LivingLife Magazine - Issue 1 (Arlesey)

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DELIVERED TO 5200 HOMES & BUSINESSES IN ARLESEY, HENLOW & STONDON

Issue 1 July 2019

Inside

FOCUSON

Community Spirit

Also inside

Kid’s Got Talent What’s On Guide Scene by you

2

Advertising deadline for August - 10th July- visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk

billy the squirrel keeps running away - help us find him!

Help us find Billy the squirrel, he’s hiding in one of the adverts in this edition.

If you find him you could win £25!

Simply tell us which advert Billy is hiding in, along with your name and contact details and we will put you in the draw. Closing date 22/7/19

To submit your answer go to: www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/billy Winners agree to being published in LivingLife Magazine.

The editor’s decision is final

Get in touch with us: We would love your feedback on what you enjoyed about this edition, and of course, any areas where we could improve.

01462 414265

admin@livinglifemagazine.co.uk

DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in LivingLife magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publishers take no responsibility for any errors or omissions in LivingLife Magazine. The content is not to be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOrS A warm welcome to the very first issue of LivingLife, the brand new magazine for the communities of Arlesey - Stondon - Henlow. We are really excited to bring you this edition and to introduce ourselves.

Our aim for this publication is to keep the community connected, but most importantly, we want to provide our readers with a publication that is both entertaining and informative. We really do value your feedback and input, that’s why we have lots of interactive sections included in this magazine, such as our ‘Scene by you’ feature, which gives you the chance to submit your own photos for | Andrew Martin | publication. We also have our ‘Puzzle’ section, including a crossword and our tricky ‘Spot the Difference’. Each month we will be bring you our ‘FocusOn’ feature which will be looking at a specific area we feel has real importance to the community. In this edition we are focusing on ‘Community Spirit’ including insightful articles from Arlesey Scouts, the Stondon Good Neighbour Group and Stondon Stompers Pre-School. | John McBurney | Our other regular features include ‘Kids Got Talent’, where we showcase local children who have amazing skills, and our ‘What’s On Guide’, perfect for finding out about upcoming events and local groups. And don’t forget ‘Billy the Squirrel’, if you can find him you could win £25!

Finally, we hope you like this month’s cover photo, a beautiful sunset shot we captured of the Blue Lagoon.

Kind Regards, Andrew & John

Please pass to a friend, recyle or compost after reading.

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3

6 stondon good neighbours Good neighbours don’t have to live next door

8 ARLESEY BEAVERS SMASH RECORD Find out what’s been happening at Arlesey Scout Group.

10 henlow singers need your help A contribution from Beth Hutton, musical director

12 stondon stompers preschool Where children learn, play and make new friends.

14 arlesey community events We’d love to have more people involved

12

17 spot the difference

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Test your observational skills with our tricky brain-teaser

18 money matters Our regular feature touching on all things financial

22 a wonderful month for wildlife Wildlife writer & photographer, Mark Hogan, looks at nature

24 july crossword Test your brain, solve the clues, complete the puzzle

25 diddy directory The cost effective way to get your business noticed

14

26 artisans in the yard That special person - that special gift.

Competition Winner

MAY

a big well done to:

ANGELA Baker who found Billy the Squirrel and WON £25 in our Shefford & Clifton magazine 4

28 what’s on guide A look ahead to what’s happening in the local area

30 kid’s got talent We showcase the amazing talents of local children

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5

FOCUSON

GOOD NEIGHBOURS DON’T HAVE TO LIVE NEXT DOOR

Contribution thanks to

Julie Best Stondon Good Neighbour Group

07856 810273

B

ack in May 2017 a small group of residents from Stondon started the Stondon Good Neighbours Group. The aim was to provide short term neighbourly help for the residents of Stondon who were in genuine need of it with things such as lifts to the Doctors/Dentists, Hairdressers/Barbers and shops and clubs. We pick up parcels and prescriptions, put out bins and change light bulbs, even just befriending and having a cuppa can brighten someone’s week.

With the support from Beds Rural Charities Commission by way of all the information we required plus the initial funding to set up the group and insure ourselves, we were off!

We started as a 4 person team and now have 10 members. We are all volunteers giving a little time to a marvellous scheme. It’s so rewarding to be part of a friendly enthusiastic group and we’ve enjoyed getting to know each other and our regular clients too. We typically achieve 18-25 requests for help over a quarter and would really like to see this increase as well as the number of our members. Our clients are really appreciative of the service we provide and we sincerely thank all of our volunteers for the work that they do.

We do really well with our funding too, it’s all made up from donations; from the initial sum from Beds RCC, a grant awarded to us from Stondon Parish Council, and to individuals making a small donations. Last year Henlow Thrift Shop and Henlow Camp Theatre also made generous donations from the funds they had raised from their organisations. We’ve been so well supported that we have enough money in the bank to run and fund our group for the next two years. This all makes us feel so valued in the service we offer to the residents of Stondon.

Over the 2 years that we have been running, our numbers have grown in clients and volunteers alike and would really welcome both new volunteers and new clients, so if you would like to find out more about helping or receiving help please contact us 07856 810273 *Please note that all our volunteers are DBS checked.

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7

FOCUSON

1ST ARLESEY SCOUTS BREAK ADMISSIONS RECORD

Contribution thanks to

Sarah Colley 1st Arlesey Scout Group 1arleseyscouts@gmail.com www.arleseyscouts.org.uk

Arlesey Scout Group has been part of Arlesey since 1914 and has supported and taught generations of residents essential life skills such as fire building, camp cooking, teamwork, appreciation of our environment as well as life-saving first aid and survival skills.

In the last few years, interest in scouting has been increasing as more parents want their children to experience the outdoors and have a reason to take a break from technology. At 1st Arlesey this year, we have seen our group nearly triple in size, this has been due to increased number of houses and residents in the area as well as a growing number of volunteers who give their time and skills to our group.

On Monday 20th May 2019 we invested 17 new Beavers into our 2nd Beaver Colony which only opened on 29th April. This is a record number within the district, and we couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication our team of volunteers has shown. With this increase, we will also be opening a second Cub Pack in September with a new Scout Group not far behind!

In addition to this we will be opening our new outdoor space later this year which is currently undergoing maintenance; this land has been a a huge team effort to get ready as it was originally an old Victorian land fill site, with support from local companies like ‘John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance’ and ‘Mitchelson Plant Hire Ltd’ who have provided free manpower, machinery and expertise in helping us clear, rake, level and prepare this ground whilst we have been tirelessly fundraising to buy and install a security fence too - something we could not have achieved without the support of our community, young members and our volunteers.

Scouting is open to boys and girls aged 5-18 and is the perfect place to make new friends and discover new adventures. For more information on joining, volunteering or hiring our hall please email 1arleseyscouts@gmail.com or visit our website www.arleseyscouts.org.uk Our Sections include: Beavers (5yrs - 7yrs) Monday 5:45 - 7pm Beavers (5yrs - 7yrs) Tuesday 5:45 - 7pm Cubs (7yrs - 10.5yrs) Wednesday 6 - 8pm Scouts (10yrs - 14yrs) Tuesday 7 - 9pm Explorers (14yrs - 18yrs) Monday 7 - 9pm 8

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FOCUSON

Meet the Henlow Singers We need your help!

Contribution thanks to

Beth Hutton 07891 504994 beth.hutton@virginmedia.com

T

he Henlow Singers were founded in 1968 by the late John “Jimmy” Alexander, MBE, who directed them until he passed away unexpectedly in 1986, just before their June concert and his retirement. They originally rehearsed and performed at the station church, St Andrew’s, RAF Henlow and in local churches, chapels and village halls.

Membership was made up of about 40 Air Force officers, and run by an officer for 6 months at the most at a time, since the officers were re-posted at regular intervals, so a new officer would then take over. The choir was open to everyone, including wives. Then security was tightened and everyone needed a pass to get on base, so rehearsals were moved to St Mary’s Church, Henlow, where they have continued ever since.

BBC’s Songs of Praise visited the base in about 1973, when the Henlow Singers were joined by other church choir singers for a recording of the popular Sunday afternoon programme. David Barker, an Air Force musician (clarinet?) took over directing about 2000 until 2017, when he passed away. He was helped by his wife, Judith Barker as the organist for the choir during those years. The current director, unanimously elected by the membership in 2017, is Beth Hutton.

The Henlow Singers, a charitable organisation are currently seeking an accompanist to join us.

You can play piano or organ or both. Ideally, you need to be able to sight-read, pick up anywhere in the music, listen to what the choir is doing as well as watching the conductor. In return, we are able to offer a small salary for your effort, which we will discuss at interview.

We are also seeking more members of all ages and abilities. You do not have to be able to read music, but it would be an advantage. Rehearsals are every Monday from 7:30-9pm in St Mary’s Church, Henlow, SG16 6AN, beginning again on the 9th September 2019. We perform twice per year in the church; a Christmas concert, this year on the 13th December, and a Spring concert, which will be on the 3rd April 2020. We would love to see you there, as a member? or in the audience!

Please contact Mrs Beth Hutton, music director, at beth.hutton@virginmedia.com or on 07891 504994 as soon as possible if you are interested in accompanying or joining the choir.

10

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11

FOCUSON

STONDON STOMPERS PRESCHOOL Are you looking for a warm, friendly, nurturing environment for your child?

Contribution thanks to

Stondon Stompers PreSchool

01462 817055

www.stondonstompers.co.uk

Stondon Stompers Preschool is a fully inclusive setting based in the Village Hall at Lower Stondon. It is a committee run, registered charity provision with both inside and outside spaces, including a vegetable garden, sheltered play area and grassed playground.

Graded ‘good’ by Ofsted, our pre-school which was established in 1971 is at the heart of the local community and has an emphasis on learning through play. We believe that with the right support and encouragement every child will develop and thrive.

In our safe, secure and stimulating environment we encourage children to learn through playful activities and new experiences; linking all of the fun with The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and ensuring children are prepared for the next steps of their education.

We are also passionate about child-led learning - our highly qualified, experienced staff support every child to explore their own interests and develop their ideas by enriching exploration in-the-moment. They will also guide and support your child to:

-Learn, play and make new friends -Explore the world around them -Develop their confidence, imagination and independence -But most importantly…have fun!

Every day at our preschool the children’s day is packed full of activities, which include but are not limited to: arts & crafts, singing & dancing, cooking, building, team activities, external trips within the local community, plus special events such as Parent and Carer Stay & Play days, Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, Father’s Day Breakfast and much more.

Stondon Stompers Preschool is open between 8.05am (breakfast club) to 3.05pm Monday to Friday during term time, with full and part-time places available. We receive Nursery Education Funding for all eligible children aged 2 years to 5 years of age, which is free at the point of delivery.

For more information visit stondonstompers.co.uk, follow us on Facebook @StondonStompersPreschool to see what we have got up to today or call us on 01462 817055. Registered Charity Number: 1044402 12

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13

FOCUSON

ARLESEY COMMUNITY EVENTS GROUP We’d love to have more people involved

Contribution thanks to

Sam Ward

Arlesey Community Events Group - 07790 549021 arleseyeventsgroup@gmail.com

T

he Arlesey Community Events Group was formed by a small group of Arlesey residents in 2016, originally with the aim of taking on the task of running the annual summer fete - previously the Town Council organised the Arlesey Fun Day. We very quickly realised we would need to fund raise throughout the year in order to run the Fete, and so we now organise in the region of 7-10 events a year. We try, where possible, to use and promote local businesses and have been supported in return by a number of these. We now have quite a list of contacts, who are always eager to attend our events - travelling from as far away as Wiltshire in some instances!

The Committee is a small group, consisting of 6 residents, all with diverse skills and busy lives.

We have a band of willing helpers (husbands & children!), who, along with several other residents, come to our events to fetch and carry, erect gazebos, move tables and chairs, take photos, loan equipment and help with advertising. We are supported by Arlesey Town Council who kindly fund marquee & toilet hire for the Fete every year, as well as providing the venue for many of our events.

We are always on the look out for suggestions from residents on how to improve our events, or new events we could organise. Residents would be more than welcome to get involved - our committee is elected annually at our AGM in February but anyone can get involved throughout the year if they have the time to spare! Indeed, we’d love to have more people involved.

Photos by permission of Andy Ward

Dates for our upcoming events are: June 22nd Party in the Park - Arlesey Recreation Ground 3-8pm July 13th Open Air Cinema - Arlesey Recreation Ground, Mary Poppins 2pm, Bohemian Rhapsody 7pm. Tickets on sale at www.hiremyled.co.uk/book-tickets Sept 7th Arlesey Summer Fete - Arlesey Recreation Ground 12-5pm October 12th Quiz Night - Arlesey Village Hall 7pm November 30th Christmas Fair & Lights Switch-On - Arlesey Village Hall 3pm December 21st Community Carols - Arlesey Pump 6pm You can find out details of our upcoming events via our Facebook page: @arleseycommunityeventsgroup or email above 14

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15

Spot the Difference Let our tricky puzzle test out your observation skills Answers can be found on P27

Can you spot 10 differences between these two photos?

You can also find the answers at

www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/spot 16

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s r y e e t Mon Mat

A big welcome from me! Robert Harris, the financial educator

As time progresses, living a life will bring about many changes, which is why in this magazine we want to talk about some of things that can happen in life. These changes can be managed financially to keep readers secure and help ensure that they always have enough money in hand to cope with all that life brings. Strange though, that we learnt nothing about saving and investing money when we were at school, college or even university. This column will regularly bring you hints and tips and the knowledge you need to make better choices with your money.

At the moment, money in the bank earns very little, but Goldman Sachs now offer their Marcus account at 1.5% per annum interest on an instant access basis – maybe that’s better than the current rate on your savings? However, last year, prices in the supermarkets rose by 4%, and the cost of living is still rising by around 3% this year. So, even at 1.5% interest, your money will buy less in the shops when you spend it in the future. That is why this column will help you understand how you might invest in different ways, understand risk but seek to make your money grow.

If you have questions that you need answered to do with savings and investments you can contact Robert at harrisfinancialfriend@gmail.com Robert’s job is not to give financial advice but to use simple explanations that help you along the way

Our fabulous Facebook audience nominated Rob to feature in this month’s magazine, we had a chat with him so discover why he got started in business.

I started a 3 year apprenticeship with British Gas back in 1988. This gave me a solid foundation and provided excellent training.

After having worked for a local firm for over 16 years I decided to branch out on my own as it gave me more flexibility juggling parenthood and work. I am very organised, experienced and personable. I take pride in my work and hope I have built a good reputation.

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Local family business providing specialist shutters, blinds & curtains Impact Interiors are a local family business run by Matthew & Nina. (Husband & Wife) We are members of the British Blinds and Shutter Association and have had a showroom in Henlow High Street now for over 6 years. Providing made to measure, supply and fit of quality plantation shutters, blinds and curtains.

and our verified Google reviews on our website.

Or visit our fully equipped showroom at 15a High Street, Henlow, SG16 6BS. Ample Free parking agreed with The Crown pub opposite. Worth a visit too whilst your there. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about any of our products and services, or to arrange for a free home visit.

With over 30 years experience in the interiors and retail business, we have built up a reputation of top quality and service with a personal touch.

All our fitters & staff are family members and this helps to maintain the consistency of our top quality finishes and customer service. All our surveys are carried out by us and not hard salesmen and we give honest and informed advice about what would look best in your home. If you are unsure which window dressing to choose then let us help you by showing you all the traditional and latest modern innovations.

We can do this by using our vast knowledge of products and specifications from our thousands of installations.

In the last 6 years we have established ourselves as the chosen local supplier of plantation shutters. In that time we have become Master licensed partner with the leading shutter manufacturers which historically supplied John Lewis. So, we can bring you top quality products for a fraction of the cost. We work with all the top brands like Harlequin, Sanderson, Romo, Scion, Today Interiors, Cole & Son, Villa Nova, Silent Gliss, Luxaflex, Orla Kiely and many more and also our mid range selection of hundreds of fabric and blind designs. We operate throughout North Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and the surrounding counties.

Nina is experienced in retail interiors and we can co-ordinate our shutters and products with your interior design depending on your needs and budget.

Matthew Blythe, our managing director, is a full member of the CIOB. (Chartered Institute of Building) Our personal service means we provide a free home visit and measuring service, allowing you to view samples in the comfort of your own home.

So don’t be led astray by National companies offering massive discounts and customer service as you will learn that these are not true. Ask real people like our hundreds of referrals for there experience of your local family Shutter, Blinds and Curtains business.

Check out our reviews on Facebook (over 2100 likes) 18

For more information please contact

Impact Interiors 01462 860 082 www.impact-interiors.co.uk

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19

SCENE BY YOU Your chance to share your favourite photos

Submit your photo for the next edition www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/myphotos

1 4

2 5 A big thanks to this month’s submissions

3 20

1

Andy N Belinda

2

Katrina Bradley

3

Kiea Kavanagh

4

Neil Ansell

5

Trina Davidson

Henlow Village - Millenium Green Beautiful sunset over Henlow The lake over in the fields near Hospital Road, Arlesey

Blue Tits about to fledge, Lower Stondon Beautiful countryside that will soon be gone

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21

wildlife

WHAT A WONDERFUL MONTH FOR WI

Have you ever been to Jordans Mill? It is lovely, not just for the great food and a place to relax, but fo Cygnets with their parents splashing about and 3 little Egrets paddling around looking for a fish to ea hope that a fish will swim out and they can eat it. They also have a lovely meadow which in a few we of butterflies, damsel flies and dragon flies will be seen like the Banded Demoiselle, the male is blu looking out for, you may also see a moth called a Six Spot Burnet Moth, they have a black body and

You may also want to keep an eye in your own gardens, with most of the birds having young, you see of noise to attract their parents’ attention. The birds do need our help this time of year, putting out hours and getting nothing. Be it sunflower hearts, suet fat balls or an old scone or cake, they will no

Some birds have funny habits like a Carrion Crow in my mum’s garden. It picks up bits of cake and b like a soup by the time it has eaten most of it.

If your a keen Birdwatcher like me, you will be pleased to know that this Summer a small group of W be around. It is wonderful news because the only other ones are up in Scotland and that is an extrem

Through my Birdwatching Group we had a great weekend away last week (Bank Holiday Weekend) to just south of Scarborough. It has a visitor centre and about seven platforms for you to watch the bird seen one before and I was not disappointed. At the first platform I stood and watched two of them eyes and the big orange feet. It was worth the wait. The other birds flying around the cliffs were bir rock about 2 finger widths wide, 80ft up a cliff face and are comfortable doing so, they have webbed

Of all the birds I saw that weekend, the Gannets were the most astonishing, they have yellow heads, and around gliding, floating, swooping. I have a new favourite bird because of this, the Gannet. If you and fascinating doing that as they are flying around the skies of Yorkshire.

I am not sure if any of you watch Springwatch, but if you do and you have a s of it and send it to us via www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/myphotos, if it is g

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Contribution thanks to

Mark Hogan

ILDLIFE

Wildlife Writer & Photographer 07769 666996 mark.hogan@live.com

or the wildlife too. I went along a few days ago, sat above the River Ivel on the decking and watched 5 at for their lunch. They are fascinating birds to watch because they waggle their feet in the mud in the eeks time will be teaming with life, the oxy daisies and summer flowers will be out and an abundance ue and has a black band along the middle of its wings and the female is a bright green, they are worth red wings, they are pretty cool too.

e fluffy balls of feathers sitting on your bird table or in your gardens, mouth wide open creating a hell a little food for them or hanging bird feeders up helps the parents to get food without searching for ot mind.

bread and puts it into a bird bath to damp it down and make it easier to swallow. The bird bath looks

White Tailed Eagles are going to be released on the Isle of Wight. Over 5 years at least 60 of them will mely long journey. I hope to go and see them at the end of the year.

o Yorkshire. A group of six of us booked a Hotel to go to a place called Bempton Cliffs, an RSPB reserve ds. The birds you see depends on the time of year. I went to see a small bird called a Puffin, I had never on a ledge high up above the rocks, they are really stunning little things, the colourful beak, the red rds like Gannets, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots. The astonishing thing is they sit on a piece of d feet so how they do it, I do not know.

blue eyes and white wings with a large black tip on each wing, they fly like a swift or swallow, around u look on YouTube you can see videos of them diving into the sea to catch fish, they are just as graceful

special visitor to your garden and you want to share it with us, take a picture good we will put it in the next edition.

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23

puzzles

The July edition

CROSSWORD Answers on P27

24

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The

Diddy Directory

the guide to local trades & businesses cost effective, contract free advertising

Book your advert today - visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/diddy

ÂŁ20 ÂŁ30 1 Area

2 Areas

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local art

THAT SPECIAL PERSON THAT SPECIAL GIFT

Contribution thanks to

Annette Glenn and collective Artisans

Artisans in the Yard FB@Artisansintheyard

H

ave you ever been stuck for an ideal gift for your mum, husband, daughter or friend? Look no further! Pop along to Artisans in the Yard in Shefford to see gifts galore! Yes, you could make a quick road trip into town or to an out-of-town retail park. But the next time you need a gift for someone, try going local and visit Artisans In The Yard Gallery and see for yourself the amazing choice of paintings and gifts on offer!

A regular turnaround period means exhibits are always fresh and current. Founder, Adrian Goulding of ‘Projects in Wood’, restores and renovates furniture. Paintings this month include encaustic wax by Val Oswick, alcohol inks by Annette Glenn, acrylics by Judith Wray, and mixed media from Irina Polis. Blacksmith Lucas Ling’s traditional wrought ironwork is also on display, together with Jo Dunne’s ‘Natural Grace’ heavenly smelling candle products, and Henry Seebohm’s turned wood pieces.

Previous exhibitors include Gwen Payne from Hitchin, who still paints at the grand old age of ninety, while animal sculptures by Jim Francis proved very popular, as did Karen Mangold’s artwork. Karen is well-known for her ‘Golden Hare’ painting, unveiled recently in Ampthill Park, which forms an iconic link with the Golden Hare described in Kit William’s novel. Last month, we also displayed beautifully glazed earthenware pieces by Anja Penger-Onyett, a gifted ceramicist.

Last but by no means least you will find the in-house jeweller, Erika Price, who designs and creates beautiful silver jewellery. For earrings, think Erika, whose delicate butterfly wing earrings are everyone’s favourite! She will also make clip-ons on request.

You will always find something different, interesting – and original!

At Artisans In The Yard you will be sure to discover that unique something - not taken from a range designed by a manufacturer who supplies hundreds like it - but an original gift designed and created for that special person.

Put ARTISANS IN THE YARD on your next SHOPPING TRIP 26

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27

WHAT’S ON GUIDE it’s a date

SPORTS, HEALTH & WELLBEING

What:

Clifton Duck Race

What:

Arlesey Indoor Short Mat Bowls

When:

Friday 12th July

When:

Every Friday

Duck Race plus so much more - BBQ, bar, craft stalls, face painting, fairground ride, ice cream & popcorn, from 5:30pm @Clifton Cricket Club

Equipment & lessons provided (please bring flat soled shoes), Arlesey Community Centre, 1:15pm for 1:30-4pm.

Interested? Contact Neil - 01462 731228

What:

Langford Raft Race

What:

Clifton Farm Run

When:

Saturday 6th July

When:

Sunday 29th September

The Annual Langford Raft Race will take place before the Fete on Saturday 6th July, check FB for start time @LangfordRaftRace

food, drink & markets What:

Pop Up Tea Rooms

When:

Wednesday & Fridays 2-5pm

Homemade cakes & scones, tea & coffee, to eat in or takeaway, afternoon teas (bookable), at Arlesey MUGA building

What:

Henlow Eat Feast

When:

Friday 5th July & 2nd Aug

Great food, music, alcohol, child friendly, vegan & veggie, an array of international flavours. Millennium Field, Henlow, 4-9pm.

CLUBS, GROUPS AND SOCIETIES

5K & 3K Routes, Off-road (tracks/grass), Clifton Bury Farm, 5K @11am, 3K @11.15am, £10 Adult, £5 Junior, entry form: www.clifton-beds.co.uk

What:

Henlow Netball Club

When:

Every Tuesday Evening

Netball Training at Henlow Academy 7-8:30pm. Training costs £3.50. We always welcome new players! Contact Julie Hepburn 07766 492037 Juleshep82@yahoo.co.uk

What:

Boxing for Fitness Classes

When:

Wednesdays 7.30pm

On the green at Henlow Pavilion. Please get in touch for more info and to book a space www.l-fit.co.uk

What:

Youth Cycling at RAF Henlow

When:

Every Saturday

Available to all children aged 6-16, Saturday from 10am12pm, to come along please contact Mark Bradley on 07796 125996

What:

Stondon WI Evening

What:

Callanetics exercise class

When:

Wednesday 17th July

When:

Tuesday Evenings

7:45pm, this month’s guest speaker is Gaye Illsley who will be giving a talk on “Power of Attorney”.

Toned muscles, Better shape, Stronger body!

7pm-8.15pm every Tuesday evening. Henlow Methodist Church (High St, Henlow) Call Cathy 01462 811568

What:

Pins & Needles

What:

Get Fit With Tessa

When:

Thursdays 2pm

When:

Weekly Mon/Thurs

Bring your needlework or knitting etc. & meet up with others who share your hobby, at the Arlesey Resource Centre

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Aerobic Classes, Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30pm at Clifton Community Centre, for further info contact Tessa on 07787 970810 www.getfitwithtessa.com

Advertising deadline for August - 10th July- visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk

MUSIC, DANCE & ENTERTAINMENT

family & Children

What:

Comedy Night @ Henlow Bridge Lakes

What:

When:

Thursday 4th July

When:

Comedy night supporting St. John’s Hospice, with Paul Revill, Zoe Lyons, Pete Firman and Mike Gunn, 8pm (food/ bar from 6pm) Tickets £10 01462 812645 What: When:

Tribute Festival @ Henlow Bridge Lakes Friday 5th & Saturday 6th July

Henlow Tribute Festival 2019, Full weekend OR Day tickets available, contact booking team on 01462 812645

What: When:

Luna Animal Rescue Charity Music Festival

What:

Saturday 6th July

When:

Take That Tribute Band

What:

When:

Saturday 6th July

When:

Open Air Cinema (Arlesey)

When:

Saturday 13th July

Cinema at Arlesey Recreation Ground: 2pm for Mary Poppins Returns, 7pm Bohemian Rhapsody. Tickets on sale: https://www.hiremyled.co.uk/book-tickets What:

Revs and Rhythms

When:

Saturday 20th July

Classic vehicles & live music for all the family. Bar & food or bring a picnic. Opens at 3pm, Live music from 4pm.

Robert Bloomfield Academy, Shefford What:

Michael Bublé Tribute Event

When:

Saturday 17th August

Meppershall Village Hall 8 pm til late. Tickets £10 Contact Helen 07989 914941. Proceeds for Alzheimer’s Research

Baby Signing Classes

Every Wednesday afternoon

Baby Signing Classes at Henlow Pavilion. We teach BSL with puppets and songs. Contact Jules Hepburn 07766 492037 Jules@thesigningcompany.co.uk

What:

What:

Arlesey Scouts open evening & AGM Tuesday 16th July

Lots of exciting things to have a go at and find out what we do including BBQ, tents crafts, campfire cooking and pioneering.

When:

Meppershall Village Hall 8pm til late Tickets £10 Contact Helen 07989 914941 Proceeds for Amy & Friends (Cockayne Syndrome)

Friday 12th July

Stondon Lower School present an evening of performances, bouncy castle, raffle, tombola, bar, fish & chips, ice cream van. 5-8pm.

What:

Charity event at Fox and Duck, Stotfold. A family fun day live bands, stalls, free bouncy castle, raffle, hot food & lots more. All proceeds to Luna.

Summer Celebrations Evening

family events Weekly

Drop In Lego Club: Tues 3.30-5pm, Story & Craft: Fri 9:30 OR Sat 10:30 £1.50, Rhyme Time: Weds (term time) 9:3010.15am, at Arlesey Resource Centre.

Running a local event?

Promote it here?

Simply submit your event at:

www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/event *Community & Charity events Free of charge, small donation of £3 for business listings.

All donations go to our nominated charity

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Welcome to our monthly feature: ’Kid’s Got Talent’ The place where we showcase the amazing talents of local children.

We hope this will help motivate and inspire other children to discover new sports and hobbies.

Name: mason bradley Age: 11 from: henlow camp Q. Please describe your talent.

A. Cycling (Road, Track, MTB and Cyclocross) Q. How did you get involved with cycling?

A. When we moved to Henlow I started riding with the Henlow Youth Cycling group and it has grown from there.

Q. When do you practice and for how long? Are you a member at a club?

A. I ride with Henlow Youth every Saturday for 2 hours where we have structured coaching sessions, I also train at home on my turbo trainer and I enjoy my rowing machine too. I am a member at Icknield Road Club, but I also go out riding with Beds Road Club and Hitchin Nomads.

Q. Where is your favourite place to cycle? Do you ever get the chance to race?

A. I really enjoy the training sessions at RAF Henlow as we have a great road course that is really technical but my favourite place of all must be the velodrome.

I have raced Cyclocross, Criterium and Closed-circuit Time Trial.

Q. What is your greatest cycling achievement to date?

A. I would probably say winning my first ever Time trial which was at Rockingham racecourse, that was a great feeling!

Q. Who looks after your bikes in terms of maintenance and cleaning?

A. My Dad takes care of the maintenance and I also help to clean the bikes, we are helped out by a company called Velo 21 which is a local company to where my Dad grew up, I have a discount code that will give anyone who orders 10% off their products. (discount code is ‘Supportmason’) Q. How much does it cost to participate in your sport?

A. The most expensive thing about the sport are the bikes but Mum & Dad pay for these so I’m ok for now, it costs between £3 and £15 to enter races.

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Q. What are the main challenges you are up against participating in your sport?

A. My biggest challenge is my eyesight, I am registered as visually impaired as I have a condition called Congenital Nystagmus, this means that my eyes are always moving, I call them disco eyes along with Severe Myopia which means that, what someone with normal vision sees at 20 meters I have to be around 5 meters to see it the same.

This can sometimes make it interesting as when I get tired it gets worse.

Q. Is your sport dangerous? Do you wear a helmet?

A. Cycling can be dangerous if you don’t respect those that you ride with, I’ve been lucky so far that I haven’t had any bad crashes, but I always wear my helmet no matter how far I am going on my bike.

Q. Do you have a cycling hero or an inspirational figure?

A. This one is easy, there is a Paralympic track cyclist called Neil Fachie he also has a visual impairment like me, he rides a tandem with Matt Rotherham. He won a gold medal at the London Olympics, is the current world champion and world record holder, I’ve been lucky enough to speak to him and was invited to the Manchester velodrome where him and Team GB were training; that was an amazing day!

Q. Do you dream of the Tour De France?

A. I like watching the tour and to get to that level would be amazing! I really want to represent GB at the Olympics and bring home a gold medal though. That’s my main goal.

*To find out more about Henlow Youth Cycling

Facebook: Youth Cycling @ RAF Henlow or contact Mark Bradley on 07796 125996

Does your child have an amazing talent?

If so, please get in touch at admin@livinglifemagazine.co.uk

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