BedsLife Magazine November 2022

November is the time when we commemorate the fallen on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday which this year is on 13th November. Of course this will be the first time that

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continue to emerge from a long period of

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should still take this opportunity

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by the Armed Forces, and commemorate those who gave their lives in our

support them if you are able.

Whatever November has in store for

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copies

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Bedford and North

www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

inside Remembrance DayChristmas Tree FestivalWhat’s On Clubs & GroupsPrize Crossword

council news

Mayor Dave Hodgson Set Sights on Speeders

Mayor Dave Hodgson is making progress on his plans to slam the brakes on reckless driving by installing 15 sets of new average speed cameras across Bedford Borough this year.

The average speed cameras are being installed in speeding hot spots across Bedford, Kempston, Wilstead, Wixams, Wymington and on the A6. The Council has also secured funding for average speed cameras from the developer of a new housing estate on Cleat Hill in Bedford.

These 15 sites will add to the other 31 locations across the Borough where average speed cameras have already been installed.

In addition to the current plans, Bedford Borough Council has identified more than 70 sites across the local area that meet the criteria for installing average speed cameras.

Average speed cameras are an incredibly e ective way of discouraging drivers from both speeding and from having accidents on the road. In fact, research from the RAC Foundation has suggested that the number of fatal and serious collisions decrease by up to 36% following the introduction of average speed cameras.

Surprisingly, although they are responsible for installing and maintaining average speed cameras, Bedford Borough Council does not get to keep the fines collected from road users who are caught speeding.

Advice on how to support Bedford Foodbank

Most households will start to receive the £400 energy rebate this month, spread over the next six months. These payments are not means tested and there is no option to opt out.

A number of residents, that do not feel they need the energy rebate, have contacted the Council to ask how they can make a donation and help others.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has suggested that those who can make a donation consider supporting Bedford Foodbank to help those less fortunate.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said, “The cost of living crisis is impacting so many of our community, so it is heartening to hear from those that are in a position to help others. Bedford Foodbank is run by local people for local people and relies on the support of the community to ensure that it can continue to stop the local residents it meets from going hungry.”

Sarah Broughton, Project Manager at Bedford Foodbank said, “Bedford Foodbank feeds over

1,500 people a month who are living in Bedford Borough and experiencing food poverty. Lots of households are going to find this winter tough, with the cost of living increasing. By making a small donation of food or cash to Bedford Foodbank you can make a massive di erence to many families.

Discover the di erent ways people can make a donation or o er help to Bedford Foodbank at www.Bedford.foodbank.org.uk

The national fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) is also asking for donations from those that can a ord to at; https://www.nea.org.uk/ who-we-are/nea-campaigns/donate-your-energyrebate/

Many households may be struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, particularly with food and energy costs and the council has updated its website with information about various forms of help that may be available to residents in Bedford Borough Bedford.gov.uk/costofliving.

News About To w n

Bedford’s Botanical Banksy

Adorning the Silver Faces, the ‘Reflections’ floral art installation looked blooming marvellous during Bedford’s Great Big Green Week campaign at the end of September. Silver Square burst into life with sustainable, locally grown British flowers from Bedfordshire-based flower farms, and was staged on the square by a team of local florists. The event wowed shoppers, who could take home the beautiful blooms along with free flower seeds to plant in their own outdoor spaces.

By encouraging shoppers to buy locally grown British flowers and in doing so, take a small step towards tackling climate change and reducing their carbon footprint, the event proved to be a huge success. Look out, the Flower Flash is set to return this Autumn!

After Hours – Wine bar and cocktail lounge is now open!

A brand-new addition to Bedford’s night-time economy has launched on St Cuthberts Street. After Hours is Bedford’s new, sexy, cosy, wine bar and cocktail lounge stocked with a great selection of cocktails, wines, champagnes and if you’d prefer, ice cold beer!

After Hours have the perfect atmosphere for a date, or just a cozy drink with some friends. If

you’re the party planner, why not gather a few pals and try their 2 for 1 cocktails (and mocktails) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.30 to 9pm and see if this luxe new venue fits the bill!

Open Wed 6.30pm – 1am, Thurs 6:30pm – 2am, Fri & Sat 6:30pm – 4am More info: afterhoursent.co.uk

Bedfordshire Festival of Remembrance at the Corn Exchange

Saturday 12th November at 7.30pm, The Corn Exchange, Bedford is the place to be for a special evening packed with colour and tradition. The Royal British Legion Bedfordshire invites you to join in their very own “Festival of Remembrance” raising money for the 2022 Poppy Appeal.

This year, they are planning a memorable performance to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, remembering those service personnel who participated in this conflict.

Special guests “The Swingtime Sweethearts” will transport you back to those wartime classics, along with the amazing sound of Bedford Brass and the Bedford Pipe band, and this year, their very own Military wives’ choir of Henlow & Chicksands. This super evening will culminate with a live “Poppy drop” – as seen at the Royal Albert Hall.

More info: www.Bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

Chri st m a s i s c o m i n g t o Be dford!

Christmas in the Town Centre starts with the Christmas Flea Market, bringing festive fresh produce and a cracking range of local artworks to St Paul’s Square on 13th November. Then on Saturday 19th November, it’s your chance to Rediscover Bedford at Christmas! Bedford Markets’ resident Charter stalls will be joined by some extra special sellers, as well as live performances and free entertainment for all to enjoy, before the town centre’s Christmas lights are switched on at dusk from Harpur Square.

Don’t forget, Black Friday is on 25th November, so head to town for some great pre-Christmas deals, and if you have little ones, book your trip to visit Santa, who will be in his Grotto at the Harpur Centre from 26th November right up until Christmas Eve! (Hurry while stocks last!)

3rd of December – Love Bedford, Shop Local!

Love Bedford invites you to the Town Centre for this celebration of all the fantastic venues we have to o er! Come in early and grab a Love Bedford at Christmas Goodie Bag, which includes a £5 Love Bedford Voucher to spend in the town centre, Keep-it-safe purse bells and festive treats. There will also be a photo-fabulous floral installation adorning the Silver Faces, and live performances to enjoy on Harpur Square, so why not come in with friends and enjoy it together! You can also head over to St Paul’s Church for the annual Christmas Tree Festival (30th Nov – 4th Dec), and decide which venue to vote for in the Love Bedford Christmas Window Competition (vote online).

10th & 11th December

Save these dates for Bedford Market’s biggest Christmas event, supported by Made In Bedford!

The Love Bedford Express land train will be giving free rides through the town centre, departing from Silver Square. There’ll be other free amusements and lovely live performances too - and to add even more festive cheer, refreshments of the ‘Christmas kind’ will be served from the Harpur Suite. It’s a lovely opportunity to discover some extra special gifts, and spend some quality time with friends and family.

17th and 18th December – Love Bedford, Have Fun!

To kick o the School holidays, Love Bedford is inviting parents, grandparents and anyone else with little ones to entertain this Christmas to visit the Town Centre for some FREE festive fun! We’ll have face painting, balloon artistry and fairground rides for youngsters - a great opportunity for making family memories and enjoying time together in Bedford Town Centre.

For more information and updates as we head towards the Big Day, please visit www.lovebedford.co.uk/Christmas.php

Details correct at time of print.

About Town content is supplied by BedfordBID. For the latest updates on Bedford Town Centre activities and events, as well as a full Business Directory, please visit: www.lovebedford.co.uk

WORDS FROM

Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire

This year Parliament week is taking place between 14th and 20th November

Each year has a theme and this year, Parliament week organisers are encouraging people to hold “tea with my community” events to help bring people together.

Parliament Week 2022 will also celebrate the restoration of Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower ahead of its reopening to visitors in the Spring of 2023.

A number of local groups, schools and volunteer organisations such as Scouts and Girlguiding across North East Bedfordshire have already signed up to take part in this year’s activities.

Activities range from quizzes and lively debates to creating petitions to encourage lawmakers to make important changes.

Last year over 10,000 activities were registered and over one million people took part in every nation and region of the UK.

I am really looking forward to seeing how people join in as it is a great opportunity for people of all ages and across all communities to get informed about how they can engage with Parliament to make a difference.

People who sign up for UK Parliament Week will be sent a free kit packed with resources, including a booklet, a ballot box, bunting and stickers.

Since the 13th Century, towns and counties have been sending representatives to meet collectively in a Parliament to support the Monarch initially and ultimately to be where we make the laws of our land. Respect for the particular decisions, or members, of Parliament may rise and fall with the times, but respect for the institution of Parliament as the foundation of our democracy, I like to believe, will remain strong.

To sign up and get ideas for how your community can celebrate Parliament Week and make change happen, please visit https://www.ukparliamentweek.org/

Parliament Week is an annual event which helps spread the word about the role of Parliament, how it works, how people can have their voices heard and how we make decisions collectively as a nation.

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 in less than a day from just £444! 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 tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

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

- 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!

WORDS FROM

Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston

This year’s theme is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. The pandemic and Putin’s war in Europe has certainly brought the world together in shared challenges but the impact these events are having on our mental health and wellbeing is huge. There is also deep anxiety in the national psyche about the cost-of-living crisis

It’s therefore deeply concerning that the new Health Secretary hasn’t included mental health in her NHS priorities and did not mention mental health once in her speech to Conservative conference. This despite mental health issues, especially amongst children and young people being at record highs.

In response, Bedfordshire and Luton Child and adolescent mental health services (CAHMS) have recently streamlined access to services. They realised that getting the support residents need for themselves or loved ones has been too challenging in the past, so they’ve simplified the urgent referral process to a Single Point of Access (SPOE) system. If the referral is not an emergency crisis referral, CAMHS aim to respond to everyone within five working days.

The ongoing problem is the waiting list for treatment and where to place people if they need to be admitted for appropriate care. Bedford has been promised a new in-patient mental health facility since provision at the Weller Wing was closed in 2017, yet patients are still travelling 20-40 miles to access services. We’ve had 5 Health Secretaries in that time.

Yet despite plans for a new mental health facility for adults and children in Bedford being well underway, with the funding sitting in the East London Foundation Trust’s bank account, the Government hasn’t given the green light to the New Hospitals Programme which would be the source of Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit cover - the main obstacle to the progress of the desperately needed site.

None of this deters the community and charity sector’s response to mental health. The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service and CHUMS, Emotional Wellbeing Service are literally a lifeline to some of my constituents. I’m always impressed with the work of FACES, an independent charity in Bedford offering practical and emotional support to families and children under stress. The Mind mental health café at Florence Ball House on Kimbolton Road provides free advice, support and a safe place for anyone over 18 experiencing a mental health crisis.

But the charity sector is itself struggling with the costof-living and can only ever do so much. Government has to do much more to revitalise mental health services. And Labour has set out a series of pledges to begin that process including a guarantee for every person that needs it, to access mental heath treatment within a month. We want to see specialist mental health support in every school and 8,500 new mental health staff to enable a million more people to access services. Early intervention is key. If we want growth, we need a healthy, happy population who are fit and able to work.

This October’s World Mental Health Day provided an opportunity for all of us to think about what we can do to help improve our own mental health and the people we care for.

In the STIX

This Year’s Bumper Crop of Scarecrows!

Sharnbrook’s first Scarecrow Festival proved a big hit as locals took to the pavements and followed the trail around the village over the weekend of 7-8th October. The festival was enthusiastically supported by residents and businesses with 40 imaginative scarecrows on the trail including Peter Rabbit, a Minion, a scientist, and Winnie the Pooh.

Lesley Seamarks and family won the first prize of £50 for their bride and groom while the second prize of £25 went to Charlie Mullins for his couple taking tea on the memorial bench. Other scarecrows scooping prizes were England footballer Chloe Kelly celebrating her matchwinning goal, an uncanny portrayal of the landlord of The Swan and a pair of legs sticking out of a flowerpot which was judged the quirkiest entry. The festival raised £417 for the NSPCC, British Red Cross and Hillside Animal Sanctuary.

Meanwhile, the annual Felmersham and Radwell Scarecrow Festival took place at the end of September with this year’s theme of Recycle & Reuse. The winning entry was a straw portrayal of Wombles Great Uncle Bulgaria and Madame Cholet with second and third prizes going to fun creations of a skeleton and a country girl. A special prize for the best use of recycled items was awarded for a scarecrow of a child robot.

Schoolreaders Needed for Local Primaries

Bedford-based children’s literacy charity Schoolreaders is looking for more volunteers who can help spread the joy of reading to children in Bedfordshire primary schools, especially in the Sharnbrook area.

Schoolreaders is looking for volunteers of all ages – from students to retirees – who can listen to

children read in a local primary school, especially at those schools where children require support the most.

Worryingly, 1 in 4 children leave primary school every summer unable to read to the expected standard and the Schoolreaders scheme is now more in demand than ever, particularly to help those children most disadvantaged following the education disruption caused by Covid lockdowns.

Schoolreaders volunteers are asked to listen to children read once a week during term time and to commit to an academic year. By applying now new volunteers will be matched as quickly as possible to a partner school and be ready to start once they have completed a mandatory DBS check and virtual safeguarding training.

Jane Whitbread, founder of Schoolreaders, said, “Children who leave primary school unable to read well can’t access their secondary schooling fully which will disadvantage them for life. One in seven adults have poor literacy and cannot read instructions on a medicine label or a bus timetable or fill in a job application form. Working together we can change this.”

To find out more or to apply to be a Schoolreaders volunteer in primary schools with the greatest need in Bedfordshire, visit www.schoolreaders.org

Remember, Remember the 5th of November!

Fantastic firework displays are set to take place in the Ouse Valley villages on Saturday 5th November.

Oakley Sports & Social Club hosts its annual event with a huge display lighting up the sky at 7.30pm. This year, the popular family night includes live music from renowned party band Funk Odyssey, a bouncy castle and kids’ disco in the village hall and a fun fair. There will be plenty of food options with the club’s kitchen open, plus a BBQ and hot desserts from Mr Ice Cream Man. To ensure queues are kept to a minimum, there will be three bars – the club house with indoor seating, an outdoor bar with seating and heating and a bottle bar with hot and cold drinks in the village hall. Tickets, priced at family £20, adult £7.50 and child £5, must be purchased in advance online from www.oakleyssc.com

Guy Fawkes Night will also be celebrated in Sharnbrook when The Scouts’ 48th Grand Fireworks Display returns to South Field, Tofte Manor at 7pm with gates opening and BBQ food available from 6.15pm. Advance tickets – children £2, adults £3 – are available at Pick-a-Lily florist or The Co-op until Friday 4th November. Prices on the gate are children £3, adults £5. www.sharnbrookscouts.webs.com

VOLUNTEERING

OPPORTUNITIES

Here is our volunteering pick for November 2022. It gives a flavour of the many opportunities we hold at CVS Bedfordshire from organisations across the area, so do contact us for more opportunities if you can’t see something that appeals to you.

Great Denham Community Hall Toddlers Playgroup Helper

Volunteers will help with the setting out of toys and tables/chairs ready for a weekly playgroup session taking place on a Friday morning during school term times only.

One YMCA Play and Learn Activity Session Volunteer (0-Cruisers/Toddlers +)

Volunteers will support the Children Centre Practitioner Team in their work with parents, carers and children under the age of 5 years within the ‘Play and Learn’ sessions. The 0-Cruisers Group are for those babies not yet walking focusing on ideas to support baby brain development.

Headway Bedford Volunteer Rehabilitation Assistant –Cognitive Support

The main purpose of this role is to work with the clients either within a group or individually to complete a variety of activities within cognitive sessions.

You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer-newsletter for all the latest opportunities and other volunteering related news.

Search for and register an interest in all the listed roles above and many more, by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer. Call us if you need any further information on 01234 354366.

National Youth Advocacy Service Volunteer Independent Visitor(Biggleswade Area)

Volunteers will offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person’s life and help build self-esteem and confidence.

Goldington Reading and Recreation Rooms Trustee

You will join 6 other trustees in managing the Rooms for the benefit of the people of Goldington and the wider public. The trustees meet once a month on the second Tuesday to discuss business

One Housing Group Administrator

43 Bromham Road,

Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk

You will provide administrative support to support staff at Care and Support services. This may involve assisting with the duty desk, liaising with staff and external agencies, data input, maintaining customer records and general administrative duties and reception work.

VINYLS,LAMINATE, WOOD, KARNDEAN

The Martin Lewis column

MONEY ON MY MIND...

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert –a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

to heat and light our homes, ensure water comes through our taps and more.

the benefit of privatisation if you work in that marketplace?

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at the current energy crisis, and the fact no real solution appears close.

Our energy sector is in a mess, and there is little doubt about that. For too long we have experienced this continual up and down shift of prices and supply and tari s and everything else that, as consumers, drives us bonkers.

The reality of what we have and what’s going on right now has been brewing for a long time. A perfect storm of situations, from Brexit to covid to the conflict in Russia, e ectively means we are being throttled in our desire

You may say we have been unlucky to find these factors all colliding in together at one time, yet it is the job of the government – and any sort of decent opposition – to put fail safes in place so that when something catastrophic like this happens, the end result isn’t the sort of bewildering increase in bills that really may move a greater quantity of people into poverty than we have ever seen before.

It’s a disastrous combination and we are praying for shortand medium-term solutions that will see not just the most vulnerable through the winter, but everyone else besides, because this is a national problem coming at a time of huge inflation and cost of living emergency.

Let’s just go to a basic summary of what we have here – in the UK we’re talking about having privatised energy firms, but we e ectively now have restricted competition and regulated prices in the form of a price cap. You have to ask yourself, what is

The next price caps – they’re going to be in January and April – will reveal where we go from here.

All I can say right now is energy bills will go down – they will be lower in April than they will be in January, but higher than they are now.

And while we wait for a solution, we will need to ride this out – we have no choice. Yet rest assured the consumer has been sold down the river and the lessons of this will resonate with both current and future governments, as they should.

Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 7.5 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

Armistice and Remembrance Events in Bedford Borough

Bedford Borough Council, the Bedford branch of the Royal British Legion and other partners are working together again this year, with events to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Day.

Friday 11 November – Armistice Day Commemoration and Two-Minute Silence

There will be an Armistice Day Commemoration and two-minute silence in Riverside Square, Bedford. Members of the public are asked to arrive for 10.40am.

Sunday 13 November –Remembrance Day Wreath Laying Ceremony

The traditional wreath-laying ceremony and march-past will be held at the War Memorial, Bedford Embankment at 11.00am. After the wreath laying, the Parade will march down the Embankment, across the High Street and St Paul’s Square, finishing in Harpur Square.

Kempston will also hold a Remembrance Day service and parade at 2.30pm at Kempston East Methodist Church, followed by the parade down to the War Memorial to observe a minute silence and to lay wreaths. Other

Remembrance Day services will be happening across the Borough. Please keep an eye out for local parish newsletters and notice broads for details. Bedford Borough’s Armistice and Remembrance Day events are being conducted in association with the Royal British Legion and Bedford Borough Council.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said, “Each year on Remembrance Day and Armistice Day we pay our respects to those who have defended our country in the past and at present. These days are very important in our national calendar and in Bedford Borough. I hope residents will join me and other councillors at a service on Remembrance Sunday and will wear a poppy with pride to help raise vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.”

Robin Thomas, Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion, said, “I hope the people of Bedford Borough will join us in marking the dedication of our armed forces in the past, present and future. We will acknowledge their sacrifice and that of their families. Our hand of friendship and compassion is extended to those families in Ukraine who have lost mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers in the current conflict.”

OAKLEY RURAL DAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY

A fun filled day of activities, games and good old conversation. Day includes refreshments and a two-course lunch.

For details contact Lynne Tuesday to Thursday on 01234 824935 Or Mobile: 07733 227374. Oakleyruraldaycentre@Yahoo.Com www.Oakleyruraldaycentre.Weebly.Com

The Old School, Lovell Road, Oakley Mk43 7RX

REVOLUTION TABLE TENNIS CLUB MONDAY EVENINGS

Juniors from ages 6-15 are welcome from 6.00pm7.15pm. Bats and balls provided. Social play for adults from 7.30pm-10pm. www.revolutionttc.co.uk/shop

Lincroft Academy, High Street, Oakley, MK43 7RE

BROMHAM SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB

MONDAYS 2.00PM – 4.30PM

TUESDAY EVENINGS 7PM – 9.30PM

Bowls available and all abilities welcome. Training can be given for beginners. First two sessions free with a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits. Telephone Ron Chapman 01234 822755 or Sue Amor 01234 823610 for more information or just come along.

Bromham Village Hall, Village Rd, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8JP

CARERS TOGETHER

2ND AND 4TH TUESDAYS OF THE MONTH AT 2.30PM

A group in Sharnbrook offering support for Carers and Activities for the person you care for.

Meet with other Carers for tea, cake and a chat. Contact Linda Hoar 07791214148. Methodist Church, Park Lane. Sharnbrook

TUDOR REEDS FOLK DANCE CLUB

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY 8PM

Lively fun night. £2 incl refreshments. No partner needed. Tuition given. Contact Jenny 01234 217621

St Marks Church Hall, Calder Rise, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7UY

BEDFORD COUNTRY AND FOLK DANCE CLUB

THURSDAYS 8.15PM TO 10.15PM

No partner required. £3

For more info call Ron Law 01234 825574

St Marys Church Hall, Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford MK41 0HL

CARERS SOCIAL GROUP

FIRST THURSDAY EVERY MONTH –10AM TO 12PM

Friendly group where you and the person you care for can meet others in similar circumstances over a cuppa. There is no need to register and there is no charge – just turn up!

Carers in Bedfordshire Office, Emerald Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7PZ

GOLDEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB – OVER 50’S THURSDAYS – 2PM TO 4PM, ENTRY £1

Refreshments, raffle, bingo, games, crafts and more. Occasional meals and outings.

For information call Marion on 01234 304382 Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP

BEDFORD FOLK & ACOUSTIC CLUB

EVERY THURSDAY 8:30PM – 11PM

Acoustic and folk music round-the-room. Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level. Find us on Facebook or come along. The Pavilion at Kempston Hammers Club MK42 7BN

COMMUNITY DROP-IN SESSIONS

FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH

10AM – 12PM

You will be able to access free support and information, or you can just pop in for a chat with one of our attending organisations including Sight Concern (From October), BPHA, MIND, Big Local, TIBS Dementia and Direction For Bedfordshire. Christ the King Church Hall. Harrowden Rd, Bedford, MK42 0SP.

CARERS SATURDAY SOCIAL GROUP

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH –10AM TO 12PM

Do you look after someone who can’t cope without your support? This could be a parent, child, partner or other family member or friend, with any condition. Join this friendly group where you and the person you care for can meet others in similar circumstances over tea and cake. Only £2 entry.

Priory Methodist Church, 63 Newnham Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9QJ

Full and Part Time

Personal Assistant/ Carer Roles St Neots

Care experience is preferred but not essential as full training will be provided. A caring attitude is vital!

Are you a reliable, personable and caring individual?

Mr H is based near St Neots and works full time. He has a busy and varied day to day life.

He also lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, uses an electric wheelchair and requires 24/7 care. He is looking for people to join his hard -working, friendly team.

If you are flexible and have life experience, this job could be for you!

The role includes:

Providing care in the home in a lovely, fully adapted working environment

Close knit team who will provide ongoing training support Day, Sleep in and Weekend Shifts on a rota Driving around UK for work and pleasure Cooking and domestic chores

Personal care and manual handling Potential for travel in the UK and abroad

Full UK driving licence and own transport to work are essential

Competitive and enhanced rates of pay available along with benefits including pension and loyalty bonus for commitment to the role.

LA TERRAZZA

Bedford is famous for its large and vibrant Italian community, which brings with it a fantastic array of Italian restaurants, delis and cafes to indulge in. Hidden away, a couple of steps from the High Street, is Bedford’s newest addition to the Italian food scene.

La Terrazza is exciting, o ering modern Italian food in a contemporary dining space. The restaurant o ers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of town, the ambience is laidback with an open kitchen and tables spread across two floors.

The head chef, Daniele, has worked at some of Bedfordshire’s finest establishments and it shows in the creative menu and beautiful plating. The focus is on top quality ingredients and there are exciting specials to try too.

I loved the baked Conchiglie, stu ed with ricotta and rich tomato sauce. The slow cooked beef ragu with fresh tagliatelle is perfect comfort food for these chillier evenings. The real show stoppers are the desserts, we loved the triple chocolate mousse and the panna cotta.

This is a great place to head for your next date night, family meal or celebration. The menu is fully stocked with something for everyone, including sharing starters, pasta and cocktails!

‘Musicals’ is the theme for Bedford’s 22nd Christmas Tree Festival St Paul’s church, Bedford 30 November -4 December 2022

Over 5 days, the Festival will welcome 1000s of visitors to hear local children’s and adult choirs and musical groups perform and to explore the display of more than 60 Christmas trees which light up the beautiful St Paul’s Church in the heart of Bedford, with their vibrancy and twinkling lights. The trees are decorated by local community groups, schools and firms and this year’s theme for the decorations is ‘Musicals’.

Entry to the Festival is £3 and free for children under 16. This year the money raised will go towards funding much needed equipment for Bedford Hospital and supporting projects including the Primrose Car Service taking patients to and from Addenbrookes Hospital for radiotherapy, travelling in comfort.

The annual Festival Concert on Friday 2 December at 7.30pm features the ‘Minerva Piano Trio’ performing pieces by Mendelssohn and Beethoven in addition to Christmas favourites. It is a truly memorable evening for concert goers to enjoy the beautiful trees at night in the majestic setting of St Paul’s. Tickets £17.50

include a glass of wine from www.peoplesfundraising. com/concert-tickets or phone 01234 783181.

Why not start the countdown to Christmas by helping to raise even more funds this year? Young children will enjoy finding the Musicals in the trees with a chance to win a book token. The Bedford Pipe Band will lead visitors to the opening of the Festival by Sue Lousada, our new Lord Lieutenant, at 10.30 am on Wednesday 30 November.

Once again the Festival has been sponsored by Jayne Beard Associates, Jayne having been a former Chair of the Bedford Hospital Charity.

To find out more about getting involved with the Festival including how to volunteer at this event, please email treefestival@stpaulschurchbedford. org.uk

Festival opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday 105, with a Christingle service at 4. Sunday 12-4 Co ee/Tea and cake served daily. We hope to see you there!

Visit facebook.com/ bedfordchristmastreefestival to find out more. Tel 01234 340163

TALK ABOUT THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER AT 7.30PM

Everyone is welcome to attend this talk, via Zoom, on Tuesday 1st November at 7.30 pm. It will be presented by Laura Church who is Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council and is the principal policy adviser to the elected Mayor of Bedford. She will speak about the Cost-of-Living Crisis. The talk, arranged by Bedford Council of Faiths, may finish at around 8.15pm and will be followed by an opportunity for questions. Then after a short business meeting it should end by 9 pm. For more information visit https://www.bcof.org.uk/

FOR THE FALLEN – MUSIC FOR ALL SAINTS, ALL SOULS AND REMEMBRANCE

TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 7.30 PM

Cantamus Chamber Choir Conducted by Paul Edwards Organist Ian Runnells

Bumyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU Tickets on the door, £10.00 (£5 concessions)

BEDFORD ART SOCIETY MEETING

FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 7.15 FOR 7.30 START

Andrew Forkner Talk/demonstration in the use of graphite and coloured pencils. Due to the detailed nature of his work

Andrew’s demonstration is in the form of a power point presentation showing the step-by-step process he uses to create one of his paintings. Entry free for members, £5 for visitors. Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Contact Jean Paterson on 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for further information

OAKLEY SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB FIREWORKS DISPLAY

SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER 5PM – 9PM

Fireworks, Live Band, Fun Fair, Kids Disco & Bouncy Castle,Stalls and more.

Parking at Lincroft Academy School.

Parking at Oakley Sports & Social Club is strictly for blue badge holders only For more info and tickets visit https://oakleyssc. com/fireworks-2022

Oakley Sports & Social Club, church Lane, Oakley MK43 7RJ

BIGGLESWADE AND DISTRICT ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION AND ART SALE

SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 10AM – 4PM

There will be a painting raffle and a stall selling artwork in aid of Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. Free Entry.

FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

A special performance to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War packed with colour and tradition with special guests from “The Swingtime Sweethearts”. Supported by the amazing sounds from Bedford Brass and the Bedford Pipe band as well as by our very own Military wives’ choir of Henlow & Chicksands, there will be plenty to entertain you.

Tickets available from the Corn Exchange Box Office: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/ events/bedfordshire-festival-of-remembrance/

FRIENDS OF ST MARYS BLETSOE RACE NIGHT

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER 7PM

Proceeds to church restoration. Please bring cash. Bletsoe Village Hall, Bennetts Close, Bletsoe, Bedford MK44 1QL. Tickets £10 (including meal) from Andrew Fyvie 07765 151950

MUSIC AT ST PAUL’S

Monthly Saturday organ recitals 12 noon. FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds. Tuesdays lunch time recitals: 1.00 pm. FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds. Suggest min £5.00 Sat 12 12 noon Organ, Ian Runnells, Director if Music, St Paul’s Tues 1 1.00 pm, Eri Yamamoto, Piano Tues 8 Eve McGrath, Soprano with Piano accompaniment

Tues 15 Peregrine Recorder Ensemble Tues 22 Zoe Barnett, Classical Guitar

BEDFORD FLEA, AFFORDABLE ART & LOCAL PRODUCE CHRISTMAS MARKET

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER 10AM – 3.30PM

Plenty of gift ideas for yourself or your loved ones across all three sections! Plus live music to get you in the Christmas spirit, mulled wine & hot drinks to keep you warm while you shop. St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL

*Free parking in council owned car parks on Sundays*

BEDFORD NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15 2.15PM

“HS2 Aerial Photography” drone pictures by Richard Clifford.

Richard and his drone take wonderful pictures of the construction.

Everyone welcome. No need to book. There will be a small entry fee. Plenty of parking at the Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN For further information please contact Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421.

BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 7.30PM AIMING TO FINISH BY 9.30PM

Richard Winspear – head of Technical Advice at the RSPB. Tonight’s talk entitled ‘RSPB work with Farmers’ will explain the RSPB’s work with farmers to encourage them to practice Nature-Friendly Farming. ‘Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential.

Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free. The facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking. ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF Reg.Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org. uk/groups/bedford or call 07905199769

COLMWORTH & NEIGHBOURS HISTORY SOCIETY

FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

Barry Tomlinson will describe many of the achievements of possibly the greatest engineer of all time, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Free for members. Visitors welcomed for a donation of £4. Colmworth Village Hall, Church Road, Colmworth MK44 2JX. www.colmworthhistory.org.uk for further information

BEDFORDSHIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

Conductor Michael Rose

Soloist Stephen Meakins Mendelssohn Ruy Blas Overture

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 in E minor Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford

MK40 1SL

Tickets available from the Corn Exchange Box Office: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/ events/bedfordshire-symphony-orchestraclassical-and-romantic/

PARK ROAD METHODIST CHURCH AUTUMN FAIR

SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2-4PM

Books, Bric a Brac, Cakes, Marmalade, Puzzles, Raffle and Refreshments Park Road West Bedford MK41 7SB

AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA

FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2PM TO 4PM

Includes tea, home-made cake and friendship. Entry £4

Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP

For information call Sue on 07977 569053

CLAPHAM METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR

SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 10AM TO 12 NOON

Lots of Christmas stalls and refreshments. Everyone very welcome. 27 High Street, Clapham MK41 6EQ

CHRIST THE KING CHRISTMAS FAYRE SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 1PM TO 3PM

Refreshments, Bottle stall, tombola, raffle, crafts and more. Entry 50p Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call 01234 965497

MEPPERSHALL CHRISTMAS FAIR

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 12 NOON—4 PM

A variety of stalls with quality crafts and gifts. Christmas Carols to sing along to. Children’s entertainment to include Santa, children’s stalls and craft activities. Hot and cold refreshments, tea, coffee, cakes and bar.

Meppershall VH, Walnut Tree Way SG17 5AB

FOR MORE WHAT’S ON EVENTS VISIT

WWW.BEDSLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

To list an event in our December issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 11th November. Priority will be given to non profit events.

@lovebedford

MILKYS MUSIC MATTERS

FAKE TURINS + HUMAN MUSIC

Sat 5th November

Do not miss this show! North London outfit Fake Turins explore the psychedelic strut of New York City in the 70’s, using their strength in numbers to provide an immersive experience, the 12-piece unit explore noise, disco and funk through an unrelenting groove.

Fake Turins have been tipped across the board by press, summed up by So Young Magazine as, “lyrically subversive yet audibly untouchable”, with DIY noting their “cyclical, propulsive dancefloor groove”, and by CLASH as, “a truly multi-faceted piece of music [that] feels like the entry point into Fake Turins’ extraordinary world.” Radio support from Steve Lamacq (BBC 6Music), Gemma Bradley (BBC Radio 1), John Kennedy (Radio X) and Amazing Radio on both sides of the Atlantic has seen the band’s stock rise.

ECHOBELLY

Thur 10th November

Echobelly burst into our lives in 1993 with their debut EP, Bellyache, and immediately piled up gushing reviews, sold out gigs and a recording contract with Epic via their subsidiary, Rhythm King. Their first single ‘Insomniac’ and the album,

Everyone’s Got One, reached number 8 in the UK Album charts. As their music received more airplay, Echobelly won admiration from other artists, Madonna expressed interest in putting them on her Maverick label, and R.E.M. requested the group as the opening act for their upcoming tour. The band then released ‘On’ a record which hurdled the “di cult second album” syndrome that a ects lesser acts and secured them even more press, TV appearances and entry into the ‘Britpop elite’ with the classic ‘Great Things’ peaking just outside the Top 10. Sonya and Glenn continue to tour and write music and make a very welcome to one of their favourite venues here in Bedford.

THE GOLDEN DREGS + ENJOYABLE LISTENS

Fri 18th November

The Golden Dregs might be the project of just one man, Benjamin Woods, but beyond that it’s a lot of di erent things. “It’s adopted the guise of a bar-band, a lonely man with a piano, a singer with

a backing band, and an awkward and insecure karaoke performance,” says Woods. “I think of The Golden Dregs as a project as opposed to a group or a person. It’s a platform for me to explore di erent musical avenues.” Live, the Dregs are a seven-piece machine providing the platform for Woods baritone.

Main support – Enjoyable Listens “A bloodstained fur coat floating on the undulating beat of street talk.”

GAZ

Fri

Sat

Sun

Fri

Sat

In his early career, Brookfield played with a number of bands but moved to a solo career in 2006. In 2010, he won Acoustic Magazine’s Singer-Songwriter of the Year award, which also won him a place on the Big Top stage at Beautiful Days Festival, where he played twice more since. He played at other major festivals such as Glastonbury and supported artists such as The Levellers, New Model Army, Ferocious Dog, and Frank Turner. In 2011, he became the first (and to this date only) unsigned solo act to sell out the 450-capacity Fleece in Bristol. Brookfield has released eight original studio albums, plus four “Solo Acoustic Guy” albums with re-workings of his previous songs, not workshy then!

COMING UP, COMING UP

Catch them before they move to bigger venues Fake Turins, The Golden

Sue Ryder

John’s

BLUES SUPPORT FOR CHARITY

Bedford Blues are proud to add a donation of £8,500 to Macmillan Cancer Support following recent Ladies Day festivities, taking the total donations to the charity to over £50,000 across the last five years.

On 1st October, and with the help of the fantastic Macmillan volunteers, Goldington Road was transformed into an odyssey of pink and green for the day as Blues contested a historic first ever meeting with Caldy, putting on a 13-try thriller. The loyal #BluesFamily helped grow another staggering amount of funds through collections, auctions, raffles and much more, aided by a huge following of over 2,500.

Now one of the standout days in the calendar, the special edition match day jerseys – as photographed – proved incredibly popular, all sold either in an online auction or post-match in the CMC Marquee with MC Sam Roberts.

The clash with Caldy was the 14th time Ladies Day has taken place at Goldington Road since its inauguration in October 2008 against Sedgley Park. Since the beginning, just under £100,000 has been raised with Blues donating to Breast Cancer Care UK and Cancer Research before teaming up with Macmillan since 2017.

Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred, said: “Once again we would like to thank all of our fantastic supporters at Goldington Road on helping us to make Ladies Day another fantastic occasion.

“The ground was a hive of activity throughout the day, and to help raise over £50,000 accumulatively for a charity close to many of our hearts, is a fantastic achievement by the Blues Family.

“Macmillan Cancer Support were a pleasure to work with again; we now look forward to hearing about the projects the funds support across Bedfordshire.”

choose

House

PHYSICAL THERAPY for dogs

Physical exercises can be an important part of recovery for many muscular and orthopaedic injuries in dogs; and part of ongoing management of chronic conditions such as arthritis. Exercise will also help with weight loss and general fitness.

After injury or surgery

Pets that have suffered a recent injury or surgery will need to avoid certain types of exercise (for example high-impact movements, or exercise that puts surgical wounds under strain). However, it is important that they remain fit and flexible, so low-impact, slow, stretching and muscle-building activities will be important.

Holding an ice pack, (wrapped in a clean cloth), against recent injuries or surgical wounds can be very helpful at limiting swelling/ bruising and providing natural pain relief. 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times daily is ideal.

For dogs with osteoarthritis

Warmth can be very useful for providing comfort and encouraging flexibility as dogs become older and stiffer. Dressing dogs in fleecy “pyjamas” for bed, and insulated, waterproof coats when walking out in cold weather can make a real difference. It is also helpful to provide heat lamps or mats at night, and a cushioned bed that allows dogs to sleep in a stretched-out position.

Warming up with stretches and gentle movements before exercise and cooling down afterwards is recommended.

Who can help?

Your veterinary surgeon should be the first port of call to assess your pet after an injury or to

make a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. A package of supportive care can then be created, which may include pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications, tailored physical therapies, environmental and exercise modification and attention to any concurrent medical conditions. Veterinary surgeons can refer cases to a veterinary physiotherapist to oversee the physical therapy program.

THE POTTING SHED OF THE GENTLEMAN GARDENER

Hello everyone, as usual, you’re most welcome back to my potting shed.

I’ve just cleaned and sharpened my mowers and everyday tools. Please find time to do yours as the growing season slows down. I’m now enjoying some co ee from my flask and a couple of Hobnobs while I write to you with some gardening tips and humble advice.

It’s getting colder now, but you can still enjoy the taste of fresh herbs. Just fill a sunny windowsill box with chives and mint roots. They’ll add plenty of flavour during the winter months.

Please look after ladybirds. You can give them a little home by leaving some cover when you cut back herbaceous stems, and they will pay you back by keeping those pesky aphids at bay.

How has this year a ected your garden, with two record mini heat waves, drought conditions and hose pipe bans in some regions? Did you get around to trying something new? I hope you did but if not, there’s always next year. Gardening is

all about experimenting, failing now and then, and most importantly learning from your mistakes.

If you plan to plant a standard tree, here’s a simple tip: drive your supporting stake into the planting hole before the tree is in position. This will result in firm staking and ensure your stake does not go through the tree roots.

As the nights are drawing in, I like to be out in my garden as early as possible. In fact, the first thing I do each morning, donned in dressing gown with a mug of co ee in hand, is go into my garden.

They say money can’t buy happiness and that’s true. But it can buy plants, and that’s the same thing.

Please enjoy your garden. My co ee has all gone, biscuits too, so I’m shutting my potting shed up until tomorrow and I’m o home..

My kindest regards The Gentleman Gardener

Clock & Watch

Roofing

Used Car Buyers

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9:00am-5:30pm Monday