LivingLife - September 2021 - Issue 34

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pets corner

CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW REGULAR FEATURE ALSO INSIDE

PICK A WINNER - HANGING BASKET COMPETITION SCENE BY YOU MONTHLY CROSSWORD

Issue 34

September 2021

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Competition Winner

august

a big well done to:

Alan moss 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 Welcome to the September edition of LivingLife Magazine, the little magazine that packs a punch, full of local relevant content, keeping the community connected!

As we wave goodbye to the holiday season, the new school year will soon begin, and This month’s cover photo wasan inside this edition we have captured byarticle Kate McBurney informative from BEST, (John’s wife) duringSchool an evening the Bedfordshire Trust, stroll the farmers fields whichacross explains how schools in Central Bedfordshire will near Henlow Village. Compebe transitioning to a two-tier modeltition of education.

Winner

| Andrew Martin |

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

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.

We would also like to welcome you to ‘Pets Corner’, our brand-new monthly feature, providing hints and tips, and advice on all matters pet related. This feature is kindly provided by the veterinary experts at Elizabeth Smith Veterinary Practice, Biggleswade.

We hope you find it useful. | John McBurney |

Also inside this edition, it’s over to you to help choose a winner for our Hanging Basket Competition. Our photographer has been busy photographing the entries, which are listed inside, so please do have a look, choose your favourite, and submit your vote. We will announce the winner in the October edition.

Here at LivingLife Magazine, we’re working hard to be positive and stay connected with our readers and advertisers. In keeping these connections going we hope to provide you with an interesting read, as well as contact numbers for all kinds of things you might need, from home repairs and improvements to a takeaway meal!

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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6 8 10 12 14 15 16 18 20 24 26 28 29 30

befordshire schools trust biggleswade sandy lions diddy directory *new* pets corner clifton walking group crossword answers SHEFFORD COMMUNITY FESTIVAL sponsors letchworth arts & Leisure wanderbus new timetable livinglife hanging basket competition scene by you warden abby open day spot the drone pilot september crossword

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education

Contribution thanks to

Chris Lennon

FIVE YEARS OF BEING BEST!

T

Bedfordshire Schools Trust

www.bestacademies.org.uk Twitter: @BedsSchTrust

he Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) is celebrating its fifth anniversary at the start of this new academic year.

BEST launched in the summer of 2016. Previously BEMAT – the Bedfordshire East Multi-Academy Trust – the relaunch came under new leadership and with a new vision and set of values that would shape everything we now stand for. In the first five years BEST has grown, from six schools and two nurseries to a family of 10 schools and five nurseries.

BEST schools in Living Life Magazine’s circulation area are: • Campton Academy, Campton • Etonbury Academy, Arlesey • Gothic Mede Academy, Arlesey • Pix Brook Academy, Stotfold • Robert Bloomfield Academy, Shefford • Samuel Whitbread Academy, Clifton While the first five years of BEST focused on bringing stability and coherence as well as growth to the trust, the next five years will see a period of significant change. Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) is transitioning to a two-tier model of education as part of its Schools for the Future programme.

Primary and secondary schools will replace the system of lower, middle and upper schools that this area has been used to for many decades.

This ambitious plan aims to ensure there are the right schools in the right places to cater for planned housing growth in the area over the next 15-20 years. The first schools to convert in what is known as the Shefford and Stotfold cluster are doing so this year. These include another BEST school, Langford Village Academy, which welcomed its very first cohort of Year 5 primary children this month. The rest of the cluster is due to change in the next few years.

BEST is committed to this transition – subject to five pledges that CBC publicly committed to last year. We believe a two-tier system will help us provide your children with the best possible learning experience.

It is our aim to keep our community up-to-date about the two-tier plans and we urge readers to visit our website www.bestacademies.org.uk to find out more.

Or, if you have children at a BEST school, ask the Principal for more information. They’d be happy to keep you informed.

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community

Contribution thanks to

John Bennewith PR Officer

BIGGLESWADE SANDY LIONS CLUB (CIO)

Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club CIO

Lions are from all walks of life seems to be returning to something approaching Landifenormal.

We are now meeting face to face on the first third Wednesdays of each month. The Second Vice District Governor Lesley Spence spoke to us about ROAR which asks children aged 7 to 11 years what would they change to make the world a better place?

They work together in small teams to agree their project, make a model and present their findings to their peers who judge them. The winning team goes on to represent the school in regional and hopefully national finals. We have sponsored three schools in the area so wait for the results.

We will be at several fetes this year although only one looks definite which is Gamlingay Show on 18th September. I shall be on two stalls, Potton View Care Home and Lions. Someone suggested that I should have my face painted as half Lion and half Black Swan, so watch this space.

During lockdown we have been busy helping wherever we can. I have already mentioned ROAR but that is not the only project we have been doing. ‘Message in a bottle’ and ‘Message in a wallet’ have continued apace as have the collection of spectacles. Please do remember to recycle your old spectacles at one of the points shown on our website www.bslions.org.uk. We have also made small donations to various local needs.

Clifton Residents’ Association We would like to welcome you to one of our meetings on the first or third Wednesday of the month. So that we can make sure you are met and properly looked after I would suggest that you ring one of the numbers on our website which are 01462 814693 or 0345 833 9749.

I hope to see some of you at one of the shows or fetes. Please do make yourself known to us.

John Bennewith (PR Officer) Biggleswade Sandy Lions are part of Lions Clubs International, a volunteer service organisation with 46,000 clubs; more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries.

We meet each month at 8pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at the Biggleswade Sea Cadet Unit, 4 Station Road, Biggleswade SG18 8AL.

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

Visitors are most welcome. Our area covers 23 towns and villages in Bedfordshire.

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To all students aged 16-24 Congratulations to all students from Ickleford, Holwell, Pirton and Lower Stondon who have secured a place at College or University for September 2021.

Did you know you are now eligible to apply for a grant from the Rand’s Education Foundation?

Application forms are available on www.rands.org.uk so please complete them as soon as possible.

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The

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Diddy Directory

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

£35 £65 Single

Double

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Freelance Marketer offering a full range of Marketing Services for local businesses. www.sw1marketing.co.uk info@sw1marketing.co.uk

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

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PECOTRSNER

brought to you by:

BACK TO SCHOOL by Dr Steph Gowing

The summer holidays are coming to an end and the kids are going back to school, so now is an important time to help our pets adjust or re-adjust to being home alone! We need to consider this especially carefully with young animals, such as those adopted during lockdowns, furlough or working from home. However, paying attention to older pets who’ve got used to the change in routine is also essential to make sure they’re not unnecessarily distressed by our departure and absence.

How do we know if our cats and dogs struggle with our absence?

• Are they destructive when you’re gone - scratching at doors or sofas, going to the toilet outside the litter tray or anywhere they shouldn’t?

• Do they yowl, whine, bark or meow more than usual when you’re leaving or after you’ve gone (try asking the neighbours, or getting a camera)?

• Do they show more subtle distress like shaking, drooling, pacing around, being very clingy to you or hiding away, for example when you’re getting ready to leave?

• Are there other signs you see on return such as wet paws from chewing, bald or less hairy spots from overgrooming, or completely untouched toys, treats, food or water bowls?

What can we do to help?

• Create a safe space, ideally where they often go by choice - for dogs this might be a comfortable crate or bed, for cats a secluded spot higher up such as a cat tree bed, or blanketed box on a favourite windowsill. Play the TV or radio if they’ll be worried by outside noise.

• Make the space more fun when you’re gone! As well as a nice bed, water, space to roam, and a litter tray or food if appropriate, you can leave them treats or kibble trails to find, or toys they only get when you leave.

• Gradually get them used to being apart from you, with stairgates, closed doors, short outings for a couple of minutes, then longer. Ensure if you work at home, you get them used to being left alone in the house too!

• Make sure any separation from you is as positive as possible, and at the pet’s own pace. If they seem distressed, go back to the previous step, such as being in sight over the stairgate or leaving for one minute instead of five!

• Get your pet used to signs of you leaving, from getting keys and shoes, putting on your coat to packing a bag, then stick around instead. Animals often worry they’ll be left when they recognise these signs and if there are particularly difficult parts for them, such as putting on your coat, spend time with them in your coat so they get used to it.

• Try not to make leaving or returning home a big deal. Everyone loves an affectionate greeting or giving goodbye snuggles, but the more pets get worked up, the more anxious they can become when left. Ideally make greetings and goodbyes brief and quiet and pay attention to them only when they are calm.

•Help your pet when changes in routine mean you’ll be away from home for longer than usual and have someone the pet knows such as a relative, neighbour or pet sitter pop in if you can. Try never to leave your pet alone longer than you’ve trained them for.

•If your pet seems significantly distressed, please visit your vet for advice on a behaviourist referral or medications and supplements to help relieve anxiety. If you choose to contact a trainer before this, make sure they are ABTC and/or APBC registered.

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community

Contribution thanks to

Suzanne I’ons

clifton walking group

07933709006

ionssuzanne@gmail.com

We walk We natter We inspire each other We reminisce We take a few photos if we wish Why not join us, whenever you feel like it, for an hour long walk twice a day at either 8am or 5pm starting from The Golden Lion, Clifton.

We also offer a monthly long walk (about 3 hours) on a Saturday.

Dates for the rest of 2021 are as follows: • 4th September • 9th October • 13th November • 11th December

For more information about the group or any of the walks please contact Suzanne

YOUR LOCAL FAMILY AND DOG FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT PUB THAT IS READY TO WELCOME YOU – 7 DAYS A WEEK! Offering food and Sunday Roasts, Cocktail Bar, Live Music Nights, Pub Quizzes, Bingo, Children’s Activities, you can even book Afternoon Tea!

FAMILY FUN DAY & DOG SHOW SATURDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER Also proud to be part of the Shefford Scarecrow Festival and the Shefford and Clifton Garage Sale Trail.

D DOWNLOATO OUR APP ER! RD BOOK & O ’ eamer ‘Railway St

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

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@Railwaysteamershefford

SPECIA OCCASI L ON? HIRE

A GARD EN POD!

Ask abou Celebra t our tio Packag n es.

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community

Contribution thanks to

SHEFFORD COMMUNITY FESTIVAL Sponsors announced for 2021

Ian Deavin 07860 218334 www.sheffordcommunityfestival.co.uk

he Shefford Community Festival is delighted to T announce sponsorships by local community minded businesses who each serve our town and are interested to

play their part in making it a better place to live. Recent lifting of Coronavirus restrictions has enabled the festival to go ahead this year and to plan for next year so the festival can be rebuilt and improved.

Festival organiser Ian Deavin explained: “It has been a late start this year because of Covid restrictions but already a number of interested local businesses have come on board as sponsors – and we would welcome others to get involved so that we can build resources for an even better festival next year.”

“We are actively looking to rebuild the festival program and are encouraging organisers to create events and activities which easily fit the present distancing and masking requirements” he continued.

Up to this year the festival has been privately funded by Ian and his partner Lesley Whiteman, so this new sponsoring involvement marks a positive phase as we see local businesses stepping up to promote Shefford and to facilitate an event of benefit to us all.

Please contact ian@sheffordcommunityfestival.co.uk or by phone to 07860 218334 if you would like to support the Community Festival either as a sponsor or as a participant.

Sponsors to date include:

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community

LETCHWORTH ARTS & LEISURE GROUP

L

etchworth Arts & Leisure Group is a unique not-for-profit organisation founded in 1987, to promote arts and leisure activities in Letchworth and surrounding areas.

Joining entitles every adult in your household to attend as many groups and activities as they want including: wine appreciation, film, gardening, theatre, art design, books, discussions, games, sports, outings, walking and much, much more. New groups are starting all the time. There are also online talks every month.

Just £10/year per household gets all adults in your household access to:

• • • • •

120 social groups Online events and meetings to enjoy from home Discounts at about 50 local businesses Meet new people Newsletter sent to your Inbox*

*For an extra £4 you can also get a paper copy of the newsletter straight to your door You don’t need to live or work in Letchworth to be a member, and non-members can try some of our activities before joining. Why not give us a try? You can find out more at www.LALG.org.uk.

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Yes we are still here

Shefford’s very own Gallery

Art, Gifts, Cards, Sculptures, Jewellery, Furniture

created by local Artisans

Open 10 till 4 every Friday & Saturday featuring

Furniture given a new life and new look with Making special items from picture frames

to furniture

Restoring, repairing treasured and loved items

we are looking forward to seeing you @44 High Street SG17 5DG

www.artisansintheyard.org

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travel

wanderbus Your Community bus service open to all passengers anderbus, a Community Bus service running two 16-seater buses, offers a W variety of destinations with pick-ups in the rural villages around Shefford/ Stotfold where contract bus services either offer limited services or no service at all.

We accepts cash fares and concessionary travel passes on all routes and are open to all residents. We are run entirely by volunteers and your support in using our bus services to help us maintain our operations.

From 3rd October we are introducing a new timetable and our destinations include: Bedford Town Centre & Interchange Retail Park, Biggleswade, Hitchin, Letchworth, Milton Keynes, St Neots, Welwyn Garden City with NEW routes to include Baldock, Cambridge & St Albans.

For timetables: Call us on 0300-123-3023 or email thewanderbus@gmail.com or visit www.wanderbus.org.uk

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ACRE WOOD DAY NURSERY

OFSTED REGISTERED CHILDCARE FOR CHILDREN AGED 3 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 7AM - 6.15PM 51 WEEKS A YEAR

We understand how important it is for you to choose the right nursery for your child.

Flexible hours to suit your working or school day Delicious freshly cooked meals Secure spacious gardens We offer 15 and 30 hours funded childcare for 2,3 and 4 year olds for eligible families

47 Hospital Road, Arlesey, Bedfordshire, SG15 6RH Telephone: 01462 835550

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competition

HANGING BASKET COMPETITION

Now it’s your turn to Choose the Winner!

We have been delighted to have received such amazing entries into our Hanging Basket Competition and it has been a pleasure to visit each one and photograph them. Now it is time for our readers and Facebook followers to choose the winner!

How to vote…

Simply go to the following link: www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/vote or scan the QR code and enter your favourite choice.

Voting will end on Friday 10th September and the winning basket will be announced in the October edition of the magazine.

The lucky winner will receive a £25 Voucher generously provided by Arcade Nursery in Arlesey - the go to place for bedding plants, hanging baskets, pet food and so much more

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OUR FINALISTS

Check out more photos online & be sure to cast your vote

2

Jane Blower Stondon

3

Myrna Loke Arlesey

4

5

Tracey Reilly

Richard Kilby

Campton

Henlow

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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

Alan Holloway

2

Chris Mills

3

Daniel Taylor

4

Linda Parcell

5

Christopher Baker

Frog in wildlife pond

Bee on Lavender Lightning loves rainbows

Singing Jay

A Morning Surprise - Barn Owl Chicks

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will ding perty

urn ent nds.

Looking for a letting agent?

LOOK NO FURTHER… 4 Tailor made services to 4 S pecialists in lettings and meet your requirements property management with over 30 years experience 4 24/7 online access to statements and property 4 Members of ARLA management issues Propertymark 4 Step

by step help and guidance for all landlords

4 Competitive fees 4 O utstanding customer service 4 A designated property manager and one point of contact

4 D edicated out of hours support for tenants if anything goes wrong when the office is closed

T: 01462 510765

E: info@greendoorpm.co.uk W: www.greendoorpm.co.uk

Uncover The Natural.Beautiful.You

For all things Beauty

01462 851135 8 NORTHBRIDGE STREET SHEFFORD BEDFORDSHIRE SG17 5DH

Email - info.beyondbeauty@btconnect.com Website - www.beyondbeautycompany.com Facebook - Beyond Beauty Company Instagram - beyond_beauty_company

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local business

Open Day at Warden Abbey Vineyard Open Day and Wine Sale with local food and crafts at Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden: Sunday 12th September 11am - 4pm Our big day of the year and main fund-raiser! Come and find out the story of the medieval vineyard and abbey, why and how the monks made wine, and how volunteers now care for the vines all year round. Taste and buy our wines, take a tour and browse the local food and craft stalls.

There will be a petting farm and other children’s activities, BBQ, icecream and other refreshments. The Zanna has been leading her vineyard is run as a community and ‘highly recommended’ Pilates classes since 2004. education project by Bedfordshire Classes are available live Rural Communities Charity.

on Zoom and now also at local venues in-person at Stotfold and Melbourn near Royston.

See www.wardenvineyard.org.uk for tickets and directions, Advance booking for entry and tours is recommended. ased Entry: Adults £4 online, £5 on day. our: Children under 16 free. Tours £5.

When was your last financial review?

A Financial Adviser can help you consolidate your pensions and guide your investments and tax planning so you can manage your money, risk and funds effectively.

Speak to Shefford-based Nicholas Turner for 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.

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Check the new website where you can now see class availability and book your place online. www.zannanewton.co.uk

Open day and wine sale Sunday 12 September

. local artisan food and craft stalls

. guided vineyard tours

11am to 4pm

Entry:

. free self-guided tours

Adults £4 online, £5 on day

. history display

Under 16s go free

. petting farm

Guided tours £5

. children’s activities

Ad Advance booking for entry and tours is recommended

. BBQ and refreshments

Bedford Road, Old Warden, Bedfordshire SG18 9LS

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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 15/9/2021. Only 1 entry per person. Judge’s decision is final.

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puzzles

The September edition

CROSSWORD Answers on P15

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