Bedford May 2013 by debi1977

Issue 2 May 2013

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AS AI AB K U HE R S OU S AT OU T PU RC MP E S

Issue 2 May 2013

In this Issue

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Alistair Burt MP Memories of Mrs. T

Local News • Local People • Local Services • Local Charities • Local Products 19,000 copies delivered to Bedford and the surrounding villages

Gallery 1066

Editorial

Alistair Burt, Alex Brown, and Susan Brookes-Morris

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A Night With The Stars

Prize Crossword £25 up for grabs!

Join Bedford’s Street Champions.........................6 Letters From The Far East.....................................8 Bedford - A Town of Markets.............................. 10 May Day.................................................................12 Emmaus Village Carlton...................................... 14 Pedal Power..........................................................17 Siemens Cookery Demonstration.......................20 Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired............ 25 7 Myths That Retailers May Tell You.................. 27 The Friends of Bedford Hospital..........................31 Manor Farm Day Nursery.................................... 32 Prepare Your Trees For The Coming Year.......... 35 Great Barford Bowls Club................................... 39 Corner 5 Restaurant - Recipe.............................. 41 Bedford Community Boat...................................43 Bedford Amateur Regatta...................................44 Stay Safe and Say NO to Cold Callers.................46 Puzzle Page..........................................................48 What’s On............................................................. 56 Stevington Road Race.........................................58 Book Bug Review................................................. 59

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Memories of Mrs T

from Alistair Burt MP for NE Beds It seems that whoever you are, wherever you live, and indeed whether or not you were actually alive when she became Prime Minister, everyone has an opinion of Lady Thatcher, or Mrs T as so many of us simply have to call her out of habit. There are no excuses for the most offensive responses to her death – they say more about the smallness of those involved than about her – but that she provokes significant serious debate about her legacy is testament to her extraordinary position in our modern life. I have no wish to use the Villager overmuch for political debate, though my own view not surprisingly is that she was a great Prime Minister when the UK needed it. But some personal reminiscences from one who was a young MP, and as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to Kenneth Baker a very junior member of her Government, might just illuminate something of her character. She struggled a little with small talk and humour –that’s true. When she arrived unannounced at your table in the Commons dining room, as she did, and sat with whoever is there at the time, which is the tradition, there was massive anxiety written on the faces of all MPs around her as they furiously considered what to say, how to say it and calculated whether it would make any difference to their careers one way or another. On one such occasion I explained to Mrs T that I

had taken part in the London Marathon the week end before. This was a plus, and she seemed pleased. I went on to say also that I had been dressed as a pink elephant, which rather lost her. An MP running the marathon made some sense, but dressed as an elephant?! Mrs T was immensely approachable, to even her most junior colleagues, and startlingly honest in private. In 1986 I made a visit to South Africa, then almost a pariah state at the depth of apartheid, to visit Christian leaders working for peaceful change, which gave me access from the President to the townships. On returning the Prime Minister gave me a personal half hour, one to one, in which she listened without interruption for some twenty minutes. The Government was in the midst of the pro’s and con’s of sanctions, far more complex than simplistic analysis suggested. At the end of our conversation, I asked our PM what she was going to do. After a long silence she looked at me and simply said ‘I don’t know, Alistair, I don’t know what is for the best’. That on a major matter of policy, on which her indecision, if known would have been a world wide story, she would confess her honest position to me, left an impression of candour and integrity which I never forgot. As Andrew Neill put it well, she may have left us, but we are never going to be without her.

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Join Bedford’s Street Champions

and make a difference Street Champions are volunteers that act as the “eyes and ears” of the local community, reporting environmental issues as they arise. These issues may include graffiti, abandoned vehicles, damaged pavements, litter, dog fouling and many more. Street Champions have access to kit to help them including an A-Z handbook, litter picking equipment, graffiti removal wipes and crime prevention items. We also encourage Street Champions to attend their local community litter picks and bulb planting sessions. There is no minimum time requirement so volunteers can do what they want when they have time, if this is one street or their whole neighbourhood/village, every bit helps to make Bedford Borough cleaner and greener. The scheme is run by Bedford Borough Council and March 2013 marked the fourth year anniversary of the scheme. An anniversary event takes place every year which is chosen by the Champions- this year a tidying and planting event was held in the gardens on the Rothsay Road Roundabout, in previous years they have painted railings and planted trees and bulbs. Champions are kept informed through the quarterly volunteering newsletter and there are two meetings every year where they can meet and share ideas. Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson said: “Joining the Street Champions scheme is an excellent way for people to make a positive difference in their community and improve their local area.

“In return, the Council supports the Street Champions and can provide relatively simple pieces of kit – such as graffiti wipes or litter pickers when needed. “Since its launch in March 2009, the number of Street Champions has steadily increased and the fourth birthday celebrations are well deserved by all those who have given their time and effort to their neighbourhood through this scheme.” A junior version of the scheme has now been launched for 5-16 year olds. Junior Champions are encouraged to complete street audits to report issues, and have the same access to equipment. Junior champions however get a special drawstring bag and cap, and earn pin badges for the things they do in their street. Junior champions also have their own special quarterly newsletter and fun competitions to take part in. There are over 100 Junior Street Champions and they will be celebrating their first year anniversary on April 12th, where 30 of them will be taking part in a fun day which incorporates litter picking, street auditing, a barbeque lunch, pond dipping and scavenger hunt all based in and around Priory Country Park. To find out more about the Street Champion and Junior Street Champion schemes, subscribe to the quarterly newsletter or for more information about other volunteering opportunities please contact the Community Volunteering Team on (01234) 718276 or email volunteering@bedford. gov.uk. More information can also be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/volunteering

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This month's letter will be about a fantastic holiday that Dave and I took in Indonesia! We flew from Singapore to Bali & spent a night on the beautiful island, in an area called Sanur. There wasn't much time to explore, as we were up early the next day to get on a boat to the paradise island Gili Trawangan, otherwise known as Gili T. Unfortunately for us (and two Aussie travellers) there were no seats left inside the boat on the way there, so we were asked if we wanted the 'privileged' seats which were on top of the boat. This sounded really exciting, but none of us had sun cream in our possession and entirely underestimated the power of the Balinese sun. After three hours racing along the East coast of Bali, and spotting several dolphins swimming metres away from us, we arrived at Gili T, which is one of three tiny islands (the other two being Gili Meno and Gili Air) situated a stone's throw away from the coast of Lombok, another stunning Indonesian island that we intend to explore in the future. We jumped off the boat into the most fantastic sea-water I have ever seen. It was a crystal clear turquoise heaven and below it was the softest white powdery sand imaginable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect for our now crimson bodies. Once we had been handed our luggage, a horse and cart took us to our villa, which was further inland. There is no motorised transport on the Gili islands, so travellers have three options for getting around: horse, bike or on foot. This isn't really an issue considering that Gili T is only 3km long and 2km wide! The name Trawangan means tunnel, from the word Terowongan. This is due to the cave tunnel which was built there during World War 2, by the Japanese. 8

While we were there, we spent a lot of time cycling around the island, hopping from bar to seafood restaurant, enjoying the relaxed peaceful atmosphere of the place. We spent a day snorkelling around the three Gili islands and saw hundreds of beautiful plants and animals, including monkey fish, clown fish, blue coral, sea snakes and sea turtles! We spent about 30 minutes following this one sea turtle who was swimming in very shallow waters and didn't seem at all bothered by us joining him on his hunt for food. We met lots of extremely friendly locals and about twenty local cats, who would sit at our table in restaurants, hoping to pick up some food!

All in all, it was a brilliant holiday, and another destination that I would highly recommend to anyone travelling to South East Asia. Don't forget your sun cream though!

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BEDFORD

A Town of Markets Bedford is a thriving market town with its original ‘charter’ dating back more than 800 years when King Henry II granted it in 1166, allowing Bedfordians to hold their own market. A market has been held on St Paul’s Square since the 1500’s. Bedford Charter Markets Every Wednesday & Saturday, 8.30am - 4.00pm Harpur Square & St. Paul’s Square, Bedford Town Centre The general Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays on the historic Harpur and St Paul’s Squares has retained a freshness and appeal by offering a wide range of quality goods at affordable prices, from olives to key cutting services, toys to hot food. But Bedford’s market trade isn’t just historic – since 2004 the county town has transformed itself into ‘A Town of Markets’ by introducing several new speciality markets. Thursdays in Bedford are now filled with the sensual delights of its regular Gourmet Food market whilst Fridays plays host to the beautiful Home and Garden Market Bedford Gourmet Market Every Thursday, 9.30am - 4.00pm Midland Road, Bedford Town Centre The speciality markets are held in Harpur Square in the heart of the historic town centre. Bedford’s Gourmet Food Market, offers a wide range of quality foods and food-related products.

The lunchtime trade is also catered for with tasty takeaway food and drinks being available. On the second and fourth Thursday of each month the market is boosted by the local Farmers’ Market with its local produce and WI cakes. Farmers Market Every second and fourth Thursday of the month, 9.30am - 4.00pm Harpur Square, Bedford Town Centre The Farmers Market takes place on the second AND fourth Thursday of each month Flower, Home and Garden Market Every Friday, 8.30am - 3.30pm Harpur Square, Bedford Town Centre Friday’s Home & Garden Market offers an array of cut flowers and plants, together with specialist garden products. It’s proving to have a year-round appeal, with shoppers and town centre staff seen carrying armfuls of flowers through the town at lunchtime! Handmade in Bedford Crafts Market (March-Dec) Every second Saturday of the month, Harpur Square, Bedford Town Centre. Throughout the year there are ad hoc visiting markets. 28th Feb-3rd March The Continental Market which includes stalls from France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

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MAY DAY

By Susan Brookes-Morris May Day is celebrated on the first Monday of the month. It originates from village celebrations marking the coming of summer. The following traditions often take place amongst a day of festivities: Maypoles are hung with greenery and ribbons and painted brightly. Local children dress in their finest clothes, with bells and flower garlands, and perform traditional ribbon dances such as Gypsy Tent and The Spiders Web. Originally maypoles were made by villagers using a young tall tree. They stripped off the lower branches, but left leaves at the top to symbolise new life, and then decorated it with flowers and ribbons. The Crowning of the May Queen is linked to the honouring of Flora the Roman goddess of fruit and flowers. Traditionally she took no part in games or dancing, but sat like a queen in a flowerdecked chair to watch her ‘subjects.’ Morris dancing is a traditional form of English folk

dancing carried out by groups known as sides. Dances are passed down through generations, and involve movements to accentuate the tinkling of bells attached to costumes and coming together to strike wooden sticks. Loud accordion music accompanies the dancing. Sometimes dancers paint their faces black, and this association with the North African Moors may explain the origins of the name ‘Morris’ dancing.

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What’s happening

at Emmaus Village Carlton? As many of you know we have now completed the refurbishment of our old Furniture Showroom following a hard struggle by our Fund Raiser to generate donations and grants from larger organisations and private donors. If you can cast your mind back twelve months, you will remember the very poor state of the showroom. It was difficult to walk around the whole showroom as there were buckets, bowls and even a small paddling pool collecting the rain that would pour through on really raining days and especially nights. Most mornings our poor Companions would have to empty all the buckets and bowls and then mop up the rain that had missed the spot. Once this had been done, we all made sure that we were well wrapped up for the day’s trading. To say it was cold is an understatement, it could be at times freezing and if you had asked how many layers of clothing we were wearing at any given time, it would have been difficult to tell you through chattering teeth. We did it though, every day until we received the long awaited news that funds had been received to ‘do up’ the showroom. The joy felt by Companions, Volunteers and Staff generated just enough heat for us to feel pleased, that is until the cold hit us again. But of course, we were also very much aware of our loyal customers, they continued to come and shop even though on some days it was bitterly cold. We have to admit they didn’t stay as long as normal, but they still continued to spend. This enabled us to continue supporting our Companions, offering them a warm, friendly home, food and clothing. They also continued to receive training, advice and support when it was needed. All of this was done with the money generated by our trading income and still continues today. However, the working day for our Companions in the showroom has greatly improved; it has given them a warm, bright and clean working environment. We are now keeping our fingers crossed for additional donations and grants to enable us to finish the building. We hope to revamp the Boutique and Haberdashery Shop. This will make the building more cost effective in terms of heating and lighting as they will be powered by the same means as the new Furniture Showroom. But one of the exciting parts for us during this second phase of the refurbishment is the fact that the

Workshop, hidden in the middle of the shops will also be refurbished. We will be able to offer further training to our Companions and allow them to be more creative with renovating what would be un- saleable furniture, they would be able to experiment with different paint effects other than Shabby Chic and even re upholster furniture. They may even be able to begin to repair furniture, items that we currently have to turn away. We hope to be able to give them additional skills that will benefit them, if and when they decide to move on. But enough about us, what do we do for others? Well, we are fortunate that our customers continue to be generous with their donations and of course continue to spend with us. Our daily trading allows us to maintain our Community and all that’s goes with it. But at times we are also able to share this good fortune by donating to other causes. We support a local Women’s Refuge by donating Baby and Children’s Clothes. Often we are contacted by local services, asking us to help Couples or Single people who are on low incomes by supplying furniture for their new homes. We are also able to set them up with Bedding, Quilts and other Linen. We often supply un- saleable bedding, blankets and quilts to a Rescue Dog Charity. We have recently started to collect the many pairs of reading glasses donated to forward on to Third World Countries. Our latest project, together with other Emmuas Communities involves filling a large Shipping Container with a variety of goods to be sent to Emmaus in Romania to support their work amongst people living on the streets. So, although we are improving our site and have recently increased our capacity for additional Companions, we still need to encourage people to visit our shops and encourage them to continue to donate. By doing this our Customers help us to provide the best facilities available for our Companions. And the other larger organisations and private donors, well we need them too. Finally, a big Thank You to you all, to those who have donated items to us and to those who have spent their money with us. Without you, we would not have the success we enjoy and the ability to help so many others. Emmaus Village Carlton, School Lane Carlton Bedford MK43 7LQ www.emmausvillagecarlton.org

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Pedal power

By Alex Brown

Road cycling is an exhilarating way to challenge yourself and get fit You know what they say about riding a bike – once you’ve learned you never forget. So if you enjoyed zooming down hills when you were younger (and struggling up them!) road cycling may be the ideal sport for you. As the name suggests, road cycling involves riding exclusively on roads, and the aim is to build up your speed and the distance you can cover. It’s a very efficient way to get fit and lose weight as it’s one of the few sports that you can sustain for two to four hours. Like running, it gets you out in the fresh air, but it is low impact and places less strain on your joints. Road bikes are designed for racing. They have a lightweight frame, narrow tyres and rounded handlebars so that you sit forward in an aerodynamic position. You can pay anything from £150 to £5000 plus. Cheaper bikes are made from steel or aluminium, while the more expensive are carbon fibre or titanium, which is amazingly strong and light. If you decide to take up the sport seriously, look for a well-known brand and expect to pay around £600. Getting the right size is important, so ask your local bike shop for advice. Your legs should

be almost straight when they are on the pedal at bottom of the turn. There are two types of pedals on road bikes. Platform pedals are like those on a traditional bicycle and you will need to add toe clips. Modern clipless pedals will need special shoes with cleats on them that fix your foot to the pedals. The saddle of a road bicycle is normally very narrow and can be uncomfortable, so you may want to get a gel cover or wear padded shorts. When you’re out on the roads, safety has to be your top priority. A helmet is a must, as is brightly coloured clothing. Ride your bike as if you were driving a car and obey traffic laws. Take a tool kit with you – a spare inner tube, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, pump and Allen keys are essential. It’s also sensible to carry your address and phone number in case of an accident. Think of road cycling as a long-term sport. It will take you a few weeks to get used to your bike and build up your speed and stamina. Joining a club is a great way to keep motivated. You’ll find a directory of over 1500 clubs at www. britishcycling.org.uk ranging from informal groups who ride for pleasure to competitive racing teams. So what are you waiting for – get on your bike!

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Gallery 1066

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

Put on your glad rags and join Gallery 1066 on the red carpet for A Night with the Stars. A VIP preview will be held on Friday 17th May, 6-9pm with the exhibition continuing on Saturday 18th, 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6pm and Sunday 19th, 114pm. Be dazzled and inspired by paintings from some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most iconic figures from past to present. In this unique exhibition Gallery 1066 have brought together a spectacular collection from a selected group of award winning and world acclaimed artists, such as Paul Normansell, Jen Allen and Zinsky for a night amongst the stars. Gallery 1066 will also be introducing their new summer collection in the next coming months. This includes some incredible talent from up and coming artists as well as new collections from their existing world acclaimed artists. 18

This is certainly a gallery with a difference, for a truly fine art experience then take a trip to this Hertfordshire jewel, a warm welcome always awaits along with a complimentary coffee or glass of wine. Enjoy fabulous works in a relaxed and informal atmosphere where their experienced team are on hand to help guide you from up and coming new talent to the most acclaimed artists. They offer home consultancy, gift vouchers, wedding lists and events throughout the year. Whether you are a first time buyer or an avid collector this is certainly a venue not to be missed. Invest in your home and enjoy beautiful works that you can enjoy every day and take a visit to this stunning gallery. To find out more and to reserve your place at this exciting VIP preview event please contact the Gallery on 01462 622233 or email info@gallery1066fineart.com. To view their range of artists please visit www.gallery1066fineart.com

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Siemens Cookery Demonstration

at Peter Crisp â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18th May 2013 Peter Crisp Design Studio Church Street Rushden are hosting another of their very successful Siemens Cookery demonstration on Saturday 18th May 2013. The Siemens Home Economist will be demonstrating the features and benefits of Induction hobs, Combination steam ovens (Steam cooking is gentler than traditional cooking methods, so there is no loss of texture, taste or colour. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthier too. Far fewer vital vitamins, minerals and nutrients are lost with steam cooking, so there is no need to add salt or oil) also the multi -function oven with their excellent activeClean cycle (No need to be spending valuable time scrubbing your oven). There will also be a chance to taste the results during the demonstration. There are two sittings at 10.30am and 1pm, each session has limited places. To reserve a place please call the Design Studio on 01933 356424 or email

info@petercrisp.co.uk. After your demonstration please take the time to look at some of our very special offers on our appliances and kitchens. We are continually changing the showroom and need to make way for our new exciting displays. We hope you see you on the 18th May and please do not forget to reserve your place.

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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean 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 & completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best.

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).

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Sick and Tired

of Feeling Sick and Tired?

If you have been dealing with a health issue but have been unable to find the cause, you are not alone. It is estimated that at least 70 percent of people who visit their doctor with a variety of symptoms are told that there is nothing wrong with them after undergoing a range of tests. This can be very frustrating when you “know” something is not right. A simple, non-invasive test, available from local company, Pulse Health Screening, may offer a solution. It is delivered by an advanced medical device called the Asyra Pro which uses “bioresonance” to detect imbalances within the body. Bioresonance or bio-energetic medicine has been around since the 1950s. It is rooted in the science of quantum physics which maintains that all atoms vibrate, producing their own individual frequency (resonance), measured in Hertz (hz). The Asyra Pro tests your body’s reaction to the frequencies of the atoms in organs, tissues, hormones, nutrients, foods, pathogens, chemicals, heavy metals, allergens, plus much more. If any resistance or “disresonance” is detected, it may indicate an abnormality which could manifest as a nutrient deficiency, a food intolerance, a digestive disorder, an allergy, a hormone imbalance, a skin condition, depression, fatigue, or frequent headaches. Sue Bedford, a Registered Nurse who runs Pulse Health Screening says that the Asyra Pro has revolutionised her practice since she introduced it last year - “Both myself and my clients are amazed at what the Asyra picks up in the tests.

It’s like having a personal medical detective”. Sue stresses that the Asyra cannot diagnose a disease but it can help to identify what may be at the root of a health issue – “By simply addressing the imbalance, many people start to notice their symptoms improve or even disappear”. A consultation can be conducted in your home, workplace, at Bedford Chiropractic Clinic or Essence of Beauty in Bedford. Once the test is completed, the Asyra is able to produce a personalised remedy to help the body correct any imbalances found. Advice is also given on diet and lifestyle. Afterwards, each client is sent a comprehensive report of their results. A followup test is usually recommended a few weeks later to monitor progress. Sue is offering Beds Local readers an Asyra Pro test at just £42 (£30 for under 16’s). This is a 40% saving on the normal consultation fee. For more details, call 01234 840089 or visit www.pulsescreening.co.uk.

Do you struggle with Food Intolerance . Allergies . IBS Eczema . Migraines . Fatigue? Find out what may be causing your health issue by having a Bioresonance Health Check with our Registered Nurse ● It’s fast, accurate, and non-invasive with immediate results ● Available for all ages ● A detailed health report and personalised remedy is included For more details, or to book a consultation, contact: 01234 840089 www.pulsescreening.co.uk Save 40% off a bioresonance health check with this ad (only £42, normally £70). Quote: BEDS LOCAL

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7 myths

that retailers may tell you

Some traders will tell you anything to make you go away, rather than just give you your money back. Here are some of the most common things traders will tell you: 1. “Verbal contract? It’s not worth the paper it’s written on”. This is not true. Verbal contracts are legally binding. 2. “No refunds on sale items” This sign is so common in shops. Whether they can do this or not depends on why the goods were on sale. If they were reduced in price because of a fault that was either pointed out to you or that you could have been ‘reasonably’ expected to notice before you bought it, then you are not entitled to a refund. But, if it was just on special offer or in the January sales, you are entitled to get your money back if it turns out to have a fault, to have been inaccurately described, or not fit for the purpose that it was sold for. 3. “We don’t offer refunds - you must accept a credit note” If you buy goods that turn out to be faulty, the law says that the contract you made when you bought those goods has been broken by the seller. You are therefore entitled to cancel the contract (as long as you have acted within a reasonable amount of time) and get a full refund. 4. “We can’t do anything without a receipt”. There is no legal obligation for shops to even give you a receipt, let alone for you to keep it.

Shops should accept any proof of purchase, like a bank statement or credit card bill (if you paid by credit or debit card). If you paid in cash and have not kept the receipt, you may have difficulty proving that you bought the item. 5. “It is not my fault if it doesn’t work. Make a complaint to the manufacturer.” It is the person who sold you the goods with whom you have made a contract. They are therefore responsible for dealing with any problems, and not the manufacturer. 6. “It was fine when I sold it to you. You must have broken it!” If something breaks and you inform the trader within six months of purchase it is the trader’s duty to prove that the item had no fault at the time it was sold to you. If you have had the item for over 6 months it is your duty to prove the fault was present at the time of purchase. 7. “If you have a complaint you will have to bring it back to the shop and we’ll discuss it” No matter what the size or weight of the goods it is technically always the seller’s duty to collect faulty items. If it is simply a case of you having changed your mind, you do not have these automatic rights but many traders will come and collect large or unwieldy items from you in the interests of customer service. For more information and advice visit consumer champion and legal expert Dean Dunham’s website www.youandyourrights.com

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ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES LOCAL STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 30 YEARS SPECIALISING IN COMPLETE SOLUTIONS TO YOUR PROBLEMS AMONG THE SERVICES WE OFFER ARE:• Structural surveys on domestic or commercial properties. • All aspects of structural design for domestic alterations. • Subsidence investigations and surveys. • CCTV inspections and drainage repairs. Our Office Hours are: Tuesday to Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm. Tel: 01234 272772 Email: leigh@hace-consultancy.co.uk www.hace-consultancy.co.uk 15 St. Cuthbert’s Street, Bedford, MK40 3JB Please quote reference: VIL/HACE/01

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THE FRIENDS OF BEDFORD HOSPITAL

Patron: The Duchess of Bedford Since 1902 the Friends of Bedford Hospital have raised funds to provide medical equipment. Today we also aim to make a patient’s stay within the hospital more comfortable, enhancing his or her experience or visit. Our most recent donations to the Hospital have been a Breast Scanner (£22,000), which greatly improves diagnosis and treatment in the Breast Unit; a Bladder Scanner (£6,300), now assisting rapid recovery in the Stroke Unit; and a £2,410 trial of a supplementary snack diet designed to prevent weight loss in patients suffering from dementia, who cannot manage normal hospital meals. We next propose to refurbish the outdated parents’ facilities in Riverbank (the Children’s Ward) and create a welcoming atmosphere for worried parents of sick children. Join us (only £10 a year)! You don’t need to be a member to help us, or to attend our events, but your subscriptions are greatly valued and put to very good use.

Fundraising events: Recently we made £256 from a Nearly New Sale of Baby and Pre-School Clothes and Equipment, £534 from a Charity Quiz and £543 from an Indian Dining Evening.

Come to our Flower Demonstration with Traditional Afternoon Tea, from 2pm on Tuesday 14th May in Oakley Village Hall. Tickets £12 from me on 01234-359716. Our gifted demonstrator this year will be Keith Lilley from Greycourt Florists of Kempston. Raffle and trade stalls offer further attractions. We gratefully accept donations from the public and bequests in people’s Wills. Legacies enabled us to donate the £22,000 Breast Scanner. Volunteers are often needed to bake cakes and help run our events, to collect money outside supermarkets four times a year, and to man our bookstall in the Hospital every month. Helping the Friends offers a great opportunity to meet people and do a worthwhile job at the same time. Local businesses are warmly welcomed as fundraising partners. Corporate Membership is £50 a year. If you can offer facilities for us to run a fund-raising event, or donate a new microwave cooker, crockery, furniture or curtains for Riverbank Ward, we will be very grateful. Help is needed to run our charity stall from 1 – 6pm on 4th, 5th and 6th May at the Beer Festival at the White Horse Pub in Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9PX. Can you lend us a gazebo? Can you bake a cake or donate some plants to sell? Can you spare an hour or two to help run the stall? I will be very pleased to hear from you on 01234-359716. Felicity Scott, Chairman.

Scene from our Nearly-New Sale of Baby and Pre-School Children’s Wear and Equipment on 16th March 2013

Felicity Scott, Chairman.

Email: info@friendsofbedfordhospital.org, website: www.friendsofbedfordhospital.org or telephone 01234-716015.

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

Manor Farm Day Nursery

Sandy

As a deeply committed attachment parent I must admit to feeling slightly conflicted when I accept an invitation to visit the new Manor Farm Day Nursery. But even I can see that there is something different about proprietor Jane, her small son Joel and her day nursery at Sandy. Jane tells me: ‘I am not trained in nursery-nursing and so I approach the need for childcare from the

prospective of a working mother and someone who really loves my own children. I want to provide the same kind of childcare for babies, toddlers and preschoolers that I would want for my own children. Although every parent wants to believe that their child is happy in day care, there are nurseries out there that are understaffed and badly organised; where the children are bored and do not get to play outside in the sunshine or eat fresh food or have much opportunity to learn or enjoy anything at all. I know that the best place for every child is at home with loving parents, but if that is not possible for any reason, then I am confident that I can provide the next best choice.’ The new nursery at Sandy certainly seems wellplanned and brimful of wonderful ideas. From language classes, yoga for little ones, Monkeynastix and music lessons to fresh, locally sourced and cooked-from-scratch by a qualified chef meals, there is plenty to make the day nursery stand out as truly different. ‘The huge benefit of this building is the lovely outdoor space. We have installed brand new wooden play equipment in the large side garden. There is also a front garden with lovely, mature trees and a small field at the back where we have dug vegetable beds which we plan to use alongside the children – they will be able to grow their own salad and vegetables here and have them for lunch!’

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As we look around I notice that the garden is surprisingly quiet and has an air of safety and seclusion for somewhere so very close to the A1 north/south link. ‘We are amazed at the peace of the place and the good atmosphere. I think the land surrounding the building, which was originally a farmhouse and dates from 1840 and the trees and birds really make it feel green and calm, but the proximity of main routes and ease of access is brilliant for any commuting parents,’ explains Jane. She continues ‘We open from 7am and close at 7pm in order to work with even the longest days and we are very flexible so that the most complicated shift patterns can be accommodated.’ I ask about staff ratios. ‘We have higher staff ratios than many nurseries and higher than we are legally obliged to. I believe that every child we care for deserves the absolute best, every day. All my staff are fully qualified and we like to train them from the apprentice stage so that we teach them our ways right from the start. The real difference in how my nurseries are run is the dedicated staff. They know each individual child in their care exceptionally well and they know the parents too. They listen and respond to the child’s personal needs and they are selected for their genuine, heartfelt love of children.’ Manor Farm Day Nursery does not charge excessive fees. ‘We are confident that all the places in our nurseries will be taken quickly and even though we do provide a service that is second to none, we do not see a need to charge huge amounts for this. We feel that all children need to be cared for the way we do it and, even though our standards are unusually high, they are what they ought to be. This does not justify inflated prices, rather, we would like all parents to choose to send their children to us so that we know those children are safe and happy, we do not want to make our service unaffordable to anyone.’ Jane enthuses. The light, airy rooms with their big windows that afford views over that enchanted garden are so numerous that Jane has been able to plan a real paradise for the children. ‘Each space has it’s own door and locking system with intercoms for absolute security. We have a perfect place for the babies in the converted barn which has its own garden - a

totally secure place for them to crawl into and play in the sunshine. There is separate space for the 2.5 to 3.5 year olds and then another space for the preschoolers. This way the needs of each age can be catered for and there will be no conflict due to too wide an age range. There are rooms for messy play and craft, and a big kitchen where all the meals – including a hot afternoon tea, will be cooked each day. This means that parents do not have to spend precious evenings with their child trying to cook a meal too.’ So, if your work takes you away from the most precious people in your life and you must look for care for your little ones, then look no further than Manor Farm Day Nursery. ‘We invite anyone searching for day care to come and visit, to see the facilities we have and how the place feels. We are confident that parents will be able to tell by instinct that this is a happy place and the children who play here are all testimony to that fact too.’

MANOR FARM DAY NURSERY 76 London Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 1DZ Tel: 01767 691348 / 07885 980602 Website: www.manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk Email: info@manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

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Prepare Your Trees for the Coming Year Pest & Disease Management and Fertilization

Hedges

Pruning

Spring is the best time to trim hedges to keep them looking good for the coming year. Conifers should ideally be pruned twice a year, once in spring then late summer. This reduces stress levels on the trees and will keep them looking tidy through the coming months.

Tree pruning should be carried out before trees come into leaf, especially species such as Birch. Late pruning can induce “sap bleeding” if left too late.

Trimming will also help identify pest or disease issue that your hedges may be suffering from such as Mites or Shoot Canker.

Early inspections can also highlight Trees and shrubs will also benefit any structural issues with the trees from a bespoke fertilizer application when not in leaf. applied before Leaf break, this will also give a good moisture boost for the trees early spring development.

Pruning in the dormant period also reduces stress on the trees, helping recovery once leaf growth begins.

Early spring is the optimum time for management of pest and disease control. Mites, Aphids and Caterpillars will start their life cycle in spring. Early control can minimize the impact on plants.

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

Bartlett Tree Experts A Complete and Comprehensive Tree Careand Service since 1907 A Complete Comprehensive Tree Care Service Since 1907 For over 100 years, Bartlett Tree Experts has led both the science and services that make your landscape thrive. No matter the size or scope of your needs, our arborists bring a rare mix of groundbreaking research, global resources and a local service approach to every task at hand. Trees add so much value to our lives; Bartlett adds even more value to your trees.

Tree & Shrub Pruning | Planting | Tree Removal Hedge Cutting | Stump Grinding Woodland Management | Disease & Inseact Control For a free quote please contact your local arborist Tim Brown

01234 354 673 bedford@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

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SAVE

Let us transform your BEAVER SHEDS Quality Bespokespace Timberinto Buildings outdoor a living room • Sheds Spring is the perfect time to give your

• Kennels outdoor spaces some love and care and T.R. LANDSCAPING & PROPERTY • Offices MAINTENANCE is here to help you. • Summer Not onlyHouses do we provide routine property maintenance but we also offer innovative • Playhouses landscape garden design services and are specialists in driveway and patio • Cabins construction.

off our labour charge when you book us to do a job before the 1 June 2013

Our goal is to help you create an outdoor space which will perfectly reflect your individual style and suit your specific needs whether you are a residential or commercial property owner. We will consult with you Spinney Road, closely23 to find out what it is you envision for your Landscape, Hardscape or Chawston, Bedford, MK443BW Outdoor living space - providing Monday Friday – 8am-5pm practical ideas and inspiring solutions that Saturday 9am-3pm Sunday – Closed will fit-your budget and potentially add value to your property! Tel: 01480 212336

To take advantage of this offer simply cut out and present us with this coupon. To stay updated on our future events and special offers please do click the ‘LIKE’ button on our facebook page at this website address: www.facebook.com/trlandscapingbedford

www.beaversheds.co.uk

---------------------------------Call us on (01234) 303651 or 07759 331287

T.R. LANDSCAPING & Property Maintenance

“We are a family-owned and run business which for over 15 years has been serving the needs of customers in Bedfordshire. We offer a wide spectrum of professional landscaping and property maintenance services for both residential and commercial property owners.” Driveways, Walkways & Steps  Patio & Outdoor Entertainment Areas  Decking  Landscape Construction & Design Wood Structures & Garden Rooms  Ground & Tree Maintenance  Garden Renovations & Clearance  Outdoor Lighting Pruning & Trimming  Seasonal Cleanup  Hedges  Water Features  Jet Washing  Planting, Turfing & More

For more information about us visit www.trlandscaping.co.uk To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

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GREAT BARFORD BOWLS CLUB

WOODPECKER LANE, GREAT BARFORD Great Barford Bowls Club was founded in 1940. The local vicar gave his tennis court to the village for a Bowls Green for the benefit of the residents and other villagers nearby. We are a private club, a member of Bowls England, and locally Bowls Bedfordshire. The club participates in their League matches. A full committee operates; it meets monthly. We have the usual officer appointments, President, Chairman; etc. We hold an AGM and a Pre-Season Meeting. The club is approached from Woodpecker Lane, Great Barford. We have a first-class pavilion, with very attractive surrounding areas. It is brickbuilt, with the usual facilities. The bowling green provides six rinks. We have a good-sized car park. The club operates Men, Ladies and Mixed matches. Season runs from April to September. Matches are arranged with other clubs. We play matches weekends, weekdays and evenings. Tea is always provided. Compared with many

other clubs, our fees are moderate. For 2013 we are welcoming new members with a very attractive fee of ÂŁ10.00, for the first year. We have full playing members and social members. We hold an Annual Village Quiz. In addition we hold Coffee mornings twice yearly. We have a thriving Whist Club. An adjunct to the Bowls Club we now have Petanque. In addition we hold a Friday Club Night to include roll ups for Bowls and Petanque. All these events are open to members, friends, and local residents from Great Barford and nearby villages We are a very friendly club, situated within, The Villager distribution area. Anyone joining us would be very welcome, would settle in very quickly and enjoy the overall facilities. Telephone 01234 838539 Web site www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk/

BLOCK PAVING By C.B. Brown Before

After

Cleaning & Repairs ~ Call now! 25 Years in the Building Trade

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 01234 326400 ~ 07917 612725 To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home. Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12 . . .

Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free

Contact James on: 01767 260188 or Mobile: 07812 666081 email: ovenmen@live.co.uk You can also book at www.ovenmen.com

parent company est. 1998

McDonald Wine At Home Wine Tasting for Up to Eight People for Just £19.95

• You and your friends taste up to 10 different wines (with a minimum retail value of £130) in the comfort of your own home with our wine expert • You and your friends jointly place an order on the night for at least a minimum mixed order of 12 bottles we will give you a complimentary bottle of wine on the night • Valid for homes within a 25 mile radius of Flitwick Bedfordshire

Terms

• You must be a minimum of 18 years old • One purchase per household – maximum eight people • Book by 31st May 2013 • Booking across the summer months • Very limited weekend availability

McDonald Wine is the trading name of Stephen McDonald Wine Consultancy Ltd Registered office 1A The Avenue, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1BP

How Too Book Your Wine Tasting • E mail sales@mcdonaldwine.co.uk

(quoting Villager Wine Tasting in subject box) Quoting your name and phone number • Call 07582 174022 or 01525 716957 (leave name and contact number clearly if not available) • Our sales department will then contact you agree a date and take a non refundable charge of £19.95 payment by debit or credit card (not amex) to secure your booking • Your booking will be acknowledged by e mail

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To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

Bromham Windows & Home Improvements UPVC Windows & Doors, Conservatories, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering All double glazing repairs including:Broken & misty sealed units, hinges, faulty doors and locks, handles and much more.

For a free no obligation quotation call:-

01234 306662 or 07960 109429

Email: nightingale12@ntlworld.com

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Bedford Community Boat

Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust

The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust will be launching the new Bedford Community Boat in June 2013. The boat will be available for both public trips and private hire. Public trips run most weekends and often on Thursdays too. Trips cost as little as £4 for a one hour adult ticket and longer trips are offered up and downstream from central Bedford. Discounts are available for seniors, children and families. If you would like exclusive use of the boat for an hour or a day.

To book email bmkboat@gmail.com or call 0800 3282 803 (free from land lines) or from a mobile dial 0330 1239 511 (charged as a part of your call allowance). Public trips Trip 1: Kempston Travelling upstream underneath the railway bridge passing The Guru Nanak Gurdwara Building in Queens Park, past the double island. Midway swinging south round into Kempston past Hillgrounds on the left, Robert Bruce School and the canoe launching point. Eventually turning round within sight of Kempston Mill to return to the town centre. Cruising time: 2-2.5 hours Cost: Adult £8 Senior £6 Child £4.40 Family* £21.60 When: Sundays 2pm & Thursdays 10.30am Summer Season: June to the end of August 2013 *Family tickets are for 2 adults and 2 children

Trip 2: Town Lock Travelling downstream past the beautiful Court building on the river edge before passing under Town Bridge after which St. Paul’s Church can be viewed. On the left is the Swan Hotel where the first plan for the Bedford to Milton Keynes canal was proposed in 1811. Along the Embankment to Castle Mound. Below Duck Mill weir on the right is where John Bunyan was baptised in 1653. Before turning into Bedford Town Lock with a view of the Suspension bridge and Butterfly Bridge. Experience descending in the lock before turning round to go back up through the lock to return home. Cruising time: 1 hour Cost: Adult £4 Senior £3.20 Child £2.40 Family* £11.20 When: Thursdays 3pm & Sundays 11am Summer Season: June to the end of August 2013 Trip 3: Cardington Lock Downstream under the historic Town Bridge, past the remains of the 12th century Bedford Castle and then through Town Lock. Skirting the Priory Country Park and Nature Reserve which has a large lake, walks, bird hides and the unusual Finger Lakes which are the remains of extraction of gravel. Then on to the Barns Hotel where Sam Whitbread, original sponsor of the Bedford to Milton Keynes canal, was born in 1758. Next on the left is the start of the canoe slalom in the Priory Country Park before turning into Cardington Lock then turning round to return to the town centre. Cruising time: 2.5 hours Cost: Adult £8 Senior £6 Child £4.40 Family* £21.60 When: Saturdays 3pm Summer Season: June to the end of August 2013

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

BEDFORD AMATEUR REGATTA

11th May 2013

Bedford Amateur Regatta founded in 1853 brings competitive rowing to the picturesque River Great Ouse in Bedford maintaining its position as the largest single day river regatta in the country. Racing takes place through the heart of the town over a 1,200 metre course with races every two minutes and competitors coming from far and wide representing Schools, Colleges and Clubs. Events are offered for fours and eights across all categories from J14 upwards including Novice and Elite.

Organised by a Committee with representation from all the rowing clubs in the Town, the event continues to be one of the key social events in the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar with parents, supporters and competitors enjoying the atmosphere of the Regatta enclosure close to the Suspension Bridge. Over the years the event has played host to many of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up and coming top rowing athletes with many going on to win Olympic and World Championship medals. http://www.bedfordregatta.co.uk/

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PAT’S CARS

Pat Kennedy • • • • • • •

Private Hire Executive Travel Airports and Hospitals Long and Short Journeys Small Parcel Deliveries 7 Seater Barclays Pingit Mobile Payment

Blunham

T: 07714 217 112 E: pat_kennedy@o2.co.uk T: 01767 64 11 17

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STAY SAFE

AND SAY NO TO COLD CALLERS Bedford Borough Council Environmental Health & Trading Standards are urging people to stay safe in their own homes by saying a firm “No” to cold calling doorstep traders. There has been a recent spate of ‘cold calling’ in the Borough, particularly around Brickhill, Roxton and Riseley. Affected consumers have claimed that ‘builders’ were pressurising them into agreeing to have building work carried out on their home. Pressuring consumers may be considered illegal under current consumer protection legislation. It has also been alleged that the completed works have been of poor quality. Bedford Borough Council’s Environmental Health & Trading Standards team are investigating this series of recent incidents are also issuing information and advice to residents in the affected areas. Councillor Sarah-Jayne Holland, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services, said:

“Agreeing to pay for any service on the basis of a door step visit is extremely risky and we would strongly advise local residents not to do this. “The best course of action is to always do your homework first and try to find local people or businesses which you can trust. In many cases that means using personal recommendations or you can use traders on the Trading Standards Approved list. “It is also important to remember that all traders are required to provide paperwork confirming a statutory 7 day cooling-off period providing the consumer the opportunity to change their mind so you should never feel rushed or pressured into having work carried out.” If you think you may have been the victim of doorstep crime or would like further advice, please contact Environmental Health & Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

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Qualified professional engineer 25 years experience I specialise in solving your plumbing problems Tap washers to boilers All work guaranteed No job too small Your local recommended engineer

Tel: 01234 772603 Mob: 07702 481 385

Gas Safe Reg No 112449

LPG approved

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

CODEWORD

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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ALMOND GARAGE DOORS LTD • Servicing Bedford & Milton Keynes • New Sales • Installation • Existing Doors Automated • FREE Quotations • Spare Parts • Gate Automation Unit 1a, College Farm Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RX info@almondgd.co.uk

 01234 828953 www.almondgaragedoors.co.uk

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Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th May Kite Festival & Motorshow Monday 27th May Battle of the Bands Final Kite Festival & Motorshow - Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday, 10am to 5pm The event will showcase kites from the four corners of the globe including America, Canada, Japan, China, Germany, France, Holland and Belgium as well as flyers from across the UK.The programme throughout the weekend will feature kites never seen before in the UK and childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and adultsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; workshops in the kite marquee. Alongside the various demonstrations in the arena will be a whole host of other attractions, food and drink, entertainment, music and kite stalls specialising in kite equipment, clothes and other accessories. Battle of the Bands - Monday, 12noon to 6pm Following the two successful heats held in the Corn Exchange, the Battle of the Bands Final will take place on Russell Park on Bank Holiday Monday with the prize of supporting The Blow Monkeys on Friday 5th July.

For more information visit www.bedfordevents.co.uk To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

tDEAN

LOCAL HANDYMAN SERVICES

• 35 years experience • Decorating / Wallpapering • Carpentry • Tiling • Coving • All aspects of home maintenance Tel: 01234 304682 01234 347699 or 07807 008062

for free estimates and advice

P.C.D

Services Double Glazing Services and Repairs, Windows, Doors, Hinges, Handles, Misted Sealed Units, Locksmith Services Installation of Windows and Doors. Guttering, Fencing and General Building Maintenance Certass Registered

Tel: 0800 955 0010 Mobile: 07966 069 838

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To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

Ty Interiors Prize Crossword 1st Prize £25 Name:

Sponsored by Ty Interiors, The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Faldo Road, Barton Le Clay, MK45 4RF

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 17th May 2013. Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:

Address:

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 Winners. Congratulations to: 1st prize - Ms Forster – Kempston Hardwick and 2nd prize - Mr Giles – St Neots For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Choose (6) 4 Bends (6) 9 Latest style (7) 10 Work out (5) 11 Scour (5) 12 Remove (7) 13 Arguing (11) 18 Changed (7) 20 Used to steer a car (5) 22 Attempted (5) 23 Kindergarten (7) 24 Area, district (6) 25 Head of newspaper (6) Down 1 Least risk (6) 2 Not the winner (5) 3 Type of plant (7) 5 Overturn (5) 6 Rogue (7) 7 Bedding (6) 8 Unconnected (11) 14 Loosening (7) 15 Taken down (7) 16 Haggle (6) 17 Participant (6) 19 Wireless (5) 21 Expel (5)

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ELSTOW CERAMIC TILES

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what’S ON?

IN MAY

18 April-10 May Art Exhibition Free admission Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford Five artists from Furneux Pelham are exhibiting for a second year running. Paula Cherry, Nikki Simms, Tanya Roberts and Sally Anne-Latham will be joined by a fifth artist Shelley Mason. www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk 2 May Learning Lunchtime - Long term Care Funding 11am Forest of Marston Vale, The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine With all of us expecting to get much older, Rachel Efetha will give tips on how to prepare for funding long term care. The talk is free and you can just turn up to the Centre. 3, 10, 17 & 24 May Story Time 2.30-3pm For Under 5s Every Friday afternoon. Term time only. 3, 10, 17, 4 & 31 May Roll-ups and Social Evenings 6.00pm £1 per roll-up reat Barford Bowls Club, Woodpecker Close, Great Barford Every Friday. Bowls provided. Please wear flat soled shoes. Tel: 01767 448526 www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 4 May Dawn Chorus Bird Walk and Breakfast 4.30-7.30am Forest of Marston Vale, The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine Adults £9, Children £6 Our annual celebration of Spring in the company of some wonderfully noisy birds and a small group of excellent and very well informed local bird experts. Wrap up warm and wear something waterproof on your feet. Bring binoculars if you have them but there are usually some spares. Booking and pre-payment is absolutely essential for this very popular event. Tel: 01234 767037 4 May Bedford Crafts, Produce & A Cuppa! 9am-2pm Church Lane Community Centre, Church Lane, Bedford First Saturday of the month. 4, 11, 18 & 25 May Petanque 10.30am Cost £2 per session Great Barford Bowls Club, Woodpecker Close, Great Barford. Tel: 01767 448526 Web: www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 4 May Shuttleworth Collection Flying Evening Gates open 12 noon, flying starts 6.15pm Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Online Adults in advance £15, Adults on the gate £20, Accompanied under 16s free www.shuttleworth.org 6 May International Workers Day - May Day Celebration 1pm Harpur Suite Bedford Free admission – donations appreciated Bedford and District Trades Union Council event. 1-3pm Stalls and speakers. 3-5pm Banner Theatre production - Fighting the Cuts. Refreshments and bar.

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 6 May Wilden May Day Fayre 1pm onwards Wilden Village Hall, High Street, Wilden The Bedford Pipe Band will be marching down Wilden High Street at 1pm, followed by Maypole dancing and the crowning of the May Queen. Irish Dancing, bagpipe displays, refreshments. The Victoria Arms pub is joining in the fun with a beer and cider festival and tractor display during the day, and an evening buffet. 8, 15, 22 & 29 May Whist Club 7.30pm Great Barford Bowls Club, Woodpecker Close, Great Barford Cost £1.50 Every Wednesday. Beginners welcome. Tel: 01767 448526 www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 10, 11 & 1 May Angelic Reiki 1&2 Practitioner Level 10am-5pm approx. Cost £252 (£52 deposit required with booking, balance due before course commencement – instalments available) If you want to learn a new and powerful healing system or practice at Practitioners level or higher, then this really is a wonderful, uplifting and Magical Certificated course to embrace. You do NOT need any previous experience or Reiki experience to do this course. You will learn all you need to be a fully qualified Angelic Reiki Practitioner under the Angelic Reiki Association. Tel: Annette - Angelic Reiki Master Teacher 01767 226492 Mob: 07918 904934 for more information or to enrol on a course or email annette.weatherill@ntlworld.com 10 May Bedford Hospitals Charity Concert 7.30pm Christopher Fry Hall, Bedford Modern School Tickets £10 including a glass of wine Concert featuring The Alma Singers, with Pupils from Wootton Upper School. Accompanist: Tessa Wood and Conductor: David Ewbank. In aid of the Bedford Hospitals Charity Appeal A & E Just for Children. Tickets: Wendy Cox 01234 870516 12 May Albery Dog Rescue Companion and Novelty Dog Show Entries from 10am, Judging from 11am The Athletics and Rugby Club, Wentworth Drive, Bedford Entries £1 per class Everyone welcome with or without a dog. Come along for a fun day out and help the rescue dogs. All proceeds for Albery Dog Rescue Dogs. Tel: Beryl 01234 356612 or Margaret 01767 682024 for more info 12 May Who Lived in a House Like This? 11am Tourist Information Centre, St. Paul’s Square, Bedford Adults £3, Children over 8 years £1.50 Bedford Association of Tour Guides 2013 Walks. Hear more about some of our oldest houses and the fascinating characters who designed and lived in them. The family stories behind some of Bedford’s grandest properties. Pre-booking essential Tel: 01234 718112 Monday – Saturday 9am-4.30pm Email: touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk

what’S ON? IN MAY

12 May Open Garden - Great Farm House, Maulden 1.30-5pm Great Farm House, Maulden, MK45 2AZ £4 per person, Under 16s free and must be accompanied The 4 acre garden is a mixture of formal gardens with Parkland, including mature trees and flowering shrubs. One of the highest viewpoints in Bedfordshire overlooking Ampthill and countryside. Teas served from the house. 13 May Beer, Wine ‘n’ Banter 7.45pm Queen’s Head, Milton Ernest A monthly evening group on the second Monday of each month. Come along for a drink and informal discussions about anything and everything. Tel: Ali 01234 825127 13 & 27 May Cercle Francais de Bedford 7.30-9.30pm 6 Rothsay Gardens, Bedford MK40 3QB Interested in the French Language and the French way of life? Cercle Francais meet twice monthly on Mondays. Meetings are in French. Talks, conversation and social evenings. New members welcome. Mai 13 - Tony Callen La Seconde Guerre Mondial à travers la chanson Mai 27 - Jour Férié – pas de reunion Tel: Judy 01234 317922 or Maud 01234 404610 Web: www.cerclefrancaisdebedford.com 16 May Fundraising Tea Dance 2-4.30pm The Addison Centre, Kempston £2.50 including refreshments. Tel: 01234 340997 16 May Girl’s Night In: with Christina Jones & Ali McNamara 7.30pm Putnoe Library, Bedford Tickets £2 A fun filled night where you can meet two fabulous authors, eat delicious chocolates and talk about love, life and… books. 16 May Bedford RSPB Local Group Meeting 7.30pm The A.R.A. Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford All very welcome. Tel: 01234 822035 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford 17 May Charity Golf Day Mowsbury Golf Course, Bedford Golf £20 per person/£80 per team of 4, dinner £20 per person SS Philip & James Golf Society Charity golf day in aid of St John’s School, Kempston and Bedford Daycare Hospice. Sponsorship invited – starting at as little as £50. Mike 07973 703340 mikechappell43@btinternet.com 17 May Evening of Mediumship & Clairvoyance with Wayne Marriott 7.30-10.30pm Tickets £12 Blunham Village Hall, 105a High Street, Blunham Refreshments available. Call or email for tickets. Tel: Annette 01767 226492 or 07918 904934 Email: annette.weatherill@ntlworld.com

18 May Great Barford Fun Day 12 noon-6pm Village Hall and Playing Field, Great Barford Fun and games promoting all our village clubs and activities, hog roast, entertainment and charity football match. Everyone welcome. Come and find out what’s going on in Great Barford. 18 May Maulden Pre-School Open Day 2-4pm Church Hall, Church Road, Maulden An afternoon of stimulating play, learning activities and fun, as well as an opportunity to enrol your child for vacancies from Sept 2013. www.mauldenpreschool.co.uk 19 May Flying Day & Light Aircraft Association Party in the Park Gates open 9am, Flying starts 2pm Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Adults £20, Children free Content subject to weather, availability and serviceability. Tickets available online. Web: www.shuttleworth.org 19 May Open Garden - Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook 1.30-5pm Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook , MK44 1HH £4 per person, Under 16s free and must be accompanied A mature five acre garden beautifully restored and modernised to blend with the 17th century manor house. Teas will be available from the house. Situated 9 miles north of Bedford off the A6, through Sharnbrook village, ¼ mile along the Souldrop Road. 23 May The story of John Howard the Prison Reformer 7pm Driving Standards Agency Training and Development Centre, Paul Waller Avenue, Harrowden Lane, Cardington Free admission but donations appreciated Friends of St Mary’s proudly present ‘The story of John Howard the Prison Reformer’ by Rev Canon Nigel Morrell. 25 May Heritage Days at All Saints, Cople 10am-12.30pm Henry VIII’s nursemaid. The only one in the County buried in 1405. Fascinating brasses. The best view in Cople. Delicious homemade cakes, tea and coffee. Tower trips and Brass Rubbing. A modest charge is made for Tower trips, brass rubbings and refreshments. 25 May Aragon Lacemakers 10am-3pm Garden Room, Moggerhanger Park Demonstrating and exhibiting some lace, old and new, and a ‘have a go’ pillow for any budding beginners. Proceeds going to Moggerhanger Park Charity. 26 May The Michael Campbell Memorial Cup Riseley Barbarians F.C vs Riseley Sports F.C Kick-Off 12:00 noon Riseley Playing Fields The 6th commemorative match to celebrate the life of Mike who passed away tragically after a short illness. Fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support. BBQ, Raffle and Bar. Twitter: @mikecampbellcup

STEVINGTON

12K ROAD RACE We are pleased to announce that this years race will be held on Sunday 12th May 2013 at 11am. The course includes North Beds villages of Pavenham, Oakley and Stevington. We do encourage runners to register in advance of the big day, which you can do by downloading our registration form at www.stevingtonroadrace. co.uk. It is also possible to register on the day, with registration open from 9:30am. Start and finish on the village playing field (Stevington Social Centre, Village Hall, Court Lane, Stevington, Bedfordshire, MK43) • Two water stations • Kilometre posts will be in position • Intersections will be controlled by marshalls • Refreshments, changing facilities, showers and toilets available • Children’s playground Last year we received great support and are hopeful this year will be just as, if not more, successful.

Soloist David Knight Conductor Jan Kaznowski

Sat 11 May 2013 7.30pm St Paul’s Church, Bedford

J S Bach and Family J S Bach Magnificat C P E Bach Cello Concerto in A J C Bach Symphony in E Flat Adults: £10 Children/Students: £3 Tickets are available from: Central Box Office Telephone 01234 718112 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

www.bedfordsymphony.com

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BRICKHILL

For all your oven cleaning needs, using a Non-toxic, Non-caustic cleaning solution

BOOK BUG REVIEW The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker ‘It was, at the beginning, a quite invisible catastrophe’ Slowly, imperceptibly, the rotation of the Earth is slowing down and soon everything on the planet finds itself affected by the lengthening days and nights. The Slowing is a disaster that affects the whole world equally. There is nowhere that 11 year old Julia and her family can go to escape the changes. As her best friend’s family relocates to Utah, her grandfather disappears and her parents’ marriage disintegrates, Julia struggles with school, growing up and falling in love, while the days grow dangerously hot and the nights become bitterly cold. Karen Thompson Walker has created a truly frightening and inescapable disaster. Reading this I was reminded of John Wyndham’s so-called ‘cosy catastrophes’, stories that tell of the end of world as we know it from a very personal point of view. There is no hero character in this book coming to save the day. The world is broken and Julia and her family and friends must learn to live with the consequences, if they can… For more information about books and reading, visit the Virtual Library at www.bedford.gov.uk/ libraries. The Book Bug has worked for the library service in Bedfordshire for over 20 years. She lives in Brickhill with far too many books!

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ADVERTISER INDEX Advertising Beds Local................................................... 44

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Wine Tasting Wines........................................ 40 To advertise please call 01767 261122 orMcDonald email christa@villagermag.com 61

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