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Issue 39 February 2022
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delivery boys’ review ALSO INSIDE
A FASCINATING COLLECTION SCENE BY YOU PUZZLES OF THE PYRAMIDS
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Competition Winner
january
a big well done to:
james broadhurst 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 February’s instalment of LivingLife Magazine. Our delivery boys (and girls) were very busy in January, however, they did manage to squeeze in a visit to the Airman Kitchen, a familiar restaurant next to the A507 roundabout This month’sMeppershall cover photo was between and captured by Kate McBurney Shefford. (John’s wife) during an evening Last across month’s cover fields photo stroll the farmers was captured by local phonear Henlow Village. Competographer, Matthew Barber. Inside tition this edition, Matthew Winner talks about his passion for photography and showcases some of his favourite photos.
| 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.
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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.
Our editor, John, takes another trip on the Wanderbus, his destination in January was St. Neots in Cambridgeshire. The long version of this article will be going up as a blog post on our website (www. livinglifemagazine.co.uk) plus | John McBurney | a whole host of photos we couldn’t fit in the magazine. Please check it out if you want to see more. This month’s cover photo was captured in January last year. It portrays a wintery scene across Champneys’ field with the huge oak tree standing tall and strong. Henlow village can be seen in the background and the houses are those in Coach Road and Elm Close. At the time of going to print, we have seen hardly any snow this winter, so it would seem likely that February and March could be our snowy months! We do hope so, we love a bit of snow; building snowmen, snowball fights, and of course, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of sledging! Stay safe, keep warm and enjoy the winter fun!
Kind Regards, Andrew & John
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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our next journey on the wanderbus delivery boys’ review - it’s Back! diddy directory ghost pubs of bedfordshire crossword pets corner CLIFTON WALKING GROUP a fascinating collection enjoying photography shefford thai chi festival scene by you wordsearch spot the drone pilot KIDS PUZZLES - puzzles of the pyramids
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TAKE A RIDE ON THE....... We continue our journey…
John catches the Wanderbus to St. Neots!
Check out all the photos on our blog
THE ROUTE On the 2nd Thursday of the month the W9 & W10 services go to St. Neots - a charming riverside market town in Cambridgeshire. THE JOURNEY The W9 picks-up at Shefford, Clifton, Henlow, Langford, Broom, Southill, Stanford and Caldecote, and the W10 pick-ups at Meppershall, Shillington, Stondon and Stotfold. I jumped on the bus at Stotfold at 9.45am and we were soon heading up the A1. Our driver today was Clive, and typical of Wanderbus drivers, he greeted me with a friendly smile. Our drop-off point was Market Square in the town centre, arriving at around 10.15am, and the return bus departing at 12.15pm from the same place, as such, you have two hours to explore! THE DESTINATION The Wanderbus to St. Neots coincides with Market Day, so, my first port of call was to visit the market stalls. It’s a good little market, with finshmongers, butchers, fruit and veg, bookstore, and clothes stalls. The butcher’s stall was basically a huge lorry, and the butcher was wired up with a microphone and public address system keeping things lively and entertaining. I purchased x5 packs of Dry Cured Oak Smoked Bacon for £5 (absolute bargain and the bacon was delicious). I also purchased two large packs of sausages. Great produce at fantastic prices. Next up, I wanted to do a quick tour of St. Neots with my camera to take in the sights and capture some piccies. There’s quite a lot to see as you explore the historic side streets and arcades in the town centre, and you will discover plenty of independent coffee shops and cafes on your way, there are also some impressive churches to visit, plus a walk along the river side is a must. Please check out our blog on the website to view all the photos. During my tour I discovered the ‘Refill Shop’, a fabulous little shop whose ethos is plastic-free whole food, promoting sustainable living and zero waste. The Refill Shop is located on St. Mary’s Street and is well worth a visit. Wanderbus is a fabulous community service, and it is important that the service is used, however, there were only five passengers on the W10 service and the expression ‘use it or lose it’ sprung to mind. So please support your Wanderbus and help keep this service going.
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food & drink
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DELIVERY BOYS’ REVIEW We check out the local restaurants & eateries
with.
by John McBurney & Andrew Martin was yummy, and we both remarked upon how good the chilli sauce was, very refreshing, with subtle, unfamiliar flavours. Our starters were equally appetizing and very well presented. Whilst we waited for our main course, we checked out the décor. The Airman Kitchen is a traditional inn, with a rustic feel, with exposed ceiling beams and open fire. All very cosy and relaxing.
L
ivingLife’s previous visit to the Airman Hotel was back in December 2019, but since then so much has changed. The restaurant, with new owners, is now called the ‘Airman Kitchen’ and is famed for serving authentic Turkish cuisine. Ali, the owner, kindly invited us to sample their culinary delights. Our food connoisseurs on this occasion would be me, John (LivingLife editor), and my wife, Kate. We opted for an ‘early doors’ visit, arriving at around 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon. The restaurant was already quite busy, so it is advisable to phone up and book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
For mains, Kate ordered the ‘Chicken Shish’ – lean chunks of chicken breast skewered and grilled over charcoal, served with rice, couscous, and salad. The chicken was out of this world. This method of cooking, over charcoal, gives the chicken an amazing taste and texture. You really do have to try this. John ordered the ‘Lamb Shish Yoghurt’ – marinated lamb grilled over charcoal, with yoghurt and tomato
We were greeted by our waiter, Tolga, a delightful man, and he escorted us to our table. We soon had stylish black menus in our hands - a traditional Turkish menu, with hot and cold starters, traditional meat grills, grilled seafood, a selection of special Turkish dishes, homemade specials, and vegetarian dishes. Kate is a big fan of falafel and chose ‘Falafel with Humus’ for starters. John opted for the ‘King Prawns’ starter, which comes with garlic, mushroom, parsley and butter sauce. Before our starters arrived, Tolga delivered a tray of Turkish flatbread, accompanied with chilli sauce, olives and garlic yoghurt. This 8
This Month’s Review The Airman Kitchen 16 Hitchin Road, Shefford SG17 5JF
01462 814495
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sauce then drizzled in butter. This was served with rice, couscous, and salad. Once again, the meat was cooked to perfection, so succulent, and very tasty.
Finally, Ali gave us a guided tour of the kitchen, and we were fascinated with the three-metrelong charcoal grill used to cook the meat. It was really interesting to see how the food is prepared and cooked.
We decided to try one of the nonalcoholic ‘Mocktails’ - the ‘Airman Love’ and A very enjoyable meal and lovely experience, these went down a treat, containing cranberry, we simply can’t wait to visit the Airman Kitchen apple, strawberry puree and soda water. Highly again. recommended. After eating so much delicious food we opted to share a desert, and profiteroles were the perfect way to finish our meal. After our meal we chatted with Ali, and he talked about his plans to extend the restaurant. We won’t go into details here, but to keep up to date on what’s happening at the Airman Kitchen be sure to follow their page on Facebook. Ali explained how much time and effort his team put into the food preparation in the kitchen, for example, the chilli sauce has a total of 11 vegetables in it, creating an amazing sauce with subtle tastes that get the juices flowing.
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Ghost P ubs O B f
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.
The Fox & Duck pub was located on Broad Street in Clifton, Bedfordshire. Historical records first mention the pub in 1857 and over the years has had many owners/licensees including, Mansel Millard, a brewer from Meppershall, who took charge in 1875, then in 1919 became owned by Luton Brewers, J. W. Green Limited, and in the 1960s taken over by Whitbread, to name a few. In 1983 the pub changed its name to The Clifton Arms. The property is now a popular Indian restaurant called the Clifton Cuisine.
The Fox & Duck, Clifton
Surviving Artefact… We were delighted when Richard Marriott contacted LivingLife to say that he had a set of beer pumps including handles which came from the Fox & Duck, and would we like to photograph them? Richard bought the beer pumps about ten years ago from Kevin Machin (landlord of the Engineers Arms pub, Henlow) who had acquired them from a chap who got them from the original pub. Richard paid £50 for them as part of charity donation event organised by Kevin. Richard had planned to install the beer pumps into the bar in the family room at his home, however, after consideration, he decided not to cut the pumps down and instead leave them in their original form. So, what are Richard’s plans for the beer pumps now? “Hopefully find a home for them with a more fitting use.” Set of beer pumps including handles 12
Richard Marriott pours a pint
Next month: The Star, Arlesey
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Quick Crossword Across 1 Mail (4) 3 Smallest in length (8) 9 Rested (7) 10 Line of people (5) 11 To do with sums (12) 14 Early morning moisture (3) 16 Very angry (5) 17 Neckwear (3) 18 Despite (12) 21 Deal with (5) 22 Washing (7) 23 Interfering (8) 24 Enquires (4) Down 1 Egyptian structures (8) 2 Divide (5) 4 Tool for carrying bricks (3) 5 Specific needs (12) 6 Graceful (7) 7 Long walk (4) 8 Still being tested (12) 12 Modify (5) 13 Letters or texts (8) 15 Saturday and Sunday (7) 19 Leaves (5) 20 Part of a flower (4) 22 Prohibit (3)
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Answers P19
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PECOTRSNER
brought to you by:
Matters of the Heart by Dr Steph Gowing MRCVS
T
his month we’re taking the theme of Valentine’s Day and discussing matters of the heart - particularly heart murmurs. Some of you may have pets who have one and have had to undergo further testing. So what does it mean? What is a heart murmur? It’s an abnormal sound in the heart heard when carefully listening with a stethoscope. This is often a ‘whooshing’ sound heard between the heartbeats. It is usually caused by abnormal blood flow (turbulence) within the heart or the blood vessels associated with the heart. This can be caused by faulty valves, changed heart muscle or a change of direction to blood flow. What should I do if my vet has heard a murmur in my pet’s heart? If your pet is very young, initially the vet will monitor the heart sounds closely to see if the murmur disappears. Innocent (benign) murmurs can occur due to the fast flow of blood in a small heart. As the puppy or kitten grows and the heart matures these murmurs gradually disappear. They should usually disappear by six months of age. If the murmur is very loud or does not improve, your vet will recommend further investigation. In older patients, the murmur is most often permanent. Usually a heart ultrasound scan will be recommended, which will allow the vet to look at the structure of the heart to see what changes have caused the murmur. A murmur is characterised by location, timing and a volume grade of 1-6. This allows vets to track any changes that may mean changes in the heart structure. Why is my pet having a murmur important? As murmurs are usually related to changes in the heart, this means they are often a symptom of heart disease. Heart disease may stay stable and not impact the pet for a long time, or it may change and cause heart failure. This happens when the heart disease has progressed to the point where the heart is struggling to do its job and the pet may start showing symptoms. There are different stages of heart failure which is why it is important to scan these pets’ hearts before symptoms are obvious. Starting medication at the appropriate time, usually before symptoms appear, can significantly improve their lifespan. What does more significant heart disease look like? Symptoms of advanced heart failure include: exercise intolerance, breathing problems, a cough, collapse, weakness, or pale gums. The earliest change that is often seen is an increase in the resting breath rate. This is the number of breaths your pet takes in one minute. It is important that this is taken when the pet is at rest and relaxed. If your pet has been diagnosed with a heart murmur and you notice any of the above signs please contact your vet.
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community
Contribution thanks to
Bill Lynch
clifton walking group
Please contact for info:
Suzanne I’ons -07933709006 ionssuzanne@gmail.com
T
he Clifton Walking Group has a fluctuating membership of about 25 folk. We’re not competitive and we do chat a lot when we’re walking. Default times for walks are currently 8.30 am and mid to late afternoon to suit weather conditions, working hours and the seasons. We communicate via WhatsApp to arrange precise times and exactly who is up for a walk on the particular day from our usual meeting point, the Golden Lion Car Park. We walk for an hour or so on weekdays, with a longer planned Saturday walk of about 3 hours each month. Just for fun, we keep a running total of how far we walk and check it against the map to record our ‘virtual’ progress and all the exciting places we could have visited if we’d been walking in a straight-ish line. During 2021 we’ve ‘virtually’ walked through most of Europe, down through the Balkans to Greece and across the Bosphorus into Asia Minor. By the end of the year we’ve variously ended up in places like Istanbul, Lake Garda, Isfahan, Gallipoli, or Bucharest and together we’ve walked right round the Moon (twice!) – all without leaving sunny Clifton.
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Stondon WI NEEDS YOU!! New members (any age) are welcome Meet at Stondon Village Hall Every 3rd Wednesday each month At 7.45pm Variety of activities: including speakers, games, quizzes, craft, garden parties, competitions COME AND JOIN US, MAKE NEW FRIENDS
For further information CONTACT THELMA ENDERSBY 01462 850421 Summer Garden Party
CONTACT THELMA 01462 850421
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a
Fascinating ing
Collection
NEW FEATURE
Collector: LESLEY WHITEMAN, SHEFFORD
T
his collection of 78 spoons belonged to my mum. It was kept in 2 display cases made by my dad and hung on the wall in my parents’ dining room. Sadly they both passed away last year, so it’s now in my possession. The collection began around 40 years ago with mum buying herself holiday souvenirs - then my brother and I joined in and bought her a spoon whenever we went away. Mum’s collection includes spoons from all over the world - USA, Caribbean, Jersey, Paris and much closer to home, Devon, Blackpool etc. My favourites invoke happy childhood memories, particularly the Norfolk Broads and a Christmas spoon. I’ve decided to keep one display case filled with spoons that bring back memories of my parents and childhood. The other display case may be turned into a spice rack – I’ve just got to work out how. As for the remaining spoons, maybe I can find another collector who will cherish them.
Have you got a fascinating collection? Please get in touch if you would like to show it off in the magazine. 20
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photography
Contribution thanks to
ENJOYING PHOTOGRAPHY With Stotfold photographer, Matthew Barber
Matthew Barber
Insta: @mattbarberphotos
I
’ve always enjoyed photography. From holiday snaps at a young age, to learning about the intricacies of how cameras work and why shots come out differently when you adjust the camera settings. My main equipment is my Nikon D5500 or A1000, or my mobile phone. Each camera has its own perks and pitfalls, but as a point and shoot camera that’s always with me, there’s no faulting using a mobile phone camera! I enjoy visiting the RSPB in Sandy and the Stotfold Watermill nature reserve. Also, the farm tracks off Common Road and Astwick Road are fun to walk down with a camera. There’s always something different to photograph – the way that the sunlight is bringing out the colours of the trees and bushes, or different birds in new locations to capture. The majority of my shots are either wildlife or landscape photos. However, I enjoy trying out all different styles of photography from portraiture to macro shots of things I find either in my daily life, or when out in nature. My main tips would be to keep exploring and experimenting with your photography. I’m always finding new ways to compose my shots, different techniques to use or angles to photograph a subject from. But above all else, and I know this sounds really clichéd, enjoy yourself! To see more, you can follow Matt on Instagram @mattbarberphotos
or visit his Etsy shop:
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MattBarberPhotos
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ased our:
Dreaming of retiring but not sure your pension will last? You might be surprised. Shefford-based Nicholas Turner can help you review your pensions and plan for your retirement, whenever that may be.
Nicholas Turner Chartered Financial Planner
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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community
Contribution thanks to
SHEFFORD TAI CHI FESTIVAL
Ian Deavin
07860 218334
World Tai Chi Day 30th April 10am – 4pm Shefford Community Hall
ian@sheffordtaichi.org
hefford Tai Chi group are delighted to announce that on April 30th 10.00 – 4.00 we will once Swatch again present the Shefford Tai Chi Festival at the Community Hall, where guests can come to demonstrations and participate in taster sessions of Tai Chi and other alternative health
exercises and Martial Arts. A much-enjoyed session of restrained inter-styles, free martial practice is expected at the end of the festival. Entry to the festival is free – we take donations for refreshments, which go to charity. Previously featured activities have included Alexander Technique, Yoga, Taekwando, Jujitsu, Wing Chun and Massage tasters. We invite anyone interested to demonstrate their art to contact Ian as listed above
There is no charge for participation.
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Don’t count your chickens until they are hatched This saying has been around for thousands of years and appears in one of Aesop’s Fables, ‘The Milkmaid and her Pail’. It can be argued that there are more versions of this phrase than almost any other. Shakespeare has a version in Henry V and there is a Hindu proverb that is equivalent: “Don’t bargain for fish that are still in the water”. The Full Monty This is thought to originate from Montague Burton’s tailoring store where a three-piece suit – jacket, waistcoat and trousers – became known as the full monty. Burton’s first shop was opened in 1904 but sadly no longer exists.
A diamond is forever The South African diamond company De Beers used this in their 1939 advertising campaign to promote the tradition of diamond engagement rings. Bob’s your uncle In 1887, British Prime Minister Robert Cecil decided to appoint Arthur Balfour to the post of Chief Secretary for Ireland. Cecil happened to be better known to Arthur Balfour as ‘Uncle Bob’. This was seen as act of blatant nepotism, and “Bob’s your uncle” became a popular sarcastic comment applied to any situation where the outcome was preordained by favouritism. In time, the phrase lost its edge and was just used to indicate a situation that was all sorted.
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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
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2 5 A big thanks to this month’s submissions
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Alan Holloway
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Debbie Flint
3
Dragan Marjanovic
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Linda Parcell
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Tracii Thomson
Unknown Visitors
Old Hunstanton Beach - Sunny Hunny as we call it
Steam Engine
Colin the Fox Snow in the Pit
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Weather
Blizzard Breeze Bright Changeable Cloud Cold Downpour Drought Flood Foggy Sleet Frost Snow Gale Sultry Hot Hurricane Sunshine Tornado Icy Overcast Warm Whirlwind Rain Find these names of weather conditions 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 15/02/2022. Only 1 entry per person. Judge’s decision is final.
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