BedsLife South Magazine - February 2023

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!

BedsLife Magazine would like to thank all our advertisers for their continued support, without which we would not have a publication. Please remember, if you have enjoyed reading BedsLife and are looking for a trades person or service, we have a whole range of fantastic local businesses promoting themselves each month.

After the New Year celebrations and settling back into a routine, February has always felt to us like an opportunity to pause for a while and draw breath. Yes, it’s cold and wet, and the days are still too short and dark. But it’s no coincidence that this month is named for the Latin word februum which means purification.

There’s a sense of optimism in the air, that Spring is just around the corner, everything will get brighter and warmer, and we can embrace life again feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.

Of course this month also means Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Half Term, Pancake Day, and Random Acts of Kindness Day (on the 17th). But we’ve also recently discovered that the Saxon term for the month, Sol-monath, means “cake month”. This is because the Saxons o ered cakes to the gods during this month – finally an excuse to eat more cake!

If previous years are anything to go by, February will disappear in the blink of an eye. So whatever this month has in store for you, we send you our warmest wishes.

Until next time, BedsLife Team

PS: Did you know that February is also one of the most mis-spelled words in the English language?.

community news

Get Around for £2

Bedford Borough Council has welcomed a government scheme to provide affordable bus travel to residents with a £2 bus fare cap in the new year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) led scheme, which encourages people to ‘get around for £2’, runs from 1st January to 31st March 2023 with all adult single fares capped at £2 and all return fares capped at £4 on bus services operated by participating companies.

In Bedford Borough, Stagecoach and Uno have signed up for the scheme. The Uno C1 C10 and C11 services from Bedford to Milton Keynes run through Marston Mortaine.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “Swapping car journeys for bus trips helps to reduce the number of cars in our town and city centres, reducing congestion, cutting emissions and improving the environment. With these discounted fares, I would encourage residents to give it a go and get around for £2 this winter.”

For bus routes and timetables visit www.bedford.gov.uk

Find a Warm Space Near You

A Warm Spaces Network has been created in Bedford Borough offering locations where people can go to stay warm and maybe enjoy some company and a hot drink, or simply spend time reading a magazine or book.

Locally, Elstow Manor is offering a warm space from Monday to Friday from 2pm to 4pm and Cotton End Village Hall is open on Thursdays from 10am until 2pm during February and March.

Bedford Library can also be used as a warm space during its opening hours with additional warm space activities taking place on Monday to Friday from 11.30am to 1.30pm. These free sessions are open to anyone who would like a bit of company and fun activities to do during their visit to the library. Enjoy a free hot drink and snack in the meeting room on the third floor and join in with puzzles and jigsaws, colouring and crafts and bingo.

For the most up-to-date list of warm spaces, visit www.bedford.gov.uk

A Gift for Your Valentine

Two events are taking place locally, just in time for you to pick up the perfect gift for your valentine.

Head to Wixams on Saturday 11th February where local businesses will be selling handmade products in the Lakeview Village Hall from 1pm until 4pm. The Valentine’s Gift Fayre will host a variety of craft stalls offering artisan products and gifts. For more details, visit www.wixams.org/valentines-fayre/

On Sunday 12th February a Valentine’s Gift and Craft Fayre with a pop-up café will come to Stewartby Village Hall from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Browse the stalls to find gifts for your loved one from skincare products to jewellery or glass items, handmade bags and more. Valentine’s afternoon teas will be available or tuck into loaded fries, cakes, cookies, and other tasty treats.

Both events present the ideal opportunity to buy your valentine a gorgeous gift. You can also get ahead with a gift for Mother’s Day which falls on Sunday 27 March.

Rural Communities Charity receives £45,000

Bedford Borough Council has announced a grant of £45,000 to Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity to deliver support to residents over the winter.

The grant will help residents who are struggling with the cost of living, energy bills and keeping warm. The Charity will support residents who are at risk of missing out on the services, activities and support they are entitled to.

Dave Hodgson, Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: “Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity has a proven track record built up nearly 70 years and I know they will deliver for our communities.”

Cliff Andrews, Deputy Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, said: “Thanks to the £45,000 grant from Bedford Borough Council, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity will be able to provide the much-needed extra resources to support and help local people who are currently struggling with spiralling living costs, record-breaking energy bills and keeping warm.”

You can find out more at www.bedford.gov.uk

Tea and Tots in Marston

Tea and Tots is a baby and toddler group which takes place on the second and fourth Friday of the month at St Mary’s Church in Marston Moretaine.

Each session offers crafts, toys and snacks for children and tea – often with cake – for adults. Sessions are free and run from 9.30 to 11am on the second Friday of the month and 1pm until 2.30pm on the fourth Friday of the month. For more details, go to www.stmarysmarston.org

Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Copy deadline for the March issue is 10th February.

Do you have some village news to share?

Welcome to King’s Oak Primary School!

King's Oak Primary School is an exciting and unique place to learn. We combine high expectations for everyone with a carefully designed learning environment that put children at the core of all we do. Our staff are committed to ensure our ethos of Excellence and Citizenship supports all pupils to thrive and reach their full potential. We can offer fantastic resources including our own farm, a science lab, cooking and art rooms, an allotment, extensive green spaces and much, much more.

Rob Morley-Smith Headteacher

Why Choose King’s Oak Primary School?

Our parents say:

“Even with all these Covid changes the staff have had to put in place, they all remain as happy, smiley and welcoming as ever. For that I am grateful and thankful.”

“My child loves it here”

“I witnessed first-hand when settling my daughter just how hard they work”

98% of parents say their child enjoys coming to school 97% of parents say their child feels safe and well cared for in school

OFSTED say:

“Pupils at Kings Oak are offered exciting learning experiences that preparing them well for the future.”

“Pupils’ talents and interests are valued. Pupils say that adults encourage them to be independent and to take on responsibilities.”

“Early years is a happy and safe environment where learning encourages independence. Adults have an impressive understanding of the needs of each child.”

OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEERING

Here are our top picks for February 2023, 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.

Moggerhanger Park – Garden volunteers

Garden volunteers required to restore the estate gardens back to their full glory, built in the eighteenth century the gardens and grounds which were designed by noted landscape designer Humphry Repton, are a nationally important historic landscape.

Wimpole Estate – National Trust –Ecology Volunteer

The Ranger team at Wimpole are looking for ecology volunteers to help with breeding bird, wintering bird and butterfly surveys. Some previous knowledge or experience is desirable.

Bedford Players Trust – The Place Theatre – General Front of House Volunteers

By volunteering your Front of House skills – whether at the Box Office, behind the bar, ticketing or ushering – you will become part of a team of theatre-loving people of all ages keen to make the audience experience at The Place as welcoming off-stage as it is exciting on-stage.

Ampthill Festival CIC – Photo and Video Creative Volunteers

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.

Social media marketing activities are brought alive with photos and videos from past events. If you’ve got the editing kit on your Mac or PC and have some time and creativity available, then Ampthill Festival would love to hear from you.

Food ETC CIC Cookery Workshop Facilitator

If you like cooking and would like to help other people make healthy, nutritious, and cheap meals we’d love to hear from you. Food etc is looking for volunteers to work with a variety of groups in and around Bedford.

Age UK Bedfordshire – Telephone Befriender

Volunteers will develop through planned, regular telephone conversations a small number of positive and valued relationships with isolated older people who have been identified by Age UK Bedfordshire, with the final aim of reducing social isolation of those older people.

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

We are Youth TV, a local community project based in Bedford that aims to inspire ambitious young people into the media industry. The project is led by an extraordinary team of passionate volunteers from all across Bedfordshire, with the help of Groundwork East. Groundwork East supports young people in the recording of our programmes, and their youth team provide guidance for our content. Our project is currently run by young people between the ages of 14 – 18 from across Bedfordshire, however, we have also had many fantastic opportunities to interact with many successful young people through interviews and other events.

At Youth TV, we have a variety of programmes for our viewers. However, our main programme is ‘The Show’, presented by our very own CEO and Founder Urban Judge, alongside our Vice CEO Michelle Papworth. All of our volunteers get the opportunity to meet monthly to record this show and get involved – whether it be in recording, presenting, content or behind-the-scenes!

Are you or your child interested in gaining experience in what it’s like to work in the media industry? Do you have a passion for creative media? Are you between the ages of 13-18? Great news, we are looking for creative young people to join our team here at Youth TV! You do not require any qualifications, just a keen interest in the media industry is needed and, as we edge closer to our 3-year anniversary, there’s no better time to join us! Just visit our website at www.youthtv.co.uk to get involved, or ask any questions you may have about the life of a volunteer at Youth TV by emailing us –hello@youthtv.co.uk.

Not interested in volunteering, but are keen to know what we get up to? Subscribe to our YouTube channel @YouthTVUK to watch our latest episodes.

Are Vitamins Vital?

Us Brits spend around £500million every year on multivitamins and dietary supplements, but are we actually getting our money’s worth?

In the early 20th century when vitamins were first discovered and their role in preventing illnesses such as scurvy and rickets began to be understood, it was deemed a revelation in healthcare. Back then, diets were nutritionally insufficient enough to cause serious health problems, and even death.

Yet now, in 2023, we have access to an abundance of fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat, making such diseases an anomaly in the western world.

However, a 2018 Food Standards Agency report found that about half of UK adults took food supplements on a regular basis, suggesting a belief at least that these special pills can either prevent and cure illness, or both. And of course, such magical thinking

is understandable given the information we are fed via the media.

It’s always worth bearing in mind that a well-balanced diet ought to have you covered in any case. Not only that, but vitamins and minerals in their natural state are easier absorbed by your body.

The question is then, does your diet have you covered? Well, as long as you aren’t excluding one of the main food groups, then yes. However, if you are following a vegetarian or vegan plantbased diet, taking a multivitamin that contains vitamin B12, iodine and choline, along with vitamin D, could be beneficial. Similarly,

those averse to oily fish should consider an omega 3 supplement.

Women who are pregnant or intend on becoming pregnant are advised to take a 400-microgram supplement of folic acid, daily, as research shows that this reduces the risk of neural tube defects in babies. Calcium is also vital to those breastfeeding, so any new mums who are lactose intolerant ought to seek it by other means.

Ageing can also have a detrimental effect on your body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals; for example, as we get older our stomachs struggle to produce hydrochloric acid – vital for the absorption of vitamin B12 – so those over the age of 50 are advised to take a B12 supplement.

In conclusion, supplements tend to benefit those whose diets are lacking. That said, you might just want to take a multivitamin for peace of mind; after all, the only negative effect it can really have is to your wallet!

WHAT’S ON

BEDFORD ART SOCIETY MEETING FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY 7.15 FOR 7.30 START

Anneka Slatter (Annie) A demonstration of Calligraphy. Annie is a calligrapher and letter artist and will be sharing her knowledge and love for this beautiful craft.

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.

Bedford choirs as they work together, perform and learn new songs. The choirs include: Alive and Singing, Bedford Choral Society, Rock Choir, Cantamus , Carers Choir, Come and Sing, First Tuesdays, Fusion Choir, Opus 18, Sharnbrook Community Choir, Unisong, and lots of Secondary Schools

Sing Praises: Sunday 12 February 6pm St

Andrew’s Church 6 pm Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF

The choirs of St Andrew’s Church and St Paul’s Church will sing this centuries’ old service of evensong together.

BEDFORD LOCAL

GROUP

OF THE WILDLIFE TRUST WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY 7.15PM FOR 7.30PM

Lichens: A Symbiotic Fungi for two. An Introduction.

An illustrated talk by Brian Simms ‘Plenty of parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

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

Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057

CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR TUESDAYS LUNCH TIME RECITALS: 1.00 PM.

FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds. Suggest min £5.00

Monthly Saturday organ recitals 12 noon, also FREE with retiring collection in aid of church funds

Sat 11 12 noon Organ, Martyn Noble (HM Chapel Royal, St James’ Palace)

Tues 7 1.00pm, Maria Kustas, (piano)

Tues 21 ‘Flutes and Frets’ – Beth Stone and Danny Murphy (flutes, lutes and theorbo).

Tues 28 Xindi Zhu (piano

Tues 25 ‘Solstice’, Vocal Duo

St Paul’s Church, St Pauls Square, Bedford MK40

1SQ

SING TOGETHER

SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY WORKSHOP 3PM

– FOLLOWED BY PUBLIC CONCERT 7.30PM –ADMISSION £5

St Paul’s Church, St Pauls Square, Bedford MK40

1SQ

Inspirational choir-leader Greg Link (Apollo 5) is going to lead over two hundred singers from

Monday 13 February, Choir Concert St Paul’s Church 7.30 pm (tickets on the door)

Bedford Choral Society and Youth Choir Bedford Tuesday 14 February, Choir Concert, 7.30pm St Paul’s Church

Cantamus Chamber Choir Conductor Gary Mudd

Thursday 16 February, Choir concert, Bunyan Meeting 7.45 pm Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU

Choir of Clare College, Cambridge (in partnership with Bedford Music Club), Graham Ross, conductor, Samuel Jones & Daniel Blaze, organ One of the world’s finest choirs in a stunning programmme.

Friday 17 February 2-4pm St Paul’s Church M4M (Music for Memory) is Tibbs Dementia Foundation’s community music therapy service for people living with dementia/memory loss and their families/friends. Also Promethidion, a group of young Polish singers who will be joining us in their national costume, a beautiful sight and sound! https://www.bedfordsings.com/

HALF TERM AT THE HIGGINS

HEADS, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES!

Tuesday 14th February – Green Man Clay Faces

Join The Wildlife Trust and discover local nature £5 per child

Wednesday 15th February – Cell Art

Join Little Science Labs and explore cells with microscopes £5 per child

Thursday 16th February – Jointed Puppets

Join local artist Kaye Mahoney and discover the magic of puppetry and theatre £5 per child

Friday 17th February– Art Cube

Join artist Greta Dalum-Tilds. Explore observational drawing and the art in Changing Times. All workshops last about an hour and start at 11:15am, 12:45 and 2:15pm each day, Children must be accompanied by an adult (adults do not need to book a place)

£5 per child. Not suitable for under 5’s Places are limited and can be booked online at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Book_Online/ Book_Online.aspx or by phoning the box office: Box Office Opening Times

Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Telephone: 01234 718044

VALENTINE’S CRAFTS AT MARSTON VALE FOREST TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Come along to our Valentine’s Day themed craft session at the Forest Centre! Each child will receive a valentines themed object to paint and decorate. We provide the art and craft supplies and a themed object ready for decoration – you just need to let your imagination run amok with Valentine’s designs! Ticket includes all materials for crafting, and the decoration to take home at the end of the session. £4 per child Age 3+ (Make sure appropriate clothing is worn) The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine www.marstonvale.org/Event/valentines-craftstuesday-14-february-2023

BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP

COLMWORTH & NEIGHBOURS HISTORY SOCIETY

FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

Paddy Lambert will be talking about a RomanoCeltic villa: the temple-mausoleum and evidence of industry at Priors Hall, Corby Free for members. Visitors welcomed for a donation of £4.

Colmworth Village Hall, Church Road, Colmworth MK44 2JX. www.colmworthhistory.org.uk for further info.

AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA

FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2PM TO 4PM

Entry £4

Includes tea, home-made cake and friendship Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP For information call Myriam on 07590 558275

THE BIG BLUNHAM BOOK SALE

SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 10.00AM TO 3.00PM

There will be an enormous selection of nearly new books – specialist and fiction sorted into categories. Home-made soup, home-made cakes, hot dogs, teas and coffees served all day. All profits to Blunham Church Fabric Fund. Blunham Parish Church, MK44 3NQ For further details please ring Sue and Peter Holden 01767 640572

BEDFORDSHIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SAT 25 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

THURSDAY

16 FEBRUARY 7.30PM AIMING TO FINISH BY 9.30PM

Charlie Porter. Wood End Farm in Cole is an arable Farm owned and managed by Charlie and his wife, very much with nature in mind. During tonights talk -‘Farming for Wildlife’- Charlie will tell us the part he and his team are playing to help the recovery of our local wildlife. 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. Meet at the ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF

Reg.Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org. uk/groups/bedford or call 07905 199769

Soloist: Mengyang Pan Conductor: Michael Rose Programme: Rossini – Overture to Semiramide Schumann – Piano Concerto in A minor Brahms – Symphony No. 4 in E minor Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL. Tickets available from the Corn Exchange Box Office: B.S.O – Michael Rose 50th Anniversary concert – Bedford Corn Exchange

FOR MORE WHAT’S ON EVENTS VISIT WWW.BEDSLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

To list an event in our March issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 10th February. Priority will be given to non profit events.

WIN a Family Ticket to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on FRiday 10th February

T’s & C’s:

• Tickets are for the Friday 10 February 7pm performance only.

• Tickets will be sent via email in advance of the performance.

• Tickets are non-transferable, nonrefundable, non-exchangeable and cannot be re-sold.

• No cash alternative will be given

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical; the devilishly, delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka (Gareth Snook), will play Milton Keynes Theatre in 2023. Embarking on its first ever UK & Ireland Tour, this dazzling new production of the successful West End and Broadway musical will take you to a world of pure imagination. When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they’ve always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible and edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.

To be in with a chance to win, email your name and phone number to competitions@bedsLifemagazine.co.uk and tell us who wrote the book ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. Entries must be received by Monday 6th February

TURNING THE PAGE

For February, four books that will weave a fictional spell.

The Angel Maker

by Alex North

Haunted by the violent attack of her brother Chris years ago, Katie Shaw sees threats everywhere. When her brother disappears, Katie leaps into action to help him once more.

Meanwhile, Detective Laurence Page’s investigation of a brutal murder of a professor leads her to suspect the case is connected to Chris’s attack... and to a serial killer said to be able to predict the future.

Published by Celadon Books on February 28th

Someone Else’s Shoes

by Jojo Moyes

Globetrotting Nisha Cantor has the perfect life money can buy until her husband divorces her and cuts her off. Scrambling to hold on to her previous lifestyle, Nisha’s distress hits a peak when even her gym bag is stolen.

Meanwhile, Sam Kemp is desperately trying to keep her family afloat. When she tries on a pair of expensive shoes from a gym bag she took by accident, the jolt of confidence inspires her to change her life.

This is a story of mix-ups, mess-ups and making the most of second chances

Published by Michael Joseph on February 2nd

The Porcelain Moon

by Janie Chang

At the end of the First World War, Pauline Deng runs away from her Chinese family in Paris to escape an arranged marriage back in Shanghai. In the French countryside, Pauline finds shelter with Camille, a French woman planning to escape her own abusive marriage, until Pauline finds out a terrible secret about Camille, forcing them to make a decision that will bind them together forever.

Published by William Morrow on February 23rd

The Worst Woman in London: A Victorian Romance

by Julia Bennet

A defiant Victorian wife fights to escape a bad marriage but her love for a forbidden man jeopardises her chance at freedom. James Standish knows how to play society’s game. He’ll follow the rules, marry a virginal debutante, and inherit a massive fortune. At least, that’s the plan until he meets Francesca Thorne. She’s not the sort of woman a respectable gentleman like James could ever marry… not least because, strictly speaking, she’s married already.

Francesca is determined to flout convention and divorce her philandering husband. When James sweet talks his way into her life tasked with convincing her to abandon her dream of freedom, she’s unprepared for the passion that flares between them. James and Francesca must choose whether to keep chasing the lives they’ve always wanted or take a chance on a new and forbidden love.

Published by Entangled on February 2nd

CLUBS & GROUPS

OAKLEY RURAL DAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY

A fun filled day of activities, games and 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. 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

HOLY CROSS WARM SPACE

TUESDAY 1.30PM – 4.00PM

Refreshments, books, puzzles and a space to chat with friends old and new. Holy Cross Church, 355 Goldington Road, Bedford. MK41 0DP

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

SECOND MONDAY EVERY MONTH – 2PM-4PM

Do you look after someone who can’t cope without your support? Join Carers in Bedfordshire’s friendly group where you can meet others in similar circumstances over a cuppa. There is no need to register and there is no charge – just turn up!

The Bedford Suite, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Wixams, Bedfordshire MK42 6EA

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

Free support and information, 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.

DEMENTIA ALL SORTS GROUP

THIRD WEDNESDAY EVERY MONTH – 10.30AM12PM

Join this social group for people living with dementia and their carers. Incorporating reminiscence activities, games, speakers, singing and general discussion. There is no charge. Call 0300 111 9090 for further information. Carers in Bedfordshire Office, Emerald Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7PZ

THE POTTING SHED OF THE GENTLEMAN GARDENER

Hello everyone

You’re all very welcome back to my potting shed. In recent weeks we’ve had snow, frost, winds, and almost constant rain. So, without wishing the year away, here’s something to look forward to… the clocks go forward on Sunday 25th March. As I’m out in my garden, I notice a little extra daylight each day.

St Valentine’s Day is the 14th of this month and the little-known Random Acts of Kindness Day is on the 17th. I try to celebrate that every day of the year.Your winter flowering shrubs should be pruned back as soon they have finished flowering. Winter flowering Jasmine, Jasminium Nudi-Florum, benefits from timely pruning so please do it now.

This is a good time of year to create a small rock garden – an interesting home for alpines. Use 8-10 moderate-sized rocks, and fill the spaces with good soil.

I’ll gladly share with you something I learned a couple of years ago: fruit trees growing in grass

often achieve little growth because they are starved of nitrogen. This can be remedied by feeding now with sulphate of ammonia or nitrogen chalk – use about 4oz (in old money) per tree.

Prep now for asparagus planting. The ground must be really clean and deeply dug, then wellmanured to the depth of a spade.Please don’t forget our precious wildlife at this time of year. Check your bird tables for seed and put out suet and fat balls and of course some fresh water.

I’m so much looking forward to the coming spring and growing season, I hope you are too. Pondering with a co ee under a big oak the other day, an old saying came to my mind: “Children, marriages, and gardens always reflect the care they get.”

Right, I’m o to check the bird tables. Have a great month and remember to see life as it is but focus on the good things.

My kindest regards The Gentleman Gardener

Gardening Tips and Advice from

Top of the Pots

A solution for brightening up small to medium-sized gardens, with big potted flowers, shrubs or plants. Step forward the humble pot.

The answer for those looking to create interest, texture and variation to an outside space, is to consider clever use of pots; here’s why:

1. Versatility

Using pots as a way to house things you grow in your garden, means you can move them around at will. This may suit you across the changing seasons, or simply satisfying your changing moods as your garden evolves over time.

2. Budget

Pots are generally very cheap, and last across the seasons, and while the plastic variety may feel and look cheap, they can be painted assorted colours and hung from walls, stacked along sills, or placed on benches.

Similarly, if the time comes that you want to invest in something a bit showier, simply repot.

3. Colour

Work pot colour into an area of your garden, either as a way of blending with a background, or perhaps with the intention of adding standout value that will wow visitors.

4. Multi-use

Whether placing inside it a small shrub or a strapping tree, your perfect pot offers a happy home for all manner of living matter.

5. Design

Pots come in all shapes and designs; from the basic

terracotta round variety, to elegantly glazed, right through to the steely grey industrial look that suit a rather more contemporary garden.

Other considerations When choosing which type of containers you would like, first consider your space. If you just have a window box or modest balcony, smaller plastic or tin planters work best.

If you have an entirely concrete space, choose larger vases made of clay, either plain or painted. These will bring life to the dank corners and transform a brutalist set of stairs into a picturesque path.

It can be tempting to assemble an assortment of different pots and containers, but this can start to look messy, so choose a theme and stick to it.

Similarly, as far as flowers go, you don’t want to throw just any seeds in and hope for the best. Consider which colours work best together and try to pick flowers of equal heights. Poppies and dahlias complement one another magnificently, as do tulips and peonies.

For trees and larger plants, obey all the usual rules in terms of factoring in shade and direct sunlight.

Of course, the good news is if you do position your pot in the wrong place, it’s very easy and quick to move… and the same can’t be said about a tree anchored 3ft in the ground!

Janet Beard