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Issue 32 July 2021
£25
kid’s got talent
THE RETURN OF OUR POPULAR FEATURE ALSO INSIDE
BEAUTIFUL BEDFORDSHIRE GARDENS *NEW* HANGING BASKET COMPETITION SCENE BY YOU
AWARD WINNER
Anne Hughes, Landlady at the Railway Steamer Shefford wins Shefford Town Council Civic Award for Services to the Community (read full story inside)
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Competition Winner
JUNe
a big well done to:
John Martindale Who was the closest to spotting the hidden drone pilot in last month’s photo & won £25. See below for last month’s location
NOTE FROM THE EDITOrS A warm welcome to the July edition of LivingLife Magazine! We are happy to announce that summer is well and truly here! Gardens are absolutely blooming at the moment, as can be seen from this month’s cover photo which shows Peter Bozier’s delightful garden in Ramerick Gardens in This month’s cover wasin Arlesey, which is photo featured captured by Kate McBurney this month’s ‘Beautiful Gar(John’s during an evening dens ofwife) Bedfordshire’. stroll across the farmers fields | Andrew Martin | As Covid-19 restrictions have near Henlow Village. Compebeen gradually lifted, it has been tition uplifting to see that Winner community events are once again being organised. Many of these upcoming events are based outdoors, which is fantastic, as it is easy for people to ‘feel safe’ and ‘keep their distance’ if they so choose. On the horizon we have an abundance of ‘Scarecrow Festivals’ and ‘Garage Sale Trails’ popping up over the coming months. Inside the magazine | John McBurney | you will find a whole host of posters promoting these events, from Shefford to Stotfold, and we hope you can get involved and help support these events if you can.
JULY
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
Last month we witnessed a partial solar eclipse, and we would like to thank everyone who sent in photos of this magnificent event, one of these photos is included in our Scene-By-You feature - sorry we could not include them all.
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.
Also inside this month’s magazine, we find out how Ellie Hollingsworth got on with her ‘Big Chop’, we see a return of our ‘Kids Got Talent’ feature and much, much more.
Kind Regards, Andrew & John
Please pass to a friend, recycle or compost after reading.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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kid’s got talent is back beautiful bedfordshire gardens diddy directory the travel blogger town council civic awards crossword answers ellie’s big chop - the results surviving lockdown! Shefford garage trail livinglife hanging basket competition scene by you stotfold floods! spot the drone pilot july crossword
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Welcome to our monthly feature: ’Kid’s Got Talent’ This month we feature an amazing kid sponsored by a local company First Step the Estate Agents. We hope this will help motivate and inspire other children to discover new sports and hobbies.
james Morley age: 15 Name:
Q. Briefly explain your talents. I believe I have good reaction times, which helps when either trying to avoid incidents or making decisions on overtaking I’m also very determined and never give up. Q. How long have you been a cart driver? 5 years since I started in cadets. Q. Do you enter many competitions? We race on a regular basis at 2 club meetings per month and the British Kart Championships. Q. How many events have you won or came 2nd? I have been on the podium on several occasions during karting from Cadet to Junior including 3rd in the last 2 rounds of the British Kart Championships. Q. What tips or advice can you give to youngsters wanting to get into carting? I would advise anyone looking to get into karting to visit their local tracks, have a go at corporate karts and talk to those around the paddock and see what classes are racing. We have always found the local karting community really helpful. Q. Is your sport dangerous? As with all forms of motorsport there is an element of risk involved. Q. Is it an expensive sport? It can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it, depending on your budget and how competitive you want to be, depending on if you want to do it as a bit of fun or race competitively in your own kart or corporate karts. Q. Do you have sponsorship? Yes, First Step are helping fund our racing throughout the British Kart Championships this year. Q. What is your favourite aspect of the sport? The adrenaline of racing and the friends you make along the way. Does your child have an amazing talent? if so, please get in touch at admin@livinglifemagazine.co.uk
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garden
Beautiful Gardens of Bedfordshire Peter Bozier, Ramerick Gardens, Arlesey
Check out all the photos on our blo g
www.livinglifemag
azine.co.uk/blog
Discovering beautiful gardens in the local area. Welcome to our latest instalment of beautiful gardens. In June we were kindly invited to visit the delightful garden of Peter Bozier who lives in Arlesey. Located in Ramerick Gardens, it is a garden that really does grab your attention with its huge array of potted plants and colour. We were treated to a guided tour of the garden and whilst we took photos Peter explained all… “My garden gives so much pleasure, watching the plants grow and bloom, it gives me a great sense of achievement. I suppose, if I had to describe my garden, it is a garden of bright colours and contrast. Each day I spend about two hours watering and deadheading, this keeps the plants looking attractive and encourages more blooms. I visit the local nurseries and garden centres to purchase my plants, mainly Arcade Nursery in Arlesey and also Cherry Lane and Hitchin garden centres. Because my garden is mainly pot-based, I can move my pots around to find the best position so that they are happy, grow well and show-off their potential.”
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The
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r e gg o l B l e v The Tra S
tatistics show that 1 in 55 school children are diagnosed as on the Autistic Spectrum. However, specialists believe the figure to be closer to 1 in 19 as so many go through life undiagnosed. This led me to think about how in hundreds of bookings over the past 4-5 years, I have only been asked a handful of times if there is anything we can do to help. I realised that many people must keep this to themselves, not realising there are things we can do to make the travel side of things a little easier. Here are 4 tips that I have picked up that might be useful to a family traveling with an autistic child
Travelling with Autism/ASD - 4 ways to make travel and holidays easier Sunflower Lanyard You can purchase this in advance online or many airports give them out for free at the information desk. This lanyard is a signal to trained airport staff that the wearer may need additional assistance time or understanding as they move through their journey. The biggest thing is that it removes the need for family members to explain or excuse any difficulties they may encounter. Feedback shows that this simple solution really improves the experience of the airport for the wearer. An alternative route through the airport Some airports have an alternative route avoiding Duty Free and its bright lights and strong smells which can be a trigger. You can be escorted through avoiding these distractions, and for a small cost we can also include fast track passes so that you will not queue at security. Getting you and your group to the gate as fast and easily as possible is key to ensure your onward journey on the plane gets off to a good start. On the flight Taking noise cancelling headphones will help to eliminate engine noise, announcements and help time to pass. Fidget toys such a poppits can be a good distraction. Snacks are a lifesaver for ANY parent but carrying your own gluten free or favourite snacks will mean you are not waiting for that trolley! Cabin Crew, if asked are more than happy to chat and play with your children while you take a loo break, or if you need to comfort someone. Paying for a bulk head seat is well worth it for the feeling of space and with no chairs in front to kick or knock, you will feel more relaxed. Once in the Resort Whether you have booked a big holiday to Disneyworld or a villa by the beach in Greece, letting me know in advance that you are travelling with a hidden disability means that I might be able to add some extra touches. Letting hotel management know in advance of your arrival time could remove the need to queue up. Prebooking a private transfer will shorten your travel time the other side. An early check in or late check out helps not to disrupt the routine too much. I can prebook dinner for the first few nights so that mealtimes are consistent.
@jens_travel_inspo
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community
TOWN COUNCIL CIVIC AWARD
Landlady at Railway Steamer Shefford wins Shefford Town Council Civic Award for Services to the Community.
nne Hughes, landlady at the Railway Steamer Shefford has A been awarded the Shefford Town Council Civic Award. This award is for her service to the local community by transforming her business to continually provide food and sustenance during the Covid-19 crisis during 2020 and 2021. Anne took over the Railway Steamer in December 2019 and was keen to get stuck in. She started by re-furbishing the entire pub and creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Of course Covid-19 then hit us, along with lockdown and the pub was out of action. Anne took it upon herself to do her bit to help the local community. She began with helping the local elderly citizens with shopping trips whilst they were shielding, and soon began to realize (as did the rest of us) that there were huge shortages at supermarkets and online grocery stores. That’s when the hard work really kicked in! Anne started an external grocery stall from the front of the pub, selling all of the goods that people couldn’t get their hands on – things such as flour, yeast, toilet rolls and much more! This gave local people the opportunity to get much needed necessities, and without having to go within 5 feet of a supermarket! Now fully open, the Railway Steamer has transformed into a family, friendly local entertainment venue which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, music nights, pub quizzes, bingo, children’s activities and much, much more! Big screens are both inside and outside for live sports, pool table and dart board are bookable by the hour, and you can even order afternoon tea! Anne said, ‘Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me, this award is dedicated to you all. I’m absolutely overwhelmed, it’s been a long hard road, not everything has gone right but we are trying so hard, thank you all for believing in me.’ This really is a restaurant / pub / entertainment venue that has something for everyone. Make sure you book a table in advance because it is popular for good reason.
You can book & order via our new ‘Railway Steamer App’ Follow us on Facebook to hear about our latest events and entertainment @railwaysteamer.co.uk 14
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READY TO WELCOME YOU – 7 DAYS A WEEK
Beautiful Garden Pods D DOWNLOATO OUR APP ER! RD BOOK & O ’
eamer ‘Railway St
New Interior
New Menus
Dog Friendly
We do Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, plus our Home Cooked Sunday Roasts. All available to eat in or take-away!
Saturday Night Music
Please reserve a table by visiting our website or via our App. 142 Clifton Road, Shefford SG17 5AH | Tel: 01462 814414 | 07908 683057 www.railwaysteamer.co.uk | orders@railwaysteamer.uk @railwaysteamer.co.uk
SPECIA OCCASIOL N? HIRE
A GARD EN POD!
Ask abou Celebra t our tio Packag n es.
@Railwaysteamershefford
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charity
ELLIE’S BIG CHOP!
by Ellie Hollingsworth
Hair donation raises vital funds for the Little Princess Trust
I
n last month’s edition of the magazine we caught up with Ellie Hollingsworth, from Shefford, who was donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust and at the same time raising vital funds for the charity. We can now report that Ellie has had the ‘Big Chop’ and has raised a staggering £1170 for the charity! Ellie had the following to say… “16 inches, 7 ponytails and £1000 later, I’ve finally had my big chop! I just want to say a massive ‘thank-you’ to everyone who has donated and supported me along the way. I am so overwhelmed by the love I’ve received and am so pleased I’ve been able to do my bit for the Little Princess Trust! If anyone is thinking of having a big hair cut then please consider donating to this amazing cause, you won’t regret it. Here’s to giving hair and hope! Also ‘thank-you’ to Jacqui for being so brave and cutting it for me! I love it”
Well done Ellie! You can still sponsor Ellie by simply following this link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ellie-hollingsworth
Thank-you for all your support.
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singing
Contribution thanks to
SURVIVING LOCKDOWN
Meet the men’s barbershop chorus from Potton
Shirley Course Shannon Express Chorus www.shannonexpress.org.uk
as your club managed to survive the lockdown? H Is it about to get up and running again or has it all fizzled out over the long months of inactivity? One local club has managed to keep engaged and busy through holding regular Zoom rehearsals and they have been bursting with enthusiasm to get together in person and sing! The club in question is the Shannon Express men’s barbershop chorus from Potton who managed to meet for their first ever group sing in May. The men usually rehearse and perform on tiered ‘risers’, so they were excited to be able to hire Stotfold FC’s smart new stand for their first outdoor rehearsal under Covid regulations. The joy of finally being together and experiencing harmony again was marvellous and apparently the bar may be open next time too! Shannon Express meets in Potton on Thursdays and plans to hold another of the popular ‘Learn To Sing’ courses in the autumn as long as the situation continues to improve. Flyers or adverts will be in this magazine nearer the time so look out for them and consider whether this might be the fun activity you’ve been looking for.
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Clifton Residents’ Association
Clifton Scarecrow Festival 18th & 19th September 2021 10am til 4pm You will be able to pick up a copy of the programme from our Scarecrow HQ (to be confirmed) over the two days of the festival . This will have a map, a list of where the Scarecrows are resting and a voting slip - you are the judges. Refreshments will also be available over the weekend.
For more information email: cliftonscarecrow@gmail.com
Do you know where all your Pensions are?
Consolidating your Pensions enables you to manage your money, risk and funds effectively. Shefford-based Nicholas Turner can help you make the most of your Pension with a no-obligation review.
Nicholas Turner e: nturner@kdw.co.uk Chartered Financial t: 01462 632260 m: 07393 340 029 Planner w: www.kdw.co.uk v:
Pensions Investments Tax Planning Equity Release Life Insurance Past Performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. KDW is a trading style of KD Wright Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No: 509886.
ACRE WOOD DAY NURSERY
Living Life Magazine July V3.indd 1
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47 Hospital Road, Arlesey, Bedfordshire, SG15 6RH Telephone: 01462 835550
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T
he annual Shefford Garage Sale Trail is happening on Sunday 19th Sept 2021 from 11am to 3pm. Registrations will open on 1st July and all being well, registration forms will be available from Country Properties in Shefford from that date. Trail sheets will be available from Country Properties before the weekend of the trail. Any queries, please contact Lesley on 01462 615821 or email lesley@lesleywhitemansocialmedia.co.uk
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competition
HANGING BASKET COMPETITION Are you ready to enter our FREE Hanging Basket Competition? Summer gardens are absolutely blooming at the moment and If you are a dab hand in the garden and have a beautiful hanging basket then why not enter our fabulous competition! Prize! The lucky winner will take home a £25 Voucher generously provided by Arcade Nursery in Arlesey - the go to place for bedding plants and hanging baskets. Rules: -The competition will run over the months of July/August. -Closing date is Wednesday 11th August. -Only one basket may be entered per household / office / shop. -All entrants must live in the LivingLife distribution area, which includes: Shefford, Clifton, Campton, Chicksands, Henlow, Stondon, Arlesey, Stotfold and Fairfield. -In July / early August our photographer will get in touch to arrange a visit to take photos of your hanging basket entry. One of the photos will be entered into the competition. -To enter the competition simply visit: www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/basket and submit your details. -The winner will be determined by a vote from our readers and Facebook followers. -The winner will be announced in our October edition
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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
Nisha Clarke
2
Kirsty Harrison
3
Chris Hall
4
Linda Parcell
5
Anna Revell
I will eventually find my destination The eclipse from Arlesey Stotfold Nature Reserve
Kingfisher
Trees in a row
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weather
HEAVY RAIN FLOODS ROADS IN STOTFOLD
month we experienced heavy rain across the country and water levels in the BedfordLPixast shire region rose sharply. High water levels in Brook resulted in flooding at Brook Street in Stotfold and surrounding roads including Coppice Mead and Wycklond Close.
Many locals were stranded as access to homes became severely restricted due to the flood waters blocking roads and residential areas. One bystander stated, “I’ve never seen the flood waters rise above the top of the bridge and flow over the actual road itself.” Local residents used sandbags to try and prevent flood water entering their homes but as the water levels continued to rise the potential for homes to flood increased and several properties were affected.
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Spot the Drone Pilot
Win
£25
It’s competition time! The drone pilot who captured this image has been magically removed from the photo, can you deduce exactly where he is positioned? Place a cross (‘X’) where you think the drone pilot is standing (just like ‘Spot the Ball’ puzzle), then take a photograph of this page with your phone or device and submit your entry here: www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/drone Close date 15/7/2021. Only 1 entry per person. Judge’s decision is final.
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puzzles
The July edition
CROSSWORD Answers on P15
This is a fundraising event for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). We would like to support this charity to help find a cure for MND after James (a local resident) recently lost his life to the awful disease.
Stalls are £5 each which goes straight to MNDA.
Henlow Garage Trail Saturday 3rd July 2021 11am-2pm Maps available from Ansells Village Store and The Crown. £40 Crown voucher to the winner of ‘Guess The Name Of The Teddy’ at The Dairy.
Sweet cones!
Samosas!
Please contact Jules Hepburn if you are interested in having a stall or for more information. 07766492037
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