VILLAGER The
Issue 6 - June 2013
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
£25
Prize Crossword See Inside
Bringing Local Business to local people in Barton, Harlington, Ampthill, Flitwick, Westoning, Pulloxhill and all surrounding villages
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VILLAGER The
In this Issue
Issue 6 - June 2013
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
9
£25
Prize Crossword See Inside
Ampthill Festival 2013 Bringing Local Business to local people in Barton, Harlington, Ampthill, Flitwick, Westoning, Pulloxhill and all surrounding villages
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ur Yo EE y FRco1 p
Advertising Sales Mary Williams Tel: 07453 990655 mary@villagermag.com Additional Editorial Alex Brown, Susan Brookes-Morris, Stephens Removals, Arwyn Bailey and Bruce Edwards
Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!
Join the Club.....................................................................4 Gone A’Fishing.................................................................6 Ampthill Festival..............................................................9 Your Guide to a Stress Free Move............................10 Camping on a Budget..................................................13
Front Cover Photo: Anthony Boulton
The Longest Holiday....................................................15
Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email:nigel@villagermag.com
Hitchin Festival...............................................................16 National Gardens Festival Weekend.......................19 Children’s Page...............................................................21 Home Start.......................................................................22 Fun Quiz............................................................................22 Puzzle Page......................................................................24 What’s On.........................................................................26 Wordsearch......................................................................27
VILLAGER The
Prize Crossword..............................................................28 Book Review....................................................................31
and Town Life
Disclaimer
All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications 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 this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
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Join the club
By Alex Brown
The six-week school holiday looms. Up and down the country you can hear collective groans from working parents beginning to stress about securing holiday care for their children. Whether you need childcare while you’re at work, or a way to keep your energetic offspring entertained, holiday clubs can be a lifesaver. There is such a wide variety available that you are sure to be able to find something that suits both you and your child. Some clubs are run by local authorities and are based at schools, nurseries or community centres. You’ll find that places offering ‘before and after school’ clubs often have holiday clubs too. Others are linked to clubs offering specific activities, such as a sport or performance art. There are also some big companies offering schemes throughout the UK, such as Kings Camps (www.kingscamps.org) and Super Camps (www.supercamps.co.uk). Visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk/nafis to find details of your local Family Information Service. They will have details of childcare in your area, including holiday clubs. Most clubs will be registered with Ofsted and you can find details of their latest inspection at www. ofsted.gov.uk . It’s a good idea to visit the venue and speak to the manager. Make sure you are happy with the child/adult ratios and the qualifications of the staff – they should all have been CRB checked.
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If you don’t know anyone else who has used the club, ask the manager to provide you with some recent testimonials. Try to see a timetable and photos of a typical day at the club. Activities can range from sports, crafts and cooking to quad biking, archery or trampolining. Many clubs will plan a theme for the day or week, and some may let the children choose what to do. Find out what children need to bring with them – aprons, trainers or drinks, for example. They probably won’t need any money unless they are going out for a day trip. Make sure you know the arrangements for dropping off and collecting children, and what happens in an emergency. You will need to book your child’s place in advance. Check the session times carefully – some clubs may be half days, some will run within school hours, while others may be open from 8am until 5 or 6pm. Ask what is included in the price. Is lunch provided, or will children need to bring their own? Paying for a week is usually cheaper than paying per day. You may also get a discount for more than one child. Some clubs will accept childcare vouchers, and you can claim back some of the cost of Ofsted-registered clubs if you qualify for Family Tax Credits. Happy holidays!
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Gone a’Fishing
By Susan Brookes-Morris
In rivers and canals, streams, lakes, reservoirs and sea, angling is one of the UK’s most popular sports. It is estimated that 3.3 million people participate on a regular basis. People enjoy fishing for a variety of reasons. Some love the peace and tranquillity they find outdoors. Others relish the opportunity to socialise with like-minded individuals and take part in competitions, usually organised by angling clubs. Many pick up their rods each weekend because they enjoy the challenge of trying to outsmart the fish, deciding which stretch of the water to fish in, persuading the fish that the lure is food, and of course the thrill of the catch. Fishing enthusiasts need a rod, something to attract the fish, nets, and suitable clothing. Rods can vary hugely in price depending on their size, quality and specifications. Skills involve casting a rod, tying knots, and catching and releasing the fish. Fishermen (and women) believe it is the combination of good equipment and fishing skills that leads to greatest success. There are a variety of different lures and baits. Natural baits include live worms and maggots. Artificial baits are often made from types of human food. Man made lures seek to replicate the food that fish eat. Different ones are suitable in different circumstances and most anglers have their favourites. Three types of fishing are most prevalent in the UK:
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Fly fishing - Used to catch fish like trout and salmon, as well as pike, bass and carp. Fish are caught using very light artificial flies - made by tying hair, fur, feathers and other materials together. They are cast with a fly rod and a fly line. Fresh water fishing - Uses water that contains minute quantities of dissolved salts. Some of the most important freshwater fish are bass, catfish, pickerel, pike sunfish, trout, salmon, muskellunge, sturgeon and walleye. ‘Coarse fishing’ is the term used to describe fishing in fresh water for any species other than salmon or trout. Sea fishing - This obviously takes place in or by the sea. Most sea angling takes place from a boat, but it can also be done in estuaries, on piers and from rocks. Piers and jetties are ideal places for catching mackerel and codling. Mullet, flounder and dab are often found in estuaries and harbours. Conger eel live in the foam covered seas next to rocky headlands, and bass can be caught from beaches. There is a requirement for most anglers to have a rod licence and fishing permit. The Environment Agency oversees this and fines may be imposed for none compliance. Anglers must also abide by local byelaws. Izaak Walton was a seventeenth century fisherman who wrote The Compleat Angler. He famously said, ‘I have laid aside business and gone a’fishing.’ Why not join the 3.3 million people who regularly do the same?
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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Winner of the Wedding Industry Expert Awards 2013-2014 Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best. Not only enter the unbelievable world of close up professional magic that is second to none, you can now see a cabaret show that will leave you gasping, your guests enthralled and audience participation that is not only professional but will cause laughter throughout and will be something to remember for a very long time. This is ideal for any corporate or private event. Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance). Please phone or email for details 07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com
Introducing The Steve Dean School of Magic Have you ever been interested in close up magic or are you a close up magician who wishes to improve from beginner to intermediate level. The Steve Dean School of Magic is now offering Beginners and Intermediate classes. Single lessons or block bookings are available (discount for block bookings). This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the art of Close Up Magic taught by Steve who is a member of The Magic Circle and International Brotherhood of Magicians Please call 07719 261147 or 01767 260671 for details or to book your space on these very popular classes 8
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Ampthill Festival
2013
Ampthill Festival is nearly upon us, a family fun extravaganza spread over three days with thousands expected to flock to our historic market town. Following the 2012 Olympics-inspired weekend, this year the seaside comes to Mid Beds with a ‘Ampthill-by-the-Sea’ theme. It kicks off in Ampthill Park on Friday July 5 with Amprocks, a night that’s attracted major acts in recent years like indie legends The Lightning Seeds and Brit-award nominated The Feeling. The Amprocks team is in advanced negotiations with 2013’s headliners - an announcement’s expected VERY soon. They’ll be joined by a strong support, including Redborne Battle of the Bands winners, Skies On Fire. On Saturday , the focus switches to an evening dripping with pomp and pageantry as the historic park hosts the Ampthill Proms. A night that regularly exceeds expectations, we’re delighted to welcome the acclaimed operatic tenor, Bonaventura Bottone, whose performed in some of the world’s great concert halls with the English National Opera in a career spanning 40 years. It’s a family affair as he’ll perform with daughterin-law Liz, while son Ben conducts the Ampthill Concert Orchestra. Watch out for some seaside classics with an operatic twist, as well as all the old Proms favourites. In addition, the Ampthill Town band returns by popular demand, as does the Redborne Jazz Band. The night closes with a stunning firework display. The weekend culminates in a FREE family fun day on Sunday. It kicks off with a ‘seaside’ parade through town to the Park, where you’ll find a host of stalls and
events for all ages around the cricket ground – including a huge inflatable whale, funfair, storytelling with pirates and mermaid, and a special dance performance from our French twin town plus much more! Watch out for an array of seaside attractions too! The evening winds down with a host of acts, including Kong, We Are Sons, Paul Helgey, Wolf Club, Big Small Talk, Shopie & Charlie, Electric Uke Orchestra, Rue De La Soul and Jack Neville, performing at the music arena – families welcome - before the planning starts for ‘Ampthill 2014’ …
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Your Guide to a Stress Free Move
Stephens Removals
It’s never too late to start planning your move; Lauren Marriott of Stephens Removals gives some useful tips on planning your move. When planning a move, we recommend that you contact a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and ask them for a quote. BAR companies have the experience, expertise and facilities to handle your move professionally. In most cases, an estimator or surveyor will visit you in your home to discuss the details of your planned move. They will explain the services they provide and agree with you exactly what’s to be included in your quotation. Never underestimate the amount of time it can take to pack your belongings safely as it always takes longer than you think! This is why we strongly recommend that you leave it to the professionals. BAR members are fully trained to pack and unpack your personal belongings. If you do decide to pack yourselves, ensure you label items clearly and separate any valuable items/documents you wish to take with you on the day. Your mover will also be able to provide you with the correct packing materials you will need. Even in the best regulated businesses things sometimes go wrong, and it would be foolish to pretend that moving house is without its risks. For this reason you should make sure you are adequately protected. We recommend that you ask your remover about the insurance cover they are offering you in relation to the risk of loss or damage of your household furniture and effects. Some removers, who are authorised by the Financial Services Authority to do so, will be able to offer and arrange insurance on your behalf. Others will accept a level of liability under the removal contract which will be backed by their own insurance. You may also like to check whether your own existing household contents policy includes cover for moving home. Whichever option suits you best, please note that all BAR members must have in place adequate insurance which meets strict minimum standards designed for your protection Decide what you want to take early on and make sure your mover knows when they provide the quotation. Do not put everything together in one room or area; this makes it very difficult for the movers to work and will slow them down. It is helpful if you have removed anything that is not to
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go to your new home before moving day, however if this is not possible then just identify such items clearly. If you have something unusual to take with you, let the moving company know. They will make special arrangements for plants, fine art, antiques, pianos, wine collections, IT equipment, or anything about which you are particularly concerned. Tell your mover if there are any parking restrictions at either property, either yourself or the moving company can then arrange parking for the removals vehicle. Please also inform your mover if there any access difficulties at your new home. These will include, narrow streets, overhanging trees, unmade roads, small doorways, spiral staircases, etc. Also, if you are moving to a flat or a multi-story building, please tell your mover whether or not there is a lift (and how big it is!). If necessary you will have to make arrangements for priority use of the lift for the day. To ensure the best and smoothest move possible contact Stephens Removals now on 01582 572967. Alternatively email Lauren@stephensremovals.com
Moving?....Look for the Badge!
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UB CL
W AT E R
WARTB TE
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Stewartby Water Sports Club
S P O RT
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OPEN DAY SUNDAY 9TH JUNE FREE ENTRY
We are a friendly Water Sports Club which caters for a full range of Sailing, Water Skiing, Power Boating and Fishing. Hot stone and Swedish massage Manicures & pedicures (Shellac gels available) Waxing Eye treatments Facials Indian Head Massage Affordably priced‌ all with the convenience and comfort of being in your own home
FREE Sailing Boat Experience FREE Echo Sounding Boat Trips Power Boat Display Water Skiing Demonstration Fishing Display Bouncy Castle Bar-B-Que and refreshments available
Gift vouchers available For more information and to make an appointment please contact: Elizabeth Warfield (member of BABTAC) Tel: 07816 789071 Email: lizziewarfield@hotmail.co.uk
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Country Life 63x100_Layout 1 18/01/2013 14:19 Page 1
Thinking of Letting?
Call the experts
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Camping on a Budget
SPECIAL REPORT
If the luxury of an overseas holiday is just not going to be affordable for you this year, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune in this country either. However it doesn’t mean you have to go without a break completely because camping can be great fun and very affordable. You can’t just put the TV on, there are no computer games for the children and your time is spent exploring forests and cooking outdoors. It makes for a wonderful family bonding experience completely unlike renting a holiday home, and is lots of fun if you can find a group of you to go. There’s a huge retail market around camping, and an hour on one of the many equipment websites could have you thinking that the whole event is going to be far too expensive, especially if you aren’t sure if you’ll do it more than once. It doesn’t have to cost the earth though. Firstly the tent. Take advantage of somebody else’s impulse buy by visiting secondhand sites to see what you can snap up - Ebay of course, but also Gumtree have plenty for sale. Sleeping bags might be necessary if you are hiking across the mountains, but chances are you’ll be driving to your camping site so take your own duvets and pillows with some old covers and that will be perfectly adequate. A night’s sleep on the hard ground isn’t comfortable though so you’ll need to find something to lie on. Cushions from outdoor chairs or a beach lilo will be good enough for children, but you might want to invest in an inflatable mattress for the adults. Other equipment such as a gas stove, water containers and plastic plates might be offered to
you if you put a wanted advert on Gumtree or on Freecycle. And a polite plea to your friends could produce a surprising haul for you to borrow. You might not be able to look your glamorous best while camping and really, why would you? It’s time to get back to nature. However, it doesn’t mean you won’t want to clean up every day and proper toilet facilities are a must. Fortunately, these days all but the most rural sites will have a shower and toilet block. The internet will help you decide which site to go to. For example www.pitchup.com has 5000 UK and Ireland sites listed and it allows you to filter the features that are a ‘must’ for you and those that are a ‘nice to have’. For example you might want to visit a site that allows children and dogs (or doesn’t), has wifi access, or where there are cycling facilities nearby. Still not convinced? If you think this sounds like more hassle than it’s worth, you might want to consider ‘glamping’. It’s still sleeping in an open area surrounded by trees, but the living accommodation is provided for you. Many sites offer tipis, yurts, wooden huts or even a gypsy caravan. This is going to cost more of course but is still very affordable. For example a week in early July in a tipi in Mid Wales would cost £550 for two adults and two children. The bed and bedding for the adults is supplied as well as futons for the children. You are also given your own cooking and toilet facilities. Remember, you won’t be the only one looking for a cheap summer break, so go online and book your pitch now.
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The longest holiday
by ARWYN BAILEY
Most of us shy away from considering our later years and what they might bring. There may be the joy of watching our family grow and develop with grandchildren, great nephews and nieces, but understandably we do not like the idea of becoming incapacitated. However, we should start thinking about what can be termed as the “longest holiday” of our lives sooner rather than later, as it is now clear that the government will not be funding the ongoing costs of any care that might be required. The reason for the government’s stance becomes clear when examining some of the facts. According to statistics from the Office for National Statistics, in 1992, 14.2% of the London populace were aged 65 or more. In areas where a large number of residents are retirees, such as within the county of East Dorset, this figure was running at a rate of over 24%. The average percentage of people within this grouping for the whole of the UK, in 1992, was 15.8%. By the year 2033, estimates show that this figure will have increased to 22.9%. As the state is not going to assist in any meaningful form regarding ongoing care needs, we need to consider the cost of buying care as this is also rising. For example, maintaining professional quality care in one’s own home is now running at around £13.68 per hour. This means that just two hours of care each day mounts up to around £200 each week. Furthermore, full time fees in a care home now average at just over £27,000 a year rising to over £38,000 for nursing home fees. These fees are just for a basic level of care. To have any form of “luxury” is an additional cost. Here are some tips that will enable you to start planning for the future. 1. Check your pensions, ensuring that you have current information for all of them. 2. If you have not done so already, you should complete a BR19 form and send it off for a State Pension assessment. The reason for this, particularly for women, is that it will be assumed that your NI contributions would have continued if you had not stopped work in order to care for your children. However, the benefits agencies will not know of this and your past situation unless you inform them.
Taking this action will enhance your state pension benefits. 3. Realistically consider what your ISAs and other savings might be worth. Monitor your investments regularly with a professional adviser. 4. Think about when your mortgage will be repaid, along with any other commitments. Put income that you have released, when loans are repaid, towards ISAs and pensions for your future. 5. Start thinking of your house as a commodity that might have to be used to fund care needs in the future. 6. Consider a special form of trust to ring fence the equity of your house. This can protect your home from local authority means testing when you qualify for care. 7. Review your Wills and the position regarding inheritance tax. 8. Review whether your property is owned as Tenants In Common or under Joint Tenancy as this is important in this arena of planning (Scottish law varies in this regard). 9. Seek independent financial advice from an appropriately qualified professional, and appoint an adviser on a fee basis to advise you. We all hope that we will remain independent and fit and healthy, but this will not be the reality for some of us. The facts before us may not be favourable and planning for our longest holiday may take many years to achieve. Although our finances might be under pressure at this time, doing something now is going to be better than doing nothing.
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It’s quick cost effective & looks great! Rejuvenating, Re-vitalising and Weather Proofing Timber Products 10% Discounts for senior citizens
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National Gardens Festival Weekend
SET TO RAISE £500,000 FOR CHARITIES Private gardens across England and Wales will open their gates to the public during 1516 June for the first ever National Gardens Festival Weekend. Set to be the largest garden visiting event in history, with 800 openings planned over the two days, the Festival is being organised by the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) and aims to raise £500,000 for nursing and caring charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Carers Trust. Thanks to the hard work of garden owners and the enduring enthusiasm of visitors, the NGS has donated £25million to nursing and caring charities over the past 10 years and is Macmillan Cancer Support’s biggest ever donor. Over half a million people visited gardens opened in support of the NGS last year. This year, for the very first time, the NGS has organised the National Gardens Festival Weekend and invited as many gardens as possible to open over the two days for a unique
weekend of garden charity giving. Traditionally one of the NGS’s busiest weekends, the 2013 dates also coincide with Father’s Day on Sunday 16 June. George Plumptre, Chief Executive of The National Gardens Scheme, says: “We hope that the focus on this nationwide event will raise awareness of both the NGS and the charities we support with some £2.5m donated annually. We are aiming to raise £500,000 from the weekend to add to our fundraising from garden openings throughout the rest of the year. Visiting a beautiful garden and stopping for some tea and cake is a really enjoyable way of raising money for charity and every year thousands of people do exactly that. On our Festival weekend we want lots more people to join them and help raise millions of pounds for our group of wonderful beneficiaries.” All gardens opening during the National Gardens Festival Weekend are listed in the 2013 edition of ‘The Yellow Book ’, amongst more than 3800 gardens open to the public on behalf of the NGS throughout the year.
National Garden Festival 15th and 16th June In Bedfordshire there will be 6 gardens open: 15th June The Manor House, Milton Earnest 16th June The Firs, Sandy The Manor House, Barton le Clay Mill End, Wrestlingworth Park End Thatch, Stevington Wayside Cottage, Barton Le Clay. Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
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HOME START
SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP FOR FAMILIES Do you have a couple of hours to spare each week to help a young family who are struggling to cope? Are you a kind, reliable, approachable person ? If so, then why not consider volunteering for Home-Start? Home-Start is a local family support charity that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to provide friendship and support to families in their own homes once a week for a couple of hours. Being a parent with young children can be tough at any time, but in this current economic climate the pressures on families are even greater and for those already struggling to cope with illness, disability, isolation, bereavement or just the challenge of parenting, life can seem overwhelming. Before being matched with a family volunteers attend our Preparation Course which is free, informal, fun and informative. If you are considering a job in Health or Social Care then volunteering with Home-Start can help you to get on that career ladder.
You don’t need to be a super nanny to help parents with young children and with your help parents can gain confidence to manage on their own and give their children the best possible start in life. We welcome all enquiries but are particularly keen to recruit people who have experience of autism. Please give us a call or send an email and make a difference to a family in your community. For further information call Home-Start Central Bedfordshire 01582 660061 or email office@ home-startcentralbeds.org.uk . Website:www.home-startcentralbeds. org.uk See us on Facebook at HomeStart CentralBedfordshire and follow us on Twitter at HomeStartCB
Fun Quiz - Mothers & Fathers 1. Which Disney film features a mother and father called Perdita and Pongo? 2. The children’s radio show Listen With Mother always began with what question? 3. Which comes first in the calendar year?... Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? 4. Which member of the Guildford Four released the autobiography Proved Innocent, which was later adapted into the film In The Name Of The Father? 5. In Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, who played Brian’s mother, Mandy? 6. Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily was born in 1996. Name her famous mother and father. 7. Translating as “mother of the universe”, Chomolungma is the Tibetan name for what? 8. According to legend, who was King Arthur’s father? 9. Name the actor and actress who played Greg Focker’s mother and father in the film Meet The Fockers. 10. In 2007, Neil Diamond finally revealed that the inspiration for his song Sweet Caroline was a girl who was just 11 years old when he wrote it. Who was her famous father? 1. 101 Dalmatians (they are the parents of dalmatian puppies) 2. Are you sitting comfortably? 3. Mother’s Day (March or April v June) 4. Gerry Conlon 5. Terry Jones 6. Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence 7. Mount Everest 8. Uther Pendragon 9. Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand 10. John F. Kennedy
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DO YOU WANT TO HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FOR BRIGHT WORLD GUARDIANSHIPS? We are an experienced company offering solutions to all aspects of electrical work, domestic and commercial. We are fully insured and all work is guaranteed. We are registered with Napit through the Part P scheme and also registered with Trustmark for peace of mind.
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Bright World Guardianships Ltd is an AEGIS Accredited, UK wide guardianship organisation and takes care of international children studying at UK boarding schools. We are looking for families to host our students for some weekends and half terms during the academic year when their school is closed but they are too far from home to return to their Mum and Dad. Please get in touch if you are interested.
‘hosting an international student has been a rewarding experience. It has given a valuable income as well as being a fun and cultural experience’
These are just a small range of the works we carry out. Please call for a free quotation, no job too small. 0800 511 8985 / 07956 467 411 www.mjtelectricalservices.co.uk enquiries@mjtelectricalservices.co.uk
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CODEWORD
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
9 X 9 PUZZLE
How to play It’s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzle. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.
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what’S ON?
IN JUNE
5, 12, 19 & 26 June Hardly Athletic Community Badminton Club 7.30-9.30pm Robert Bloomfield School Sports Hall, Shefford £5 per session Get fit in 2013. All abilities welcome. For those who want a bit of exercise and fun along the way but nothing too competitive. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Tel: David 07789 878101 for info Email: paula.hayes@talktalk.net 8 June Country Classics 8pm St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Church Road, Barton-le-Clay Adults £12, Concessions £10 including programme Quartet Camerata return to Barton-le-Clay to perform Mozart’s “The Hunt” string quartet together with the serene “Tenebrae” by Argentinian born Osvaldo Golijov and the emotionally charged quartet by Sir Edward Elgar as part of the University of Bedfordshire Concert Series 2012/13. Beautiful classical music performed in this intimate setting in the heart Bedfordshire countryside, what better way to spend a June evening! Tel: 01582 882159 8 June Summer Barn Dance 8pm til late Adults £6, Under 18s £5 English Barn Dance with live band The Coproliters. Callers Mary Rutherford and Andy Rouse. Real Ale bar and raffle. Tickets available in advance or on the door). Tel: 01582 882831 or 07702 339702 for info & tickets Web: www.coproliters co.uk or Facebook
Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 26
8 & 9 June Bedfordshire Chilli Cook-off 11am-3pm Mansion House, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade Up to 20 teams will compete to become the Bedfordshire Chilli Cook-off Champion and qualify for the UK Final later in the year. Teams will have 4 hours to cook a gallon of chilli from scratch. Each team’s Chilli will be judged by our panel of Chilli experts. Entry fee is £10 per team (teams can be made up of any number of people). First prize is £250!! All money raised from the Bedfordshire Chilli Cook-off will be donated to Clic Sargent. Tel: Shelley 01767 626208 Web: www.ukchillicookoff.co.uk 9 June Barton Run and Fete 10am Arnold Academy, Hexton Road, Barton-le-Clay A 10k race and 5k fun run over the Barton hills, with a Community Fete at the finish to entertain supporters and family. Email: FriendsofArnold@gmail.com Web: www.arnold.beds.sch.uk/Barton-Run Ends 9 June Father’s Day Competition in aid of the Garden House Hospice Open for entries now until 9 June midnight with plenty of time for the unique wrapping paper to be delivered in time for Father’s Day on the 16th June. To enter visit www.wickedwrappingpaper.com and design wrapping paper for your dad; don’t forget to use fundraising code GHH101 at checkout. Wicked Wrapping Paper will donate 25% of every order to the hospice. The winner will receive a fab hamper for their dad worth £350 including a round of golf for four at Stevenage Golf Club, arrive and drive vouchers for Teamworks Karting, spa day for two at Bannatyne Health Club, Autoglym Valet Collection car wash kit, gents hair cut at Men at Work to name but a few. Web: www.wickedwrappingpaper.com 13 June Floral Demonstration 7.45pm Flitwick Village Hall Visitors welcome £5 Mid Beds Floral Society demonstration by Jackie Watson entitled “Movies from the Mansion”. Tel: Marion Tucker 01234 742396 for more details
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what’S ON? IN JUNE
15 June Orchid Hunt & Nature Walk 11am-1pm Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable Admission £2. Parking £2 Hopefully the orchids will be in full bloom and you will be surrounded by hundreds. Wardens will guide you through the different fascinating and beautiful wildlife and plant life found at the Downs. There will be walking up and down the hills. Please wear suitable clothing for the weather. Booking essential. Tel: 01582 500925 for information and bookings Email: dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstabledowns Twitter: @DunstableDwnsNT 17 June NSPCC Cambridge Dining Club 12.00 noon La Mimosa Restaurant, Cambridge £16.50 for 2-course meal and coffee Friendly Dining Club welcomes both men and women. Speaker will be author and presenter Liz
Frazer. All funds raised go towards projects in this region to help support vulnerable children and young people. Tel: 01954 719745 Email: cfm.armstrong@gmail.com 30 June Inaugural Silsoe Stride 10am 5k run, 11am 1k run Silsoe Village Hall 5k run £8 in advance, £10 on the day, £4 for children Family ticket £20 for 2 adults & up to 3 children The premier Silsoe Stride sponsored by Autotech. A fun 5k event for adults and children (13yrs and above) is run along a flat cross country course through Wrest Park and beautiful private farmland. This unique event is designed for the whole family to enjoy with a 1k run/walk/stride for under 13yrs. There are medals for all and prizes for the winners plus each adult finisher will receive a free family pass to Wrest Park. The event is being held to raise funds for Silsoe Village Hall and Lower School. Refreshments/BBQ will be available plus local stallholders. Runs will go ahead come rain or shine. Tel: Lindsay 01525 861866 for an entry form & info
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TY Kitchen Studio Prize Crossword 1st Prize £25
Sponsored by Ty Kitchen Studio – German Quality Kitchens The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Faldo Road, Barton Le Clay MK45 4RF Tel 01582 881135
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 19th June 2013. Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Name:
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Congratulations to Ty Interiors Voucher Winner - Miss J.E. Holland from Hitchin Please enter me into the prize draw to be drawn at end of 3 months for £1000 off a fully fitted kitchen. T&C’s apply. (Please tick) Last Month’s Crossword Winner. Congratulations to Mr J Clements from Potton For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Seats (6) 4 Burst (6) 9 Reduce in length (7) 10 Moves rapidly (5) 11 After sunset (5) 12 Before (7) 13 Marvellously (11) 18 Cultivate (7) 20 Hurry (5) 22 Arrogant (5) 23 Terminates (7) 24 Sibling (6) 25 A sign (6) Down 1 Place for gambling (6) 2 In the midst of (5) 3 Turned (7) 5 Senior (5) 6 Incomplete (7) 7 Large arid area (6) 8 Halted (11) 14 Apparent (7) 15 Sad (7) 16 Adjusts (6) 17 Container (6) 19 Narrow shelf (5) 21 Rub hard (5)
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BOOK REVIEW
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