while the children are young.

Planting around water features is half the fun.

The water forget-me-not, Myosotis scorpioides is perfect for growing in shallow water or in the muddy area at the edge of ponds. It has pretty blue flowers in late spring and attracts newts, which lay their eggs on the leaves. Irises and grasses look lovely planted around any water features and you can even find a tiny lily – Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Alba’ white – for small ponds, which has the bonus of being heavily scented.

Water features in a garden are no longer the preserve of the rich, with acres to spare. Even if you only have a tiny balcony you can now enjoy the sight and sound of water in your outside space.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

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To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 39

ACTION TO HELP

BUGS AND BEES

Bedford Borough Council have announced measures which will see the planting of new hedgerows and increased areas of natural grass and wildflower meadows.

Wildflower species such as clover and dandelion provide important pollen and nectar sources for insects, bees and other pollinators that are a vital part of our ecosystem. Allowing grass to grow longer produces a more sustainable natural environment and provides food and shelter for animals, bees and other insects.

Across the parks and open spaces of Bedford, the council have already reduced mowing, allowing large areas to grow naturally. This has seen the creation of significant areas where grasses and native plants have been allowed to grow and flower, with ecological benefits. They are currently having a number of habitat surveys undertaken in urban open spaces including Addison Howard Park, Bedford Park and Longholme Lake, 40 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

commissioned before the coronavirus outbreak.

These will help them to determine additional ways to improve these areas for biodiversity, including recommendations for native species and wildflower meadows.

Bedford Borough Council are also bringing this approach out of the parks, and onto the streets.

On roadside verges, the grass must be cut short to ensure that people can see and that junctions are safe. However, the grass is often left long at the back of the verge away from the road. This is an important way to encourage wildlife such as invertebrates, butterflies and bees into the heart of the urban area.

Residents are encouraged to contact the council by email at bugsandbees@bedford. gov.uk if there is an area where they would like to see more wildlife friendly maintenance regimes implemented.

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41 41

SPORT

SHEFFORD & SANDY HOCKEY CLUB

We are a community based not for profit family club based in Sandy. We are committed to making hockey fun, accessible and inclusive for girls and boys aged 6 – 65+.

We welcome all abilities and we are very proud of the fact we have generations playing together. Whether you want to play, umpire, coach or help on the sidelines, we run qualified courses.

We have a thriving junior section where our focus is offering opportunities for children to play hockey whatever their ability or previous level of experience.

We play against local clubs, enter tournaments and leagues in the local area as well as hosting junior hockey camps. We enjoy watching children develop their team spirit and gain a sense of achievement.

We like to develop youngsters to a senior level.

We have 4 men’s teams and 3 ladies teams looking to put a fourth together. We have opportunities for indoor, mixed, social and competitive hockey. We have had several overseas tours and we are always looking to experience new adventures We run weekly training sessions for juniors and adults on Tuesday evenings with an international coach. Senior matches are Saturdays and juniors 13 and under are on Sundays. From 13+ juniors can play in adult leagues. We would like to invite you to come and see what we can offer both playing and socially.

Contact Jade for more information on jade.gravell@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.sheffordandsandy.com

of Quickest way to get ouutp a lockdown blues. Pick ’t lose! new sport and you can NDYHC SHEFFORD&SA

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To find out how to join, contact Jade at jade.gravell@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.sheffordandsandy.com 42 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

BEDFORD BLUES ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

WITH NORTHAMPTON SAINTS Bedford Blues has today announced a strategic partnership with Premiership rugby club, Northampton Saints.

“Like Saints, Bedford has a long and proud history, with close ties to its local community, so we believe it’s a natural fit.

The new, mutually beneficial collaboration will see Blues and Saints formally cooperate on a number of playing, coaching and training opportunities.

“The new partnership will be mutually beneficial, aiming to bring greater benefits to players and coaching staff at both clubs, as well as helping both organisations financially.

For the 2020/21 Championship season Saints will exclusively make available a number of academy and senior squad players to the Blues.

A coaching pathway between the two clubs has also been agreed, where Saints will make high quality, high potential young coaches available to Bedford’s coaching set-up in order for them to gain valuable experience in the second tier of English rugby. In addition, Blues coaching staff will benefit from attending regular upskilling sessions with senior Saints coaches held at Franklin’s Gardens.

The partnership also allows for joint training sessions between the two clubs when advantageous. Bedford Blues Chairman, Geoff Irvine said: “We are very pleased to be able to make this announcement, not only does the relationship give us fantastic access to their players and resources, but it is a lifeline to our club in the present situation.

“Saints is the natural fit, our near neighbours with a shared passion for history and heritage. This long-term partnership will help safeguard our Championship status and allow us to build for the seasons ahead.

“The decision was influenced by the challenging financial situation we face, not least as a result of the cuts announced by the RFU earlier this year and the uncertainty about future funding.”

Northampton Saints Chief Executive, Mark Darbon commented: “I am delighted to be able to announce Saints’ strategic partnership with a club of the calibre of Bedford Blues.

“We very much see this as a long-term relationship, which we hope could evolve further over time.”

As part of the relationship, an annual pre-season fixture will also now be played, alternating each season between Franklin’s Gardens and Goldington Road. Bedford Blues Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer said: “Given the current circumstances and longerterm picture, the partnership with Saints is a no brainer.

“Conversations with Chris Boyd have been really positive and it’s a great opportunity for more collaborative thinking and progression. It’s clear we share a similar rugby philosophy and that will form the basis of a strong relationship.

“We will be working with some of the best youngsters in the country through the Saints pathway, and together with our retained squad it should give us a great balance. There are already several links in the Saints coaching setup so it’s a really natural fit and one we are very excited about.”

Northampton Saints Director of Rugby, Chris Boyd added: “Saints has a long history of producing highquality, home grown talent and it is fundamentally important that this continues to be the case.

“Our new relationship with Bedford ensures that we can continue to develop our best young players by securing them regular Championship game time in a highly competitive environment.

“Having got to know Mike Rayer and some of the Blues coaches, I’m confident that we’re working with excellent people who share a similar philosophy on rugby and I’m excited about what we can do together.”

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 43

BEDFORD TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

CLOCK SALES & REPAIRS

Clock Repairs • Clock Sales Call Michael:

01234 217104 Associate member of the British Horological institute for 25 years

www.bedfordclocks.co.uk OLD CLOCKS WANTED FOR PARTS Bedford Town Manager Mark Ducket (left), and new player Rob Sinclair (right).

After the enforced long break Bedford Town FC are looking ahead to mid-September when competitive football is due to start again. In recent weeks things have been busy at The Eyrie, both on and off the pitch as manager Mark Ducket, builds on his team from last season, and the club gets a facelift.

Key players from last years squad have been retained, despite interest from clubs in higher divisions, joined by new talent to form a squad capable of challenging for the title.

One such recruit is local lad Rob Sinclair who played his professional career at Stevenage, Forest Green and last season Hemel Hempstead after starting at Luton Town.

Ducket said “I’m absolutely delighted to get Rob signed to the club. His and other signings we have made underlines the clubs intent for the new season.”

New from September is the launch of the Bedford Town Academy for 16-18 year olds. It will combine top class football training, led by Eagles Head Coach Ronayne Marsh-Brown and further education from VL UK. Off the pitch volunteers have been sprucing up the ground and clubhouse to ensure its covid secure for the new season.

Due to Covid-19 guidance details are subject to change, but the latest Eagles information can always be found at: www.bedfordeagles.net 44 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

DECORATING SERVICES DAVID LOWER DECORATING SERVICES Interior & Exterior Decorating Local – Bedford based Over 40 years experience Competitive Rates Discounts for Senior Citizens

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HANDYMAN SERVICES

T J Odd-Job Services

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HEATING SERVICES

GARDENING SERVICES

T.R.Donnelly

HEATING SERVICES

557766

Local Engineer Specialising in all heating appliances Breakdowns & Installations Fixed Boiler Services £65 Landlord Gas Certs Power Flushing All Plumbing Repairs Carried Out

01234 307 667 | 07967 643 405

WHITE’S LAWNMOWERS & GARDEN MACHINERY

PET GROOMING & PHOTOGRAPHY

SALES, SERVICE, REPAIR & PARTS

Commercial & Domestic, all leading brands.

01234 826066 www.whites-online.co.uk College Farm, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RX

WINDOWS & DOORS

For all your double and triple glazing requirements

Nuvue Windows & Doors Composite Doors, PVCU Doors & Aluminium Doors PVCU & Aluminium Windows • Conservatories Glass Unit Replacements • Pet flap installations Window & Door repairs

www.nuvuewindowsanddoors.co.uk

enquiries@nuvuewindowsanddoors.co.uk • Tel: 0800 195 0736 / 07542 238 768

To advertise with us please get in touch – christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk 45

JULY

PRIZE CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

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46 Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

The Will Writing Company Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 964911

Free Will & Testament The Will Writing Company is celebrating its 22nd Year in business and is offering a free Will & Testament (joint or single) to all readers. If you have been meaning to make a Will, now is your chance to take advantage of this exclusive offer and give you and your loved ones peace of mind. By making a Will, you decide who takes care of your children and who inherits your estate. Storage facility optional.

To take advantage of this offer and book an appointment or for further information please call n the above number between the hours of 9:00am-5:30pm Monday to Friday.

OFFER ENDS 31st August 2020

FREE WILL VOUCHER

This voucher entitles you to a FREE Mirror Will (normal cost £125) or a FREE Single Will (normal cost £85)

Valid until 31st August 2020 The Will Writing Company

Mayfair House, 11 Lurke Street, Bedford, Beds, MK40 3HZ

Tel 01234 964911

Email:enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk

Terms and Conditions. Office and telephone appointments available. This voucher can not be exchanged for cash – The voucher must be produced at your appointment.

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

“I really liked the fact that they were a local community run business�

Janet Beard All glazing backed by our

We are a Which?

Trusted Trader Social distancing in operation

Faulty locks, handles or hinges?

Priority freephone www.cloudy2clear.co.uk

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