Villager Bedford nov12

VILLAGER The

Issue 21 - November 2012

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue...

New this Month

Alistair Burt MP – Monthly Column

Plus

A look at life in your local hospital

Every month we will give you an insight into what’s happening at Bedford Hospital

Bedford Christmas Lights Switch On

Poppy Appeal We Will Remember Them

ur E o Y E FRcopy

Offering Quality 4kw Systems from ÂŁ6,500!

2

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

VILLAGER

Issue 21 - November 2012

The

and Town

In this Issue

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

4

Inside this issue...

New this Month

Bromham Millers

Alistair Burt MP – Monthly Column

Plus

A look at life in your local hospital Every month we will give you an insight into what’s happening at Bedford Hospital

Help People with Learning Disabilities

Bedford Christmas Lights Switch On

Poppy Appeal

ur Yo EE Rcopy

And We Will Remember Them

28

F

Editorial

Sarah Davey, Alistair Burt

Front Cover Image

Bedford Borough Council Christmas Light Switch On 2011

Advertising Sales Christa Hallam Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com

Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

£25 up for grabs!

30

Competition

Great Prize Up for Grabs Headway......................................................................... 6 Bedford Christmas Lights Switch On............................ 9 Bedford Poppy Appeal.................................................. 13 Remembrance Parade.................................................. 15 Alistair Burt’s Column................................................... 16

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

Disclaimer

Prize Crossword

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.

Pomi-T Study - Bedford Hospital.................................. 21 Stir it Up.........................................................................22 Puzzle Page...................................................................24 Christmas Tree Festival.................................................26

The 3 Mousetrap winners are : Mrs N Barnes from Bedford Mrs L Houghton from Lower Stondon Mr P Taylor from Potton You are now able to view the Villager Magazine online at

www.villagermag.com

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

3

BROMHAM MILLERS

HELPING PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES Only about five per cent of people with learning disabilities or autism work full-time - a shocking fact. Many want to earn a living, and with the help of the Bromham Millers, Mencap’s social enterprise based in Colmworth, people with these disabilities and conditions are now being given an opportunity to undertake paid work and help contribute to the local economy, generating huge savings on benefits and costs to the Borough Council.

Their target is to place at least 18 people with learning disabilities or autism in full-time jobs

by April 2013 – mainly doing arts and crafts such as mosaics, and also through computer service contracts; sectors which are said to best suit the capabilities of those with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum. The funding they have received to date goes a long way to helping achieve this, but they are still in need of grants or donations to help create these jobs. See how you can donate below.

Beverley Conlon, a 53 year old from Bedford who was diagnosed as a slow learner and has never been able to do paid work before, has uncovered a real talent for making mosaics at the Colmworth workshop. She says: “I really enjoy going to the workshop because it gets me out of the flat and socialising while we’re working. I find doing the mosaics very relaxing and I’ve learned a lot. I’m excited that we’re making plaques that are being sold.”

Mosaics created by Beverley and her colleagues are now on sale, priced from £25 to £120. The money raised goes towards helping to keep people employed in the mosaic workshop and the artists receive a commission.

4

The workshop can also undertake commissions.

The Chair of Bromham Millers, John Myers explains: “The large mosaics we can produce are ideal for creating striking external signs and logos for local businesses and community buildings or parks. We produce personalised house plaques and commemorative pet plaques to order too.”

The Centre also offers a successful Business Basics start up training programme for aspiring craft entrepreneurs for which they are currently recruiting. Jane De Lacey Munday, one of the first participants, now sells her handcrafted silver jewellery online (www.jdlm.co.uk) and on Bedford Craft Market. She says: “This course gives you everything you need in one place, from business planning through to finished product, marketing, cashflow and accounting to name a few. It enabled me to hit the ground running and turn a hobby into a business.”

How to donate: Virgin Money Giving (http://tinyurl. com/ccw7hfr), via Paypal link on the website: www. bromhammillers.co.uk or by cheque payable to Bedford Mencap mailed to: 2 Tamworth Buildings, Tythe Barn, School Lane, Colmworth, MK44 2JZ. Please contact: 01234 376699 or email: aj_myers@ btinternet.com for more info.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Carpets

est. 36 yrs

A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES

• FREE Estimates • FREE Delivery • FREE Car Park • FREE Insurance Estimates • FREE Samples to Borrow or brought to your home • FREE Advice

Roy

Gareth

Mariusz

Len

• Carpets in stock for immediate Delivery • PLUS MANY SPECIAL OFFERS IN STORE

Stainshield Carpet Protector • Remnants/Rugs/Mats etc • Our own experienced fitters • Binding Service • Furniture removal, uplifting & disposal of old flooring • NO JOB TOO SMALL! •

Open 9am - 5.30pm Mon - Sat 28-30 Fosterhill Rd., Bedford, MK40 2EN

01234 341 541 The largest family run Carpet business in Bedford!

All Carpets Rugs & Vinyls % 10With OFF this Advert

www.aandacarpets-bedford.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

5

Headway

Bedford

Do you have some spare time?

Do you like meeting new people?

Do you like helping people?

Do you want to gain experience in a caring profession?

Can you inspire and motivate others?

Headway Bedford is a rehabilitation centre for people who have an acquired a brain injury through accident or illness, we also offer support to their families and carers. It was established in 1990 under the umbrella of the national Brain Injury Association and became an independently registered charity in 1993.

The effects of a brain injury can be wide ranging and long lasting; it can cause cognitive, physical, emotional and behavioural difficulties and affect work and social life. Headway Bedford aims to improve these difficulties by setting individual goals in collaboration with the client and their family and carers.

Headway Bedford has approximately 90 clients aged 30 – 80 with varying levels of ability and disability. The majority attend one day a week to re-learn old skills and learn new ones.

We are currently seeking new volunteers to join our team one morning, afternoon or a day a week. You will work in small groups of volunteers and clients to help improve short term memory, concentration, information processing, problem solving and speech and language difficulties, whilst increasing the confidence and self esteem of our clients.

It is a fun and welcoming environment in which you can become involved in cognitive sessions and other areas including physiotherapy, cooking, IT, art and pottery. We are also looking for administrative assistance, marketing and fun raising experience. We welcome new skills and ideas that would benefit our clients.

No previous experience required, you will be supported and training is available. Most importantly it is a fun way to help others! Travel expenses will be reimbursed. We are an equal opportunities employee .

6

We are open to clients Monday to Thursday 10.00am – 3.30pm.

If you would like more details and an application form please contact us at Headway House, Bedford Health Village, Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2NT. Tel: 01234 310310 Fax: 01234 310311 E-mail: mail@headwaybedford.org.uk Website: www.headwaybedford.org.uk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Aspire, Believe, Succeed, Achieve at Bedford Sixth Form Wednesday 7 November 2012 5.00pm–8.00pm Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2BS

S E UR BL O T ILA A AV The Bedford Sixth Form...where you can achieve great things.

ASPIRE

BELIEVE

SUCCEED

ACHIEVE

Pre-register online now at www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/events

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

7

Smile Brightly this Winter!

Professional Tooth Whitening

Only ÂŁ175*

FREE

Cosmetic Dentistry & Tooth Coloured Braces Consultations*

FREE

Dental Implant & TMJ Pain Consultations*

Contact Victoria Place Dental Practice today!

01767 313896

victoriaplacedental@gmail.com Strictly one offer per person. OFFERS EXPIRE JANUARY 1ST 2013. *Present this ad for a no obligation, FREE CONSULT with Dr Raj Ahlowalia.

Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.victoriaplacedental.com for full details.

3 Victoria Place, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9RN victoriaplacedental.com 8

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

IS THAT FATHER CHRISTMAS?

BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL LIGHT UP TOWN Bedford Borough Council will light up the town with another magnificent firework display to mark the start of the Christmas period.

The Christmas Lights Switch On event will take place along the Embankment at 7pm, on Wednesday 21st November, as none other than Father Christmas presses the ‘on’ button! In 2011, in excess of 20,000, visited the show and soaked up the Christmas spirit.

Late night shopping will start in Bedford from the 28th November and the hugely popular Victorian Christmas Fair will run from 7th-9th December. In its 20th year, the Victorian Christmas Fair brings the sights and sounds of a true Victorian Christmas with stalls throughout the town centre selling an array of seasonal gifts, foods and treats. It is the ideal place to pick those extra special gifts for Christmas.

Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough Council, said: “A spectacular 20 minute firework display draws a

huge crowd and if people don’t feel Christmassy upon arrival, they will feel festive by the time they go home.”

So, we hope you will grab your hats, gloves and winter jackets and attend this fun community event, and enjoy a very Bedford Christmas!

If you would like any further information on this, or any other Christmas related events, visit www.bedfordevents.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

9

CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 17th November Sunday 18th November 10am – 4pm

RSPB

The Lodge, Sandy 01767 680541

Drury holidays DOOR TO DOOR COACH, AIR & CRUISE HOLIDAYS

The Drury family have been providing luxury coach holidays for over 50 years in the Beds, Bucks and Northants areas.

www.druryholidays.co.uk

Door to Door coach holidays & Door to Door Worldwide Air and Cruise holidays brochures available now call 01234 711318

10

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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 it’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).

Please phone or email for details

07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com

C h r i s t m a s B o o k i n gs No w B e i n g Ta k e n

New Banquet Menu at

Maharajah of Sandy 01767 689743/680475

OPEN 7 DAYS 5.30PM - 11.30PM 22 Market Square, Sandy SG19 1JA www.maharajahofsandy.co.uk

Available Wednesday 5.30pm to 11pm And Sunday 12.30 pm to 10pm Choose 1 item from each section Adults just £9.95 and Children Just £4.95 STARTER Shami Kebab Sheek Kebab Chicken Tikka Tandoori Chicken Chicken Chatt Chicken Pakora Vegetable Samosa Vegetable Pakora HoneyMushroom Garlic Mushroom Onion Bhajee

Exquisite, modern Indian cuisine

MAIN Lamb Pasanda Chicken Korma Chicken Tikka Mossala Lamb Dupiaza Rogan Gosth Prawn Garlic Prawn Saag Prawn Mushroom Bhoona Korahi/Chicken or Lamb Vegetable Dhansak Vegetable Rogan Malaie Chicken Komla Lamb Chicken Raipuri

Fully licensed

SIDE DISH Vegetable Curry Cauliflower Bhaji Bombay Potato Sag Bhajee Chana Massala CHOICE OF NAN OR RICE Pilau Rice Vegetable Rice Onion & Garlic Nan Peswari Nan Plain Nan

Takeaway menu available

Climate controlled

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

11

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY INCLUDES:

DISCO AND A GLASS OF BUBBLY AT MIDNIGHT

ONLY £20 PE PERSOR N Come and celebrate the New Year with us Hot and cold fork buffet Hog roast Dessert selection A glass of bubbly at midnight

All bookings must be accompanied by a non-refundable £10 deposit per person.

We accept payments by credit/debit cards.

MOWSBURY BAR & FUNCTION ROOM

For further information please contact Lorenzo or Maria on 01234 771493, Before After or contact mowsburygolfclub@ymail.com 12

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Bedford Poppy Appeal

VISIT THE POPPY SHOP The Bedford and District Poppy Appeal raised over £50,000. Last year!

“The Poppy shop” in its present form was created nine years ago to be of public interest and to give opportunity for the Royal British Legion to answer questions, give advice and socialise!

It is not generally known that a person has to serve in the forces for seven full days to be eligible for welfare support young and old alike. The appeal helps individuals and is now in its Ninety first year.

The shop holds a large stock of wreaths, crosses, badges etc. These have on many occasions been sent worldwide to be placed colleagues and relatives graves.

Tour operators have contacted Bedford to supply the same when they organised trips to war graves abroad.

Schools are keen to increase their contribution by holding fundraising events and numerous classes have visited the shop. Visits have to be arranged in advance.

The stories the public have told the staff, range from poignant to hilarious. Every year we see more new faces and listen to new tales from younger people and veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, including personal from our local Territorial army who are more than willing to sell poppies.

Perhaps the most rewarding moments, however, are when somebody enters the shop to say “Thank you for helping me”. Those few words mean such a lot to those who work in the shop and all the fund raisers.

This year The Poppy Shop will be opened by the Mayor of Bedford on Saturday 27th October at 9.30am in the Harpur Centre Bedford.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

13

14

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

REMEMBRANCE PARADE - SUN 11th NOV 2012 The carnage of the First World War (The Great War) led directly to the founding of the British Legion in 1921. It was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1925.

It is the leading charity, safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served in the armed forces and their dependants.

Over 13 million people are entitled to our help, from advice about benefits, to grants for household appliances; we are here to give our support, to those who need it, as members or ex-members of the armed forces.

Many people still believe that the legion is only for those who served in the first and second world wars. The Royal British Legion continues to help all those that need help who served in all wars and minor clashes since its founding and this includes Iraq, Afghanistan and all trouble spots were ever they may be.

Those who are serving currently and return to civilian life may need our help when they are older, whether they were injured or not during their

service simply just through aging. The RBL is there to help.

The annual parade and service of Remembrance will take place on Sunday the 11th November 2012 along the Embankment Bedford by the Memorial from10.30am to approx 12.40pm approx. We will remember all those who have died or been injured and we remember their families whose lives have forever changed.

Absolutely ...

Positively ...

NO pressure to sell!

We give you FREE VALUATIONS ....

YOU DECIDE !

WE PAY

CASH Cambridge Coins and Jewellery Coins, Medals, Banknotes, Tokens, Postcards.

Anything GOLD any SILVER....even broken jewellery!

Buying and selling old Coins, Military Medals, Tokens, Banknotes and bullion ...as well as Jewellery.

52 High Street // Biggleswade // Beds // SG18 0LJ // (Opposite “The Codfather�) Open Wednesday to Saturday. 11am to 7pm

t: 01767 600 300 e: shop@cambridgecoins.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

15

Alistair Burt MP

A Silver Jubilee – Of sorts This summer, in the midst of other festivities you may have noticed rather more, I celebrated twenty five years as a Member of Parliament; fourteen in my childhood home of Bury, Lancashire and eleven in the Bedfordshire home my family had settled into following my change of career path in 1997.

The political world of 1983 was very different to today. International life was still dominated by the Cold War, the apartheid era and the immediate aftermath of the Falklands, still raw just a year after the conflict. Mrs Thatcher dominated politics, having defeated Michael Foot’s Labour party in the election. Some things were destined to change – the IRA’s Harrods bomb killed six that December - and some to stay the same – we were arguing about EU Fisheries policy from January onwards!

The life of a young MP was unrecognisable too. Golf ball typewriters were the modern convenience, I was allowed one secretary and a research assistant – but first class train travel. We still used writing pads with tear out carbons for messages and my post bag was about the size of a small solicitors firm.

Now my support staff is larger, but modern communication is transforming our contact with you and we deal with more than one e-mail a minute, in or out, every hour of the working day. Whilst I still do personal appointment and surgery work all around NE Bedfordshire, many more constituents now contact electronically, and expect a problem or concern dealt with just as instantaneously.

The changes in the world have come to mean even more to me as I now have a Ministers role in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, besides my constituency job, and I must find time for both. The Arab world is experiencing a change as profound as anything in world politics last century, with no certainty as to outcome.

My travels take me from Yemen, to Israel and the West Bank; Lebanon and the Gulf – all areas vital to the United Kingdom, and all with the potential for either conflict or peaceful transformation. I’m afraid I don’t hold my breath.

But coming home gladly to Bedfordshire, I find

16

the challenges facing this Government are only different in time and scale from the past - I still find myself worrying over your health, jobs, education and the protection of our rural life.

However, looking to change and the future, don’t miss the election for a Police Commissioner on November 15th, a chance for you to have your champion for the policing which matters to you in Bedfordshire, to work with the police and myself.

I look forward to staying regularly in touch with you, and am grateful to the Villager for the opportunity.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

17

Storm & Wind Damage to Trees Following high winds it is important to have your trees checked for potential defects that could lead to your trees failure. Large trees in prominent location need to be inspected on annual basis. Tree owners have a “Duty of Care” to ensure their trees are safe which will also help should a tree fail and an insurance claim is made.

Prevention of damage is always favourable but trees should also be checked following high winds.

What to look for Key indicators of tree damage and failure are: • Cracks and splits in structural sections of the tree.

• Roots lifting at the base of the stem • Broken limbs in the canopy Structural damage can be limited with regular pruning, structural supports and preventative maintenance.

The loss of a tree can cause serious Health & Safety issues as well as the potential loss of a beautiful tree from the landscape.

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 18

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

BEAVER SHEDS

Quality Bespoke Timber Buildings • Sheds • Kennels • Offices • Summer Houses • Playhouses • Cabins

23 Spinney Road, Chawston, Bedford, MK443BW Monday - Friday – 8am-5pm Saturday - 9am-3pm Sunday – Closed Tel: 01480 212336 www.beaversheds.co.uk

GILKS FENCING LTD Supplying of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public.

•Maintenance free •Environmentally friendly •Stronger and lighter than concrete posts •Unique natural wood-grain finish •Dual faced fencing posts and gravel boards •Will not rot, crack, chip or split We are looking for show gardens to promote this exciting new product. Excellent prices for the first few selected. Interested? Call us.

•Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis Made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing • Concrete Slotted Posts • Professional Installation Available

d g Lt 19 2HX n i c Fen ds SG s k l r Gi ndy, Be o f ress gay, Sa d d A in New , Gaml oad R e v QUALITY AND SERVICE

Membership No. 200424

Dro

Tel: 01767 681746 Fax: 01767 681776 www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: gilksfencing@hotmail.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

19

DENTON WHISTON LIMITED

Telephone: 01234 317063 Fax: 01234 317760 Email: info@dentonwhiston.com Website: www.dentonwhiston.com

Call 01234 317063 for a rapid response and expert advice on property repairs following flood, fire or accidental damage

Has your home or your business been damaged by flood, fire, subsidence or another catastrophe? Do you need reputable builders, accustomed to dealing with insurance claims, to carry out your repairs? Contact Denton Whiston today for expert advice and a thoroughly professional approach. We specialise in carrying out insurance repairs to domestic and commercial properties and are experienced in dealing with the major British insurers and Loss Adjusters. We’ll dry your home out using our in house owned dehumidifiers and repair the damage following fire, flood, storm or any of the thousand natural shocks that buildings may suffer. Or if you prefer you can hire our dehumidifiers at very competitive prices.

Commercial Property Maintenance

Let us look after your buildings so that you can take care of your business. We provide both planned maintenance and emergency building repair services for businesses and institutions throughout Beds, Bucks and Northants.

Call us today on 01234 317063 to discuss your organisation’s planned and emergency building needs. We support customers with single and multiple locations, and in a variety of business sectors including retail, financial services, public sector and housing associations. Whatever your property maintenance needs, we can work with you to produce a tailored package, employing a range of fully qualified tradesmen across the region.

20

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

POMI-T STUDY

FINISHES AHEAD OF SCHEDULE World’s largest scientific evaluation of an antioxidant rich food supplement for men with cancer finishes 10 months early.

The scientific trial of an anti-oxidant rich food supplement, sponsored by Prostate Action, designed and conducted from the Primrose Unit, Bedford Hospital has completed 10 months ahead of schedule.

Patient participants were recruited from across the UK; the aim was to recruit around 200 participants over an 18 month period. In fact the trials team recruited over 200 men in just 9 months; this was largely due to the massive enthusiasm from men with prostate cancer wanting to enter the study to find out if the pills they pop actually work. The Primrose unit has a good history of trial recruitment and has been the UK’s highest recruiter for a number of national trials.

The study, known as the Pomi-T study after the name of the supplement being evaluated, is sponsored by the charity Prostate Action, has been adopted by the National Cancer Research Network, has UK Ethics Committee certification and is independently audited to ensure adherence to European Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (GCP).

Pomi-T is a supplement containing a broad range of healthy plant based polyphenols and antioxidants found naturally within four super foods; pomegranate seeds, broccoli, turmeric and leaf- green tea. These are dried, concentrated then squeezed into a tablet for a convenient way to boost daily intake. The inclusion of different super foods types aims to provide a range of nutrients whilst avoiding over consuming one particular type of food.

This research is long overdue as, despite over 70% of the 400,000 men living with prostate cancer in the UK admitting to taking some kind of nutritional supplement, there have been no convincing, well conducted placebo controlled randomised trials to prove their benefit – until now. The trial asks whether, firstly, Pomi-T® benefits men with prostate cancer and whether they have a relapse after radical treatments and secondly, whether it helps cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels. The effects of the Pomi-T® on participants taking it were compared to the results for participants who were given the placebo.

Working with Bedford Hospital’s Oncology Research Manager Madeleine Williams, the chief investigator Professor Robert Thomas is Chair of the McMillan Survivorship Expert Advisory Committee and is a consultant Oncologist at Bedford, Cranfield and Cambridge University Hospitals specialising in breast, colon and prostate cancer and is an editorial member of the Department of Health complementary therapies and survivourship research advisory board. and is the research Manager.

The trial is currently the world’s largest randomised controlled trial of a food supplement to date – the allocation between participants taking the supplement and, those taking the placebo, was random and all parties taking part were unaware of who was taking which. The full results will be available in early 2013 following independent statistical analysis at Cranfield University.

More information on the trial can be found on www.cancernet.co.uk/pomi-t.htm, where you can also sign up to the news updates and the Cancernet-UK twitter account.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

21

Stir it up!

By Sarah Davey The last Sunday of the Christian year is the fifth before Christmas. It is known as ‘Stir-up Sunday’ and is the day traditionally when the Christmas pudding should be made.

These days we mostly buy our Christmas puddings ready-made from the supermarket so the whole story and tradition behind them is at risk of being lost.

But not so long ago every housewife made her own Christmas pudding on Stir-up Sunday which meant that the flavours had plenty of time to develop before Christmas. The pudding was traditionally made with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and his Disciples.

On Stir-up Sunday families returned from Church to give the pudding its traditional lucky stir. The pudding mixture was always stirred from East to West in honour of the three Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus. Whilst stirring the pudding mixture, each family member would make a secret wish.

22

The name ‘Stir Up Sunday’ comes from the opening words of this prayer: “Stir-up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

A coin was traditionally added to the ingredients and cooked in the pudding. It was supposedly to bring wealth to whoever found it on their plate on Christmas Day. The traditional coin was an old silver sixpence or threepenny bit.

Other traditional additions to the pudding include a ring, to foretell a marriage, and a thimble for a lucky life.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Saturday 24th November 2012 10.30am - 3.30pm 18th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE St Mark’s Church & Community Centre, Calder Rise/Avon Drive Bedford Grand Prize Draw 1st prize a 16”-19” LED freeview digital television & various other prizes Over 25 professional craft stalls.

Refreshments including Ploughman’s Lunches, Father Christmas, Hands on Wood Turning, Homemade Cake Stall etc.

Get your Christmas Presents early.

Great Day Out For more details please phone St Mark’s Church Office on 01234 342613 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

23

CODEWORD

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

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.

24

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

25

THE BEDFORD HOSPITALS CHARITY

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Wednesday 5th December (10am-5pm) to Sunday 9th December (2pm-4.30pm) Entry £2.50 children under the age of 16yrs FREE The first festival was held in 2001, being the idea of Jeanette Hanling, Committee Member of Bedford Hospitals Charity (BHC), to raise funds for the then Primrose Appeal. She approached The Rev. Canon John Pedlar, Vicar of St Paul’s Church, and the church became the splendid venue for the Festival.

The festival will comprise of 60 x 5ft trees all decorated by voluntary services, organisations, local businesses and schools to the theme of ‘Our Bedford Gems’. There will also be 2 Trees of Remembrance which have proved to be extremely popular since they were initiated in 2008. They are decorated by members of the public, who write a message to a departed loved one and then hang it on one of the trees. The Trees of Remembrance will be positioned either side of the Nativity Scene.

The Ensemble of London will be giving a splendid concert on the Saturday night. A recent and

26

popular addition to the Festival is the informal carol concerts performed by children from local schools at 11am & 1pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We have the choir called Fusion singing at 2pm on the Saturday.

Organisation of the festival continues to be a partnership between BHC and St Paul’s Church.

Early on Monday 3rd December a working party will prepare the church; trees are put into buckets of sand (donated by Meadway Construction Ltd) and stood on tables covered in cloths; electricity cables are checked and put into place ready for groups to arrive on Tuesday to decorate their tree.

Trees will be available to buy 11am-12pm Monday 10th December for £10. The trees are of excellent quality with needles that don’t drop which were retailing last year for £35-40.

The festival has given enormous pleasure to thousands of people as well as raising over £87,000 since it began in 2001. The money is shared equally between BHC and St Paul’s Church.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

KPC Property Services • • • • • •

Kitchens & Bathrooms Plumbing & Heating Painting & Decorating Carpentry Tiling & Flooring General Maintenance

Highly recommended, well established, professional services.

Superior workmanship at a fair price

Kieron Chapple 07900 887156 kpcmaintenance@googlemail.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

27

The Villager Prize Crossword

Last Month’s Crossword Winners Congratulations to: 1st Dawn Peters from Kempston 2nd Roger Walker from Camborne For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com

sponsors of

THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD

1st Prize £25 Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 16th November 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

2nd Prize £15

Tel:

Address:

Across 1 Ten years (6) 4 Pictures (6) 9 Level high land (7) 10 Tag (5) 11 Poem (5) 12 Selections (7) 13 Demolition (11) 18 Pharmacist (7) 20 Perfect (5) 22 Spoils (5) 23 Against (7) 24 Scale (6) 25 Grown ups (6) Down 1 Leave (6) 2 Absurd (5) 3 Lowest (7) 5 Greeting (5) 6 Used for smoking (7) 7 Spatter (6) 8 Commas, colons. (11) 14 Dusk (7) 15 Stumbled (7) 16 Afraid (6) 17 Play equipment (6) 19 Edition (5) 21 Artists frame (5)

28

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

29

COMPETITION · COMPETITION · COMPETITION ARE YOU CRACKERS ABOUT CHRISTMAS? Join in the FUN and plan your outing to the Biggest and Best Christmas Shopping Fair in the Midlands.

The Festive Gift Fair www.festivegiftfair.co.uk Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25th November.

The 17th Festive Gift Fair promises to be a Showstopper of an event, so head along to Birmingham’s NEC to find a gift and tick your lift!

The Organisers take all the hard work out of present-buying, bringing together a great mix of 325 stalls, brimming over with thousands of clever gifts for all ages and tastes. You’ll see all your favourites as well as over 100 NEW companies at this year’s bumper fair.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of browsing round hunting for your perfect gifts. And when your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Crèche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy some great Christmas musical entertainment – from live bands, choirs and brass bands.

Lanka Kade is back with a fantastic selection of children’s colourful educational wooden toys.

Try their new red onion and smoky chipotle relish from the Cambridge Chilli Farm.

Forget your calorie counter and pick and mix your favourite flavours from chilli chocolate to strawberries and cream by Fudge Kitchen.

Exquisitely old fashioned Christmas decorations – snow globes and nativity scenes that will delight the whole family by Farrars.

Party girls will love the Tipsy Feed Flat Pumps that fold into a little pouch for their handbag – ditch the high heels in favour of these comfy flats by Hunki Dory.

Treat the most important man in your life to something unique. All Star Sports Memorabilia have autographed footballs and a vast selection of signed photographs by leading sports and film personalities.

Designer Jewellery for someone special – a delicate sterling silver bangle with 3 beautiful personalised charms by Anne Reeves Jewellery.

There are: Crafts, Christmas Decorations, Games, Toys and Stocking Fillers, Food and Drink Fashion, Handbags and Jewellery, Gifts for Cooks & Gardeners, Health & Beauty Baby Gifts, Decorative Accessories for the Home, Gadgets... and much much more!!!

We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away Simply send your name and address to the address below by Fri 9th Nov 2012.

Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The Winner will be drawn at random.

If you are not a lucky winner, advanced tickets are priced from just £8.50.

Book now by calling NEC Ticket Hotline on 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.theticketfactory.com (£1.50 per booking transaction).

COMPETITION · COMPETITION · COMPETITION 30

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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.

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SPECIALIST See our website for a comprehensive list of our services www.allbandaerials.co.uk

CALL FREE 0800 7317988 To discuss your requirements or to make an appointment For a free no obligation quotation call:-

01234 306662 or 07960 109429

ALLBAND AERIALS

22 Bedford Road Lower Stondon, Beds SG16 6EA

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

31