BedsLife SOUTH August 2021

FREE

South edition

AUGUST

2021

inside Jurassic Week at the Forest of Marston Vale Captain Tom and the Big Trunk Trail Things to Do with the Children this Summer Sizzling Summer Reads £25 Prize Crossword

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Create your own Chocolate Competition

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Useful Local Resources

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FRE E AUGUS T

South ed

2021

ition

inside

Box End Aqua Park Family Session Winner – Cristina Goldwin

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Contents

Carlton & Chellington

A hero in the herd – Captain Tom’s legacy helping make new memories with Keech Hospice Care Keech Hospice Care is delighted to reveal that one of its Big Trunk Trail herd has been decorated in tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore. “Inspiring Hope” is joining more than seventy other beautifully sculpted and painted elephants on the biggest public art trail Bedfordshire has ever seen. The trail trumpets into Luton’s parks and landmarks on 10 July and is Keech’s present to the town as it celebrates thirty years of care.

Another name for a herd of elephants is a memory and Keech and The Captain Tom Foundation hope that, as well as sharing fond memories of Captain Sir Tom, visiting his elephant on the trail will inspire hope and ensure his message becomes a lasting legacy.

People have already begun sharing their own fond recollections of the care and support Keech Hospice Care has provided for their families over three decades by emailing them to memories@keech.org for sharing on social media during the trail.

When the trail goes live on 10 July, people will be able to visit “Inspiring Hope” at Luton Town Hall. They’ll be able to find Captain Sir Tom’s elephant, along with all the other gorgeous, sculptured elephants, in this freeto-visit event using a specially created map which they can download from the Keech Connect, Big 4

Trunk Trail App; printed maps will also be available from a host of places in the town.

As part of this unforgettable experience, there will also be the chance for people to own an elephant of their own when the trail comes to an end in October. The large elephant sculptures are being auctioned on 11 November, with all the proceeds helping Keech Hospice Care continue its vital work, caring for adults in Luton and south Bedfordshire and children from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes with life-limiting and terminal illnesses. The funds raised by the sale of “Inspiring Hope” will be split between Keech and The Captain Tom Foundation.

The elephant sculptures have been produced by Wild in Art, a leading producer of public art events. Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder at Wild in Art, says, “We’ve had some pretty amazing designs painted on our animal sculptures over the years produced by many incredibly talented artists, but it’s a real thrill to think one of them is going to commemorate someone so important to everyone as Captain Sir Tom. It’s a great honour.”

For more details about The Big Trunk Trail please visit The Big Trunk Trail website at www.bigtrunktrail.co.uk/ or follow the herd on social media @BigTrunkTrail, #BigTrunkTrail.

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FACES – Domestic Abuse Support Volunteers Help to provide support to families who are risk of or who have experienced low-medium risk cases of domestic abuse. You will be supporting a family in their own home in the Bedford area once a week for 2-3 hours and will receive full training to equip you.

Community Led Initiatives – Mentor You will be offering community-based support across Bedfordshire, making a difference in the lives of people who are vulnerable and often disadvantaged. The role will suit a volunteer who is confident, outgoing, positive and resourceful.

Transitions UK – Achieve Sessional Volunteer

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering brings great rewards and your time will be well spent as you support the community around you. We are bringing new opportunities on to our Simply Connect system every week and you can view these and many more at our Simply Connect online facility where you can register as a volunteer and apply.

Search for any of this month’s featured roles by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 6

Volunteers are wanted at the Achieve Hub in Bedford: in particular, someone to help at weekly skills and development sessions is needed on Thursdays 4.30 – 7.00pm supporting young people with mild to moderate learning disabilities and special needs.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) – Caseworker A chance to support people in your local community with a military background. A caseworker will talk to clients to work out what type of help they need and then find the right sources of support and arrange for clients to access it.

Bedford Ladies and Girls Football Team – Youth Teams Coach We are looking for coaches to take new teams, and coaches to assist existing teams. We train twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) at various venues across Bedford, with teams playing matches on Saturday mornings. Whether or not you have been a football coach before, the club can provide support and access to a range of training opportunities from the FA to assist you in your journey.

Family Groups (Bedford) – Finance Trustee Someone with finance knowledge and experience is wanted to join the Family Groups small team of trustees.

You will support the Finance Officer by acting as a sounding board and critical friend ensuring continued good financial practices of this women’s support charity.

We have just introduced a monthly newsletter highlighting all our new opportunities as they come onboard, and sharing stories and volunteering hints and tips. Subscribe at Volunteer Newsletter | CVS Bedfordshire (cvsbeds.org.uk)

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Home to over 200 birds of prey and animals, Herrings Green Activity Farm in Wilstead is open daily from 10am – 5pm.

A great day out for the whole family; with a daily programme including bird of prey flying displays, pat a pet, animal and critter shows, children’s play equipment, tractor trailer rides, crazy golf and lots more. Tea room, gift shop and ice cream parlour onsite. www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk

Things to do with the 4 children this summer Box End Aqua Park

1

The Box End Aqua Park is back for this summer and is even bigger and better than before! Featuring amazing new obstacles and challenges it’s the best summer day out you will have in Bedford. Swing, climb, jump and slide your way around the different obstacles and try to avoid a total Wipeout the amazing new ‘Mega-Slide’ is the biggest vertical drop aqua park slide in the UK. www.boxendpark.com/aqua-park/

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Don’t Get Locked In Escape Rooms

With a choice of 6 themed escape rooms Don’t Get Locked In in Bedford town centre offers a fun experience for all the family.

The games are perfect for all ages however children aged 12 and over will generally get the most out of the experience. U18’s must be accompanied by an adult. www.dontgetlockedin.com

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Herrings Green Activity Farm

The Summer Reading Challenge at Bedford Borough Libraries

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to enjoy the benefits of reading for pleasure over the summer holidays. This year the fun takes place in Wilderville.

It’s a pretty cool place but the heroes who live there have been noticing some problems. Children taking part can collect transformational stickers to add to a fold-out map of Wilderville. Each sticker will fix the environmental problems in each area and make Wilderville a better home for everyone! They can also collect rewards for reading and taking part. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

The RSPB Wild Challenge

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Wild Challenge is free and fun! All you need to do is create an account and an online profile, and within a few quick and easy steps you’ll be ready to get stuck in to your wild adventure! There are a range of fun activities to choose from and bronze, silver and gold awards to achieve depending on how many you complete.

The activities are divided into two sections: Help Nature – making our gardens brilliant homes for nature and our outdoor spaces wonderfully wildlife-friendly!

Experience Nature – getting up close and personal with wildlife and exploring the world of amazing nature right under our noses!

Once you have completed each award level, you will receive an exclusive Wild Challenge award certificate and sticker sheet as a little thank you from nature! www.rspb.org.uk

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Twinwoods Adventure

Located just north of Bedford, Twinwoods Adventure is an amazing multi-activity adventure site with thrills, activities and facilities for all ages.

Including Indoor skydiving, Indoor surfing, Vertigo (a 35m Powerfan descender jump), Simulated driving experience, climbing and an indoor soft play centre, you are guaranteed to find something for everyone. www.twinwoodsadventure.com

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Marston Vale Forest Jurassic Week

If you are looking for extra ROAR-SOME fun this summer holiday then Jurassic Week at Marston Vale Forest is just the thing. Running from Monday 2nd to Sat 7th August there will be a Sensory Garden dino hunt trail, games and activities, crafts and themed treats available from the Lakeside Café (see advert on P17) Book via website. www.marstonvale.org/events

Higgins Bedford

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Join the Higgins Bedford and Spectrum Community Arts for a summer of free, fun online activities for children and young people with disabilities and/or special educational needs.

From Monday 26 July – Monday 23 August you can travel through a series of pre-recorded video workshops filled with movement, music and games themed around transport. All video workshops will be uploaded on the Higgins website

each week of the summer holidays for children and young people to watch at their leisure. www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_ Events.aspx

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Catch a Family Show at The Place Bedford

Summer is ON at the Place Theatre! You can see ‘Suitcase Shakespeare’ with two actors bringing to like an entire Shakespeare play using only what’s in their suitcase. Fly away for 60 mins with a magical stage adaption of ‘Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens’ (the prequel to Peter Pan) or enjoy a treasure-hunt show giving 11-year-olds an adventure through a strange, magical new world with ‘This Noisy Isle’. There is even a quirky and hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret in ‘The Sea Show’ (see advert on P19) For ticket details and further information visit the website. www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/

Bedford Treasure Hunt Trail

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Are you looking for something to do with family and friends or seeking a fun day out with the kids in Bedford? Then why not explore the town on this selfguided Treasure Hunt themed Treasure Trail. As you follow the Trail route, can you solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to discover the location of the buried treasure? The Trail starts at the free riverside car park in Cardington Road and leads you along the banks of the Great River Ouse. You will also explore through parkland and the streets of Bedford town before finishing back at your start point. www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/ bedfordshire/bedford

Information correct at time of going to press.

Please ensure to check ahead regarding events and opening times before making any journey.

Summer Reading Challenge Coming soon to Bedford Borough Libraries…the Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge 2021!

This year the fun takes place in Wilderville. It’s a pretty cool place but our heroes who live there have been noticing some problems. Helped by their trusted animal companions, they’re ready to take action to save the natural world!

Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge starts on Saturday 10th July and finishes on Saturday 11th September.

Children taking part can collect transformational stickers to add to a fold-out map of Wilderville. Each sticker will fix the environmental problems in each area and make Wilderville a better home for everyone! Children can also collect rewards for reading and taking part.

How the Challenge works • Children sign up at their local library and receive a Wild World Heroes collector poster.

• Children borrow and read at least six library books of their choice during the summer, collecting special stickers to complete their poster plus extra incentives along the way. They can choose the books they want to read; story books, fact books, poetry, joke books – as long as they are library books all reading counts!

• Library staff and volunteers are on hand to talk to children about the books they have read*.

Look out for details about how to sign up for Wild World Heroes on the Virtual Library website www.virtual-library.culturalservices.ne and our Facebook page @BedfordshireLibraries

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• Children who complete the Summer Reading Challenge are presented with a certificate and a medal. *Government restrictions permitting

Untitled-1 1

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creating memories Charity Registration Number. 1189423

Create Your Own Chocolate

COMPETITION If you are a child aged 8 or over, with special life-limiting conditions, you can take part in our ‘design your own chocolate’ competition for the chance to visit a real chocolate factory!

Judges - Bedfordshire award-winning chocolatier - 5/5 AA Rosette and multi Michelin star award-winning chef Pritti Saggi - Founder of Creating Memories Competition closes Friday 1 September 2021

Please visit @creatingmemoriesuk

to download entry form

@ creating memories uk

!

D R A O B A L L A Fun Activities

Free Virtual Summer Holiday 26 JULY - 23 AUGU ST

Join Spectrum Community Arts and The Higgins Bedford for a series of video workshops with movement, music, games and transport themed fun!

Aimed at children and young people with disabilities and additional needs.

Visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk to find out more.

Part of Bedford Borough Council’s

#SummerofSEND

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Bedford Daycare Hospice Caring for people with life-limiting illnesses

URGENTLY NEEDED!

Unwanted items in good condition for our shops at:

WE CO AND D LLECT EL FURN IVER ITURE

20 LONDON ROAD, BEDFORD Tel: 01234 481296 211 BEDFORD ROAD, KEMPSTON Tel: 01234 481285

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SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Can You Help? If you can support our Hospice by helping at either of our shops, please contact us on the above numbers - Thank You BEDFORD DAYCARE HOSPICE, 3 Linden Road, Bedford MK40 2DD

78–82 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QH

Tel: 01234 360 510 www.ageukbedfordshire.org.uk

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15

Bats in trees

why woodland is so important to these nighttime visitors…

Bats are one of the most fascinating but misunderstood animals in the world. For many people, they conjure up images of evil spirits and bloodthirsty vampires.

Probably the most famous reference to bats in popular culture is in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. First published in 1897 but made famous by the original film in 1931, the shapeshifting Romanian aristocrat has probably done the most to cement negative images of bats into people’s minds.

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In reality, this perception of bats could not be further from the truth, but their shy and secretive nature has meant that old myths die hard. In fact, out of the estimated 1,300 species of bats in the world the majority eat insects with others having found to eat fruit and nectar. Only three species of bat feed on blood and are all found in South America – not Transylvania!

In the UK, bats feed exclusively on insects, ranging from small

biting midges to large beetles such as cockchafers and dung beetles. Out of all the small fluttery shadows that you are able to make out at sunset, the pipistrelle is probably the bat you’re most likely to see as it is often flies around street lights and in gardens. Although only weighing around 5 grams, pipistrelle bats can eat up to 3,000 insects per night!

In addition to the tiny pipistrelle, there are a further 17 other bat species to spot in

or pup. By August, the pups are able to catch insects by themselves, and the cycle starts again as mating season begins in September.

Bats live in roosts. They don’t ‘construct’ anything, like birds, but use structures that are already available to set up home, such as buildings, trees and caves. They move roosts a few times throughout the year, securing accommodation to suit their needs depending on the season. For example, pregnant female bats gather together and set up ‘maternity roosts’ in early summer, favouring warm, dry spaces in which to give birth. In winter, however, bats search for somewhere with a cool, constant temperature in which to hibernate. Underground caves are often used for this purpose.

the UK – making up almost a quarter of our mammal species. Some of the more common species that you might see include the brown long-eared bat, which has huge ears that are almost as long as its body, the pinkfaced Daubenton’s bat and the noctule, our largest bat.

The summer months are the best time to see bats, as this is when they’re most active.

In June, female bats give birth, usually to a single baby bat,

Trees are also a popular roosting site used by three quarters of UK bat species.

Older trees with crevices, holes, cracks and rotting wood are favoured as these provide the spaces bats need for roosting. Trees and woodlands are particularly important for bats as they support large numbers of insects, providing a steady food supply for bats.

Contrary to the saying ‘blind as a bat’, bats actually have perfectly good vision, but they use something called ‘echolocation’ to hunt their insect prey and also navigate around their surroundings.

Echolocation is essentially a form of radar. The bat makes

a very high frequency sound and then listens for its echo to return. By producing up to 200 calls per second, bats are able to build a threedimensional image of their surroundings that is accurate enough to pluck a spider from its web without damaging it.

Bats have different calls and conservationists are able to use bat detectors to tune in and identify which bats are flying around.

Like many other wild species, bat numbers have declined because of a gradual loss of habitat, food sources and roosting sites. In recognition of this, all British bats and their roosts are now protected by law.

By planting and managing woodlands in the Forest of Marston Vale, we are providing new habitats for bats to help numbers recover in the future.

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Wood Green: Pet owners’ first port of call

Have you ever had difficulty with a pet? If so, you’re not alone. Each month, around 500 people contact Wood Green, The Animals Charity seeking guidance about their pet. The charity can help at every step of the way, with a range of services available:

Access online advice and workshops

Get help covering the cost of pet care

As a pet owner, you’ve probably turned to Google about their diet, health or behaviour.

For trusted advice on all aspects of pet care, at any time of day, visit Wood Green’s website to browse informative articles, howto videos and a regularly updated schedule of workshops.

Sometimes, the unexpected happens. If you’re faced with a veterinary bill you can’t afford or find yourself unable to access the basics for your pet, Wood Green can help by contributing towards veterinary care or supplying essentials like pet food and flea treatment*.

Speak to a behaviourist for free

Don’t wait to ask for help If you are struggling or feel unable to continue caring for a pet, for any reason, the charity will work with you to discuss your options and find the right solution for your pet. Whatever you’re going through, talk to Wood Green first.

Simply call the team on 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk. *Financial support is subject to assessment

Dog’s manners not up to scratch?

Talk to us first.

Whatever problem you’re experiencing with your pet, our experts can help you solve it – every step of the way.

We offer free, life-long support for you and your pet.

Talk to us on 0300 303 9333 or visit woodgreen.org.uk

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Registered Charity Number 298348 01000ks0721

Pets are individuals, which means training isn’t one-size-fits-all. The charity’s qualified behaviourists are available to provide free support that’s bespoke to you and your pet, with a proven and force-free approach. With more than 100 years’ combined experience in cat, dog and small pet welfare, the team have seen it all before and will never judge your situation.

õ YOGA õ To improve and maintain health – One Hour Class - £5 a class Please bring a mat. Email to book.

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£25

Bumper Prize Crossword Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 13th August Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY Last Months Crossword Winner – Caroline Faulkner, Wilstead For last months answers please turn to P30

Across

1 Number of musicians in an octet (5) 4 Derive, deduce by reason (6) 9 Snake (7) 10 Corn (5) 11 Sound reflection, repetition (4) 12 Circular, flyer (7) 13 Female deer (3) 14 King ____, Shakespearean play (4) 16 Nemo’s forgetful friend! (4) 18 Secret agent (3)

Name:

Address:

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20 Small, fast dog (7) 21 Celebrity, idol (4) 24 Indiginous people of New Zealand (5) 25 Culinary herb (7) 26 Toboggan (6) 27 48th Vice President of the US Mike _____ (5)

Down

1 Festival celebrating Christ’s resurrection (6) 2 Circumference (5) Tel:

3 Expedition (4) 5 Northern Italian region (8) 6 Cooling cabinet (7) 7 Accord, alliance, settlement (6) 8 Fashion, flair (5) 13 Rendered fat from roasted meat (8) 15 Chapter, installment (7) 17 Marshlands, everglades (6) 18 Footrest (5) 19 Furrow, corrugation (6) 22 Exercise, work out (5) 23 Small military 4x4 (4)

Welcome to ProFlite UK, the home of professional flight simulation, where you can enjoy a truly unique and exciting experience Located in the Bedford area, we are unique, being the only such facility operating an Airbus simulator in the region. Launching in early August, we are open to professional pilots as well as enthusiasts, so realism is guaranteed. Each booking of 60 minutes or more includes a 30-minute pre-flight briefing followed by a full session at the controls of your choice (min 30 mins/max 4 hours).

A short de-brief will conclude this very special experience. You can even share the time at the controls with a friend or family member.

For information on price and availability, please visit www.pro-flite.com. Alternatively, you can email us at contact@pro-flite.com or call on 01234 218320. Birthday and special occasion bookings are welcome (max 3 people).

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Sizzling summer reads Lose yourself this summer within the pages of these thrilling fictional offerings.

No Such Thing As Perfect by Emma Hughes Finding herself in a bit of a rut, Laura Morrison seizes the chance to trial Cupid, a high-tech new dating service which will draw on everything she’s ever done online to find her perfect match. Along comes the handsome and charming Adam, but as things start to fall apart Laura may have to accept that the path to true love never runs smoothly.

Published by Century on August 5 Triflers Need Not Apply by Camilla Bruce Based on the true story of Belle Gunness, whose murderous rampage began in Chicago in 1900, Triflers Need Not Apply is a novelistic tour de force exploring one woman’s determination to pay men back for all they have taken.

Deliciously dark and enthralling, Norwegian novelist Camilla Bruce perfectly captures not only the atmosphere and mystique of early 20th century Chicago, but also the ruthlessness and fury of her female protagonist.

Published by Michael Joseph on August 5 Underbelly by Anna Whitehouse Journalist and co-founder of Motherpukka (a website for people who happen to be parents) Anna Whitehouse makes her first foray into fiction with Underbelly, a book that refuses to shy away from the problems and preconceptions that modern mothers face.

From middle-class privilege, perfectly polished Instagram posts and armchair activism, this is a fictional ode to the modern era.

Published by Orion on August 5 22

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins Paula Hawkins is back with her third thriller – after The Girl on the Train and Into the Water. A Slow Fire Burning is about three women: Laura, who is seen as a troubled loner; Miriam, who knows that just because Laura is seen leaving the scene of a horrific murder it doesn’t mean she’s a killer; and Carla, who is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew.

Potent from the first page, this bristles with all the twisty thrills and dark surprises we have come to expect from Hawkins.

Published by Penguin on August 31 Billy Summers by Stephen King A killer for hire, Billy is a criminal with a conscience who will only take a contract if he deems his target a truly bad person – and with one more hit before he can retire, Billy’s morals are about to be pushed to the limit.

This spectacular is part war story, part love letter to small town America and the people who live there, with a complex hero looking for one last shot at redemption.

King at his finest.

Published by Hodder & Stoughton on August 3

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space.

So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.

Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9559 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

Need more storage space?

INSTALL A LOFT LADDER AND USE YOUR LOFT! STARTER PACKAGE: Aluminium loft ladder, light plus 50 sqft boarding, fully fitted in less than a day from £355

• Loft Ladders • Hatches • Boarding • Insulation • Lights • Fully Guaranteed

CALL FREE: 0808 301 9559

Following COVID-19 Secure Guidelines

BRIDGE ROOFING All aspects of roofing, facias and guttering.

Free quotes All work guaranteed 01234 404080 07542 719971

www.roofingbedford.co.uk

Small, friendly plastering company based in Bedford With over a decade of experience and a strong reputation for quality workmanship and reliability.

      

Plastering of ceilings and walls Damaged ceilings and walls repaired Covering artex Plasterboarding Skimming Patch repairs Insurance work

Tel: 07847 307334 E | info@cmplastering.net W | www.cmplastering.net

Guttering Problems?

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

01234 480244 or 07977 206403

YOUR LOCAL EXPERT PLUMBING & DRAINAGE SERVICE No call out charges • Pre-fixed price 24/7 • 365 days a year

Call your local plumber today Bedford & Surrounding Areas

01234 742900 24

Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts

DDR Bedford Bedslife 64x93.indd 1

07/11/2017 16:45:37

AIR CONDITIONING

SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME OR HOME OFFICE

FREE SITE VISIT & QUOTE

Beat the summer rush,

Wouldn’t you like to be

our customers enjoy the

more comfortable in your

summer more because

home even when it’s hot

they sleep more!

and humid outside?

Contact us on 07771896589 now for a FREE quotation and site visit via WhatsApp/ video call REMEMBER: All air conditioning now heats more efficiently than electric heating so it’s not just for summer.

www.rp-x.services

+44 (0)1234 867490

SONGBIRDS

Nature’s early-morning concert is one of the summer’s greatest pleasures, and with a little encouragement, we can bring this dawn chorus to our front and back doors.

THE BIRDS: Robin – The robin produces a twinkling, crystal-like sound that flutters through the air. You will hear this little fellow all year round.

Great tit – A repetitive two-toned whistle that cuts through the air and is most prominent in early spring.

Wren – For many, the best improvised whistle of them all, with a raft of twists and twirls ending up in a rattling cacophony of noise towards the end.

Willow warbler – Best characterised for a chain of notes that lowers as it progresses, the warbler’s song has clear gaps in between notes and a powerful chirp.

Chaffinch – Heard throughout spring and summer, the chaffinch offers a punchy, powerful array of notes that slows towards the end.

Blackbird – So typical of the bird itself, the blackbird’s song features notes drawn into each other that offer a range of tones and a stylish array of chords.

Song thrush – Heard throughout the year, the song thrush makes a sound closest to those slightly shrill mobile phone ringtones… but nicer!

Goldfinch – With elegant inflections and the occasional sound of a penny whistle thrown in for good measure, a chaffinch has an eclectic song and is heard from early spring.

HOW TO ATTRACT THEM: Bird feeders – Unknown to many, the type of food you leave in bird feeders will directly influence the species you attract.

For instance, suet balls are favourites with robins, blue tits, and long-tailed tits; niger seeds are loved by greenfinches and goldfinches; starlings, robins and blackbirds will come if mealworms are on offer; while tits, finches and siskins love the fatty proteins of peanuts.

Water – Whether bathing, playing in it or drinking the stuff, a supply of fresh water, usually on a shallow plate, is one of the best ways to get birds engaged in your garden.

Plants – Edible plants, berries, shrubs, and wildflowers will keep your birds hanging around for long periods.

Protection – Birds are always on the lookout for cats and other predators ready to disrupt their everyday pleasures of gliding from one branch to another, so the more space you can offer your feathered friends, the more they will relax and hang about.

Birdboxes – Ensure you are hanging these high enough away from cats and squirrels, and in a semi-sheltered where birds can nest in peace.

Bui l di ng Regul at i ons Cer t icat e

10year i ns ur anc e backedGuar ant ee

To advertise with us, please contact christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

27

UsefulResources ACCESS BEDFORD Works with the D/deaf and hard of hearing community to make Bedford Borough more accessible.

They also have a facebook social group for Deaf people living in and around Bedford

BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY Delivering a wide range of rural development and community projects.

Tel 01234 838771 www.bedsrcc.org.uk

Tel 07376 262 873 www.accessbedford.org.uk

AGE UK BEDFORDSHIRE

BEDFORDSHIRE WELLBEING SERVICE

Local organisation solely devoted to the welfare of the over 50’s in Bedfordshire.

Offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.

Tel 01234 360510 www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Tel 01234 880400 www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk

AUTISM BEDFORDSHIRE Independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people and their families across Bedfordshire..

Tel 01234 350704 www.autismbedfordshire.net BEDFORD BOROUGH LOCAL OFFER A place where parents and young people with Special Educational Needs and or disabilities can find clubs, activities and services to support them and their families Here you will find details of upcoming events, clubs and services available in the Borough of Bedford. www.localoffer.bedford.gov.uk

BEDFORD DAYCARE HOSPICE Provides individualised holistic care to patients suffering with a life-limiting condition from the point of diagnosis through treatment to remission or palliative care.

Tel 01234 352 015 www.bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk

BEDFORD WOMEN’S CENTRE Supporting women in the community who may have experienced Domestic Abuse or want more information about healthy relationships.

Tel 01234 316801 www.bedfordwomenscentre.org.uk

BOLD Supporting and advocating for people with a learning disability and challenging behaviours.

Tel 01234 352899 www.bo4ld.org.uk

CARERS IN BEDFORDSHIRE Local charity helping unpaid carers of all ages and backgrounds to cope with the stresses of their caring role.

Tel 0300 111 1919 www.carersinbeds.org.uk

CATS PROTECTION Tel 0345 260 2505 www.cats.org.uk/bedford

CHUMS

MINDBLMK

Mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people

Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

01525 863924 www.chumscharity.org

COMMUNITY VOLUNTARY SERVICE BEDFORDSHIRE (CVS ) Support for voluntary and community sector organisations in Bedfordshire.

Tel 01234 354366 www.cvsbeds.org.uk

Tel 0300 330 0648 www.mind-blmk.org.uk

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE BEDS & NORTHANTS Provides help, support and therapy for those with MS in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Tel 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com

FACES (FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S EARLYHELP SERVICES)

OPEN DOOR Charity providing FREE and confidential counselling

local independent charity offering practical and emotional support to families under stress.

to young people aged 13 – 25.

01234 270601 www.facesbedford.org

Tel 01234 360388 www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk

FAMILIES FIRST BEDFORDSHIRE 01234 341977 www.familiesfirstbedfordshire.org.uk

FRIENDS FOR LIFE A local charity working to address the social isolation of residents in Bedford’s care homes Tel 07460 575410 www.friendsforlifebedford.org.uk

ROAD VICTIMS TRUST Offers a range of free support services to residents of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire who have been affected by fatal road collisions.

Tel 01234 843345 www.rvtrust.org.uk

SMILEY CLUB (PART OF BEDFORD MENCAP) Provides a fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities.

Tel 07798 762 808

MEN AS VICTIMS Group support is provided for men who have experienced domestic abuse in a safe, therapeutic environment.

This service is for male victims living in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire or Luton.

Tel 01234 341977 www.bedsdv.org.uk/get-help/men-as-victims/

MENCAP (BEDFORD) A voluntary organisation operating in Bedford and surrounding areas supporting individuals with a learning disability and their families.

Tel 07973 859940 www.bedfordmencap.org.uk

SUE RYDER ST JOHN’S HOSPICE A specialist palliative care and treatment centre providing hospice care for people facing a frightening, lifechanging diagnosis.

Tel 01767 642412 | www.sueryder.org

THE JOBS HUB Provides an all age careers advice and employment support service for people that live in and around Bedford.

Tel 01234 223510 www.bedfordjobshub.co.uk

JULY PRIZE CROSSWORD

Answers

R&M DUCHEMINS

• Medal framing and medal mounting.

• Full size and miniature • Regimental gifts, British replica replacement Army, RAF, medals.

Royal Navy & Merchant.

Tel: 01234 268738 Mobile: 07877 242408 www.duchemins.co.uk

TIME TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN? LET US DO THE JOB YOU HATE BEFORE AFTER

l Filters l Hobs Ovens l BBQs l Ranges Grills l Extractors l Microwaves l AGAs Call Mark Plumbly or go online today for your FREE quote! l l

0800 840 7127 ovenclean.com 30

Have Your Say on the Future of Your Borough

Have Your Say on the Future of Your Borough

Local plans set out where growth and development will take place – everything from homes and jobs to schools and infrastructure.

Have your say on the future of the borough by 3rd September 2021.

For further information: • Visit www.bedford.gov.uk/LocalPlan2040 • Look out for the leaflet being delivered to your home Come along and talk to us at one of our drop in sessions Wednesday 14th July, Saturday 17th July, Wednesday 28th July, Sunday 1st August, Wednesday 11th August, Saturday 21st August.

All sessions will be held 11am – 2pm in The Howard Centre, Bedford (by the indoor entrance to TKMaxx)

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

“I really liked the fact that they were a local community run business” Janet Beard All glazing backed by our

We are a Which?

Trusted Trader Social distancing in operation

Faulty locks, handles or hinges?

Priority freephone www.cloudy2clear.co.uk

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