LivingLife - January 2022 - Issue 38

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a fascinating collection OUR NEW FEATURE FOR 2022

ALSO INSIDE

GHOST PUBS CONTINUE...

PETS CORNER SPOT THE DRONE PILOT

Issue 38 January 2022

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Competition Winner

december

a big well done to:

katie thomas 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 2022’s first instalment of Living Life Magazine. We hope you enjoyed the festive break and time spent with family, friends and loved ones. With the shortest day been and gone we now look forward to longer days and the arrival of Spring, but first of all we need to get This month’s wasso through the cover cold photo months, captured

by Kate McBurney wrap up warm, grab a hot drink (John’s wife) during anthe evening and settle down with latest stroll the farmers fields copy across of LivingLife magazine.

| Andrew Martin |

near Henlow Village. CompeIn 2022 we plan to bring you some tition exciting new features, Winner and on that note, this month we have… ‘A Fascinating Collection’ - here we explore the wonderful collections made by our readers, and first up, we have an amazing thimble collection from Letchworth for you to discover.

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.

You may have noticed our eye-catching cover photo this month. This photo was | John McBurney | taken by local photographer Matthew Barber, who captured this stunning sunrise shot looking down The Green in Stotfold. To see more of Matthew’s photographs simply visit www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MattBarberPhotos or follow him on Instagram @mattbarberphotos.

Also, please keep a look out in future editions of the magazine as we plan to cover Matthew and his photography in greater detail.

As we say farewell to 2021, we look forward to 2022 with hope that the new year will be a good one, a year with far less fear and uncertainty, and hopefully a year where people can embrace their personal freedom. From all of us at LivingLife magazine, a Happy New Year!

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 16 18 20 21 22 24 26 29 30

*new* a fascinating collection covid impact on the rental market diddy directory ghost pubs of bedfordshire pets corner HAVE YOU MET THE QUEEN? CHECK OUT HENLOW PARKRUN CLIFTON WALKING GROUP WRAP UP FOR WINTER FUNGI IN THE WILD SUSTAINABLE SHEFFORD scene by you spot the drone pilot KIDS PUZZLES - BRAIN FITNESS

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a

Fascinating ing

Collection

NEW FEATURE

Collector: Sheila, Redhoods Way West, Letchworth, with contribution thanks to Sue Johnston.

Like so many collections this began by mum buying a few thimbles on holidays and as the numbers increased, she bought a display case for 24 thimbles. As the collection grew over the years mum ended up with three further display cases, housing 72 thimbles each. We would occasionally bring thimbles back from our holidays, a custom that my older son continued, as mum travelled less. A few of the more ornate thimbles don’t fit in the cases but most do.

They come from various places in Europe bought whilst on cruises, river cruises, coach tours and train trips that mum and dad went on with friends and siblings. Mum brought several home from two holidays in Canada and collected them over thirty years. At the moment my favourite is a little metal thimble from Russia, decorated by hand with red and white paint. I particularly like it because although it is decorative, I can also use it as an actual thimble when I’m sewing.

Sadly, mum no longer has any concept of owning things, so my intention is to choose my favourite 24 thimbles and keep the small display case. I would like to think the collection could go to a good home but by its nature it is a way of reflecting the places that my parents went, so I don’t know if anyone would want them as a set. They will probably go to a charity shop and then people may look through them and find places they have visited or would like to go and start their own collection.

Have you got a fascinating collection?

Please get in touch if you would like to show it off in the magazine.

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property

Contribution thanks to

Stacey Eley

What effect has Covid had on the rental market? ooking back to March 2020 when the Lmuch Covid-19 Pandemic hit, there was so uncertainty for so many industries

Green Door Property Management

01462 510765 www.greendoorpm.co.uk

what the impact and outcome was going to be. For us in the lettings industry, we faced many changes and challenges especially in the first lockdown.

The government announced we could not carry out viewings, allow move in’s or move out’s to take place and we had many tenants worried about paying their rental.

Landlords also had their worries about their rental being paid, and then we had the government increase the notice period for landlords to bring a tenancy to an end from two months to six months. It was an uncertain time.

Shortly into the pandemic the furlough scheme was introduced, and most tenants were able to keep up to date with their rental payments and business for us was able to slowly resume again in Autumn 2020, with more precautions in place of course.

Throughout the pandemic the government also introduced some stamp duty cuts on the sale of properties, so some landlords took the opportunity to sell their property and exit the rental market. If we fast forward to now, January 2022 the rental market is extremely strong, rents are at a very good rate and demand is high. We have lots of tenants registered with us who are looking to move.

Some applicants are moving into the area from further south of the country, some are coming to the rental market because they have sold a property whilst others are looking for their next home as they require somewhere bigger or are downsizing to somewhere smaller.

With the landlord notice period to bring a tenancy to an end now reduced back to the pre-pandemic level of 2 months together with the market being so strong it is a great time to become a landlord.

If you are a landlord and have a current tenancy which you need some advice on or if you will be looking for a new tenant soon and need some assistance, please get in touch.

We would be happy to help.

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The

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Diddy Directory

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

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Double

A professional, friendly, local gardening service making your garden somewhere for you to enjoy Claudia McCullough 07907 303130 mulberrygardening.co.uk

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Ghost P ubs O B f

T

edfordshire

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.

he Two Brewers was situated on Hitchin Road in Stotfold. The original building, a pair of adjoined cottages, was opened as a beer house in 1856. In 1933, during Hugh Searle’s tenancy (1927 – 1965), the original building was demolished and a larger, more centrally located building was built instead.

Recent owners were Greene King with Kay Louise Fitzpatrick the licensee. The pub was closed in 2012 and has now been converted to a private dwelling, with additional housing built on the car park.

Memories from Aimee Fitzpatrick…

“I think I lived in The Two Brewers for 6 or so years whilst my mum, Lou, was the landlady.

It never felt like I was living in a pub, it felt like family & friends visiting all the time especially as my nan, aunty and cousin worked there too.

When you walked in the front door you could either go in the public bar to your left with the dart board, authentic card table and lovely open fire, or you could turn right to the saloon bar with the pool table and juke box through to the back… well, until mum decided it would be better opened up and smashed a wall down… without Greene King’s knowledge! It did work better. It was a fantastic pub with live music, bungee jumps, rodeo bulls, surfing machines and steam engines.”

The Two Brewers, Stotfold

Late 1990s - when Lou Fitzpatrick was landlady Photo Credit: Aimee Fitzpatrick

The original Two Brewers Photo credit: Kenny Haskell

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Next month: The Fox & Duck, Clifton

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Quick Crossword Across 1 Cattle (4) 3 Came about (8) 9 Organise (7) 10 Passenger coaches (5) 11 Garden pests (12) 13 Once a year (6) 15 Expose (6) 17 Formation of society (12) 20 Fastening together (5) 21 Equalise (7) 22 Troubling (8) 23 Upper limbs (4) Down 1 Very dark grey colour (8) 2 Not the best (5) 4 Deferred payment (6) 5 Incredible (12) 6 Set aside (7) 7 Hurry (4) 8 More and more (12) 12 Wool covers (8) 14 Louder (7) 16 Type of ape (6) 18 Internal (5) 19 Casserole (4)

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Answers P17

Uncover The Natural.Beautiful.You

For all things Beauty

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PECOTRSNER

brought to you by:

New Year, New You! by Dr Steph Gowing

W

ant to help your pet lose those Christmas pounds? Noticed they’ve been creeping up the kilos on the scales the last few vet visits? Worried you’re adding in a few too many bedtime treats or dinnertime extras?

What is the ideal weight for my pet?

Though we do associate numbers with weight, when vets and nurses look at pets, we’re mainly looking and feeling to estimate ‘body condition score’, a 1-9 score assessing the amount of fat on their bodies.

Ideally in cats and dogs, you should be able to feel their ribs similarly to how you can feel the bones over the back of your hand - with minimal fatty insulation! They should also have a visible waistline where their body curves inwards after their ribs when viewed from above. You can check this at home, or ask one of the staff next time you’re at the vets to help you score your pet and help give you an idea of what weight is their ideal adult one.

How can I help my pet lose weight?

First off, evaluate everything your pet gets to eat over an average day or week - how much in their daily meal(s), plus any treats, chews, toppers or tidbits they get. Measure out their meals and check that it isn’t more than they should be getting for their weight from the packet. Next, cut any treats or tidbits that you can, or exchange them for healthier alternatives below. If you can swap them to a ‘light’ or ‘neutered’ diet, that will also help. Increase their activity where you can, encouraging walks, runs, playing and puzzle feeding or search games.

• • • • • • • •

Courgette - skin on or off, raw or steamed (cats especially love this) Cauliflower Celery Watermelon (you can freeze it too) Broccoli Green beans (trimmed or whole, raw or cooked) Royal Canin Educ treats (part of their weight loss range) Ice cubes (chasing them can also be fun!)

What if I’m trying, but they’re not losing?

Often it can be really hard to reduce a pet’s food enough to get weight loss without restricting the nutrients they need. In these instances, we recommend specialist weight loss diets. These are created especially for rapid recommended weight loss and are significantly calorie restricted, while still providing correct daily nutrients, as well as helping pets feel full and stop them begging, which is something we can see more of when normal diets are restricted. Vets generally recommend diets by companies such as Royal Canin, Purina and Hill’s, not because we are commissioned to do so, but because these companies’ diets are scientifically researched to achieve their function, from controlling kidney disease to achieving safe effective weight loss.

Speak to your veterinary team the next time you’re in or over the phone - you’re not alone! Weight loss is hard work and many vets run weight loss advice sessions and clinics to help your specific situation and challenges, and help you problem solve to keep them losing and maintaining a more ideal weight. Sometimes these can even be done remotely over phone & email.

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education

HAVE YOU MET THE QUEEN? amuel Whitbread Academy is on the lookout for anybody Scelebrate who has met the Queen, to take part in a short film to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. SWA’s film and media

students are creating the video which will include short interviews with people who have met Queen Elizabeth II, recalling their experiences.

Her majesty has visited the local area a number of times in the last few decades, notably opening the new buildings at Samuel Whitbread and the new Arlesey train station in 2006. We know many people flocked to see the Queen, often accompanied by the late Duke of Edinburgh, and our students would love to hear some of these stories!

Our students are incredibly excited about the project, which will see them plan, produce and edit the film using all the skills they have developed at their time at Samuel Whitbread.

The film will be played at the Queens Platinum Jubilee ran byBook Cliftona Parish Council on 4th no obligation and 5th June 2022, as well as being at the forefront of consultation our website andwith socialShefford-based media channels celebrating the event.

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If you would like to share your story or know of someone in the local area who has met the Queen and would want to share their story, please email: SWA-Communications@bestacademies.org.uk with a brief summary and your contact details, or alternatively ring the school reception.

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e: nturner@kdw.co.uk t: 01462 632260 m:07393 340 029 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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HATS Drama Group is back on stage and are proud to present…

The Sleeping Beauty A traditional Family Pantomime by Norman Robbins At Meppershall Village Hall SG17 5AB On Fri 21st, Fri 28th, Sat 29th January at 7.30pm and Sun 23rd, Sun 30th at 1.30pm and 5.30pm Tickets £12 (Adults), £7 (Children), £34 (Family of 4) Book on-line at

www.ticketsource.co.uk/hats-drama or phone 0333 666 3366 No booking fee for on-line booking. £1.75 per phone booking.

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community

Is parkrun on your New Year’s Resolution list??

I

f you’re tired of all the turkey and tinsel and want to have some fun and fresh air on a Saturday morning at your own pace, then parkrun is just the place.

On the 25th September 2021 Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun finally launched with 92 participants running, walking, or jogging round the 5-kilometre course cheered on by 21 enthusiastic volunteers. Since then there have been another 10 events with over 900 finishers. parkrun is a free weekly timed event that happens every Saturday at 9am up and down the country and all over the world. It has been going for over 17 years with over 740 events currently running and more starting up every week. All you need to do to join, is register at www.parkrun.org.uk and print off your personalised barcode and bring this with you each week.

You can run, walk or jog 5 kilometres at your own pace on the weekends that suit you. It is a great way to get a bit of fresh air and exercise with park runners of all abilities and ages. Inclusivity is a critical part of parkrun so no matter your experience or whether you are a runner or a walker you will be welcomed along and cheered to the finish.

When you complete the course, you will be given a finish token which, along with your barcode, will be scanned so you can receive a time. No one comes last at parkrun and there is always a tail walker to make sure everyone finishes safely. parkruns are run by volunteers and without them there just wouldn’t be an event and every week they give up their time to enthusiastically clap and cheer people all the way to the finish. Becoming part of the volunteer community is a rewarding way to get involved in parkrun and a great way to socialise and make new friends. We have even had students taking part in volunteering to help attain their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Anyone can volunteer as there are various roles including marshalling, time keeping and barcode scanning to name but a few. If you would like to volunteer, you can do this by sending an email to henlowbridgelakes@parkrun.com. You can view this parkrun and see the volunteer roles available by visiting www.parkrun.org.uk/henlowbridgelakes. Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

So what are you waiting for? Make parkrun one of your New Year’s resolutions, I guarantee you won’t regret it! All the best for 2022!

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community

Contribution thanks to

clifton walking group

Suzanne I’ons 07933709006

ionssuzanne@gmail.com

S

aturday 11th December saw Clifton Walkers celebrating the end of another year of walking around Clifton and the surrounding villages. Our group meal was superbly organised by Jo, our Social Secretary and staff at The Black Horse, Ireland provided superb food and service. The event was topped off (excuse the pun) with a gift of a hand knitted bobble hat to each member, thanks Karen and Sue! Reflecting on the past year I’ve noticed how easy it has been for new members to get started and settle into the group. Despite the continuing challenges of Covid 19 during 2021 we managed to cover an impressive number of miles whilst observing the ever-changing detail of our environment, discovering something different almost daily including swans and their growing cygnets, sun rises and sunsets, cloud formations, fungi and more. Chatting as we go, no topic of conversation is out of bounds, but humour seems to be a prerequisite. Whatever you call it, walking, rambling or ambling, it sharpens the senses, calms the mind and heightens our curiosity.

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

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Wrap up for winter Winter is upon us and as chilly as it is now, the lowest temperatures are likely yet to come. Even hardy British plants will suffer in particularly miserable weather, so whether your garden is already covered in snow and ice, or simply has a slight frosting, it’s time to make sure that it’s wrapped up warmly.

Plants in containers are particularly vulnerable to winter damage as their roots are not protected beneath the soil. If the garden soil isn’t frozen solid, plunge any pot that can be plunged. If it’s too heavy to move, then wrap it up well in bubble wrap, polythene or old curtains.

Most shrubs and trees in your garden will be hardy in the UK, but if very harsh weather is forecast or there has been a spell of mild weather that may have encouraged the plant to produce some soft, new growth, then drape a double layer of horticultural fleece over the top growth of the plants and anchor it well.

A double fleece layer can of course be used on plants in beds and borders too. Weigh down the edges of the fleece well with bricks or use metal pegs at intervals along its length. Larger individual plants in borders can be given good, individual protection if you use four sturdy canes to create a framework, wrap it with netting or chicken wire, then fill the central space around the plant with dry bracken, straw or leaves.

Many wall shrubs are grown there because they aren’t the hardiest of plants. To reduce risk of damage, make a similar ‘cage’ of mesh around these and again fill it with dry material so that the plant inside remains snug. Make sure you don’t use materials that can’t breathe or the plants will deteriorate.

Evergreens in containers and in open ground may suffer from drought as well as foliage or

stem growth. Deep mulch applied to the soil surface on the root area before the ground becomes frosted will help immeasurably.

Even hardy fruit trees are prone to damage.

Although quite tough, the newly opened blossom and the buds themselves may be damaged, with late frosts being most harmful because the buds are further developed. A fleece cover will help here too. If you live in a particularly cold area, buy them from a local specialist nursery who know local conditions, and try to buy lateflowering varieties.

If your garden is windy, try investing in some fleecy jackets for your favourite shrubs. These are made from fleece and are like massive bags, complete with a drawstring at the open end. Alternatively, use a double layer of ordinary fleece, wrap it around and cut to size before clipping or tying in place.

Outdoor taps and pipework will need protection too or could result in burst pipes and expensive bills. Ideally, turn outside taps off at the mains, but if this isn’t feasible, make sure any exposed pipework is properly insulated. Your local builder’s merchant or DIY store is worth a visit for this job – well-insulated pipes and garden taps could save you a fortune.

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photography

Contribution thanks to

FUNGI IN THE WILD

Anne Greenhalgh Insta: @nicoiseannie

From local photographer, Anne Greenhalgh

his month Anne Greenhalgh is sharing some of the mini world fungus photos T she took in local woods whilst walking her dog this autumn. Her interest in the world of fungus began as a child when visiting family in France.

There were long walks into the mountain forests looking for edible mushrooms that would then be dried and stored. These subjects are easier to capture as unlike butterflies who flit about, fungus keeps still, although lack of light can be tricky in the wood undergrowth.

Anne is approaching her 10th year of uploading a photo a day to the Blipfoto website.

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ENVIRONMENT

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE SHEFFORD

Contribution thanks to Nicola Dowlen & Hannah Leavy

Sustainable Shefford Facebook @SustainableShefford

the dust settling on COP26 it would be easy to wonder where we all fit into doing With something about climate change. But there is a lot we can do individually to make a difference.

This is the focus for a small group whose aim is to share ideas and find practical ways to create a more sustainable planet. The group - Sustainable Shefford - currently has 18 members, who meet monthly to discuss ideas and increase awareness. New members are always welcome and don’t have to reside in Shefford.

Sustainable living involves reducing the amount of earth’s resources that you use to help protect it - we need to become more sustainable to protect the Earth for future generations.

One area of focus is how we see things we no longer need. Much of what we dispose of can be repurposed, reused, recycled, repaired, and renovated - examples include children’s toys, clothing, furniture, and bicycles.

Try following some of these tips if you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle: 1. Save energy By using less energy, you can help to reduce carbon emissions. Ways to save energy at home include switching off standby appliances, turning your heating down and hanging clothes to dry instead of using a drier. Energy meters also help to monitor your energy usage.

2. Eat less meat.

The production of meat is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. By reducing your consumption, you can help to reduce this impact.

3. Avoid single use plastics.

Single-use products, particularly plastic ones, tend to end up in landfill and the ocean, causing harm to wildlife and the environment. Choose eco-friendly alternatives, for example a reusable water bottle.

4. Donate unused items If you don’t use a product or wear a piece of clothing anymore, give it to a charity shop so it can be reused.

5. Save water You can save water in and around your home by making several small changes, for example only boiling the water you need and taking showers instead of baths.

6. Buy fair trade products Fairtrade certification means a product has been produced by a company committed to sustainable production. Look out for this mark on the packaging of products you buy.

7. Don’t waste food If you have leftovers, don’t throw them away. Save them for the next day or freeze them. Any food waste left can then be put in your food caddy for weekly collection.

8. Use eco-friendly cleaning products Some cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Using ecofriendly cleaning products helps to prevent these chemicals from having a negative impact on the Earth.

Useful links: www.plasticfree.org.uk/community/shefford 24

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To lick into shape Believed to come from medieval times when it was widely believed that bear cubs were born without any shape. The mother bear must continually lick them until they are the correct bear shape. This is supported by an encyclopaedia of Avicenna (979 - 1037), an Arab physician: “Enforced as a bear doth her whelps, to bring forth this Confused lump, I had not time to lick it into form.” (Robt Burton.

Anatomy of Melancholy 1621.)

To chance your arm This phrase originated in the military. It referred to anyone who was willing to break the rules and therefore run the risk of losing a badge from their arm, e.g. a sergeant’s stripes.

Slap bang Originally used to refer to a cheap eating house where the diner ‘slapped’ their money down as the food was ‘banged’ on the table.

“They lived in the same street, walked to town every morning at the same hour, dined at the same slap bang every day.” Charles Dickens Sketches by Boz (1836).

Turn a blind eye It is believed that this phrase originates with naval hero Horatio Nelson, who used his blind eye to look through his telescope. This way he was able to avoid signals from his superior, who wanted him to withdraw from battle. He attacked nevertheless and was victorious.

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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

Dragan Marjanovic

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Linda Parcell

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Gary

Hedgehog

Arlesey Graveyard early morning Beautiful Morning

Great Tit

Polehanger walk

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Occupation Baker Buyer Chef Chemist Cleaner Cook Courier Doctor Farmer Lawyer Manager Mechanic Nanny Nurse Physicist Pilot

Plumber Printer Surgeon Surveyor Teacher Tutor Waiter Welder

Find these occupations in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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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 15/01/2022. Only 1 entry per person. Judge’s decision is final.

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