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Issue 17 April 2020
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Featured this month Children and Puppets
Also inside
Diddy Directory Room 101 What’s On Guide
A FAIR MOT TEST FOR A FAIR PRICE WWW.THEGARAGESHEFFORD.CO.UK E: INFO@THEGARAGESHEFFORD.CO.UK
T: 01462 414820
A: 2B ST FRANCIS WAY, SHEFFORD, SG17 5DZ (NEXT TO MORRISONS)
The Garage Shefford is a small friendly and family run company. Our team has over 40 years experience in the motor trade and provides an honest, reliable and cost effective service, which is approved by both the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and Trust My Garage. We believe in providing a fair MOT test for a fair price.
MOT Testing - £35
Including classes 4 • 5L • 7 (Cars, vans, minibuses, motorhomes, and goods vehicles up to 3500kg)
A/C RECHARGE
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•
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•
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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 big, warm welcome to the April edition of the LivingLife Magazine! We hope that you, your friends and family are keeping safe and healthy during these difficult times. We made the decision to go ‘to print’ with this edition of the magazine, but with so many uncertainties at the moment, we had no idea if printing, delivery and distribution would even be possible. If you are reading this edition then it is good news, we have managed to get it to you, and we hope that it brightens up your day. | Andrew Martin | Unfortunately, we did have to cancel several articles this month due to events being cancelled. Please note, that any events listed in the magazine and in our ‘What’s On Guide’ are subject to change and even cancellation. We suggest that you check with the event organiser to check if the event is going ahead. Last month we were superexcited to announce that we | John McBurney | had a lucky winner in our Golden Ticket competition! Hooray! The lucky winner received a rollover prize pot of £75! Remember to have a good look through this edition as there is a single Golden Ticket inserted into one lucky magazine. Keep your eyes peeled! From everyone at LivingLife Magazine, we wish you and your family a Happy Easter!
Kind Regards, Andrew & John
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
20 Competition Winner
8 12 14 16 17 18 20 22 22 24 26 28 30
shefford bowls club old warden cricket club children and puppets artisans in the yard crossword answers room 101 delivery boys’ review kid’s got talent - update diddy directory scene by you April crossword what’s on guide spot the difference Feature d advert iser
Golden ticket a big well done to:
Jacqueline Osborne who found our Golden Ticket in our March edition and WON the rollover amount of £75
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COMMUNITY
Contribution thanks to
Keeping fit, fun and friends at Shefford Bowls Club
Why Bowl?
Bowls is a wonderfully simple game that can be enjoyed equally by all ages and abilities. Bowls only takes a short period of coaching and practice to be able to play - that’s when the fascination starts because of the level of skill and precision that can be achieved over time, enough to satisfy the most modest of sporting ambition or the most demanding.
Alison Hammond Shefford Bowls Club 01462 811548 alisonr.hammond@btinternet.com
ing. These sessions follow the English Bowls Coaching Society’s Introduction to Bowls programme. All you need are a flat pair of trainers or similar shoes and comfortable clothing.
Come and have some fun, you will be very welcome. Shefford is a friendly Bowls Club which welcomes those new to Bowling. The club offers regular coaching for beginners and Bowls is not physically demanding and improvers, an active bowls programme and individuals often start to bowl later in life. social events. Some after retiring from other sports others simply to relax and enjoy the social side of bowls.
Warning
Bowling can be addictive. You will probably make many new FRIENDS, have a lot of FUN, feel FITTER & wonder why you did not take up bowls before. Why not have a go.
Getting Started
Shefford Bowls Club are offering a FREE introduction to Bowls. Starting in June two courses of 6 weekly sessions will be run with a choice of a Tuesday afternoon or a Thursday even8
Club Open Day Sunday 31st May 2-4pm
Hitchin Road Shefford (Next to STMA)
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community
OLD WARDEN CRICKET CLUB A friendly team who love to get together
Contribution thanks to
Tom Griffin Old Warden Cricket Club
FB @oldwardencc
O
ld Warden Cricket Club (OWCC) is nestled within the Shuttleworth Estate adjacent to the village itself. Many that have driven through Old Warden will say that it is one of those chocolate box locations where anyone would dream to live. As you walk or drive through past the ‘Hare and Hounds’ public house, taking in the scenery in the summer, you will hear shouting, laughter and Bat-onBall from the cricket field. Park up and join us, eat a picnic whilst enjoying an ice-cold G&T on a summer weekend. OWCC play cricket on Saturdays in the Bedfordshire Invitational League and in Division 4 of the Bedfordshire league on a Sunday. The cricket team are predominantly made up of 40-year-old has or never-beens with a sprinkling of youth and pensioner. We are considered a very friendly team who love to get together before and after a game. Being self-funded we are always trying to drum up support from the local community from events such as a Village Quiz, Summer 6 aside Big Bash and a Curry Night. If you are interested in playing or supporting us then don’t hesitate to contact us through Facebook or simply turn up on a weekend and meet the team. Unfortunately, we don’t have a junior section, but we do have some 15-year olds that run around a lot quicker than the rest of us!
We can’t wait for the days to get longer as we know the cricket season is approaching, have a great Easter and hopefully some fabulous Summer sun!
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arts & Crafts
CHILDREN AND PUPPETS
Encourage creativity in your child
H
Contribution thanks to
Philip Bowen The Puppet Workshop www.thepuppetworkshop.co.uk FB @ThePuppetWorkshopLtd
ave you ever wondered if puppets have uses outside the world of theatre and children’s entertainment? Several studies have been carried out using puppets to assess their value in child development and it has been found that they are useful in several different areas.
Social Skills
It’s well known that for children, role play is a vital way to develop empathy and an understanding of social situations. It also encourages communication skills. Puppets provide an ideal situation for children to engage in role-play because it allows them to communicate via the puppet, rather than directly. This makes it easier for the child to express themselves. A more structured play can create a situation where a child is motivated to communicate so they can tell the story and bring characters and creatures to life. Again, children perceive the puppet as performing rather than themselves and feel less pressure whilst speaking.
Motor Skills
Children are still developing their ability to move and interact with the world. Puppets require both fine motors skills (small, precise movements) and gross motor skills (larger movements and motions). Bringing a puppet to life requires patience and practice and a series of movements in sequence – children naturally become better at controlling their bodies, especially when using larger Bunraku puppets.
Creativity
If you want to encourage creativity in your child, have a few puppets to hand. Children will use them to create their own games and stories. A single puppet will become a different character one day to the next in the mind of a child with a good imagination. They can even be used to bring to life stories you read with your child! Some children like to do this but change the stories and endings to suit their own view on how it should have ended! Why not have puppets to hand next time you read with your child?
For more details on creative puppet workshops for children please see the website.
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Equestrian
Pet & Wildlife
Groundcare
Smallholding
Sandy Lane, Chicksands, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5QB.
01462 810190 | www. chandlersfe.co.uk
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local art
Artisan (Fr) Artigiano (It) Shokonin (Jap)
Contribution thanks to
Marje Fitt
and collective Artisans
www.ArtisansInTheYard.com FB@Artisansintheyard
ARTISANS were the dominant producers of consumer products in the days before the Industrial Revolution. They were your glassmaker, silversmith, luthier, or baker. Here at Artisans In The Yard you will often hear the words - hand crafted, skilled, unique – as creative people today are still hand-producing objects of use, beauty, and symmetry. Oodles of airmiles and heavy carbon footprints don’t come into this. Just think about it! We support our local artisans wholeheartedly, with an ever-changing display of their wonderful products. If you want to browse for gifts, or for that unusual item for your home, visit our little gallery - we’re tucked away behind Shefford Building Supplies - alongside founder Adrian Goulding’s “Projects in Wood” workshop. Our stock comes at reasonable prices, and includes paintings, jewellery, turned wood, sculptures, candles, textiles, ceramics, greetings cards, and much more. Come and see for yourself!
We’re open Fridays & Saturdays from 10am - 4pm
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ROOM
101
Steve Maddox, who is 62 and lives in Arlesey with his wife. Steve moved here 37 years ago. He is a project manager in the magazine publishing/print industry but for many years worked as a designer and illustrator. We caught up with Steve to find out what he would put into Room 101…
Food Adverts
Food adverts and food programmes. I consider myself very experienced at eating food. I have had a lot of practice and know what I like. I do like to try new things though but can easily research these myself. I am perfectly capable of going to the shop or fridge and getting something to eat. However I have in the past got to a stage where I sometimes eat more than I should have, so adverts and food programmes are only serving my over-indulgence. It would be good for me not to see these.
Walking - Not looking
People walking and looking at their mobiles. I walk every day either in a town or on footpaths and pavements. I encounter so many people who have to look up at the last minute and swerve to avoid me because they are not watching where they are going. I have more recently made it my policy not to change my direction to avoid the zombies coming the other way (unless they are bigger than me or look too aggressive of course). Sometimes people are completely unaware they nearly had a collision. Don’t get me started on people wearing headphones!
Careless Drivers
Stupid drivers. Being the age that I am, my driving habits are mostly cautious. Its not to say I drive slowly but I’d like to think I am careful. Recently I have encountered more stupid driving on all types of roads. People seem to obsessed with getting to their destination ahead of everyone else. I let them go first knowing they have only jumped ahead a few cars at the most. If you are really that late then leave earlier. Maybe the government could introduce a ‘Stupid Tax’ for this type of driving.
Now it’s your turn! Do you want to banish your top peeve or worst nightmare to the depths of Room 101? Submit your top 3 at: www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/room101 18
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food & drink
DELIVERY BOYS’ REVIEW We check out the local restaurants & eateries
.
with.
by John McBurney & Andrew Martin There’s also a vegetarian option as well as long as you order in advance.
Last month we spotted a board outside the Railway Steamer pub in Shefford promoting their ‘Sunday Roast’. Tempted, we popped in and reserved ourselves a table. Sunday soon arrived and after a morning spent delivering magazines in Clifton we made the short drive over to the Railway Steamer to enjoy a wellearned Sunday Roast. Located on Clifton Road the pub has ample parking in its private car park which extends around the side and back. We walked through the main door and entered the restaurant area, many of the dining tables were occupied, so we were quite relieved that we had pre-booked.
Our well-presented meals soon arrived, and they were a sight to behold, with freshly carved slices of roasted meat, a good helping of roast potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, stuffing, an amazing array of vegetables and of course a gravy boat filled to the brim with mouth-watering gravy. The delivery boys were in heaven. In terms of vegetables, we counted so many, including cabbage, broccoli, mashed carrot and suede, sliced carrots, parsnips, fine beans, sprouts, mange tout and cauliflower cheese - all perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite. You will have no trouble getting your ‘5-aday’ eating here! For us, it was ‘game-on’, as we tucked into our meals, delicious and outstanding. We soon moved onto dessert, Andrew chose the cheesecake with fresh fruit and John had the apple crumble
We were greeted by Anne, the new landlady, who gave us a lovely warm welcome and escorted us to our nicely laid table. The pub was surprisingly busy, with a friendly atmosphere and a good mix of people dining and socialising. Since taking over the pub in December 2019, Anne has worked tirelessly implementing improvements, and she is doing a fantastic job of it. It was really pleasing to see how the hard work and effort has paid off. Anne prides herself on her Sunday Roast. It is home-made, prepared and cooked fresh on the day. The roast options included chicken, beef or lamb, or a selection of all three. Andrew went for the roast beef whereas John opted for all three. 20
This Month’s Review Railway Steamer 142 Clifton Road, Shefford, SG17 5AH
01462 81 44 14
Advertising deadline for May - 10th April - visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk
with toffee and vanilla ice-cream – the perfect time. So, this Sunday, why not treat yourself way to complete our meal. to a delicious, home-made, heart-warming Sunday Roast, we promise that you will not be There are so many good things to shout disappointed! about The Railway Steamer; with real ales on tap, a beer garden at the back (great for the summer), a large TV screen for live sports, a very popular pool table (free on Thursday between 7-9pm) plus full English breakfast is served at the weekend. The pub also has some fantastic events lined up. Why not celebrate St. Georges Day in style with at the Tug of War event taking place on Saturday 25th April, also a charity fund-raising event on 27th June which is supporting ‘Chloe & Hayley – Angels at Work’ – an amazing charity that provides special treats and gifts for children with life limiting conditions. Well, what can we say? We take our hat off and we congratulate Anne who has quite literally turned this pub around. It now offers something for everyone and most definitely the best Sunday Roast we have eaten for a very long
% 20 off
n l& tio pri en A d t M li as va ro w' ay vie nd Re Su ys on Bo y er iv el 'D
✁
ay M
• Sunday Roast
• Free pool Thursdays 7 to 9pm
• Full English Breakfast Sat & Sun 09.00 to 11.00
• Happy Hour Tuesday & Friday 5 to 6pm
• Lunch Basket Meals
• Mystery box - Wednesdays at 8pm
• Live music on Saturdays
• Beer garden
142 Clifton Road, Shefford, SG17 5AH • 01462 81 44 14 • 07825 299 787 @railwaysteamershefford
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update
Kid’s Got Talent Update from Billie & Jamie
B
illie (age 13) and Jamie (age 10) both appeared in October’s edition of Kid’s Got Talent. We caught up with them to find out how they are getting on…
Jamie has now fully recovered after breaking her foot in September and has been back competing in disco freestyle. Billie and Jamie have now reached their goal and after much competition success over the years they are disco freestyle champions! The girls still dance disco freestyle, street, lyrical and rock and roll at Fusion dance centres in Biggleswade, Fairfield park and at Greenacre in Stotfold. They attend acrobatic classes run by Dance Generation Studios at the Dance Pod in Shefford and attend ballet and modern classes with Miss Esme at Dynamic Theatre Dance school in Clifton.
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The
Diddy
Directory
the guide to local trades & businesses cost effective, contract free advertising
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ÂŁ20 ÂŁ30 1 Area
2 Areas
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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
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1
Emma Jones
2
Dan Connors
3
Geoff Heard
4
Lindsay Edwards
5
Sam Soden
Daffodils at Digswell, Shefford House Sparrow at a feeder on Elm Road Taken by me from my garden in Swaden, edge of Sandy
Pleeease let me bring this stick home - Chester the Dog
Cat on Trampoline
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puzzles
The April edition
CROSSWORD Answers on P17
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WHAT’S ON GUIDE it’s a date
SPORTS, HEALTH & WELLBEING
What:
Business Focus Meeting
What:
run shefford running club
When:
Wednesday 8th April
When:
Weekly Mon/Thurs
Business Focus Network Meeting, 2nd Weds of each month, 7pm at The Crown pub in Shillington, FREE! Info: FB ‘Business Focus’ or Emma Anthony, 07720 383320
food, drink & markets What:
Indoor Picnic Festival
When:
Sunday 5th April
You bring the food, buy the drinks from us and we provide the entertainment. Crafts for kids and brilliant LIVE music. 12-8pm at Shefford STMA. FREE entry for all. What:
EAT Feast
When:
2nd & 3rd April
An array of flavours. Food - Music - Alcohol - Child Friendly Gluten Free/Vegan/Veggie Options. From 4pm at Meppershall Village Hall (2nd Apr), Henlow Park Pavillion (3rd Apr)
CLUBS, GROUPS AND SOCIETIES
Run Shefford organise two running sessions per week on Monday and Thursday at 7.15pm. Starts at the Shefford STMA What:
Shefford Netball Club
When:
Every Monday Evenings
Shefford Netball Club at Robert Bloomfield Academy, Monday, 6-9pm, Year 4 to Adults. All welcome! Contact cpferry@hotmail.com or find us on Facebook
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:
Tai Chi Shefford
When:
Sundays & Mondays
Drop-in classes available for beginners on Mondays at 2.30pm or on Sundays at 6.30pm. Located in Shefford Community Hall.
What:
Shefford Amateur Radio Society
What:
Boxing for Fitness with L-FIT
When:
Weekly Thursdays
When:
Wednesday Evenings 8.15pm
What:
Shefford Bowls Club Open Day
What:
Callanetics exercise class
When:
Sunday 31st May
When:
Tuesday Evenings
Shefford WI
What:
Kids Run Free
When:
1st / 3rd Saturday
Meet up at 8pm at Shefford Community Hall for talks and demonstrations. Contact David on 01234 742757 for details.
Come and have a go! 2-4pm. Shefford is a friendly Bowls Club and welcomes those new to Bowling. Located on Hitchin Road, Shefford, next to the STMA Hall. What: When:
3rd Tuesday of the Month
Shefford WI meeting, held on 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Community Hall (next to Lemon Plaice) from 7.30pm. Info: sheffordwi@gmail.com
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At Henlow Pavilion, 8.15pm. Limited spaces, booking in advance required. For more info get in touch! lauraozholl@ hotmail.com www.l-fit.co.uk
Toned muscles, Better shape, Stronger body! 7pm-8.15pm every Tuesday evening. Henlow Methodist Church (High St, Henlow) Call Cathy 01462 811568
Millennium Green Park, Purcell Way SG17 5RY. Arrive at 8:45 am for warm ups and the running starts at 09:00 am for an hour. Visit www.kidsrunfree.co.uk
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MUSIC, DANCE & ENTERTAINMENT
family & Children
What:
CATFISH Blues Band + Support
What:
Building a Hospital in Burundi
When:
Saturday 4th April
When:
Thursday 30th April
UK and British Blues Award winners CATFISH are playing CLUB85 in Hitchin. Tkts : www.wegottickets.com/ event/488769 + usual outlets. £10 ADV / £12 OTD
How do people live and what are the challenges in the poorest nation on earth. A free talk by David Lambert at All Saints Church Shillington at 7.30pm
What:
Simply Red Tribute
What:
When:
Saturday 18th April
When:
Charity event at Meppershall Village Hall, tickets £10, contact Helen 07989 914941, proceeds for the Roads Victims Trust, doors open 7.30pm
Saturday 4th April
An evening of popular Coronation Anthems including Zadoc the Priest. All Saints Church, Shillington at 7.30pm. Tickets £12 at the door or 01462 737533
What:
Steam Fair & Country Show
What:
When:
9-10th May
When:
Stotfold Watermill presents its 18th annual event, 9-10th May, 10.30am - 5pm daily. 20% discount on advance tickets: stotfoldmill.com/steam-fair
Vivace Choir
Campton School of Dance Weekly
Shefford - Mondays after school - Ballet, Tap and Modern. Campton – Tues & Weds after school - Ballet, Tap and Modern. Contact: Lynda 07765 964495
What:
Take That Tribute
What:
Shefford Majorettes
When:
Saturday 30th May
When:
Tuesdays 6.45pm - 8.30pm (term time only)
Take That Tribute @ Shefford Sports Club, Charity Event for ‘Amy and Friends’, Tickets £10, Contact Helen on 07989 914941
What:
STMA Summer Fete
When:
Sunday 31st May
Over 60 stalls, main arena events, bar and food stalls, bouncy castle and rides, music, fantastic day out for the whole family. From 1pm. www.stma.info What:
Karaoke
When:
1st Saturday of Every Month
The Woolpack Pub in Shefford, Karaoke from 8pm. The 1st Saturday of every month
What:
Quiz Night at The Bridge
When:
Every Wednesday
Time to get your team together and your thinking caps on! Quiz night, every Wednesday at The Bridge pub in Shefford from 8pm, with rolling jackpot cash prize!
We meet at the STMA Hall in Shefford. All abilities welcome Ages 6-18. Contact Kate on 07906 445222 for more information.
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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Spot the Difference
Sponsored by:
Let our tricky puzzle put your observational skills to the test. Answers can be found on P17
Can you spot 10 differences between these two photos? You can a find the answers at www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/spot
Spring offer - Half price 2nd pair of spectacles Terms & Conditions Apply Paul Adler Optometrist, 50 High Street, Stotfold, Herts, SG5 4LL Tel: 01462 732393 www.eyezone.co.uk 30
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