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Issue 45 August 2022

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Welcome

FROM THE EDITOrS

Welcome to the August edition of LivingLife Magazine! August comes from the Latin word augustus meaning “consecrated” or “venerable”, | John McBurney | | Andrew Martin | which in turn is related to the Latin augur meaning “consecrated by augury” or “auspicious.” It is the eighth month of the year, and in the northern hemisphere it is usually considered the last month of summer, and what an amazing summer we are having! We hope you are managing to keep cool! On that note, inside this month’s magazine, you will find an informative article all about the benefits of installing air conditioning systems in the home and office. The article has been provided by one of our long-term advertisers, TJ Plumbing Shefford Ltd - the go-to installation experts for air conditioning systems. IMPORTANT MESSAGE!! This month… WE NEED A GOLDEN TICKET WINNER! Once again, our fabulous Golden Ticket Competition is a roll-over, with the prize pot reaching a staggering £75! Please, please, please have a good rummage through the magazine to discover that lucky single golden ticket!

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the benefits of air-conditioning! golden ticket competition diddy directory kid’s got talent spider runners - adventure time ouse the daddy? shefford craft show update hanging basket competition scene by you

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 talented teenager this month is Mackenzie Allen, an amazing roller hockey player from Stotfold. You can find out more about Mackenzie in our ‘Kid’s Git Talent’ feature. Also inside, Mike Bullock from Spider Runners provides his latest update, this month it is all about how to have a running adventure! We also have a fascinating article from Jason Shacklock who provides a truly inspiring write-up titled ‘Ouse the Daddy’ which details an 82-mile charity canoe challenge from Clifton to Kings Lynn undertaken by a team of 11 intrepid adventurers. Once again, there are lots of community events taking place over the next couple of months. Please have a flick through the magazine to find the posters which contain all of the relevant event information.

till next month

John & Andrew Next Copy Deadline 4th August for our September 2022 Issue Phone us 01462 414265 Email us admin@livinglifemagazine.co.uk visit us online www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk Like us on Facebook @Livinglifemagazine Follow us on Instagram @Livinglifemagazine

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AIR CONDITIONING – WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? From TJ Plumbing Shefford Ltd Heating and cooling

Air conditioning isn’t just for hot weather. An efficient air conditioning system is the ideal climate control solution – great for heating and cooling your home or business and maintaining a comfortable temperature all year round.

Bosch Climate 3000i

Most air conditioning systems come with separate heating and cooling modes. Simply set your ideal temperature and relax – your system will adjust itself to maintain the temperature you want. Scheduling options are available, as are presence detection features, so you can program your air conditioning to suit your routine. Or simply adjust it manually whenever you need to. Some systems can even be controlled via your phone.

Improved air quality

Air conditioning is great at cleaning your air. Use your air conditioner to reduce humidity and filter out pollen and dust. Not only does this significantly improve air quality, but it also creates a safe environment for allergy sufferers. This means that air conditioning is a great way to make a comfortable, healthy space for customers, employees, or your household. Air conditioning can even help you prevent flies and insects from entering your home. Maintain and service your system regularly to ensure that it continues to circulate and filter air efficiently and effectively, giving you the clean air that you need.

Protect property

Air conditioning can help you look after your electronics and furniture. Stop your electrical technology from overheating and getting damaged with an effective air conditioning installation – whether you’ve got a home desktop, an office full of computers or an extensive server room, we can find the right climate control solution for you. Air conditioning can also help you protect your furniture. Wooden furniture kept in rooms with untreated air can develop problems like warp, rot, and mould growth. Use climate control to lower your room temperature and remove humidity from the air. It is worth noting that air conditioning units are completely VAT free and TJ Plumbing can also offer 0% interest free credit! If you would like to find out more about the benefits of Air Conditioning, then simply contact Emma or Terry on 01462 860043 or visit the website www.tjps.co.uk.

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Can you find the Golden Ticket? Keep a keen eye out in this magazine for this month’s Golden Ticket. If you find it simply give us a call and quote the code on the ticket to claim the prize.

Prize fund Sponsored by...

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Monthly cash prize of £25! If this it is not claimed, then the prize fund will roll over to the following month! The ticket will be loose in the magazine and have a unique 5 letter code. To claim, simply call us on 01462 414265. Winners agree to being published in LivingLife Magazine. Call must be received before the expiry date on the ticket. The editor’s decision is final.

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Welcome to our monthly feature: ’Kid’s Got Talent’ The place where we showcase the amazing talents of local children. We hope this will help motivate and inspire other children to discover new sports and hobbies.

Mackenzie Allen age: 14 from: stotfold Name:

Q. Do you have a special talent? Can you explain what it is? I play Roller Hockey, which is hockey on skates. Q. How and when did you get involved in Roller Hockey? My dad started Letchworth Roller Hockey Club in 1984 and I started playing when I was 7 years old. Q. How much kit and gear do you need? You need specific Roller hockey skates, knee pads, shin pads, gloves, and box. Q. Where and how often do you practice? We train at North Herts Leisure Club on a Wednesday for 3 hours with the under 17’s and on a Thursday for 2 hours with the senior players. Q. Are you a member of a club? I am a member of the Letchworth Roller Hockey Club. Q. Do you enter competitions? Have you ever won any trophies? Yes, we play in the Eastern Counties Leagues and National Leagues. I have won lots of trophies. We have won U13, U15 twice, Jubilee Cup, National Cup and Eastern Counties Cup. Q. What is your greatest achievement in Roller Hockey? Probably winning National player of the year when I was 11 and recently becoming part of the England project team where I may get selected to play for England in the U17’s Europeans next year. Q. Who is your favourite Roller Hockey Player and why? Favourite player is Pedro Gil who plays for Sporting Lisbon and is an incredible player. 12

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Q. Is your sport dangerous? Have you ever been injured? The sport is non-contact, so there are very few accidents, but they do happen. I haven’t had any bad injuries just a few ‘polos’, which is the mark left when the ball hits your body sometimes. Q. Do you dream of competing for your country when you are older? Yes, hopefully next year in the U17’s.

Q. Any advice or tips for anyone wanting to get involved in Roller Hockey? Start young, ideally 9 or younger as it’s a very competitive sport and difficult to get into if you are older.

Does your child have an amazing talent?

if so, please get in touch at admin@livinglifemagazine.co.uk

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FITNESS & WELLBEING

THE SPIDER RUNNERS How to have a running adventure!

Contribution thanks to

Mike Bullock Spider Runners www.bit.ly/spiderrunners

One of the positive things that came out of Lockdown (apart from Tiger King) was seeing families hot-footing it down footpaths they’d never really noticed before. Discovering hidden lakes, wildlife & fauna, or new coffee-shops with gooey brownies and frothy lattes, right on our doorsteps ….and that’s the joy of adventuring ! It’s not like a 10k race…there are no rules. We’ve ran up the Eiger (yikes) but equally enjoy adventuring with friends to the local Starbucks But assuming none of us are named Sir Ranulph Fiennes, how do we have an adventure ???? Adventures don’t need to involve leaping off mountains like Bear Grylls, or eating spiders & mushrooms with Ray Mears, you just need to try something you’ve never tried before. One small step outside our comfort zones, is still classed as pushing our limits. Fortunately, Letchworth has many hidden adventures, right on our doorsteps, all year round, so here’s the Spider Runners Top Tips …. Phone a friend - Whatever treasures you find, or memories you make, are a million times better if shared with buddies. Slow it down - It doesn’t matter how fast you go (walking is cool too), you’ll spot more hidden sights if you slow down Check the Map - Years ago, this meant poring over a paper map with its confusing symbols, then struggling to remember how to fold it back up, but nowadays , there’s apps like OS Maps, View Ranger or even the Maps button on your phone to show you the way.Just pick a pre-planned route and follow the arrows. Talk to the animals - Whether it’s spotting the Fairfield Deer or being amazed by the shoals of fish in the Stotfold Brook, there’s always wildlife if you’re eagle-eyed . Stotfold Nature Reserve is a hidden delight, with it’s wildlife hides. Worth a trip with the kids. Forest Bathing - There’s no water involved, all you need is trees …head over to Etonbury woods and give it a try https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/thrive-together/live-well/forest-bathing-try Riverside tranquility - Whether it’s pond-dipping, walking alongside the River Hiz, or hunting the hidden Pirate-Lakes in Arlesey, running water on a hot day is remarkably calming. Weather - There’s no such thing as bad weather, just poor choices of gear…big kids enjoy puddle jumping, and muddy feet are soon forgotten with a hot chocolate when you get home. Cake (other foods are allowed) - Either fill a backpack with a picnic or (our favourite) pick a route via a local coffee shop and reward yourself with a cream tea (Thornes Garden Centre has cakes in the Orangerie if the British weather turns gloomy.

As an introduction to local adventuring, Spider Runners will be leading a Run and Walk to find the Hidden Lakes of Arlesey on Bank Holiday Monday 29th August. 10am start…100% inclusive, all abilities welcome. To sign up, join Spider Runners on Facebook via the link above.

Mama & Papa Spider 14

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Quick Crossword Across 1 Cut short (4) 3 Adversary (8) 9 Error (7) 10 Board game (5) 11 Very eager (12) 13 Informal (6) 15 Small piece of food (6) 17 Books giving meanings of words (12) 20 Relating to the moon (5) 21 Absence of sound (7) 22 Moving very fast (8) 23 Spheres (4) Down 1 Business (8) 2 Start of (5) 4 Written in rhyme (6) 5 Now and then (12) 6 Protect the eyes (7) 7 Throw (4) 8 Produced (12) 12 Small bunches or groups (8) 14 Physics or chemistry (7) 16 Untie (6) 18 Lying within (5) 19 Add to (4)

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Answers P29

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chartiy Contribution thanks to

OUSE THE DADDY?

Jason Shacklock

An 82-mile canoe challenge from Clifton to Kings Lynn ur charity adventure started a year ago when skipper, Neil O Blannin, wanted to fulfil his dream of taking his Canadian canoe from Clifton to Kings Lynn. He set out to recruit

another ten, equally fit men, and in prime physical condition. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find any, so these ten chaps stepped in. The team trained a bit at weekends but all the great work we put in was then washed down with a good few IPAs at the Admiral pub. Our four-man support crew were carefully picked, including a truck and two cars with the main purpose being safety, surveillance and most importantly, several hot cooked, bacon rolls at our daily stops. We set off from the River Ivel in Clifton at 6am on Wednesday 8th June, and we knew that our first night stop was some 26 miles away and a gruelling 11 hours of canoeing. One of the dangers we didn’t allow for in our risk assessment was swan-gate. After meeting a couple of swans and their signets, Daddy Swan took an immediate dislike to one of our boats. It puffed out his chest, hissed and then attacked. Our two canoeists bravely defended themselves but there was only going to be one outcome. After several wet moments for some of our canoeists, we reached the farm for our overnight stop with BBQ and bed. Day 2 started early on the water at Buckden Marina, ahead of our planned 27-mile day canoe. If we thought day 1 was hard, day 2 will live long in our memories. Sheer exhaustion eventually led us to a hotel in Ely, with a meal and a few beers right by Ely cathedral. The third day of 22 miles was painful, with blisters, aching shoulders, back pain, cramp, and sheer fatigue for us all. It was a slog as we hit 10-mile bank, where all you can see, was err, nothing but straight, never-ending, banks of the river! Night three though was a lovely pub restaurant, so we slept well going into our final day. We paddled, gingerly, into Kings Lynn; our final destination but with large smiles etched on our faces. It was then big group hugs and kisses as we celebrated our mammoth challenge. 82 miles completed over four days and three nights by these athletic canoeists (aka 11 old daft men with ideas above their capabilities) but boy did they do it and boy did they do it well! Our nominated charity, Movember, which supports Mens Mental Health, Prostate Cancer, and Testicular Cancer, currently stands at £7,700 including gift aid. Family and friends are still in utter shock that these 11 men actually completed the 82-mile challenge. Our canoeists were Skipper Neil Blannin, Neil Panton, Ian Saunders. Jules Boothby, Wayne ‘Taff’ Morgan, Liam Panton, Steve Nott, Jason Shacklock, Adam Nott, Tom Saunders & Rob Cook. Our driving crew were Martin Kemp, Andrew Thorn, John Crowe & Ray Cranston plus our Media Manager, Ellie Kemp. So, what will be our next venture? Where will we end up? When will it be? Will the same men be up and able to move still? So many questions to answer. If you would like to donate to our cause, then just scan the QR code. Alternatively, our donation page is www.justgiving.com/fundraising/neil-panton A massive thank you to each and every-one of you who supported us. Against all the odds, we did it, we absolutely did it! Now it’s time for a lie down. 18

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community

Contribution thanks to

Bill Lynch

clifton walking group

Please contact for info:

Suzanne I’ons -07933709006 ionssuzanne@gmail.com

What is walking? I looked it up and the definition is “to move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once”. It doesn’t say that you have to move fast or slow just putting one foot in front of the other. Apparently “10,000 steps/day is a reasonable target for healthy adults”. How far will 10,000 steps take you: “Ten thousand steps equate to about eight kilometres, or an hour and 40 minutes walking, depending on your stride length and walking speed.” So, you could walk 56 km in a week, or 240 km in a month or potentially 2,880 km in a year. This would take you to Turkey in one direction or the North Pole in another! Adding a Fitbit (other health devices are available) to your wrist once you start walking gets you motivated to complete the steps each day. I have even known people walk around the garden to complete their required steps! Or fight over going to get the milk from the local shop in order to reach their goal! Better still get up early and join the morning chorus and get some steps in before breakfast!

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ased our:

It’s never too early to start Inheritance Tax Planning Clophill-based Nicholas Turner can help you put effective plans in place now to help you maximise your legacy.

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

SHEFFORD CRAFT & PRODUCE SHOW The schedules are now available for the 40th annual Craft & Produce Show which will be held on Saturday 10th September in Shefford Methodist Hall. They can be collected from the Post Office, Crafty Cafe, the Library, the Newsagents, and other places around Shefford. There is something to inspire everyone who enjoys gardening, cooking, handicrafts, and photography. You can enter a truss of tomatoes, 5 runner beans, or a selection of salad vegetables. If you like cooking why not make some strawberry tarts or a marmalade cake? You can make some poppies for the Yarn Bomb that is planned for the Shefford Remembrance Service in November or create a Remembrance flower arrangement . If you make cards you could enter one in the handicraft section. The Show has a celebratory theme as it is the 40th Show so there are several that feature ‘red’ – a jar of red jam, a photograph of something red. As usual there are classes for children youth groups. Please give us your support as we would like the Show this year to be a special celebration. Our Fun Quiz Competition is now available for £1. To obtain a sheet please phone 01462 812575 or 815433. The Show opens for viewing at 2pm when delicious refreshments will also be served and there will be a super raffle. Clifton Residents’ Association

Clifton Scarecrow Festival 17th & 18th September 2022 10am til 4pm You will be able to pick up a copy of the programme from our Scarecrow HQ (111 Broad Street, Clifton) 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

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HANGING BASKET COMPETITION