LivingLife - December 2021 - Issue 37

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£25

annual christmas messages FROM SOME OF YOUR LOCAL CHURCHES ALSO INSIDE

WANDERBUS TOUR CONTINUES GHOST PUBS

Issue 36 Issue 37 November 2021

December 2021

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Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

Competition Winner

november

a big well done to:

Louise Simpson 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 Hello, and welcome to the latest instalment of LivingLife Magazine. This, our festive December edition, is our 37th instalment of our little magazine. In fact, it means we are celebrating our 3rd birthday, so happy birthday to us! It is amazing how quickly time flies and all of a sudden you realise This was that month’s you havecover gonephoto from being captured byfresh Kate and McBurney something new to (John’s wife)that during evening something is an established stroll the farmers fields and across successful, and on that note, we would like to thank near Henlow Village. Compeeveryone who has helped us on tition our journey Winnerwith the magazine.

| 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 have a fantastic delivery team who work hard every month delivering the magazine through your door.

And of course we have some loyal advertisers, who without, our magazine could not exist.

We thank-you all.

We had planned to include | John McBurney | a ‘3-year-flash-back’ in this month’s magazine, however, we simply do not have room in this ram-packed edition. Instead, we will be producing a video which we will release on our Facebook page, so please follow our page @LivingLifeMagazine and keep a look out for the video and other exciting content.

Inside this month’s magazine, LivingLife once again takes a ride on the Wanderbus, this time visiting Milton Keynes, the go-to-place for retail shopping.

We also have a whole host of Christmas messages from our local churches and businesses to help put you in the festive mood.

As Christmas is fast approaching, we have one last thing to say, we would like to Kind Regards, wish all of our readers a very Andrew & John happy Christmas!

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

Please support your local businesses this Festive Season

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ghost pubs of bedfordshire beautiful gardens diddy directory PETS CORNER local christmas messages thank you from local businesses TAKE A RIDE ON THE WANDERBUS.... puzzle answers local fundraising is a success... butterflies in the wild scene by you clifton walking group christmas crossWORD KIDS’ PUZZLES - christmas crackers

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

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Ghost P ubs O B f

edfordshire

The Three Tuns public house was located at 86 High Street, Arlesey.

The building became a pub in 1845, however, it is much older than that.

Originally built in the 15th century, a beamed house with a thatched roof, most likely a converted farmhouse.

The pub eventually closed down in the summer of 2009.

The site was subsequently sold to developers and the building has now been converted into a private dwelling, with additional housing built on the car park.

Jennie Woodfine (current occupant) “We know very little about the history of the pub, except the landlords and their misdemeanours, as discovered from the Bedfordshire archives.”

Welcome to ‘Ghost Pubs of Bedfordshire’ where we discover Ghost Pubs – buildings that were once pubs but are now used for something else. Each month we’ll present a ‘Ghost Pub’ with contributions and input from local residents.

The Three Tuns, Arlesey

Pauline Adam “This photo was taken in 1983 when David and I were the tenants. I also have this old postcard which we found behind a shelf. No idea of the date I’m afraid.”

Next month: The Two Brewers, Stotfold 6

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

Please support your local businesses this Festive Season

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garden

Beautiful Gardens of Bedfordshire Desiree Challinor, Pinemead, Shefford

Check out all the photos on our blo g

www.livinglifemag

azine.co.uk/blog

Discovering beautiful gardens in the local area.

Pete Stevens, our superb delivery chap, spotted a delightful garden that grabbed his attention, so we headed over to Pinemead in Shefford to discover Desiree Challinor’s lovely garden.

“I would describe my garden as a mess of colour where fairies live. I spend about 2-3 hours a day working on the garden depending on weather and imagination. I buy a few of the plants and flowers online, but I like to support my favourite nurseries like Cherry Tree at Langford, Arcade Nursery in Arlesey and Savins in Upper Stondon. I am always on the lookout for something different. I planted pampas grass half expecting uncomfortable door knocks!

As the garden frontage is pebbles l can only use pots. I have also made my own with large tyres and large paint pots.

The more unique the pots and plants are the better l like it. The water feature is a pleasure to listen to, but I think the hanging baskets are my favourite.

Passers-by often stop with kids looking to see how many fairies and bugs they can find. The neighbours seem to get pleasure as well. One says she loves to open her curtains in the morning to see the colours. I get a thrill finding peanuts that have been buried by squirrels. At night fairy lights come makes it even more magical.”

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Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

Please support your local businesses this Festive Season

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PECOTRSNER

brought to you by:

No Fleas, Please! by Dr Steph Gowing

W

ith the winter setting in and everyone switching on their heating, it’s time to talk about fleas! Though they used to be considered more of a summer problem, now we keep a relatively constant temperature in our homes, we find they can be a nuisance year-round. This is because flea eggs and larvae can survive in heated environments for a long time, even a year, and hatch throughout that time. This is why it is recommended to cover your pets with flea treatment throughout the whole year.

How do I know if my pet has fleas?

• They have been in contact with other pets with fleas (including outdoor cats mixing) • They are scratching or grooming a lot, or have hair loss.

• You notice itchy red bites on yourself or your pet.

• You can see lots of dark dots in their fur (flea dirt), or small black/brown insects moving or jumping around.

• You flea-comb your pet onto white tissue, mix any possible flea dirt you see with a couple of water drops and they turn red (from the digested blood) What should I do about it?

• Treat all the pets in the household as soon as possible with a long-lasting, ideally prescription-based, product to ensure effectiveness of killing adult fleas on your pet and any that jump on - ask your vet for recommendations • Wash and hoover around the whole house, particularly focusing on soft furnishings, places your pet spends a lot of time, and dark corners and crevices - this helps dislodge and remove eggs. Make sure to throw away your hoover bag straight away.

• Use a flea spray throughout the house as well to kill off any remaining eggs and larvae.

• Continue doing this often over at least three months to keep getting rid of eggs and growing larvae, and keep your pet treated to kill adult fleas. Longer than may be needed, particularly in significant infestations.

How can I prevent it?

• Keep all your pets treated year-round with good quality flea treatment, and also keep them wormed regularly as fleas can pass on tapeworms, in addition to other diseases •

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Make sure not to bathe and shampoo your pet often if using a spot-on as this can stop it working as well, and may leave your pet exposed.

Particularly don’t bathe them within two days of applying a spot-on treatment.

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

Please support your local businesses this Festive Season

13

COMMUNITY

St Mary’s, the Parish Church of Stotfold and Fairfield Last Christmas was challenging. There were limits on how many family members and friends could gather together.

This year we hope for the return of familiar traditions that help bring Christmas to life in our homes, our churches and communities.

One thing, however, will never change: Jesus Christ remains at the heart of Christmas. Jesus, the light of the world, was born into our dark world and gives us hope.

Christmas is the story of God becoming human in the birth of a baby who came into the world with nothing and later gave us everything.

Christians believe that Jesus brings hope and gives hope. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world’. The Christmas story tells us that he came into the world so that ‘everyone can have life in all its fullness’.

Christians believe that God blesses us with good things: undeserved gifts which we must share. When love is shared, hope is restored.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Revd. Bill Britt

arlesey - st. peters church A very Happy and Joyful Christmas from the Churches in Arlesey We look forward to welcoming you at any of our services and events

Revd. Geoffrey Boult

Sat-Sun 11th/12th Christmas Tree Festival Weds 15th 7.30pm Town Carol Service Christmas Eve 4.00pm Children’s Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day 10.00am Christmas Eucharist

SHEFFORD – St. Michael & All Angels

We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas as fully as we are able and would like to invite you to join the celebrations More information on the Notice Board or call Revd. Roni (01462 339962).

Do let us know you are coming to reserve seating.

We have been; indeed we are still, going through a time of turmoil and we wish to take time to allow the peace and joy of Christmas to settle in our hearts… to set aside the cares of today and to celebrate, to sing, as we turn our hearts and minds once again to the Saviour born in a manger on that first Christmas Night because there was no room in the inn.

We pray that the peace and joy of that first Christmas will fill your hearts and your homes and flow with you through 2022.

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Revd. Roni Good

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

Christmas Messages

The Parish of Stondon

Dear Friends, It won’t be long until it will be impossible to escape from Christmas music. Like all music there will be Christmas songs we love and others we hate. Whether you love or hate it you will I am sure all be familiar with the following lyrics: I don’t want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don’t care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you.

Revd. Richard Winslade

Perhaps this year these words will have a deeper meaning to many people. As we all hope and pray for a normal Christmas this year, we look forward to seeing the people we couldn’t last year. Perhaps this year people will really be more important than presents.

Christ was born in order for people to find a new way to reconnect with God. At that first Christmas and ever since God has only wanted you. He has wanted you to be his child and to be part of his family here on earth. This year why not reconnect with God either by attending one of our church services in person or you could join us live via the church Facebook page. All the church wants this Christmas is you.

HENLOW – St. Mary’s Church Think back to this time last year and it was full of uncertainty. Rumors of a vaccine but nothing certain. The promise of being able to meet up together at Christmas, but again nothing certain.

And in the end of course, the possibility of meeting up was halted.

This year has brought about a different sort of uncertainty. I am sure you will still remember having to endlessly queue for fuel back in September, unsure if you were going to get any by the time you reached the pump. And then there has been the issue of HGV driver shortages, which has caused many to speculate whether Christmas will happen this year.

dman

Whatever else happens, or not this Christmas, we can be certain of one thing. That God’s promise is revealed to us once again, so that we might know the certainty of who he is and what he is like, in and through Jesus Christ the saviour of the world - Immanuel, God with us.

Please support your local businesses this Festive Season

Revd. Shaun Speller

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Life Magazine December.indd 1

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18/11/2021 14:40:43

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

Please support your local businesses this Festive Season

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FESTIVE THANKS F

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Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

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. .. .. ..

E H T N O E ID R A E K TA

Check out all the e continue our monthly journey... John, our editor, catches photos on our blog the Wanderbus to Milton Keynes!

W

THE ROUTE This month I decided to catch the W13 service to Milton Keynes, the go-to place for retail shopping.

THE JOURNEY The W13 begins its journey at Stanford but also picks up at Southill, Broom, Langford, Henlow, Clifton and Shefford. I got on the bus in Henlow, at the bus stop on Newtown. Our driver today was Alasdair, who gave me a friendly handshake as I jumped on the bus.

The destination drop-off point was at Midsummer Place, arriving at around 10.15am, and the return bus departing at 1.15pm from the bus stops next to John Lewis, so you get 3 hrs to shop ‘til you drop!

THE DESTINATION My plan was to explore the big shopping centres - Midsummer Place and The Centre: MK. All the big shop names are here and to be honest it is the perfect place to go for Xmas Shopping. Also, at this festive time of year, the shopping centres are a visual delight, with no expense spared on the Christmas decorations, and Santa’s Grotto is akin to a theme park with sit-on rides and helter-skelter.

However, I soon discovered the open/outside market nestled amongst the underpass, right next to Centre:MK. The market is really good, with a wide range of stalls. Chatting to Jamie, one of the stall holders (Succulents MK), who sells a “wide variety of weird and wonderful house plants”, he described the ‘Monkey Jar’, a carnivorous plant, famed for catching and disposing of spiders and other creepy crawlies.

I also found an amazing fruit and veg stall (from www.theonlinegrocer.com) with huge arrays of tempting, fresh produce. There was also a Thai food stall and was able to stock up on Thai food ingredients.

As lunchtime approached, I started getting hungry, and discovered a Greek Gyros food wagon inside Midsummer Place. I have never tried a ‘Chicken Gyros’ before but I can now highly recommend it. A Gyros is a Greek dish made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and served with homemade tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, chips, and wrapped in pitta bread. It was simply the best!

On our return journey home I asked our driver, Alasdair, what he gets from volunteering as a Wanderbus driver, he replied, “As a keen driver, I enjoy being part of the Wanderbus team, and find the community aspect of the service very satisfying”.

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Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

Please support your local businesses this Festive Season

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community

Fantastic Fundraising at The True Briton!

A

Charity Race Night at The True Briton pub in Arlesey raised a huge winning pot for Alopecia UK. The event took place on 1st October, was well supported, and in total raised a staggering £850! The charity works to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia through aims of Support, Awareness and Research.

Kerrie, the pub’s landlady said, “We hope to organise another charity event next year, so please watch this space!”

If you would like to find out about future events at the pub then please follow them on Facebook: @TheTrueBriton14.

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Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

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photography

BUTTERFLIES IN THE WILD

From local photographer, Anne Greenhalgh (Insta: @nicoiseannie)

“I have loved photography from a young age but became more serious when I was in the sixth form at school, even doing a bit of B&W developing in the art department dark room. As I aged my photography became mostly about my children, family holidays, then after they left home, I was lucky to be able to cruise to fabulous inspiring destinations around the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Here I really loved the challenges of taking great photos. All through this I have had dogs and I have taken lots of photos on dog walks. This is how the butterfly photos emerged. I am currently photographing fungus - this is my fav time of year and subject for my photos. I have also posted a photo a day for nearly nine years to the Blipfoto website- in fact 3207 consecutive photos so far!!!”

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Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

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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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Chris Hubbard

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Dorothy Anstey

3

Liza Johnston

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Linda Parcell

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Winnie

Shefford’s red dawn Smiling Sunflower At the end of the rainbow?

Stonechat watching A twin gassho melon

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

community

Contribution thanks to

Suzanne I’ons

clifton walking group

07933709006

ionssuzanne@gmail.com

On Sunday 14th November, the Clifton Walkers had a lovely 7 mile walk from Clifton to the Millennium Green at Henlow, over the hill to the railway and across to Langford (dropped into the Farm Shop!) then coffee at Langford nursery. It was organised by Bob and Elisabeth Smith. Bob’s Step Tracker said 11.75 miles and his watch said 6.23 - which should we believe?

We walk every day for an hour and once a month we do a longer walk.

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

Please support your local businesses this Festive Season

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Christmas Crossword

Across 2 The celebration of the Eucharist (4) 4 The wise men (4) 6 Evergreen climbing plant (3) 8 Public house (3) 9 Colour of trees (5) 10 One of the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men (4) 11 Term referring to God (4) 14 Great happiness (3) 15 Toys particularly for girls (5) 16 Transport used on snow (4) 17 Often filled with mincemeat (3) 19 Santa’s helpers (5) Down 1 Noisy celebrations (10) 2 Amazing or wonderful occurrence (7) 3 26th December (6,3) 5 Heavenly creature (5) 7 The season around Christmas (8) 12 Cooking method for turkey and chestnuts (5) 13 Popular Christmas colour (3) 14 Special anniversary (7) 17 Coniferous tree (4) 18 Gifts given to children (4)

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Answers P21

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Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

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 15/12/2021. Only 1 entry per person. Judge’s decision is final.

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Mega Maze!

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Can yo through thu get to the pude maze ding?

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Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year

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