Bedslife april 17 magazine

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Content Welcome.. & Features to April…

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pril is officially Spring and, of course, the traditional month we are not only allowed but expected to eat plenty of chocolate!

Although Easter does have a lot of meaning and tradition, you can read about some of the more unusual ones on p10.

Read about the Flotilla Castle Quay on p4 – part of a nationwide Rotary Club of Great Britain & Ireland and Wheelpower charity relay around Britain which will arrive in Bedford on Saturday April 22nd.

Calling all Doctor Who fans! Don’t miss Saturday 8th April at The Quarry Theatre in St Peter’s Street – it will be home to the third annual Doctor Who convention in the town with all funds raised in aid of Bedford Foodbank, read more on p12.

Our charity of the month is Ormiston Families who support children, young people and families to manage the challenges they face in today’s world.

This month’s consumer page shares the cheapest tips for rail travel but if you prefer to travel on two wheels, you can see where to cycle and discover routes in Bedfordshire in our Where to Cycle on p54.

Packed with all the regular features, competitions and our extensive What’s On guide, we hope you enjoy this edition.

Happy Easter!

BedsLife Magazine @BedsLife

May booking deadline Friday 7th April

Flotilla at Castle Quay Unusual Easter Traditions Doctor Who Day Consumer Page Charity of the Month – Ormiston Window Dressing Tips Relate Counselling Support Senior Snippets St.George’s Day Bedford Markets Eat in Season for Spring John Bunyan Writing Competition Bedford Proms Competition BedsLife Charities What’s On Where to…Cycle MK Theatre – Mamma Mia Bedford Choral Society Take me Home Tarotscopes Spring Garden Tips Bedford Rugby Club Bedfordshire Police Bedford Town Football Club Volunteering Opportunites

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Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 / 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Teresa Tel 01234 310521 / 07429 136815 E: teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd 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.

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COMMUNITY

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n around Britain tour highlighting wheelchair sports will arrive in Bedford on Saturday April 22nd.

From 10.30am to 11am a colourful dragon boat carrying a special wheel chair that will splash up and down outside the Bedford Swan Hotel stretch of the river. This will be followed by fun and games on the grounds in front of the Castle Mound.

There will be the chance to enter a riverside walk competition and win Love Bedford gift vouchers donated by local Bedford businesses.

The event is part of a nationwide Rotary Club of Great Britain & Ireland and Wheelpower charity relay.

The challenge is to find unusual ways to transport a sports wheelchair around the country. In Bedford that will be on the Great River Ouse by a dragon boat – surrounded by other river crafts from local clubs and organisations. They will meet local wheelchair sports stars at the Bedford Swan Hotel terrace between 11am and 12 noon.

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A picnic will be held on the Castle Mound grounds in the afternoon – all welcome.

An annual Wheelchair Challenge, the concept of which was dreamt up by Howard Darbon, President of Sport Bedford and organiser of the successful pre-London 2012 Training Camps, has raised more than £30,000 to date. It has been held every October at the International Sport Stadium in Barker’s Lane.

It inspired WheelPower and Rotary International to organise the Round Britain event, thus enabling more disabled people to fulfil their potential and ambitions in sport.

Howard is also driving forward a project to establish a Wheelchair Racing Club in Bedford to cater for those who want to expand their involvement in sport, but cannot currently access it as the nearest clubs are many miles away.

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MP COLUMN

Views from

Alistair Burt, your Local MP...

FORGING NEW RELATIONSHIPS

T

hey are not always easy, are they? Relationships I mean.

They are quite a mixture.

Some relationships have warm loving friendships at their heart, where difficulties are overcome through common bonds and endeavour, and where mistakes are forgiven and life moves on. Other relationships once formed can go wrong, where people never seem to say quite the right thing, misinterpretations of actions become common, and mistakes are remembered, rather than confined to experience.

Relationships between states are not dissimilar.

The UKs relationship with the US, as a topical example, is much deeper than between the President and the UK Prime Minister. Both are temporary, in the great scheme of things, but the ties of blood through two world wars and other conflicts, and the way in which we as liberal democracies see the world mean much more. It should ensure that temporary spats, such as not understanding occasional decisions of the other, like President Trump or Brexit, can be overcome as years pass.

The UK and Europe is another thing however. Our history together is much more complex. The UK

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politically has tended to see Europe as a sort of mess, in which we intervene from time to time to sort it out – Napoleon, the Kaiser, Hitler etc. Building the EU was Europe’s attempt to move on from its past, which the UK at first sadly declined to join, then did so, after a few rebuffs from France. Some in the UK never accepted the relationship created, and argued for a UK outside the EU. But this argument was mostly expressed in hostility to the EU, and forms the background to the negotiations we must have following the referendum. It is not a good background, and is the second sort of relationship I mentioned above.

But suppose there was another way of looking at things? For the first time in recent political history those who, like me, support the EU, and want to see it prosper, now have to accept that the UK will be outside it. Suppose we start to draw up that relationship, from a point of view not of hostility, but from a position where we want both a successful UK and a successful and stronger EU? Trying to put the genie of the Referendum back in the bottle will not work. If we aim for a relationship which is not reluctantly accepted by a bare majority of people, but welcomed by a large majority, is this not worth thinking through and creating?

I think this is a more positive way to approach a new relationship with our neighbours. I will keep you posted with how it is going as we navigate Brexit.

l usuaTraditions UnEaster

H

ow will you celebrate Easter? If you need ideas check out these unusual traditions;-

Pace Egg Plays were once a widespread way of celebrating across rural England. Performed on Good Friday the drama involves a form of a combat between a villain named Old Tosspot and the hero St George. Historically the actors were working class men and women who toured the villages performing in pubs and on the street as a way of earning extra money.

In the plays someone is always killed, this may be St George or a Turkish Knight known as Bold Slasher. The poor fellow is however revived by a comic doctor, linking to the Easter themes of death and rebirth The use of the word Pace is linked to the Latin word Pacha which translates to Easter. The egging part comes from the fact that performers were given eggs which were wrapped in onion skins and carefully boiled. They’d receive other gifts too, including money as an incentive to perform by the crowd. Some believe the phrase ‘to egg someone on’ originates from when rival groups of performers found themselves in the same village and traded insults, had wooden sword fights or even try to steal each others Pace Eggs.

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The Pace Eggs were sometimes rolled but the practice of egg rolling has become a tradition all on its own both in the UK and abroad. Usually hard boiled eggs are decorated and rolled down a grassy hill with an ensuing competition to see whose egg can roll fastest and remain unharmed.

The exact symbolism of egg rolling isn’t clear, but as eggs have links to the Easter and Spring themes of rebirth, renewal and fertility this seems to provide some reasoning for it.

If you are looking for a different type of activity on Easter Monday, then you might like to consider the traditions of Whipping Monday linked to countries such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

In Slovakia women are doused by men with water and whipped with braided willow branches. This is said to symbolise youth and strength and make women healthy for the Spring. The men then get a reward from the lady in question which is a dyed egg, a ribbon tied around their whip and for adults an invite in for some food and vodka.

Some men also receive coins. In the Czech version there is no water. Just the whipping and here the implement is called the pomlazka and the tradition ends at noon. I think I’ll stick with egg-rolling!

By Susan Brookes-Morris

SERVICES

FREE Easter Fun! Make your mark on Love Bedford’s Easter Mural FREE WIN £50 Love Bedford gift vouchers by entering the FREE Prize Draw Between 11am and 4pm on 10th – 12th April, visit Harpur Square and spend time colouring in our specially designed Bedford Easter Mural. Once completed it will be displayed in the Harpur Centre for everyone to see.

Don’t forget to pick up a FREE prize draw entry form from a BlueCap and visit the participating businesses to collect the Easter Egg stickers. Return the completed form to a BlueCap, put through the BedfordBID letterbox or post to BedfordBID, 1 Lurke Street, Bedford. MK40 3TN. Closing date Friday 21st April. Winners announced 30th April 2017.

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13/03/2017 08:39

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COMMUNITY

Exterminate!

Doctor Who Day in Bedford – Saturday 8th April

A

day for Doctor Who fans is coming up in Bedford on Saturday 8th April at The Quarry Theatre in St Peter’s Street.

Bedford Who Charity Con 3 is the third annual Doctor Who event in the town, and it’s being run to raise funds for Bedford Foodbank. (‘Con’ here is short for ‘convention’.)

Bedford Foodbank’s clients receive three days’ supply of nutritionally balanced food and clients are referred to them by agencies such as Citizens’ Advice, the Job Centre and GPs. The Foodbank is currently feeding 500 local people every month. They receive no government funding and are entirely dependent on donations.

Everything made at Bedford Who Charity Con 3 will be donated to them. Amazingly, local Doctor Who fans have also raised £8000 for them in the last year.

The convention’s organiser is Foodbank volunteer Simon Danes. Simon commented, ‘It should be huge fun. We’ve got some wonderful celebrity guests coming. You’ll be able to chat to them, get their autographs and have your photo taken with them. And we have a programme of events on stage lined up for you to enjoy.’

Doctor Who was first broadcast 54 years ago, way back in 1963. The guests at the convention evoke the programme’s long history. Two of the Doctor’s earliest companions are attending: 12

Maureen O’Brien (Vicki) and Peter Purves (Steven – and yes, this is the same Peter Purves who was in Blue Peter).

Maureen and Peter travelled with the original Doctor, William Hartnell. So too did Anneke Wills (Polly); Anneke continued journeying in the Tardis with second Doctor Patrick Troughton.

Coming right up to date, Neve McIntosh, who plays lizard woman Madame Vastra, will be there; Neve has worked with both Matt Smith’s and Peter Capaldi’s Doctors. Geoffrey Beevers and Mike Tucker complete the line-up. Geoffrey played the Master, the Doctor’s arch-nemesis; Mike is the BAFTA award-winning special effects designer who has worked on the show from the 1980s to the 2010s.

And, of course, the Daleks will be there. In force.

For further details, please go to the convention’s website, bedfordwhocharitycon. co.uk Tickets are available from the Quarry Theatre’s box office at quarrytheatre.org.uk

SERVICES

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13

Money Matters

By Martin Lewis

H

What’s the cheapest train ticket?

ere are my top tips to keep ticket costs on the rails

Disabled persons Railcard. A third off for you and an adult companion any time, any day.

1. Try splitting your tickets

4. Get early booking discounts – late

The exact journey routes vary, so it isn’t always consistent. The only rule is the train must call at the stations you buy tickets for. To check costs by split-ticketing see www.mse.me/ticketysplit.

5. Train delayed, get your money back

Split-ticketing is where instead of buying one ticket for the journey, you buy multiple tickets for different parts of the same journey which, illogically, often works out cheaper.

2. Book 12 weeks early for cheaper fares

The key time to look is 12 weeks before travelling, as that’s when the timetable is set so most operators start to launch their advance tickets then, meaning you get the best availability on cheap fares.

3. Get a (discounted) railcard

Annual national railcards usually reduce the bill by a third. The main cards are…

Family & Friends Railcard. You and up to 3 other adults (2 can be named on the card) get a third off the fare, providing you’re travelling with between 1-4 kids, who get 60% off.

2TogetherRailcard. For 2 people travelling together and both named and photographed on the card.

Senior Railcard. A third off for over 60’s 16-25 Railcard. A third off fares travelling at any time.

14

There’s a certain number of advance tickets available for each journey. Even if you’re travelling tomorrow, still check. If they’re still available, most train firms let you book them up to 6pm or 11.59pm the day before travel, and Cross Country trains until 15 minutes before the train leaves.

Usually if you’re delayed over 30 minutes (it varies by operator) most companies operate a ‘Delay Repay scheme’ which, if you ask, pays out at least 50% of the fare regardless of whether the delay was their fault or not (some now pay 25% for 15 minute delays). You can get this as cash or cheque, not just in rail vouchers as previosuly.

6. Paid for your season ticket (or even part of it) on a credit card, you could get compensation Due to Section 75 rules, which mean if you pay or part-pay for something on a credit card for something that costs between £100 – £30,000 (even if it was just a penny) then the credit card company is jointly liable along with retailers for making sure customers receive the goods or services they paid for.

Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 12 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip.

SERVICES QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

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15

Ormiston Families Young Lives Matter

Leading East of England family charity, Ormiston Families, supports children, young people and families to manage the challenges they face. The charity provides wide-ranging support, from helping those affected by mental ill health, imprisonment and abuse, to assistance for young parents and those struggling in school.

The charity, which celebrated its 35th anniversary last year, was founded in 1981 by the Murray family in memory of Fiona Ormiston Murray, who tragically passed away on her honeymoon in 1969. Fiona adored children but never had the chance to have her own.

16

Ormiston Families has four operational programmes, delivered through 35 services across the region: Connect: Pioneering community support initiatives, including young people’s mental health support and help for families affected by domestic abuse.

Unite: Working with offenders, their children and families to maintain positive family ties.

Engage: Bridging the gap between home and school to improve attendance, attainment, behaviour and wellbeing.

Nurture: Offering a helping hand to families during the early years of their child’s life.

Through the Unite Programme, Ormiston Families operates three services in Bedfordshire: Breaking Barriers: Community-based outreach support for children and young people affected by imprisonment.

Transforming Rehabilitation: Supporting offenders to transform their family lives and desist from further offending.

Ormiston Families Visitors’ Centre at HMP Bedford: Facilitating children’s visits with structured play activities and parenting courses.

As with any charity, Ormiston Families relies on the generosity of people’s donations and undertakes a number of fundraising activities throughout the year.

Flagship foodie extravaganza, ‘Walk with a Fork’, is returning for its fifth year with dates announced at Abbots Ripton Hall, Cambridgeshire on 7th May, Kimberley Hall, Norfolk on 14th May and Helmingham Hall, Suffolk on 3rd September. Walkers embark on an eight mile amble around some of the region’s most beautiful estates and countryside whilst indulging in treats from local food and drinks producers at stops along the way.

Also coming up on 27th April is the Ormiston Classic at Seckford Golf Club near Woodbridge, Suffolk. A fun filled day out on the course, complete with a BBQ and competitions, whilst raising vital funding.

There are many other ways you can get involved with fundraising for Ormiston Families. For the thrill seekers there are skydives, bike rides from London to Paris and even the epic Ben Nevis Challenge! If you would prefer something closer to home, you could host a quiz or a bake sale.

Mark Proctor, Services Director at Ormiston Families, said: “Our team at HMP Bedford provides services to offenders and their families.

These include facilitating children’s visits, family liaison, parenting courses, plus helping fathers record bed time stories and create craft boxes to send home to their children.

“As well as helping children and young people cope with the trauma of offending behaviour or imprisonment in the family, there is significant evidence that offenders who are able to maintain positive family ties are less likely to re-offend and that the cycle of offending within families is more likely to be broken.”

Visit the fundraising page on www.ormistonfamilies.org.uk to find out about events, challenges and to download a fundraising pack!

Ormiston Families is always on the lookout for volunteers, so if you would like to support its important services, please either visit the volunteering page on www.ormistonfamilies.org. uk , email volunteering@ormistonfamilies.org.uk or call volunteering manager, Tori Burr, on 01493 745253.

17

SERVICES

Reassurance when you need it most

Neville Funeral Service

48 Roff Avenue Bedford MK41 7TE t: 01234 359529 e: bedford@nevillefuneralservice.com

www.nevillefuneralservice.com

18

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SERVICES

Looking for a new carpet?

We come to you!

At carpets at home we aim to make the process of having new carpets and flooring installed as easy as possible. We take all the hassle and stress out so you dont have to.

Not only do we supply and fit carpets and flooring but we also:

Move furniture • Take away old floor coverings Trim doors • Hoover after installation

For a FREE quotation please call our friendly team!

Tel 0333 4440178 / 07899 860777

www.carpets-at-home.com To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

19

SERVICES

Sureclean PROFESSIONAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Tile & Hard Floor Cleaning DRIVEWAY & PATIO CLEANING Re-sanding & Sealing GUTTER CLEANING, INSPECTION & REPAIRS Roof Moss Removal

Local Company ~ Fully Insured T: 01234 510501 or 07870 338074 W: www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk

AromaClean offer a friendly, reliable & honest domestic cleaning service tailored to your needs Police Checked & Fully Insured

Taking care of all your home cleaning...

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20

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Top three Window Dressing trends

for Spring

Spring is traditionally the time when we feel inspired to breathe new life into our homes but navigating the choice of fabrics can be a minefield, so these top three trends for 2017 can help you choose the right look for you and your home.

Layering

Just as in fashion, layering is a hot trend in soft furnishings and can be a great way to update existing window treatments. Try layering curtains over blinds using luxurious textures in neutral colours to create a sumptuous feel.

Florals

Florals are also big for 2017 and just perfect for this time of year. Floreale by Harlequin is a painterly design featuring oversized flowers, and Sanderson’s Shalimar looks fantastic combined with geometric shapes and bold colours.

Metallics

Metallics have been popular for a while now and the ‘boutique hotel’ look shows no sign of disappearing. Volta’s textured fabric has an iridescent sheen which catches the light beautifully, whilst Zanta’s Meru is a rich textured velvet which is definitely a style for those seeking a bold look.

Whichever look you choose, it’s important to make sure it fits with your personal style and your home, so you love the finished look for many years to come.

By Penny Bruce, Owner of Denton Drapes, a Bespoke Couture Soft Furnishings Company. www.madetomeasurecurtains.info

Traditional Craft Skills with a Contemporary Style Luxury for a Lifetime Bespoke Designs

Impeccable customer service Timeless Classics

Unit 7, Water Hall Farm, Wavendon Road Salford, MK17 8AZ

01908 282915

www.dentondrapes.co.uk

21

FREE counselling for people supporting a loved one with dementia Relate Bedfordshire and Luton has secured funding to launch a FREE counselling service for people supporting loved ones with dementia. It is estimated that more than 5,000 people with dementia live in Bedfordshire. 12% have severe dementia. Three-quarters are cared for in the community.

Supporting someone with dementia can cause pressure, anxiety and worry. Having a professional counsellor to talk to can help with these anxieties and support your own mental wellbeing and physical health.

22

The Relate team work with local public and voluntary organisations to promote the service.

“Our service is designed to complement support services already available, for example from Carers in Bedfordshire and Alzheimer’s Society,” says Relate Bedfordshire and Luton CEO Angela Foll. “We are grateful to Tibbs Dementia Foundation for their support and providing awareness training courses for our staff and counsellors.”

Relate’s FREE, confidential counselling for individuals, couples or families is offered face-toface in a number of venues or by telephone or Skype.

People supporting loved ones with dementia who wish to access FREE counselling support should contact Relate on 01234 356350, emailing appointments@ relatebedsandluton.org.uk or by using the website www.relatebedsandluton.org.uk

Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Veincare Advice • Sclerotherapy Treatments

Unsightly leg veins?

Banish Them - Don’t hide them!

BOOK NOW FOR YOUR CONSULTATION

Affordable Price – Dedicated Parking The Beauty Lodge

1 Maple Grove, Putnoe Lane, Bedford MK41 9BA

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Call Karen on 07841 075100 Please check times for groups over the holiday season

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000 To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

23

HEALTH & BEAUTY

How important is your health to you and your family?

Find out how healthy you really are and learn how to prevent life-limiting conditions with a personal health check.

Our services include: • General Health Screen* - to assess overall health. Ideal for wellperson checks, planning a pregnancy, or monitoring an exercise programme • Bioresonance Testing - nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivity, toxins, environmental stressors • Medical Tests* - hormones, cholesterol, nutrigenomics, allergies, parasites, nonNHS tests

HOWARD’S

WAY

The Right Way The Family Business that cares Services for the Elderly & Disabled ~ Short term care if your family needs a break ~ ~ Carer for Appointments ~ ~ Doctor/Dentist ~ Carer if Needed ~ ~ Shopping ~ Cleaning ~ Personal Care ~ ~ Washing/Ironing Service ~ ~ Hospital Appointments ~ ~ Prescription Pick Ups ~ Night Sits ~ ~ Carer is NVQ Trained ~ CRB Checked ~ ~ 30 Years Experience ~ ~ Public Liability Insured ~ ~ Friendly Reliable Service ~

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Free Colgate Electric Toothbrush RRP ÂŁ49.99 with each adult new patient exam Quote code: DCB3 First 20 only Offer ends 30th April 2017

The Dental Centre Bedford,

The Meiklejohn Centre,

5 Kingswood Way

Great Denham, Bedford, MK40 4GH

www.dentalcentrebedford.co.uk - Tel: 01234 819868

SERVICES

D

Senior Snippets

Traditional Spring Cleaning Tips

espite the array of leaning products available today, many cleaning jobs can be done just as effectively using “old-fashioned remedies”.

These tried and tested methods have been passed down from the generations and are just as effective today.

Removing limescale from kettles: Boil the kettle and switch it off. Add two tablespoons of citric acid powder and leave to cool. Once cooled, pour the solution down the sink and reboil the kettle twice with fresh water. This traditional fix dissolves the limescale and prolongs the life of the kettle.

Natural carpet freshener: Sprinkle a light dusting of bicarbonate of soda onto the carpet before vacuuming to remove smells and freshen the room.

Cleaning a wooden chopping board: All you need is some coarse salt and a lemon. Sprinkle the board with coarse salt, scour the surface with half a cut lemon, squeezing to release the juice and leave it for five minutes. Scrape the residue off the board and rinse with a clean wet sponge.

Cleaning windows: Mix one part white vinegar (a natural disinfectant and deodoriser) with one part warm water in a spray bottle and spray on to your windows. Then polish the windows using crumpled newspaper. Don’t use vinegar on frosted glass or leaded glass windows.

Home Instead Senior Care, 106A Bedford road, Wootton, Bedford, MK43 9JB. Tel 01234 868820.

CAREGivers Required Do you have a caring & compassionate nature?

Then you should talk to us.

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Contact us on Home Instead Senior Care

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Are you looking for flexible and rewarding part-time work?

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SERVICES

TIME AFTER TIME BOB & ANN KEPT ‘PUTTING IT OFF’ Leaving their children’s Future in the hands of FATE Bob & Ann both 76 owned their home worth £220,000. Bob & Ann thought they had planned well but after Bob died Ann developed dementia and was moved to a care home, the house was sold and the money used to fund the fees.

Ann lived in the care home for 3½ years in which time over £200,000 of her money was spent funding her care, when Ann died only £14,320 was left. Stories like this are common, the sad thing is Bob and Ann ‘knew about’ the benefits of ‘Protective Property Trust Wills’ but ‘time after time’ kept ‘Putting Off’ upgrading their old Wills.

With 'Protective Property Trusts' in their Will’s Bob & Ann would have legally protected 50% of the value of their house.

‘Property Trust Wills’ £250 + Vat the pair.

Arranged with FREE home visit.

RICHARD WOODWARD MEMBER OF THE MASTER GUILD OF WILL WRITERS

Contact Richard Woodward & Associates.

Telephone St Neots 01480 290060

Also, Lasting Powers of Attorney & Family Trusts, please request brochure. www.thewillwriter.biz

Are You in Pain?

We can help with:

Quote "Beds Life" & get a Consultation, Examination, Posture Scan & Report of Findings Only £39 (Usually £55)

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www.thebedfordchiropractor.co.uk

01234 353 537

Bedford Chiropractic Clinic, 1st Floor, Broadway House 4-6 The Broadway, Bedford, Mk40 2TE To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

27

orge’s St GeDay

George was a devout Christian, and was tortured and executed for refusing to give up his Christian faith. It’s believed that he was killed on 23rd April 300AD, which is why St George’s Day is celebrated on April 23rd each year.

Did you know that St George never actually set foot in Britain? It’s believed he was born in Lydda in Palestine, or in Cappadocia (now in central Turkey), and brought up in Palestine. His father was a Roman soldier, and when his parents died, George decided he would travel to Nicomedia (Turkey) to join the Roman army. He served for several years, progressing up the ranks to become an imperial guard of the Emperor.

So where does the dragon come into it? The legend of George and the dragon dates back hundreds of years, to the 11th century, if not earlier. According to the legend, a dragon was terrorising a small village. The villagers would sacrifice their children to appease the dragon. One day George was riding past the village and met a young princess, whose turn it was to be sacrificed. George rescued the girl and offered to slay the dragon for the villagers, if they would convert to Christianity.

They agreed, so he killed the dragon.

By Kate Duggan

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With over 25 years’ experience, Sanderson Electrical is a business built on customer recommendations: offering efficient and affordable electrical services.

Covering Bedford and the surrounding villages, our experienced electricians will arrive promptly whilst being polite, professional and tidy!

Call outs – No Job too Small Rewires • Consumer Unit Upgrades Lighting & Design • Extra Sockets Security Lighting • New Builds / Extensions Electric Wall/Floor Heating • Bespoke Installations All aspects of Commercial work • Portable Appliance Testing • Condition Reports

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Call for a Quote on 01234 607777 or Email info@sanderson-electrical.co.uk

al TraditionMarkets

B

edford is a thriving market town with its original market dating back more than 850 years. A market has been held on St Paul’s Square since the 1500’s and this spring Bedford’s market traders have got anything from bedding plants, to Easter treats, to locally reared lamb.

Charter Market – every Wednesday and Saturday Busy, vibrant and exciting – whether you want to bag a bargain, buy fresh produce or just soak in the atmosphere, Bedford’s Charter Market is the place to be. Fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, sweets, fashion and even key cutting is available at Bedford Borough’s biggest market.

Gourmet Market – every Thursday Thursdays in Bedford are filled with the delights of the Gourmet Market, which offers a wide range of quality food and food-related products including; freshly made pizza and vegetarian cuisine.

Farmers Market – second and fourth Thursday of the month Local produce including fruit, vegetables and flowers.

30

Home and Garden Market – every Friday Bedding plants, cut flowers, hanging baskets, shrubs – the perfect place to stock up on supplies for your garden. This spring also sees the return of a material and curtain stall at the Home and Garden Market, so if your home needs a lift this spring pay them a visit.

Handmade in Bedford – Second Saturday of the month (March-December) General Market (Kempston) – every Thursday and Sunday Kempston’s general market offers a wide range of goods from plants to burgers, greeting cards to fresh fruit and vegetables, pet food and garden equipment, to name a few.

Enquiries from quality traders are always welcome. Introductory offers may be available to new stall holders.

Please contact the Markets Team for more information: Tel: 01234 718676/718677 or 07920 476032 Email: markets@bedford.gov.uk

A fragrant reason to try

Bedford’s Markets Bedford’s Wednesday and Saturday Charter Markets

Come down and see what’s on offer

FOOD & DRINK

ablweastys

Why local is

A

s spring draws in, we get our first glimpse of sunshine and warmer days. But just as we spark up the barbecue, the grey clouds roll in on our misguided British enthusiasm! It seems our expectations of spring is also true for the foods we believe to be in season.

Spring foods often appear prematurely spring foods on restaurant menus and in supermarkets but if you look a bit closer at the labels, the majority will have been imported. By the time this hits your plate, it’s travelled around the world, lost nutritional value and cost you far more than locally sourced seasonal food.

Summerhill Farm Shop in Cardington works with local farmers and providers to provide their customers with seasonal, fresh produce that is tasty and nutritious. Manager, Sandy Boyd, tells us what you can find on the shelves at Summerhill this spring.

Purple sprouting broccoli provides muchneeded pizzazz to the early spring kitchen.

Wild garlic its leaves smell richly of garlic and can be chopped and added to stews, salads, pasta or soups.

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Rhubarb cultivated in the dark in unlit sheds, it hunts for the light, growing three times quicker. It’s a shocking pink and is softer and sweeter than the conventionally grown rhubarb.

Spring greens try them simply sautéed with oil and caraway seeds.

Asparagus has a very short season in Britain and usually arrives in May. Peru and Mexico meet the global demand for this popular veg but it uses precious water in these water-stressed regions. It’s worth waiting a little longer and paying a bit extra for the home-grown variety.

New potatoes Jersey Royals and Cornish ‘earlies’ are the finest flavoured new potatoes, with a soft skin that will rub off with your fingers.

Radishes taking just four weeks from seed, they will grow pretty much anywhere. Beautifully crunchy and sharp, they’re great raw in salads.

Lettuce and leaves are in abundance right now.

Polytunnels enable us to grow lettuces and leaves (such as rocket, land cress, mizuna, pak choi) in colder climates by trapping heat and humidity and warming up the soil naturally.

Visit Summerhill Farm Shop in Cardington for fresh local and seasonal fruit and vegetables, locally reared meat and artisan produce. www.summerhillfarmshop.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

VISIT US IN CARDINGTON FOR THE BEST LOCAL AND SEASONAL PRODUCE

Ethically reared local meat, seasonal fruit and vegetables, extensive range of British cheeses, local ales and wines.

Visit us at Cople Road, Cardington, Bedford, MK44 3SH

summerhillfarmshop.co.uk

Tel: 01234 831222 Mon to Sat 9am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm

THE CROWN WILLINGTON FREE HOUSE

REAL ALES, FINE WINE SERVING TRADITIONAL HOMEMADE FOOD FRESHLY PREPARED TO ORDER KIDS MEALS £6.95 INC DRINK & ICE CREAM SUNDAY ROASTS FROM £10.95

FULL MENU ON FACEBOOK: THE CROWN WILLINGTON WWW.THECROWNWILLINGTON.COM

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR EASTER SUNDAY TUESDAY IS STEAK NIGHT

Two 8oz rump steaks with a bottle of house wine £26.95

WEDNESDAY IS PASTA & PIZZA NIGHT Two meals plus bottle of house wine £22.95

FOOD SERVED TUES-SAT 12.00-3.00 & 6.00-9.00 SUN 12.00-4.00 RESERVATIONS TAKEN TEL 01234 831024 ENCLOSED PLAY AREA 5 MINUTE WALK FROM THE GREAT RIVER OUSE 17 STATION ROAD, WILLINGTON, BEDS MK44 3QH

To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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OPEN TO ALL serving food

Open 7 days a week

COMPETITION

FOOD & DRINK

WIN an Italian Hamper from La Piazza on St Pauls Square

Packed with delicious goodies including pasta & sauce, cheese, salami, olives, wine, beer, cake & more!

Colette Price from Bedford (who couldn’t make the photo date but will collect her hamper soon!) Thanks Libby!

It’s easy to enter…

Simply email your answer along with your address and phone number to teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

a) Pasg b) Ostern C) Pasqua

The winner will be selected at random after closing date and announced in the next edition.

What is the Italian word for Easter

Closing date: 14-04-17

CLOVERDALE RETREAT

Since opening in late Summer 2016 we are now in our sixth month at the Retreat and have acquired many regular customers which include families, couples, and organisations. We are now looking forward to seeing increasing numbers of visitors as we significantly improve the facilities available.

Subject to planning approval this will include a good-sized area of outdoor decking to the front of the window. We know there is a popular demand for this, not least from dog owners and the great view from inside will not be spoilt by this addition.

The Retreat offers a range of hot and cold drinks, cakes and hot and cold savouries. In the future we will be increasing all the menu options available and promoting various new lunch additions. We also plan to introduce breakfast items to our menu as soon as possible.

The Cloverdale Retreat, The Priory County Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9DJ

www.cloverdaleretreat.co.uk To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

35

Sum m erti m ea fterno o n Tea c rui ses 2 0 1 7 Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on TheOusewithT raditional Afternoon T ea.

Boats departat3pm Only ÂŁ120 for a tableof four Our Afternoon T ea Cruises areavailableon thefollowing dates: Sunday 16thApril, Saturday 20thMay Saturday 3rd &17thJune Saturday 8th& 22nd July Saturday 12th& 26thAugust

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Coach the

Treats & Tunes over Easter weekend

Easter Sunday Lunch 12-4pm Treats for the kids

Live music 7-10.30pm Easter Monday Breakfast 9-11am

Lunch/dinner 12-7pm achhousepotton .co .uk www .co

01767 260221

Hotel • Dining • Events

Events at the Barns Hotel We’ve a fantastic line up of events at the Barns Hotel this spring. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Steak Night - Friday 14th & 21st April Join us for the return of our popular Steak Nights, we have a choice of six different cuts including T-bone and Chateaubriand.

Charity Family Fun Day 1st May, 12-4pm, Free Entry Father’s Day Afternoon Tea 18th June, 12-6pm, £19.50 pp Easter Sunday Lunch 16th April, 12-2.30pm, £26.95pp Including live music and an Easter egg hunt for the kids.

Please call us on 01234 270044

Easter Sunday Afternoon Tea 16th April, 3-6pm, £19.50pp Easter Afternoon Tea - Kids eat free Weekdays over the Easter Holidays 10th-14th / 17th-21st April. £19.50pp Including Disney movies playing on our large screen along with an Easter egg hunt for the children. And the best bit the kids eat free. *Based on one children’s afternoon tea per child. *Adult needs to accompany children while on the Easter egg hunt.

To see more upcoming events and offers please visit our website.

Cardington Road | Bedford | Bedfordshire | MK44 3SA T 01234 270044 | www.barnshotelbedford.co.uk

ky Toffee SticPudding Method:

Recipe Makes 4 / 6 individual Puddings

For the Puddings: 55g Butter 170g Sugar 1tbls Treacle 2 tbls Golden Syrup 2 Eggs 200g Self Raising Flour 1tsp Baking Powder 10 floz hot water 200g dates

For the Toffee Sauce: 300ml double cream 85g diced unsalted butter 100g light muscovado sugar ½ - 1 tsp sea salt flakes

For the Toffee Sauce: 1) In a medium saucepan combine the butter cream and sugar. Heat over a low flame, stirring constantly until sugar has dissolved.

Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a golden colour and has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

2) Add the salt to taste.

For the Puddings: 1) Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl 2) Slowly add the treacle, syrup and eggs and blend to a smooth paste 3) Add the flour and baking powder 4) Soak the dates in the hot water then blitz in a blender to desired consistency. Add this to the cake batter and fold in.

5) Line (4 to 6) 7oz ramekins with flour 6) Pour a tbsp of the toffee sauce into each ramekin then pour in the cake batter ž of the way to the top.

7) Bake on 180-C or gas mark 5 for 20-25 minutes until risen and golden on top.

8) Turn out of the moulds and serve with an extra salted toffee sauce and ice cream.

n o i t i t e p Com TRUE COLOURS

by Elly Redding Elly Redding is a local author who lives in Bedfordshire. She won the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance in 2014 and her novel, True Colours, is a contemporary love story bursting with energy and humour.

Could you ever trust again the man who broke your heart? Kate Fenton thought she had that question all neatly sewn up. Ever since she went to Saul Preston’s London art gallery, a month before their wedding, and found him with his assistant…

Three years later, Saul’s back in her life with a new proposition – to accompany him on a trip to Majorca as his interpreter. It’s an offer Kate can’t refuse, even though she knows she should. Successful and rich, he’s just the sort of client her translation company is trying to attract – even if he is her two-timing ex!

Saul’s never had the time for second chances, but he knows what he’s doing when he suggests the trip. As gorgeous and infuriatingly easy to fall for as ever, he’s determined to rekindle their past. And he’s only got three days to do it…

Your chance to WIN a copy of the book!

The first 3 lucky readers to send the correct answer in win a copy

Q. Where does Saul suggest a trip to?

Email your answer by April 28th to teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk with name, address and telephone number

40

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PLUMBING AND HEATING

• Boiler Installation Specialists • Competitive Prices • Reliable and Efficient Service • Servicing and Breakdowns • General plumbing work • No job too small L.C.A Plumbing & Heating are based in Bedford covering all surrounding Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes areas.

Tel: 01234

266 220 Mobile: 07931 364522

• Great Ouse Primary Academy is a school that thinks and dreams big for its pupils.

• Expectations are high for all who make up the Great Ouse Primary Academy community.

• Brand new building and facilities to enable children to flourish within and beyond the school walls.

• We have high expectations of children for their academic achievement, behaviour, attendance and participation.

The Great Ouse Primary Academy will open as a brand new primary academy in September 2017 and is a proud member of Sharnbrook Academy Federation (SAF).

Admissions for Pre-School, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 now being taken for September 2017 via www.greatouseprimary.co.uk Contact: tmcdonagh@sharnbrook.beds.sch.uk, alternatively call 01234 782211 x6609

• We are committed to developing learners who are resilient, learners who are focused and learners who are aspirational in their goals.

• We expect that every child and young person at Great Ouse Primary Academy should be able to access the best teaching; academic subjects, pastoral care, sports, music, art and drama will all have an important place, helping to build confidence, skills and a spirit of endeavour and co-operation.

EDUCATION

n o i t i t e p Com John Bunyan Museum Annual Writing Competition John Bunyan Museum have once again launched their annual writing competition for school-aged children and young people. This year they are asking you to imagine you are Elizabeth Bunyan; your husband John Bunyan has been imprisoned for his beliefs, and you have to write a letter to the powerful judges to plead and argue for his pardon and release. There are four age groups: 5-8 years, 8-11yrs, 11-14yrs, and 14-18yrs, with a first, second and third prize for each of the categories.

Bold Imaginative Reflective Three words to define your daughter’s future.

Add three more:

Curator, Nicola Sherhod said, “Elizabeth Bunyan is a forgotten hero; she was brave and courageous – trying again and again to be heard by the Judges, including throwing a letter into the coach of one of the Judges as he passed, and visiting the Swan to plead in front of an intimidating group of judges, justices and gentry.”

The closing date for the competition is 5 June 2017 and the winners will be announced prior to a special presentation evening at the Museum on Tuesday 4 July 2017.

Open Morning Thursday 4th May, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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EDUCATION

Put your trust in Polam

NURSERY 1-3 YEARS

EARLY YEARS 3-5 YEARS

With so much changing in the education system, it’s good to know there are some things you can rely on Swimming | Music | Languages | PE

KEY STAGE 1 5-7 YEARS

KEY STAGE 2 7-9 YEARS

See website for Open Day dates www.polamschool.co.uk Polam School is part of the Cognita Schools Group www.cognitaschools.com

Telephone: 01234 261864 admissions@polamschool.co.uk 43-45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford MK40 2BU

Have you considered

fostering?

At Children First Fostering Agency we are currently recruiting caring individuals who want to make a difference to a child or young person’s life.

In return you will receive professional ongoing training, 24 hour support, respite breaks and a generous fostering allowance.

If you are interested in fostering and have a spare room for a child, please contact us at:

www.cffa.co.uk 0808 178 1144

44

Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

n o i t i t e p m o C WIN a Pair of tickets to Bedford Park Proms ‘Goes To The Movies’ Taking place on in the beautiful grounds of Bedford Park, the concert will feature special guest soloists who are now confirmed as Australian Tenor and West End Musical Star Daniel Koek. Daniel played the iconic role of Jean ValJean in Les Miserables and wowed the Bedford Proms audience in 2015. Joining Daniel will be Soprano Joanna Forest who is one of the most exciting new British sopranos in the UK right now. We will be announcing our third soloist shortly.

The renowned London Gala Orchestra and the Bedford Choral Society will be performing popular classics and film scores. Local school choirs and a special musical theatre drama group as well as some other special guests will be warming the crowd up before the concert begins.

Adults and children alike will love the film theme this year, as along with the favourite classical scores, there will be some exquisite renditions of popular film soundtracks. As always we guarantee an electric atmosphere, laser show as well as the spectacular firework finale. There will also be some very special surprises to fit with our film theme!

To be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets just answer the following question:

What iconic role did Daniel Koek play in Les Miserables?

Please email your entries along with your name and address to christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

by Monday 17th April.

General Admission Ticket Prices:

Early bird adult ticket (avail until the 30th April): Early bird child ticket (avail until the 30th April): Adult ticket: Child ticket:

£25.50** £5.00** £32.50** £5.00**

VIP Ticket Prices:

Early bird adult ticket (avail until the 30th April): Early bird child ticket (avail until the 30th April): Adult ticket: Child ticket:

*Limited amount of child tickets available.

Tickets subject to booking fees. **Tickets subject to booking fees.

£95.00** £25.00* £105.00** £30.00*

Buy your tickets online now at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

Charities

O

ver the last three months, BedsLife Magazine chose to support two fantastic local charities – Sue Ryder, St Johns Hospice and Tibbs Dementia and will be making a donation to support them.

They always appreciate any donations, especially small furniture, (collection of small furniture bulk donations and electricals can be arranged) Call on 01234 855100. The hospice would also love to hear from anyone who has few spare hours a week to come along and volunteer. www.bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk

For the next quarter, our chosen charities are Beds Daycare Hospice and Carers in Bedfordshire.

Carers in Bedfordshire is a not for profit charity providing support for carers of family members and friends throughout Bedfordshire.

Carers in Bedfordshire’s beginnings were as The Eve Project back in 2004, set up by former carer Yvonne Clark. Yvonne who realised the lack of support for unpaid carers of family members and loved ones. In April 2005, The Eve Project secured funding from the Harpur Trust and a year later, the name was changed to Carers in Bedfordshire. In doing so, the support for unpaid carers became countywide. Carers in Bedfordshire continued to grow and support more carers across the county and in April 2009 received funding to open a new carers centre in Biggleswade as well as Carers Café’s.

Established in 1992, Bedford Daycare Hospice provides high quality specialist, palliative and end of life care, from the point of diagnosis to hundreds of people, their relatives, families, carers and healthcare professionals.

As an independent charity we are responsible for our own fundraising, relying heavily on the work of fundraisers and volunteers.

They now have 2 shops now that raise funds – one newly opened shop on Kempston High Street and the Butterfly Boutique situated on the Hospice site on Linden Road.

The shop & boutique sells vintage, good quality and some brand-new clothing, as well as books, electricals, CDs, DVDs, Bric a Brac and small furniture (Kempston). New stock arrives weekly and everything is affordably priced, with all money going directly to the Hospice.

In September 2009, the NHS funded Carers in Bedfordshire to run the Carers Grants scheme to provide unpaid carers with a grant to have a break from their caring role. www.carersinbeds.org.uk

BEDFORD DAYCARE HOSPICE

Your local Shop

NOW OPEN Due to increased demand Volunteers and our Donations.

Fashion,Bric a Brac & Furniture We Collect and Deliver

01234 855100

www.bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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WHAT'SON Your essential guide to activities, clubs, events and lots more in your area. There’s something for everyone!

ARTS, CULTURE & TALKS Alpine Garden Society, Bedfordshire group Monday April 3rd 7.30 for 8.00pm Maren Talbot will be speaking about ‘Pleiones’.

Local nursery Plant sales (not just alpine plants), plant exhibits. Visitors very welcome £3 including refreshments.

Wilstead Village Hall, MK45 3BX Bedford Floral Art Society Tuesday April 4th at 7.30pm Rekha Naidoo presents ‘Life begins with Flowers’ Raffle of arrangements, Sales table Visitors £7 Everyone welcome Addison Centre, Kempston at 7.30pm www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk Bedford Art Society Meeting Friday 7th April 7.15 for 7.30 start, Guy Scott is an established artist from Buckinghamshire who has exhibited in London, Scotland and locally.

He will demonstrate how to tackle a portrait in acrylics.

Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors.

Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK418EB Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust Wednesday 12th April 2017 Meeting 7-30 pm ‘Pole to Pole’ An illustrated talk by Dr Pat Doody. This will follow a short AGM. Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

Further details available under Events on www. wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057 Bedford Architectural, Archaeological, & Local History Society Wednesday 12th April 7:30pm Illustrated talk: “Lady Margaret Beaufort – Saint or Schemer?”

Margaret Badley (Tutor, Rothsay Education Centre) Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre Bedford MK41 8EB Non-members welcome – £2:00 entry Enquiries (01234) 365095 www.baalhs.org.uk

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Cowslip and Fritillary Day On Easter Monday 17th April 2016 from 2pm to 4pm Plants for sale and afternoon teas.

At St. Peter’s Church, Newton Bromswold Biddenham Gardeners Association Tuesday 18th APRIL at 7.30 THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SALVIAS By Janet Buist Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & Refreshment Biddenham Village Hall www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk Embroiderers’ Guild, Bedford Branch Thursday April 20th 7.30 for 8.00pm Interested in textiles? Come and join us. Tonight’s speaker Eve Marshall will speak on ‘It all begins with a piece of fluff’. Her website www.evemarshall.co.uk will tell you more. The sales table and our scrapbooks will help you to find out what we do and how to join us.

Visitors welcome, £4 including refreshments.

St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill MK41 7UY Rushden Flower Arrangement Club Thursday 27 April Demonstration 7pm for 7.30 start Jo Poulter – “All Shapes & Sizes Raffle of designs & Refreshments New member and visitors welcome Membership £30.00 visitors £6.00.

Meeting held at the Full Gospel Church Hall, Bedford Road Rushden Thursday 25 May Evening Visit Tricia Anderson’s Garden, For more information please contact us via our Facebook page The Rushden Flower Arrangement Club.

Alpine Garden Society, Bedfordshire group Monday May 1st 7.30 for 8.00pm Members’ evening with mini-presentations on various topics. Local nursery Plant sales (not just alpine plants), plant exhibits. Visitors very welcome £3 including refreshments.

Wilstead Village Hall, MK45 3BX Bedford Floral Art Society Tuesday May 2nd at 7.30pm Julie Woods presents ‘A Tantalising Cocktail’ Raffle of arrangements, Sales table Visitors £7 Everyone welcome Addison Centre, Kempston www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk

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CLASSES, CLUBS & GROUPS Linedancing Mondays at Priory Methodist Church Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.30pm – 8.30pm www.dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553 Kempston and District Model Railway Society Meets every Monday from 7.30pm-10pm At the Church of the Transfiguration rear church hall.

New members welcome.

Contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com Bedford Advanced Drivers – Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents We meet bi monthly on the third Tuesday of each odd month in the Lecture Room at the Bedford Athletic Stadium in Barkers Lane, Bedford at 8.00pm.

Our next meeting will follow our short AGM on Tuesday 21st March speaker yet to arranged, check our website.

Non members very welcome.

Our May speaker from Cranfield University will be talking about driverless cars.

Enquires call 01234 266070 or check our website www.roada-bedford.org.uk.’

Silver lining Club for the silver haired.

Park Road Methodist Church Roff Avenue, opposite the high flats. Number 10 bus stops outside.

FREE. 2pm-4pm every first Tuesday of the month.

Various activities or just sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee Over 70’s Gentle Exercise Classes Every Monday and Wednesday (except bank holidays) Mondays – Bedford Central Library (3rd floor meeting room) Wednesday – Bedford International Athletics Stadium £4 per session Tel 01234 718835 www.bedford.gov.uk/sport Rotary Club of Bedford de Parys Meet for breakfast every Tuesday at The Embankment Hotel 7.15am for 7.30am start.

Fellowship, fundraising and interesting speakers www.bedforddeparysrotary.co.uk Scottish Country Dancing – Beginners class.

Tuesday evenings 8pm -10pm ARA Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford £2.50 per session, first evening free. Singles welcome No experience/partners needed. Wear soft shoes.

Keith Rose 01234 781448 keith@krose.plus.com

Bedfordshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.

Meetings:- 1st Tuesday evening each month 7.30 – 9.30pm 3rd Saturday 10.30am. – 4.30pm each month.

A friendly group of lovers of textile related crafts have changed venue to Flitwick Village Hall, 11 Dunstable Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1HP Local Friendship Group Welcomes new members We meet at a local public house every Wednesday at 8pm Call 07790 904736 or 07925 910639 Email: friendshipclub365@gmail.com Enjoy Irish Ceili and Set Dancing.

Every Wednesday 8 pm to 10 pm at the Reading Room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford. £2 per session – first evening free. No partner required.

Beginners welcome.

Ring Pat [01234 308224] for more details.

Evening Handcraft – Knitting, Stitching and lots of other hand crafts 1st & 3rd Wednesday of most months.

Enjoy craft and good conversation with a relaxed group who support one another. Plus a whole craft shop to shop in if you want to. £4.75 per session which includes any drink off the O For Coffee menu.

Tudor Rose Patchwork Unit 1, Oakley Park, Station Road, Oakley MK43 7RB Phone 01234 824983 for further details.

Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club Meet on First, Third and Fifth Wednesday of each month eve 8-10pm We are a friendly social Folk Dancing Club St Marks Church Hall, Calder Rise (off Avon Drive), Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7UY It’s good fun for only £1 incl. refreshments No partner required. Rosemary Mcneilage 01234 405594 MENCAP – Smiley Club Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm A fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities.

The club has a band of loyal volunteers, mostly teenagers and activities include: Art and crafts, board games, outside play in the warmer months and hanging out with friends!

Pine Cones Family Centre, (behind Livingstone Lower School) Clapham Road, Bedford.

For further information please contact the club leader Jeff Smith on 07798 762 808.

To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

49

WHAT’S ON MENCAP – Sparkle Club Wednesdays in term time between 7.00pm – 9.00pm a social club for adults with learning disabilities. It is held on Putnoe Primary School, Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0DH. Bedford Pipe Band welcome new members.

Thursdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm Friendly & relaxed group beginners to experienced.

St John’s Church hall (MK42 0DL), Bedford.

Contact Pipe Major Donald Reid 01234 268475 Mrs. Barrett (Band Secretary) 01234 360967 www.bedfordpipeband.org.uk Bedford Gallery Quire 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursday of each month 7.30 pm Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Ave, Bedford We welcome those interested in singing/playing’West Gallery’ music from the early 18th century to the mid19th century. Contact Ken Baddley 01234 310018 www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk Bedford Folk Dance Company Meet Thursday eve 8 – 10 pm.

We are a friendly Country and Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB It’s good fun for only £2 incl. Refreshments No partner required Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com Magpie Ladies Group A friendly group who meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm At St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill. (No meetings in August) Guest Speakers and social events. Tea/Coffee and cake included. New members welcomed Please Contact: Rosemary 01234 405594 or Barbara 01234 304960 Art Friends – New Art Group Art for Fun and Friendship For All Every Thursday 9.30am – 12.30pm Bromham Baptist Church Enquiries please call Jackie 01234 825663 / 07880 518465 Flower School Thursday evenings 5pm – 7pm April Flowers, 90 High Street, Clapham Various arrangements covered with a demo followed by the opportunity for students to complete the same design which they can take home.

Booking essential Call Amy on 01234 343335 / 07794 827137 P.M Bridge Group First and third Thursdays of each month 11am to 2.45pm Friendly duplicate bridge Good standard buffet lunch £6 including lunch, tea or coffee. Renhold Village Hall.

Tel Ann on 01234 212066 Linedancing Thursdays Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club 134 High Street High Street Kempston Bedford MK42 7BN. Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.00pm – 8.00pm Improver/Intermediate 8.00pm – 10.00pm http://dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553

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Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club We are a long established folk dance club who meet every Friday in term time from 8pm to 10pm at Hazeldene School Bedford MK41 9AT (use Hartshill entrance). No partner required. Contact David Cooke on 01234 823920, www.finecompanions.synthasite. com or find us on Facebook Bedfordshire Family History Society Welcomes new members at their monthly meetings on the 1st Friday of every month.

Contact Lynn on 01234 306482 Held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX www.bfhs.org.uk Friday Daubers This friendly group of amateur daubers meets at 5 Lansdowne Road Bedford every Friday between 1pm and 4pm to spend a few hours enjoying our hobby.

Between us we use a variety of media. If you enjoy drawing and/or painting why not join us. If you are interested why not contact one of us to find out more – Anne 07548 840856 or Jenny 01234 824568 or email Marianne marianne.sellers@virginmedia.com

COMMUNITY / CHARITY EVENTS Kempston Musical Society – Bring and Sing Faure’s Requiem Saturday 1st April at 7.30pm £6 Kempston Musical Society invitesyou to come and join them in singing Faure’s Requiem.

Aternoon rehearsal at 4.00pm, followed by tea and refreshments, so come and join us, try out your singing voice and you may then wish to sing with us on a permanent basis, rehearsing each Thursday evening in Kempston. The cost for singers is £5 – music and refreshments will be provided. Please wear a white top and black bottom. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Midland Road, Bedford. For further details, more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir please call 01234 781010 or email prestissimo@ btinternet.com. All proceeds are to be donated to the St. Francis Support of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Northern Uganda charity.

CAFÉ-IN-THE-TOWER Easter Sunday and Monday, 16th & 17th April Drop in between 2.30-5.30 pm to sample a delicious range of cakes and cookies to go with your favourite cuppa. The Church Tower will be open.

The panoramic views from the top are well worth the climb. Step up to the challenge! Tower trips £2.50 adults, £1 children (10-16). Wander around our award winning Churchyard which supports an amazing diversity of local flora and fauna. See All Saints Church in Simon Jenkins England’s Thousand Best Churches.

All Saints Church, Odell, North Bedfordshire, (MK43 7AA).

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WHAT’S ON Car Boot Sale Easter Monday 17th April 9.00a.m. – 12.30p.m and Bank Holiday Monday 1st May St Mark’s Church & Community Centre Sellers 8.00a.m. – Buyers 9.00a.m. £7.00 outside £8.00 inside Entrance 50p.

Refreshments available including ‘Bacon Butties’ Calder Rise/Avon Drive Bedford MK41 7UY Contact: Church Office 01234 342613 or 01234 360605 Hitchin Brass Band Concert Saturday 22 April 7.30pm to 9.30pm Hitchin Brass Band present their Annual Charity Spring Concert at the Forest Centre, in Aid of Bedford Hospital Day Treatment Unit. £9, incl draw for £100 John Lewis Voucher!

Book at Forest Centre, email info@marstonvale.org or call 01234 767037.

Alternatively, contact Alan Hooker at Bedford Hospital Haematology.

Licensed bar, free parking .For more info email hooky49@aol.co.uk British Red Cross Bedfordshire Event Sunday 23rd April 2pm-5pm Open Garden The King’s Arms, Ampthill, Beds., MK45 2PP Drinks & cakes, Parking. Tickets £3.00 pay on entry.

All monies raised will go to help people in crisis in Bedfordshire.

Bletsoe Plant Sale Sunday 23rd April, 11am – 3pm A chance to meet and buy from small nurserymen and specialist plantsmen, and the ever-popular charity stall.

Entrance £1, refreshments available.

Bletsoe Village Hall, MK44 1QF. For more information call Alison (01234 781372).

Vintage Afternoon Tea Friday 28th April from 2pm to 4pm Entry £3 which includes tea, home made cake and some lovely music to dance to.

Christ the King Church Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP For information call Sue on 01234 965497 A Different Brew – A Cafe with a difference’ Summer Opening Times Monday- Friday 10am till 8pm and Sundays 11am till 6pm 106 Clapham Road, Bedford Licensed to sell alcohol with food.

Sunday menu includes a roast, different meat each week. Staffed by adults with learning difficulties working both front and back of house.

A Different Brew is a project of Beds Garden Carers (BGC) Find us on Facebook Beds Garden Carers – Learning Disabilities Charity Panacea Museum The museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a remarkable religious community formed in the early twentieth century.

General Opening Hours Museum and Gardens Open February half term to October half term Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 11.00am – 5.00pm Gardens only April – September Monday – Wednesday from 11.00am – 4.00pm.

EASTER Easter Egg Hunt Bedford Park Saturday 8th April 10am – 4pm Pick up your clues from The Pavilion Easter Egg Decorating 2pm – 5pm. www.pavilion.attheparkbedford.co.uk Pavilion at the Park, Bedford Park Jordans Mill – Easter Trail in the Mill Gardens Monday 10th – Monday 17th April During the Easter weekend, explore our Mill Gardens, meadow and woodland on a fun Easter trail with a chocolate treat at the end to reward your hunting efforts! £1.50 per child Langford Rd, Langford, Biggleswade SG18 9JY Tel 01767 603940 To book please visit www.jordansmill.com Jordans Mill – Childrens Crafting Fun Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th April 10.30am until 12pm Includes drink and a biscuit. Ages 5-9, £4 per child.

Langford Rd, Langford, Biggleswade SG18 9JY Tel 01767 603940 To book please visit www.jordansmill.com Easter at the Bird of Prey Centre & Activity Farm Friday 14th April – Monday 17th April 10am Lots to do and see for the whole family. Over 200 birds and animals to meet, animal talks, giant Easter egg hunt daily at 3.30pm, animal and critter displays, handle and fly the owls, Easter crafts, lamb feeding demonstrations, pat a pet sessions, meet the Easter bunny and more!

All activities are included in your admission: Adult £12.50, Senior £11.50, Child (3-15 years) £9.50, Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £34.50 Children under 3 years Free.

Birds of Prey Centre, Herrings Green Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire, MK45 3DT Easter Egg Hunt Russell Park Saturday 15th April 10am – 4pm Kiosk at the Park has teamed up with the Sustrans Cycle Charity to offer an Easter Egg Hunt around Russell Park Pick up your clues from The Kiosk, head off around the park to find the answers, and return to the Kiosk with your completed sheet to pick up your prize!

Creative Days will also be at The Kiosk from 10am – 1pm to lead an Easter Egg Decorating workshop.

Kiosk activities will be on offer – duplo to play with, books to read, table tennis to play, the putting green will be open and teas, coffees and cake too.

Easter Trail – The Forest of Marston Vale Sunday & Monday 16 & 17 April 11am to 3pm continuously Follow our Easter Trail and win a chocolate treat – only £2 per child, no booking required.

Pop into Reception to pay and collect your Trail sheet!

The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, MK43 0PR

To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

51

WHAT’S ON FAMILY A Spring Surprise – Outdoor Kids’ Event The Forest of Marston Vale Tuesday 11 April 10am to 3.15pm Sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm.

Booking and parental supervision essential.

To book, call 01234 767037 or email info@marstonvale.org The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, MK43 0PR Ready Steady Roll – Board Games and Bowl Wednesday April 12th Adults £15.00 Kids £7.50 Pavilion at the Park, Bedford Park With over 100 board and card games, Ready Steady Roll will be here to recommend and teach you a variety of games from old classics to modern gems.

Play in your group or join with others to play a relaxed familiar favourite, or try something different. Food will be provided throughout the evening in the form of Lasagne or Moussaka (v) followed by dessert.

Fully licensed bar and hot and cold soft drinks on offer too. www.pavilion.attheparkbedford.co.uk Festival of Power – Santa Pod Friday 14th – Sunday 16th April An action-packed Easter weekend for the whole family featuring the famous annual Jet Car Shootout!

Watch the Nitro Funny Cars, Top Fuel Dragsters and the National Drag Racing Championships. Plus a full line-up of displays and attractions including Monster Trucks, stunts, sideshows, traders and more. www.santapod.com FREE Face Painting Easter Saturday 15 April Bring the kids in for FREE face painting from 11-4pm on Boots Corner. Love Bedford – FREE Easter Fun! Monday 10th to Wednesday 12th April 11am and 4pm Visit Harpur Square and spend time colouring in our specially designed Bedford Easter Mural. Once completed it will be displayed in the Harpur Centre for everyone to see. Pick up a FREE prize draw entry form from a BlueCap and visit the participating businesses to collect Easter Egg stickers.

WWW.LOVEBEDFORD.CO.UK

HEALTH & WELLBEING Bedford Macular Support Group Third Monday of each month at 10:30 am.

Volunteer Centre, 43 Bromham Road Offering practical and emotional support to people suffering central vision loss or Macular Disease.

Speakers on a range of related topics.

Info 01234 781372 Hearts In Beds Cardiac Support Group First Tuesday each month 7pm Priory Methodist Church Halls, Newnham Ave, Bedford, MK41 9QJ. (We hold a gentle exercise session from 7 – 7-30 pm under a qualified trainer. Everyone welcome, you don’t need to have a cardiac condition to join us.

Raffle at the end of the evening.

Contact Sid Luff, 01234 404671 or Ted Jolliffe 01234 327791 for further details of the Group.

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Health Walks – Forest of Marston Vale Wednesdays 10.30am Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board or ring 01234 767037.

The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR

MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE Bedford Music Club Music on Thursdays Thursday 27 April, 7.45pm Marian Consort, vocal group Ave Virgo Sanctissima Bunyan Meeting Music by Fayrfax, Lambe, Byrd, C McDowall, FrancesHoad, Weir, R. Panufnik Tickets £18, Student (18-25 yrs) £5, Under 18 £2 available on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk The Ouse Valley Singers. “Music in May”.

Saturday 6 May 7.30pm Adults £10, children free, includes wine and nibbles.

Tickets from 01234 831 136 or on the door St. Lawrence’s Church, Willington

SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club We are an indoor bowls club with superb facilities which will be updated to an even higher standard in early summer to make it the most prestigious club in the area.We offer bowls coaching from qualified coaches for beginners of all ages whether or not you are a club member. We provide you with bowls and bowls shoes and up to five lessons without any obligation to join the most prestigious club in the area.

290 Hillgrounds Road Kempston MK42 8UB 01234 852291 www.kempstonparkbowls.co.uk Bedford Parkrun every Saturday Meet at The Bandstand at 9am.

Join us for a 5km run around the park (dogs, children and buggies all welcome). Register for free on the Parkrun UK website http://www.parkrun.org.uk Rambling Club We’re a friendly walking group who meet on a Sunday morning for a 5/6 mile walk.

For further information or a copy of our programme please contact brclub75@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01234 360769.

Bromham Short Mat Bowling Club Monday afternoons 2.00 – 4.30 pm and Tuesday evening 7.00 – 9.30 pm.

We are a friendly group of people that play short mat bowls. This is a fun, in-expensive, sociable game for all ages with a cuppa at half-time. We meet on In Bromham Village Hall. The first two sessions are free where training can be given, all that you would have to bring is a pair of soft, flat shoes or even your slippers!

Contact Sue on 01234 823610 for more details but why not come and give it a try we would love to see you.

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WHAT’S ON Ouse Valley Archers Currently offering a four week introduction in target archery.

Courses run by Archery GB approved coaches and all equipment is provided.

For experienced archers or those who have completed a beginners course the club shoots indoors/outdoors on Tuesday & Thursday 7.00pm – 9.00pm and Sunday 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Putnoe Primary School & Field Bedford For further details visit our website or contact info@ ousevalleyarchers.com Walking Football Summer sessions at Bedford Cricket Club Mondays 7-8pm Thursdays 2-3pm For more information and to book a place please email: info@walkingfootballleagues.co.uk Mowsbury Park Bowling Club Try lawn bowls for FREE any Wednesday or Friday 2pm to 4.30pm.

Just bring flat shoes.

For more info about our club please contact Anne Haynes on 01234 211828 or visit our NEW web site www.mowsburyparkbowlsclub.co.uk Bedford FC Mini Soccer Club Every Saturday at Goldington Academy 10.30am till 12.15pm.

Open to boys and girls aged 4-10yrs.

Cost per child £3.00 and £5 for two children.

Our sole aim is to provide children of all abilities with a unique footballing experience, developing their physical, social and communication skills in a safe environment.

Full usage of toilet and changing facilities and plenty of car parking spaces. www.bedfordfcminisoccer.com.

Bedford Girls and Ladies FC We are a voluntary sports club for girls age 8 and upwards. If you’d like to find out more info please call Jill on 01234 772668 or 07850540631.

Bedford Thunder Basketball club Mixed gender sessions Age 10-13 3.00-4.30 every Saturday Age 14-16 4.30-6.00 every Saturday Men’s club 7.35-9.45 every Tuesday All session in Bedford Academy, for further information contact bedfordthunder@outlook.com or visit our website www.bedfordthunder.com Wootton Badminton Club Wootton Upper School, Hall End, Wootton, Beds, MK43 9HT Thursdays from 7.30pm to 10.00pm This friendly club welcomes anyone who does or has played badminton, sorry no absolute beginners.

Contact: Freda Dunlop 01234 270638 Email: garry.freda@btinternet.com www.woottonbedfordbadmintonclub.weebly.com

Bedford mighty eagles dodgeball team We are a club that plays at a high level but would love anyone from any sporting ability and background to come down and give it a go as long as you are 15 and above. We have a men’s and women’s squad. It is great fun and a fantastic way to keep fit. We train on Tuesday’s 8-9 at: Hastingsbury school, Hill rise, Bedford, Mk42 7EB First training session is FREE and then each session is only £3 after that Bedford United Football Club Bedford United is a non-profit making football club holding the FA Charter Standard status and providing a fun, friendly, safe and structured environment to learn, play and enjoy football.

We have an established range of teams from our Academy right through to our Adults so if you’re interested in playing, coaching or helping out visit us at www.bedfordunitedfc.co.uk.

Cyclists Touring Club, Bedfordshire.

We meet on a regular basis and have rides to various places, and cater for all abilities. We ride as a group for the pleasure of riding and socialising, nobody gets left behind ! See website ctc-bedfordshire.co.uk for details of our forthcoming rides, or ring 01234 219148 for further information.

Social Table Tennis Mon/Tue 7.30pm-10.00pm Sports Hall, Lincroft School, Oakley All Ages Welcome. Just Turn Up £4 per player per session, Bats Available, Free Hire Coaching Available Call John 07921 093199 Bedford Borough Bowling Club Established over 100 years are now enrolling new members and forming a junior section.

Probably the most prestigious bowling club in the Bedford area with both indoor and outdoor bowling greens. We offer FREE tuition from qualified instructors, with all equipment provided, we just ask you to wear flat shoes. Afterwards, you can obtain a cool drink or a coffee from the bar and relax in the comfortable lounge area. There are also restaurant facilities for lunch time meals. So give it a try, bring the family all are welcome.

Free parking. Check our web site www.boroughbowlin. org.uk or telephone 01234 340736 for more details,

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event.

To list your event in May please email christa@bedslifemagazine. co.uk

by Wednesday 12th April To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

53

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING NEEDS...

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Where to...

B

Cycle

edford has a wealth of cycle routes to suit all ages and abilities.

The North Beds villages have some wonderful countryside routes to enjoy and these are just a few you may enjoy as spring well and truly approaches.

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The 16 mile Ouse Valley route covers Bedford, Bromham, Pavenham, Felmersham, Oakley, Carlton, Stevington.

For the more adventurous, the 33 mile North Beds Village at Harrold route takes you through Hinwick-Podington-Wymington-Newton Bromswold-Yielden-Swineshead-RiseleySharnbrook-Pertenhall-Keysoe-Chadwell EndGreen End-Hatch End-Thurleigh-Bletsoe.

Nearer to Sandy, you can cycle the 21 mile route, Potton-Gamlingay-Hatleys-Croyden-ShingayMordens-Wrestlingworth-Cockayne Hatley.

Marston Vale is a 27 mile circular route going south from Bedford through Kempston, Wootton, Marston Moretaine, Ampthill, Maulden, and Cardington or for a shorter circular 5 miles, you can enjoy the off road Marston Vale cycle trail around Forest Valley Centre in Marston Moretaine.

All these routes plus maps and other choices north and south of Bedford can be found at www.letsgo.org.uk

54

13/08/2015 09:24

rd Gam e Boareview‌

SERVICES

Celestia

Celestia is, at its very basic, a game of bluff and double bluff. It is very simple, with rules on one small page, but extremely entertaining.

01234 404947 07873 287268

The idea of it is that every player is on a flying ship heading on a journey to a number of cities. Every player gets to be the Captain of the ship for a turn and has to negotiate a number of dangers to get to the next city.

When the dangers are revealed (by the roll of dice) everyone has to decide for themselves whether they think the Captain can get past them (by using cards in their hands) or not and then whether to stay on the ship or get off in the current city to collect a treasure card worth or risk crashing and getting nothing.

First to 50 points wins the game!

Celestia is definitely a fun, family game. The rules are simple but the gameplay is fun.

You are continually trying to decide whether the captain is telling the truth or lying when they tell you they can or cannot get past the dangers in front of them. The heart of the game is the fun and excitement as you interact and wait to see what is going to happen!

Simon White 55

t's on WhataMK Theatre this month GIMME, GIMME, GIMME

A F-ABBA-LOUS EVENING OF THEATRE AS MAMMA MIA! COMES TO MILTON KEYNES

T

he first ever MAMMA MIA! UK Tour comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 2nd – Saturday 20th May.

(Bill Austin), Lucy May Barker (Sophie Sheridan), Phillip Ryan (Sky), Fia Houston-Hamilton (Ali), Blaise Colangelo (Lisa), Louis Stockil (Pepper) and Brad Veitch (Eddie) will star in the production from Monday 13 February 2017.

MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. MAMMA MIA! The Movie is the highest worldwide grossing live-action musical film of all time.

Completing the cast are Erica Jayne Alden, Peter Saul Blewdon, Aine Curran, Chris Durtnal, Gillian Ford, Tilly Ford, Ian Gareth-Jones, Morgan Jackson, Rory Maguire, Kay Milbourne, Hollie Nelson, Charlotte O’Rourke, Ellie Rutherford, Rebecca Seale, Oliver Tester, Kyle Wardlaw, Jamie Wilkin and James Wolstenholme.

From West End to global phenomenon, the London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by more than 10% of the entire UK population. It is one of only five musicals to have run for more than 10 years both on Broadway and in the West End, and in 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

The full touring cast includes Helen Hobson (Donna Sheridan), Gillian Hardie (Rosie), Emma Clifford (Tanya), Alex Bourne (Sam Carmichael), Jamie Hogarth (Harry Bright), Christopher Hollis

The MAMMA MIA! UK Tour is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal and NGM.

Performances: Tue 2 – Sat 20 May. Mon – Sat 7.30PM, Wed,

Sat & Thu 4 May 2.30PM Box Office: 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)* Groups Hotline: 01908 547609 Access Booking: 0844 871 7677 (bkg fee)* Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg fee) *Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Online and phone bookings also carry a transaction fee of £2.85 (excluding Theatre Card & Groups)

Website: www.mamma-mia.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mammamiamusical Twitter: www.twitter.com/MammaMiaMusical

56

SERVICES

SHARNBROOK FETE AND DOG SHOW MONDAY 29th MAY 2017 2 — 5 pm on the Playing Fields, Lodge Road DISPLAY BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOL OF FALCONRY, KYRON AKAL PAN MUSIC BBQ, BAR, REFRESHMENTS, ICE CREAMS, GAMES AND STALLS FOR ALL THE FAMILY RAFFLE, BOUNCY CASTLE AND MORE!

SHARNBROOK FUN RUN www.sharnbrookfunrun.co.uk Race starts at 2 pm from the Playing Fields If you would like to have a stall or for further information please contact Kathryn White kathrynwwhite@hotmail.co.uk or Tel 01234 781968 Sharnbrook Playing Field Association—Charity no 300062

To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

57

Film

Review Patriots Day

After last years excellent Deepwater Horizon Mark Wahlberg is back with the same director, Peter Berg, for another dramatized account of a real situation.

Those with even short memories will probably remember the bombing of the Boston Marathon back in 2013 and the shockwave that the attack on the crowd watching it caused.

Following the terrorist attacks the news coming out about the search for the bombers was regular as the Boston Police and FBI went on a manhunt. This is the story of the attack and the way the authorities went about trying to find out what had happened.

Wahlberg is a very solid actor, he is very capable of comedy and action, drama and thriller. He will probably never be an award winning actor but he very rarely puts in a bad performance and his working man persona here is perfect.

The bombing is something we do know about.

What we didn’t know and this film shows us in great detail is how they law enforcement groups worked to track down the perpetrators This isn’t done in a boring way, they mix the excitement of the hunt with the important clue uncovering by the technicians very well to give us a very good film.

Simon White 58

Book

Review A Good Read The Guilty One by Lisa Ballantyne

Eight-year-old Ben is found dead in a park and eleven-year-old Sebastian is arrested and charged with his murder. With echoes of other high profile cases it does ask us to question how our behaviour as adults can lead to horrific consequences.

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The focus of the story is Daniel, a solicitor chosen to represent Sebastian in court.

Despite the child being quite difficult to warm to, Daniel sees something of himself in the boy and he begins to recall his own childhood as the son of a drug addict, who spent most of his time in foster care. Here the narrative splits and we discover his story in the mid-1980s interspersed in the current day court case.

Ballantyne successfully transports us back to a cold farm in the North of England where Daniel finally finds the warmth and love he has been looking for in the shape of his foster mother, Minnie. She immediately takes to this boy that no one else wants and an unlikely relationship develops between them. What becomes apparent though is that something went very wrong with the relationship and as an adult, facing the death of Minnie, and the trial of young Sebastian, Daniel is forced to confront his own childhood whilst we are left wondering who the guilty one really is.

59

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61

SERVICES

s ar Ye 0 15 g in Celebrat Singing for the joy of it!

A

t the end of April this year, Bedford Choral Society is celebrating 150 years of the joy of singing for the people of Bedford and its surroundings. The choir gave its performance on 30 April 1867 and, on that anniversary, 150 years later, we will again be singing Mendelssohn’s Lauda Sion, performed at that very first concert.

It’s a good sing!

Also in the programme is Vaughan Williams’ gorgeous Serenade to Music, written to celebrate Sir Henry Wood’s Golden Jubilee in 1938, together with two works commissioned by the Society from local composers Paul Edwards and Tim Grant-Jones. Both works continue the theme of celebration, with the latter a setting of the 150th Psalm.

By the time of the concert, the choir is aiming to number 150 singers. We come from all walks of life and meet for rehearsals in Biddenham every Monday. Ian Smith is our Musical Director and will again be conducting us, accompanied by Bedford Sinfonia, on that 150th Anniversary in Bedford Corn Exchange, the concert starting at 7.30pm.

In this special year, we are proud to be sponsored, among others, by the Harpur Trust, itself celebrating 450 years, and by Goldings of Bedford, ironmongers, like us celebrating 150 years of trading in Bedford. We are indeed very grateful for the support these organisations are giving us. Thank you all.

Later this year, we continue celebrating with a lovely ‘pastoral’ concert in the Corn Exchange on Saturday 17 June, including Michael Hurd’s Shepherds Calendar. I sang that work at its premiere in 1975, with Southampton Choral Society, and it’s great to be rehearsing it again.

Early in August, we’re on stage with a concert orchestra, in Proms in the Park, a good outing for singers and audience alike on an evening in high summer. Bring your picnics and wave your flags as usual! Then, on Saturday 25 November, back in the Corn Exchange, we sing Elgar’s The Kingdom, which is something to which I will be really looking forward. Finally, in December, it’s our ever-popular Carol Concert!

So do come and listen to us, in April, June, August, November and December – and beyond – singing for the joy of it. www.bedfordchoralsociety.org.uk

62

SERVICES ‘It is incredible to think that these mature vocalists are mere students’ THE TIMES

IN CONCERT Choral scholars from King’s College, Cambridge performing classical, folk, spiritual and modern pop songs to help raise funds for Utange Orphans Charity

SATURDAY 29TH APRIL 8PM Bromham Baptist Church, Village road, Bromham, MK43 8LJ

TICKETS: £15/£12.50 CONCESSIONS ON-LINE: utangeorphans.org CALL: 07506 990226

REGISTERED CHARITY 1160637

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To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

63

Why choose Acorn House ?

Acorn House is the only Veterinary Hospital in Bedford To be awarded hospital status, a veterinary practice must: • Pass regular rigorous inspections by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons • Ensure that nursing staff are on site 24 hours a day • Ensure that veterinary surgeons are available 24 hours a day • Provide specialist equipment for diagnosis and treatment • Employ veterinary surgeons with advanced qualifications and experience

The highest accreditation a veterinary practice can be awarded is Veterinary Hospital status

Acorn House Veterinary Hospital, Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7HN

Tel: 01234 261839

www.acornhousevets.com Register online today.

Food-dispensing toys

for dogs and cats

I

nteractive pet toys that release food can be a fantastic treat for dogs and cats. They can also help to prevent or treat many common behaviour problems, for example:

• When leaving a puppy or dog alone for short periods, to encourage calm and settled behaviour.

• To redirect undesirable behaviours such as chewing household items, overgrooming or stalking and pouncing on feet and hands.

• As part of obesity management in cats or dogs – feeding part of the usual daily food ration in a feeding toy will make the food last longer.

Which toy shall I use?

The Kong is the best-known model, with varieties for all sizes of dogs and cats and an “extreme” version for very strong chewers.

Activity boards, puzzle feeders and home-made toys are alternative options.

What shall I put in the toy?

Initially you will need to make the toy easy to use. Small, dry pieces of tasty food (treats, cubes of cheese or sausage) will roll out of the toy easily so will quickly hold your pet’s attention.

When your dog finds this too easy, dog Kongs can have a piece of carrot or large kibble stuffed in the end, so that your dog has to chew hard to dislodge it and release the smaller treats.

Once your dog or cat is enthusiastic about the toy, you can start to stuff it with wet food. Wet dog/cat food, meat/fish paste, and squeezy cheese are all suitable.

For a super long-lasting treat, the stuffed Kong can be frozen before being given to your pet (run it under the hot tap first to make sure their tongue doesn’t stick!)

Acorn House Veterinary Surgery understands that well-behaved pets are happy pets (with happy owners)! The practice stocks a range of food-dispensing toys and treats and our friendly receptionists, nurses and vets are happy to chat about behaviour or training issues. We have our own veterinary behaviour home visit service for pets with more complex behaviour problems and host puppy classes at the surgery every Tuesday evening.

The Kong is the best-known model, with varieties for all sizes of dogs and cats and an “extreme” version for very strong chewers.

65

Take Me Home

Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade

Domino

Bertie

Jacob

Long time stray looking for a home to call his own

Long term stray looking for a home with a sunny spot

Affectionate chatty boy is ready to find his forever home where he can feel safe and loved

B ​ essie

Patch

Charlie

Can you offer Bessie a place she can call her own?

Happy & Recently Homed

Happy & Recently Homed

Brook

​Orion

Betty

Happy & Recently Homed

Chatty boy looking for love and conversation​

Loving girl looking for an indoor home to help her gain in confidence

Dumpling

Working Cats

Stunning girl looking for a home to help her blossom

Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade Branch Call 0345 260 2505 or visit www.bedfordcats.org.uk 66

​Buddy Former stray needs a home that will let him settle on his own terms​

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67

Your Tarotscopes for April 2017...

by Susan Peppiatt

Aries

exciting plans for both work and leisure show this Month for Arians. Life looks a little easier and without the need to be do serious, the cards would urge you to put worries aside and start to explore what really makes you happier. Time to switch in the smile which has been missing for a while, perhaps

Taurus

For some time now Taureans have felt that they had to carry an extra load, and this month shows no let up from that burden, however happily it is shouldered. Plans for relaxation have to be for later in the year, but that wouldn’t stop dreams of his.

Set to use done leisure time, so a little fantasising seems in order this month

Gemini

The cards are trying to advise you to keep fairly single minded on a work or study front, and to try to ignore uncertainties which show as pretty constantly stirred up by colleagues Who have their own axes to grind, whilst confusing your path forwards. Now is not the time to fight other people’s battles, it is time to show them what strength of thought and purpose can do, so that they can begin to fight their own

Cancer

Very strong winds of change show as blowing across the world of those born under the sign of Cancer this Spring and a lot of it shows as having its roots springing from events this April. Time then to watch and listen rather than act 68

until things have begun to play out the paths that they will forge forwards. It’s better to have to make small changes afterwards than to be going down a completely wrong road too soon.

Leo

Relationships show as very loving and worthwhile this month with Leo’s having reason to feel secure and happy about loved ones. Money shows as a little tight so perhaps it’s good that they have their love to keep them comfortable .much rushing around us also shown this April.

Virgo

Long awaited success with paperwork or creative skills show as important for Virgoans now that the spring is in full evidence. Not much chance of waiting around or rest though, till spring is out.

Libra

A happy choice which involves some celebration is shown for those born under the scales of justice. This has been hard work for a few years before bearing fruit which is both necessary and worthwhile but which could be a bit of a shock to the system at first.

Scorpio

A Groundhog Day feel for the first two weeks, with changes which should have begun with home or work held back and slow to commence. Little difficulties at every turn hold up big projects, so the advice is to only go at the steadiest pace, rather than trying to rush ahead, which would just slow things down even more, in its confusion.

Sagittarius

Plans for a future move begin to hit home now, with realisation just how much work needs to be done finally beginning to dawn in the mind. While it may not be easy this month, it is worth the extra effort, just to feel that a first step has been taken, so that it’s harder to go back, once it’s done.

Capricorn

Money and finances need careful handling this month, especially for those who are trying to save for something special. Temptations come thick and fast to spend and spend, but resisting temptation is essential if a deadline is to have any chance of being met, this year.

Aquarius

Exciting times are exhausting times for Aquarians, this April.

Thoughts of a good night’s sleep may get to be a long lost memory, due to long hours of trying to work out what is the next best step to take.

The best advice is to just float with the tide on this issue, as it has many stops and starts before any clear path is shown.

Pisces

Many Pisceans will have cause to celebrate family successes this month. Make sure that everyone gets to hear of why you are so proud. This month shows the start of a run of similar news. Get used to it.

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69

Prize crossword SERVICES

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

Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY

£25 Prize Across

1 Gawks, stares (5) 4 Registers, documents (5) 7 Levitating, fluttering (8) 8 Greek god of love (4) 9 Most chaotic, most unkempt (8) 11 Kiln or stove for drying hops (4) 12 Baby swan (6) 14 Church room (6) 16 Niche, hole (4) 18 Delirious, overjoyed (8) 20 Elliptical (4) 21 Unspoken, implied (8) 23 Reboot, start again (5) 24 Parting, leaving (5)

Down

1 Store, minimarket (7) 2 Iron, flatten (5) 3 _ _ _ Sunday – Winter sports programme (3) 4 Downsides, bad points (9) 5 Mini earthquakes, vibrations (7) 6 Footwear (5) 10 Radical, zealot (9) 13 Stinging plants (7) 15 Fence, barrier – mostly metal (7) 17 Romantic partner (5) 19 Excuse, defence (5) 22 Small, wrinkly dog! (3)

Name: Tel: Last month's winner was Karen Bridges, Riseley 70

Address:

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71

GARDENING

Bio

Security Human activity is a key factor in the spread of pests and diseases, being able to move them faster and over longer distances than natural means can. By sourcing healthy, pest free trees and plants, and by undertaking basic biosecurity procedures every day, landscapers can reduce the risk of introducing and spreading damaging pests and diseases.

Pests and diseases can be harboured in live trees and plants, in organic material and on machinery and tools. Landscapers often work across multiple sites, transporting tools, machinery and materials from one site to another, placing them at high risk of introducing or spreading pests and diseases.

Landscapers are in an ideal position to spot symptoms of pests and diseases early and, by taking action promptly, the impact of an outbreak can be reduced.

Plant passports are required in the EU for planting material that can host the most serious pests and diseases, and they must accompany material moved within and between Member States, even if the trade is within the UK. Plants must leave production nurseries and holding sites in a healthy condition to prevent the spread of quarantine pests and diseases. Recent developments in plant health legislation mean that professional operators such as landscapers and garden designers, who are planting

P

lants and trees are under increasing threat from the spread of pests and diseases.

certain listed species of plants and trees, might now need to be authorized to issue plant passports.

An outbreak of Asian longhorn beetle was discovered in 2012 in Kent, next to small industrial premises where a previous company had imported stone from China. The source of the outbreak was untreated wood packaging material used in the transport of the stone materials. A total of 2229 trees (many on private property) had to be destroyed to eradicate this highly damaging pest.

There are few things that help to protect our landscape. Clean soil and debris from boots, clothing and tools before leaving any site. Be sure to remove any build-up of soil and debris from all machinery, including material within cabs and foot wells, before moving on to the next job.

Develop relationships with nurseries you can trust to help you source plants responsibly. Keep records of purchases and suppliers, and continue to monitor plants for signs of ill health. Check your plant passport and registration .

Source landscaping materials from areas known to be free of pests or diseases. Importation of certain materials and their packaging may be restricted from some areas, whilst others might require a phytosanitary certificate or treatment marks.

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01234 354 673 Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford UK 72

GARDENING

Tim Brown 01234 354673 bedford@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS A Very Brown Hedge Indeed Aphids are one of the most common and troublesome of all garden insect pests. They attack a large number of garden plants throughout the country and are recently causing much disfigurement to ornamental conifer hedges. Commonly known as Greenfly and Blackfly, these aphids feed on hedges, sucking the sap of the plant and can spread several viruses, causing severe dieback.

Cypress Aphid is currently troublesome and pre-dominantly affects conifer hedging. Damage inflicted on conifer hedges by the aphid Cinara cupressi is severe and can lead to large brown patches on the hedge. This leads to localised foliage death, reducing the aesthetic look of the hedge. As the aphid is active from May to October it is important to catch this problem early and apply treatments to stop its spread. At the first sign of brown patches call us for a free consultation and professional advice.

Tree & Shrub Pruning • Planting • Tree Removal • Stump Grinding Hedge Cutting • Health & Safety Reports • Disease & Insect Control To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

73

GARDENING

Balconies & Small Space Boosters

W

ith space at a premium and the size of gardens in newbuild developments shrinking, balconies, terraces and small back yards are becoming the norm.

But how can you give it the wow factor?

Wildlife wants flowers all year round so go for plants which give you a continuous amount of flowers. Some of the bedding plants are great and the more simple single flowers are better because they tend to have more nectar and pollen in them.

Some petunias are quite good, as are marigolds, osteospermums and other daisy-plants like marguerites.

If you go for plants with double flowers they tend to be less pollen-rich. Lavender and thyme are also good because they have a long flowering season.

A good variation of plants which provide yearround interest may also be the way to go on a balcony.

Maybe two or three evergreen shrubs on your balcony, not too big, such as a Daphne odora ‘Marginata’, which has a variegated leaf and fantastic scent in the spring. Or a small 74

pittosporum, as there are interesting and different variegations, including ‘Tom Thumb’, a purple one that stays like a round ball with purple leaves.

Smaller shrubs like Pittosporum tobira is slowgrowing and stays small, with really lovely scented flowers, or nandina (sacred bamboo). Don’t buy something like a forsythia which is going to grow too big and only flowers for about two weeks and then becomes boring.

Make the most of your space, which means using height for optimum effect.

If you’ve a piece of trellis you can grow things up that, so you’ve the vertical option as well. Climbing plants will also give a bit more height, texture and colour.

If you plant thoughtfully, you can attract a good variety of birds to your balcony. Provide some water, even if it’s just a bird bath, and put up bird feeders.

Birds like to be able to perch somewhere while they are coming in to feed. If you have an uncluttered balcony with a bird feeder on it, they probably won’t come in, but if you’ve got a few shrubs and a climber up the wall and there’s maybe a tree outside, they are likely to queue up on it and check it’s safe.

GARDENING

Guttering Problems?

Limited

Offering a wide variety of services, including: • • • • • • • •

Commercial & Domestic Skip Hire 2 yard - 20 yard skips We r ec 14 yard enclosed skips at le ycle ast Grab service Wait & Load of w % Same Day Service a rece ste ived 20 yard - 40 yard ro/ro bins Account facilities available

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

01234 480244 or 07977 206403

Recycling Rubbish Reclaiming Resources

Tel: 01234 843326 Email: richesskips@aol.com www.paul-riches-skips.com

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75

GARDENING

For All Your Landscaping Needs Landscaping:

Maintenance:

-Fencing -Patios -Decking -Turfing

-Grass Cutting -Hedge Trimming -Garden Clearance -Small Tree Works

Professional Service, FREE Quotes, Fully Insured & All Waste Removed.

T: 01234 960690 M: 07889 920435 www.tpigardenservices.co.uk

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SERVICES

T J Gardening Services Making your garden look beautiful

that includes mowing, strimming, hedge cutting, maintenance and clearance.

For all enquiries in Bedfordshire please contact Tony: 07971 867729 tjgardeningservices@outlook.com

To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

77

More than just a Charity Shop.

Emmaus Village Carlton gives people a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to get themselves back on their feet and make a real contribution to their community whilst re-building their lives. Based in the countryside village of Carlton in Bedfordshire, Emmaus is home to 33 companions.

Emmaus sells donated goods in its on-site shops, and uses the money that is generated to sustain the community. Emmaus also refurbishes and upcycles items in its workshop, as well offering delivery, collection and house clearances services.

Donate

Are you having a clear out, moving house or redecorating? Why not give your unwanted good to Emmaus? Emmaus depends on your donations of good quality second-hand furniture to help support its work. The goods are resold in the Emmaus Home Store and all funds go to supporting the community and those who live in it.

Emmaus can collect larger items free of charge. Please call 01234 720826 or drop the items off at the 24-hour donation drop off, which is accessible seven days a week.

Shop

In the Emmaus Home Store you will find some amazing items of furniture and clothing all at bargain prices. Discover your next upcycling project whilst supporting people who have experienced homelessness.

The Bistro

Fancy a bite to eat? Looking for somewhere local to catch-up with friends? Why not visit Em’s bistro. Choose from a range of hot and cold drinks, delicious cakes and pastries or a selection of sandwiches and appetising hot meals. On Sunday’s Em’s also serves roast dinners between 12pm and 2pm.

Volunteer

Volunteering with Emmaus can be a great way to gain work experience, or just get involved in a vibrant and bustling community.



25% OFF all items in our Home Store.

One voucher per customer valid until 31 May 2017.

Emmaus Village Carlton, School Lane, Carlton, Bedfordshire MK43 7LQ Call 01234 720826 Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm Sunday – 10am – 4pm

EmmausVillageCarlton @EmmausVC @emmausvc www.emmaus.org.uk/village_carlton Emmaus Village Carlton is a registered charity number 1083113

SERVICES

To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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SERVICES

MH DECORATING SERVICES 25 Years Experience All Work Guaranteed

Interior & Exterior Wall Papering (Feature Walls) No-obligation quotes available No job too small Fully insured

07538 495073 01933 563573

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SERVICES

BRIDGE ROOFING All aspects of roofing, facias and guttering.

Free quotes All work guaranteed 01234 404080 07542 719971

www.bridge-roofing.co.uk

To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

81

BEDFORD The first camp will take place as the schools close on Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th April.

The second camp commences on Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th and then a special masterclass before term starts again on Tuesday 18th April with the Blues early arrival and late collection offered again at a supplement price.

The camps are open to players of ages 5-15 years old and of all abilities.

Youngsters will be put through their paces with a variety of drills; including core skills, evasion tactics, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice and funpacked games all under the close tutelage of experienced players and coaches.

T

he Greene King IPA Championship is coming to an end with Bedford Blues having just one final home game in April as they welcome Yorkshire Carnegie on Saturday 8th with kick-off at 3pm.

Plans are already afoot for next season with the Blues already confirming the re-signing of a host of players including Michael Le Bourgeois, Ben Cooper, Jordan Burns, Ben Adams, Ollie Dodge and Will Carrick-Smith, while new faces are also being announced.

But, there is plenty still going on around Goldington Road as the Blues Community are delighted to announce a bumper double rugby camp for the Easter holidays.

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Parents can book their children on various days, a full camp or the special double camp bonanza at the Blues community booking portal by visiting https://www.clubshub.com/bedfordblues-community.

Taking place between 9am – 3pm at a cost of £25 per day with a fantastic discounted offer of £60 for a full camp booking. The online discount will be automatically discounted at checkout if you have

B

BLUES chosen to attend all three days of either or both camps.

The early bird 8am drop off and late leaver pick up at 4:30pm are priced at just £5 each way and will give parents the flexibility they require around work or personal commitments.

Head of Community Ben Gulliver, said: “As promised, we are delighted to be running two separate three day camps for Easter. The first camp will be our traditional three day rugby camp, the second will run slightly differently with an initial two days in the middle Easter week, full of rugby activity on the pitches and talks in the inner sanctum, before a special masterclass the following Tuesday 18th April.

“With numbers growing we are really looking forward to these camps, if work commitments for parents cause any issues, please use our new early arrival and late collection service, where the kids will play under the supervision of coaches to provide flexibility around drop off and pick up.

“The camp will see regular first team players; Jordan Burns, Pat Tapley, Camilo Parrilli-

Ocampo and Christian Judge delivering expert coaching to future Blues stars and supporters, we look forward to seeing you in a few of weeks for a great few days.”

Participants will need rugby training kit, a packed lunch and a water bottle (which can be topped up throughout the day).

To book a place on the Blues Easter Rugby Camp, you can now purchase online at https:// www.clubs-hub.com/bedford-blues-community.

Parents will be required to register on the site first, unless already registered from last camp, and enter all relevant details. Parents will not receive an attendance ticket, but will be automatically enrolled on to the course. For more information or to book by another payment method, email or call Ben Gulliver on 07393 473320 or community@bedfordrugby.co.uk.

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ommunity CSpeed Watch Scheme

E

xcessive speed through neighbourhoods is one of the most common issues raised with Councillors and has an impact not only on road safety but on the quality of life for those residents that endure it.

The scheme enables volunteers to work within their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and to help control the problem locally.

The scheme currently operates in the area’s administered by Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council and is supported

by Luton Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Community Speed Watch can be set up in any ward, village or parish governed by a 20/30/40 miles per hour speed limit Community Speed Watch seeks to promote safer driving in our local communities by educating rather than prosecuting individuals. Data collected by Community Speed Watch groups will be passed to Bedfordshire Police who may undertake speed checks and result in drivers being prosecuted.

Community Speed Watch requires a group of at least two trained volunteers to operate.

Having registered as a volunteer you will be offered a training course run by Bedfordshire Police. The course covers the use of the equipment, training in conflict resolution and an option for basic first aid. The course can be arranged at various locations around the County. The training comprises of three modules and if all the modules are taken it will last for approximately six hours.

When a group decide to run a Community Speed Watch session they will arrange to take delivery of the equipment from the Police and then notify Police Headquarters prior to the commencement of the session.

The volunteers will then run the session noting the date, time, colour, make, model and registration number of any vehicles exceeding the speed limit. The results will then be forwarded to the Police who will then arrange for the registered keeper of the vehicle to be written to, informing them that the vehicle was detected exceeding the speed limit, giving the location, date and time. Persistent speeders will receive a second letter but on the third occasion they can expect further action to be taken by the police.

If you would like to volunteer or find out more information please visit www.bedfordshire.police.uk or email speedwatch@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

SERVICES

1st Glass Window Repairs FULLY INSURED!

EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation.

• Steamed Up Glass • Faulty Window or Door Locks & Hinges • Draughty Windows and Doors • Leaking Conservatory Roofs

• • • •

New Conservatory Roofs Conservatory Cleaning & Service Security up grades We also fit Windows, Doors & Conservatories

£0 DEPOSIT REQUIRED - BALANCE UPON COMPLETION OF YOUR FULL SATISFACTION!

• Fascia • Soffits • Gutters Police Checked

07511 906161 To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

85

Eagles The

football continued with a Tuesday night trip to Fleet Town. Lee Roache’s long range effort gave the Eagles a deserved half time lead, but substantial second half pressure from the hosts eventually told in the 89th minute when they equalised. The following Saturday Town hosted local rivals Barton Rovers at the Eyrie. Having lost three points in the dying stages earlier in the week, this time it was the Eagles chance to salvage something from the game late on. Lee Roache bagged his 16th goal of the season to keep the promotion dream alive.

T

he Eagles have continued a fine run of form over the winter and as we enter the final stages of the season are still in with a chance of making the playoffs. At the time of writing, Bedford are on an unbeaten run that stretches back 12 games with the last defeat in the league coming on 10th December at Hanwell Town.

February and early March saw this excellent form continued. Wins against Chalfont St Peter (3:2) and Petersfield Town (3:2) saw the Eagles take a maximum six points from the middle of February. The roller coaster of non-league 86

A tricky trip to Uxbridge started March, a side who had lost the previous five games. Despite creating a number of useful chances, a second half Andrew Phillips header was enough to give the Eagles all three points and keep pace with the playoff pack.

April’s home fixtures at the Eyrie include: 1st April: Hanwell Town 15th April: Beaconsfield SYCOB 22nd April: Aylesbury United The club’s end of season awards will take place on Saturday 22nd April at the Eyrie. The event will start around 6:30pm, after the match against Aylesbury United has finished. All fans are welcome to attend and entry is free.

Entertainment will be provided by the Phoenix Roadshow disco afterwards.

The Management Committee and Supporters Club will be running the annual working weekend over the bank holiday weekend of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th May. For further information, please visit www. bedfordeagles.net or contact Paul Searing on 07973 679980.

You can follow the Eagles on social media via the following links: https://twitter.com/bedfordtown https://www.facebook.com/bedfordtown https://www.instagram.com/bedfordtownfc/ January 27th saw another popular quiz night at the Eyrie. The next one takes place on 7th April. Entrance is £5 per head, with an extra £1 payable for food from the Ploughman’s Supper, should you wish. For further information on please contact Gerry on 01234 381213.

Are you looking for somewhere to hold your event? The Wallace suite at the Eyrie could be your ideal venue. Whether it be party, wedding reception, fundraising event or anything, we have the deal for you.

Please contact Angie or Ash Scutchings on 07767 488797 for further information.

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DIRECTORY 88

Bakeries La Rondine........................................................... 92

Bathrooms/Bedrooms Dream Doors.........................................................15 F and D Kitchens & Bathrooms.......................79 Peter Crisp...............................................................11

Builders C & M Gardener Builders................................ 69

Cattery Paddocks Boarding Cattery.............................67

Carpentry D C Carpentry......................................................85

Carpets & Flooring A&A Carpets........................................................... 5 Carpets at Home..................................................19

Charity Bedford Daycare Hospice................................ 47 CATS Protection................................................. 92 Emmaus..................................................................78 FACES.....................................................................22

Chimney Sweep Black Horse Chimney Sweep..........................81

Cleaning 5 Star.......................................................................67 Aroma Clean........................................................ 20 Oven Maestro...................................................... 20 Sureclean.............................................................. 20

Clothing Alterations The Zipyard............................................................19

Computer Repair/Maintenance/Sales Oakley IT................................................................28 PC Problem Solver..............................................40

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Curtains & Blinds

Garden Sevices/Supplies

Denton Drapes.....................................................21 Emperor Blinds.................................................... 92

Bartlett Tree Experts........................................... 73 Beaver Sheds.......................................................76 Bryan Johnson.....................................................93 Driveway & Paving Doctor............................... 73 Eden Tree Specialists........................................75 LWS.......................................................................... 73 M J Nicholson.......................................................93 MK Guttering.........................................................75 Mr Fix Property Maintenance...........................81 Paviour Doctor..................................................... 77 Prestige Lawns.....................................................76 Sureclean.............................................................. 20 TJ Gardens............................................................ 77 TPI............................................................................76 Whites.....................................................................93

Education Bedford Girls School..........................................43 Great Ouse Primary Academy........................42 Polam School........................................................44

Electrical Goods / Repairs J B Domestics...................................................... 80

Electrician Craddock Electrical............................................58 Down to Earth...................................................... 92 Sanderson Electrical......................................... 29

Events Love Bedford Easter Fun....................................11

Farm Shop Summerhill Farm..................................................33

Food & Drink Cloverdale Retreat..............................................35 Corner 5.................................................................39 Mowsbury Bar & Function Room....................34 The Barns Hotel...................................................38 The Coach House............................................... 37 The Crown.............................................................33 The Swan Hotel...................................................36

Health, Beauty & Fitness Beauty Lodge.......................................................23 Bedford Chiropractic Clinic............................. 29 Deborah Hair........................................................93 Feet To Go.............................................................24 My Heart My Health.............................................. 2 Pulse........................................................................24 Slimming World....................................................23 The Dental Centre..............................................25

Home & Lifestyle Zoohause................................................................13

House Clearance The Bizarre............................................................93

Fostering

Jewellery/Gifts

CFFA........................................................................44

Dollie & Bo............................................................ 69

Funeral Services

Kitchens

Arnolds Funeral Service....................................18

Dream Doors.........................................................15 F and D Kitchens.................................................79 Homeworks Property Maintenance..............55 Peter Crisp...............................................................11

Garage Doors Almond Garage Doors......................................93

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89

Leisure

Security

Cineworld............................................................. 60 Milton Keynes Theatre..................................... 56

A Rocket.................................................................. 71 Ace Security...........................................................13 J Dean Security................................................... 69

Naturist Club Blackthorns Sun Club........................................63

Painting & Decorating Bromham Painter & Decorating.......................61 Craig Johnson......................................................54 David Lower Decorating.................................. 92 M H Decorating................................................... 80 Maulden Painting & Decorating..................... 92

Plasterer

Senior Care Home Instead...................................................... 26 Howard’s Way......................................................24

Skip Hire Paul Riches Skips................................................75

Taxi/Airport Transfer Ace Cars.................................................................40

CP Ceilings............................................................58 Craig Johnson......................................................54

Tiling

Plumbing, Heating & Drainage

TV Satellite Services

Aquasure Plumbing............................................54 C M Plumbing......................................................... 9 Cromwell Stoves..................................................61 T R Donnelly.........................................................93 LCA Plumbing & Heating...................................41 The Bedford Plumbers....................................... 71

J Dean Security................................................... 69

Property Maintenance

Dave Moore Tiling...............................................61

Upholstery M&S Upholstery.................................................. 92

Vets Acorn House.........................................................64

Will Writing

CP Ceilings............................................................58 Homeworks Property Maintenance..............55 Mr Fix Property Maintenance...........................81

Richard Woodward.............................................27 The Will Writing Company............................... 95

Roofing

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Bridge Roofing......................................................81 Bucks Roofing..................................................... 59 Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions..........15 P H Roofing Services.........................................85

1st Glass..................................................................85 A Rocket.................................................................. 71 Bedford Doors......................................................55 Bromham Windows............................................. 71 Cloudy2Clear...................................................... 96 Kempston Windows.............................................18 Langford Windows..............................................79 Window Geeks.................................................... 80

90

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Useful Numbers

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 Alistair Burt MP North Beds 0207 219 8132 Anglian Water 08457 145 145 01234 267422 Bedford Borough Council Bedford Hospital 01234 355122 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue 01234 351081 Benefits for People with Disabilities 0800 882200 0808 808 7777 Carers Line Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice 0844 245 1290 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677 999 or 112 Emergency Services Floodline 0845 988 1188 Frank – Drugs Advisory 0800 776600 Late Night Pharmacies 0845 769 7555 National Debt Line 0808 808 4000 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 National Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 NHS Direct 111 National Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50 Non-Emergency Police Line 101 0808 800 50000 NSPCC Relate 0845 48 49 50 Richard Fuller MP South Beds 01234 261487 RSPCA Cruelty Line 0300 1234 999 Samaritans 0845 90 90 90 Stop Hate UK 24hr Helpline 0800 138 1625 Tax Credit Helpline 0345 300 3900 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900

The Best Way to Promote Your Business and Reach New Customers!

Unrivalled distribution of 25,000 copies delivered free of charge to homes and businesses in Bedford and surrounding villages.

A6

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Bromham Great Denham Biddenham

Willington BEDFORD BED B BE E ED DFO ORD O OR RD Riverfield Drive Kempston Castle Road Newnham Wootton Wixams

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A421 A6

Please call for more information or to book your space: Christa Tel 01234 962929 / 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Teresa Tel 01234 310521 / 07429 136815 E: teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

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CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS BAKERIES

DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES

CH Media Solutions Marketing, Print and Design Solutions Affordable solutions for all your printing needs.

Telephone: 01234 219443/400990 Mobile: 07825 089570 12 Queens Street, Bedford MK40 2HA

Call Christa on 01234 962929 or 07827 015170

ELECTRICIAN

CHARITY

Bedford & Biggleswade T: 0345 260 2505 W: bedford.cats.org.uk FURNISHINGS

DECORATING SERVICES

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

Call 01234 307411 or 07973 470650

M&S

Upholstery

Quality Service Call now at: 01234 302883 Or: 07954161786

● Traditional and modern ● 3 pc suites, wing chairs, arm-chairs, recliners, dining room chairs and stools ● Frame repairs, re-springing, and replacement cushion fillings ● Domestic and contracted work undertaken ● Free estimates and friendly advice

Maulden Painting & Decorating Est 1992

Internal & External Decorating We also clean UPVC Plastic, fascias Soffits & Conservatories Reliable & Professional

Call Spencer for a Free Quote

07479 030063

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Complete Re-upholstery Service

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CLASSIFIEDS HAIRDRESSING

GARAGE DOORS

ALMOND GARAGE DOORS LTD  Bedford & Milton Keynes  New Sales & Installations  Existing Doors Automated  Spare Parts 01234 828953

info@almondgd.co.uk

Unit 1a, College Farm, Oakley, MK43 7RX

GARDENING SERVICES

WHITE’S LAWNMOWERS & GARDEN MACHINERY SALES, SERVICE, REPAIR & PARTS

Commercial & Domestic, all leading brands.

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

MOBILE QUALIFIED STYLIST

Perms, Cuts,Colours - highlights etc Special Occasions and Wedding Hair

01234 210337 07976 394798 HEATING SERVICES

T.R.Donnelly

HEATING SERVICES

557766

Local Engineer Specialising in all heating appliances Breakdowns & Installations Fixed Boiler Services £60 Landlord Gas Certs Power Flushing All Plumbing Repairs Carried Out

01234 307 667 | 07967 643 405

HOUSE CLEARANCE

HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALIST 28 YEARS EXPERIENCE. CASH PAID FOR UNWANTED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

CALL SALLY 01234 326551

07854 969032

VEHICLE HIRE

• Self Drive Hire • Contract Rental • Financial Lease • Large Fleet of Standard • Refrigerated • Specialised Vehicles

rentxpressltd.co.uk 01234 339008 To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

93

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering Opportunities Volunteering is rewarding, a good way to improve job prospects and DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR BENEFITS.

OPPORTUNITY OF THE MONTH CAB Gateway Assessor

You could do this role if you are available to volunteer for 6 hours per week for at least 6 months. Our Gateway Assessors help provide an effective and efficient triage service to members of the public seeking advice. The service helps to influence government and other organisations, through informing them of the effect of their actions on the lives of clients.

Flitwick Town Council Youth Club Support Volunteers A great opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in youth work or for someone who loves working with young people. You would support the lead workers in developing games and other activities for young people aged from 9 – 13yrs.

You will need to be available every other week on a Thursday from 6 – 7.30 pm.

Volunteer Drivers with Headway Required to transport clients from their homes around Bedfordshire to our centre on Monday to Thursday mornings and then back again in the afternoon. Your mileage rate will be paid.

FACES Family Support Volunteer FACES are looking for a support volunteer for their Troubled Families Programme in partnership with the Intensive Family Support Services at Bedford Borough Council. Suitable for volunteers who would like to work with more complex families to gain experience. Must be able to offer 3+ hours per week and attend one-one supervision sessions.

Air Ambulance Data Input East of England Air Ambulance need help with input of data related to events, and uploading of photographs. This supports the Fundraising team and would be based one day a week in Eversholt.

Charity Shop Retail Assistant The ReUse Centre will provide all the relevant job training necessary for the role, which could entail creating eye-catching displays, serving customers, listing items for on-line shop or specialising in specific product types. You will enjoy meeting new people, and join a friendly team.

Hospital Radio Volunteer Hospital Radio Bedford offers a wide range of radio programmes each week to patients and also visits their listeners on the wards to collect requests.

They have lots of volunteer roles available including programme presenter, technical support, fundraising and ward walker.

ACE Unlimited An assistant is required to work with young people (18-25) with cerebral palsy at their monthly youth club. This is a caring role which will also involve arts and crafts. You will need patience, enthusiasm and good communication skills. Experience with disabled children would be useful.

Please contact CVS if you are interested in any of the above vacancies.

94

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

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The Will Writing Company Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 761784

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 30th April 2017

FREE WILL VOUCHER

This voucher entitles you to a FREE Mirror Will (normal cost ÂŁ125) or a FREE Single Will (normal cost ÂŁ85)

Valid until 31st March 2017 The Will Writing Company

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

Tel 01234 761784

Email enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk

Terms and Conditions.

The voucher must be produced at your appointment.