LivingLife - Issue 8 (Arlesey)

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Issue 8

February 2020

Inside

y a D s e in t n e l a V y p p Ha Friday 14th February

Also inside

Diddy Directory Room 101 What’s On Guide

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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 5 digit code on the ticket to claim the prize.

Roll over

Current prize

£50

Monthly prize of £25! If this it is not claimed, then the prize money will roll over to the following month!

Winners agree to being published in LivingLife Magazine.

The editor’s decision is final

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.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOrS Welcome to the latest edition of LivingLife magazine. Can you believe we have already reached the month of February? How time flies, but the good news is that Spring is on its way. We are very excited about the year ahead with lots of new features and interactive events on the way, and some interesting community fund-raising projects planned. Watch this space!

During February keep a look out for John and his Big Love Heart! It’s Valentine’s Day on Friday 14th Feb and he’ll be busy snapping away with his camera as he visits local shops and businesses. In our March edition we will have | Andrew Martin | a special Valentines photo montage, so don’t be shy for the camera!

We are also happy to inform you that John has joined the local Street Watch group in Arlesey. John is constantly out and about in the local area, so it made perfect sense for him to volunteer and help keep your community safe.

There are some fantastic features and articles in this month’s magazine including | John McBurney | the return of the hilarious Room 101 with Kerry Kavanagh from the True Briton offering to elaborate on her most annoying dislikes.

Last month no one found the Golden Ticket (Boo!), which means that it’s now a rollover and £50 is up for grabs! (Hooray!) Keep your eyes peeled and make sure you have a good look through the magazine, there could be a Golden Ticket inside!

Kind Regards, Andrew & John

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

bunraku puppetry hats drama group business focus good neighbour group - stondon artisans in the yard trugs and trowels room 101 delivery boys’ review diddy directory scene by you february crossword kid’s got talent what’s on guide stondon parish council update soundarc’s interview with... ed r ur se at rti Fe ve ad

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6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 23 24 26 28 30 32 34

A big welcome to our new advertisers this month......

the spice lounge jon boys guitar tuition the garage shefford This publication wouldn’t be possible without the support of our advertisers. Please ensure you mention us when you contact them.

We still have a few spaces left. If you have a business in the area, feel free to get in touch

Competition Winner

december

a big well done to:

Gillies Baverstock who found Billy the Squirrel and WON £50 4

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arts

Contribution thanks to

Bunraku Puppetry The art of Japanese puppet theatre

H

Philip Bowen The Puppet Workshop www.thepuppetworkshop.co.uk FB @ThePuppetWorkshopLtd

ave you ever wondered why puppets are so fascinating? Have you ever enjoyed a stage show starring puppets and found yourself able to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the show even though… they’re for children, right? Puppetry is an ancient art form – puppets have even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs! Whatever the fascination they hold over us, puppetry has experienced a modern revival and seems to feature in more new shows than ever.

Whatever the reason for its appeal to audiences, puppeteers use a variety of different forms of puppetry depending upon the story and the message being transmitted.

These include hand puppets, shadow puppets, rod puppets and marionettes. A developed form of rod and hand puppet called Bunraku has become very popular in recent years being used in such productions as Warhorse and The Lion King. What is Bunraku and how has it achieved such popularity?

In Japan, Bunraku means traditional puppetry where up to three puppeteers, dressed in black, are on stage operating the puppets in full view of the audience. Because the puppeteers become part of the show, western productions which use large puppets are called Bunraku.

Because ambitious theatre productions such as Warhorse would be impossible without puppets, a modern revival has taken place with several puppet companies being called upon to bring animals and fantastic creatures to life. It isn’t just adult shows which use them, The Very Hungry Caterpillar was recently brought to life with large puppets for younger audiences.

Children in particular enjoy watching puppet shows and enjoy starring in them too. They love the fact that with Bunraku puppetry, they get to be part of the show and demonstrate their skills to the audience! There are very few opportunities for children to get involved in drama courses which use puppets but if you find one, they provide great opportunities for children to gain confidence through performing and expressing themselves through this unique, ancient artform.

For more details on creative puppet workshops for children please see the website.

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arts

Contribution thanks to

C. Lahiffe / K. Lander

HATS DRAMA GROUP

HATS Drama Group 07909 961675

A long history of amateur theatre

A

mateur theatre has a long history in this area especially in and around RAF Henlow. In the early 1940s, during the war, performance was encouraged to raise morale. There were several groups with some well know actors such as Frank Muir, Arthur Howard, Gabrielle Hamilton and Petula Clarke. Then in the late 1950s the Radio Engineering Unit (REU) Dramatic Society changed to the Henlow Players and later to Henlow Theatre Group (HTG) occupying the old RAF Station Astra Cinema.

Nineteen years later, after a change of name to Henlow Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS), the building was deemed not to reach modern safety standards and performances at this fabulous venue ceased. In 1998 the station gave the old NAAFI shop to the group to convert into a theatre. The next 3 years were spent rehearsing in a building which had once housed the Church of Scotland & Free Church (CSFC) and murder mystery plays were performed in the messes to raise money to turn the old NAAFI building into a working theatre. Financial support came from various RAF funds and the district council and, at a cost of £22,250, the work was carried out by members themselves overseen by a professional builder. Many fixtures and fittings were gleaned from other stations whose theatres were being closed, such as RAF Locking, Stafford and Cardington, and in December 2001 the new Henlow Theatre opened with Three One Act plays.

Now this much-loved venue has being closed due to the impending closure of RAF Henlow and the final production took place in May 2019 with, appropriately, Three One Act plays.

HATS have since moved to the brand new Meppershall Village Hall on Walnut Tree Way. It has been fitted out with the lighting and sound DRAMA GROUP equipment from Henlow Theatre, once again by a small band of members. There are still things to be put in place but the first performance at HATS’ new home, Season’s Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn, performed in September, was a resounding success and the reformed HATS Drama Group will entertain you all in the very first pantomime to be staged in the New Meppershall Village Hall at the end of January 2020.

H A TS

A pantomime by Ben Crocker

Meppershall Village Hall Walnut Tree Way SG17 5AB Follow us on Facebook: Henlow Theatre

TICKETS

£10 Adults £7 Children Family Ticket £30 (2 adults & 2 children) Book on-line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/hats-drama or phone 0333 666 3366 (No fee when booking on-line £1.75 fee for phone booking)

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s r y e e t Mon Mat

More for your money....

If I had known the two brothers were so competitive and lived to outdo the other in all aspects of their lives I just would not have advised them on their investments! The brothers inherited £5,000 each and wanted to invest their money. The elder brother put his full £5000 into a Unit Trust fund all on one day in 1985. The younger brother drip fed his money into the same fund at £1000 each year for five years.

Guess what? After 6 years the younger brother made hundreds of pounds more than the elder brother.

Fists were nearly flying and I was in the middle of it! How come?

It’s because the price of investments move up and down over time so the younger brother sometimes bought investment at a lower price over the years. When those low priced holdings came back to full value he achieved a better return than if he had put all his money in all at once.

A recent model shows £100 invested per month over 6 months produced £192 more than if the same money were invested on day one. In today’s volatile financial world this principle works well. So get investing?

If you have questions that you need answered to do with savings and investments you can contact Robert at harrisfinancialfriend@gmail.com Robert’s job is not to give financial advice but to use simple explanations that help you along the way

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business

get more business locally Work for yourself, but not by yourself

D

Contribution thanks to

Emma Anthony

Business Focus Facebook: Business Focus 07720 383320

o you own or run a small, local, independent business? Did you know there is a great supportive network of like-minded individuals who would like to meet you?

Each month a team of business owners get together to support each other and discuss all areas of being self-employed, from marketing, to accounts, to hiring staff, to health and safety, there is no limitations as discussions are led by whatever is on the team’s minds. The evening meetings are casual and relaxed and currently take place at The Crown pub in Shillington (104 High Road, SG5 3LP). Unlike other network meetings the BUSINESS FOCUS group meetings are completely free, and there is no requirement to recommend any other business; meaning there is no added pressure as we all understand owning your own business comes with enough pressure itself; however, the nature of the meetings and the friendliness of the group mean that natural recommendations do happen!

The BUSINESS FOCUS group currently has around 50 members across all sorts of businesses/ trades, and although there may be similarities across businesses/trades the group only ever has one member from each business/trade, meaning discussions are very open and honest and any competitiveness is removed. The monthly meeting takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7pm, so pop it in your diary and get in touch through Facebook (search for ‘business focus’).

What some of the members have to say: “When I started my own business I was worried that I would miss the support of having a team around me, then I joined the BUSINESS FOCUS group and now not only do I feel I have a team I also feel I have some new friends; I’m not sure my business would be the success it is today without this bunch!”

Natasha - BELLE decorating “I’ve been a member of BUSINESS FOCUS for over a year now and have met so many great people. The relaxed chats we have really inspire me to keep moving my business forward, and I’ve even got some portrait commissions from the team.”

Gill - Gill Romeo art “I’m always motivated at our meetings and really appreciate having impartial supportive people that I can bounce ideas off, it really is a lovely friendly group. I would recommend any local business owner to join, you really have everything to gain.”

John - The Log Cabin

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COMMUNITY

Contribution thanks to

Stondon Good Neighbours Scheme Help for the people of Stondon

Paul Endersby Chairman

Stondon Good Neighbours Scheme

01462 850421

O

ur Stondon Good Neighbours scheme has been running now since 1st June 2017, providing help and support for the people of Stondon. My name is Paul Endersby and I am the new chairman, having taken over from our founding chairman Sheila Collins. Sheila has done outstanding work helping to set up our scheme and I would like to thank her for her great work and continued support as a volunteer.

We are a small voluntary group offering company, help and assistance for people of all ages in the village of Stondon. I would like to thank all the people that have used us over the past 3 years and we are delighted to have received some donations from the public and clients to help us run this scheme, so a big thank you to them.

As an example, we offer help with things like: • Lifts to the doctors, dentists or shops • Lifts to help people attend hospital appointments • Pick up prescriptions, shopping or run errands • Small jobs around the house (changing light bulbs or take out bins) • Befriending/Sitting If you or someone you know, could do with some neighbourly assistance at times, then please contact us on:

07856 810273 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.

We are always looking for volunteers, so if you are someone able and interested in helping in this scheme and would like more information then please contact us on the above phone number.

Spring will soon be upon us!

Allotments available to rent from Arlesey Town Council.

Did you know?

Our M.U.G.A. courts are available to hire for 5 aside football, Netball, Basketball and Tennis A meeting room is also available in the pavilion

Contact admin assistant on 01462 733722 Or adminassistant@arleseytc.co.uk for details 12

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local art

AN IMPRESSIVE YEAR!

Contribution thanks to

Marje Fitt

and collective Artisans

www.ArtisansInTheYard.com FB@Artisansintheyard

From small beginnings just a year ago, Artisans in the Yard has grown into a prime Shefford destination for unique individually handmade products, local art, distinctive jewellery, and our Projects in Wood venture.

Founder Adrian Goulding says of our success: “We can be proud of the year’s achievements, it has gone really well!”.

The gallery has attracted a growing number of enthusiastic and loyal customers, and opens its doors in 2020 to more of the same, but different! In addition to new art from local artists, manager Erika is introducing fabric items and new ceramics alongside our regular offerings of sculpture from Jim Francis, turned wood by Henry Seebohm, and Trish Sheath pyrography.

The handmade soy candles from Tiger & Co are definitely not to be missed either!

Do visit us at the gallery.

We’re open every Friday & Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

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community

‘Trugs & Trowels’ Gardening club A garden – the friend who always welcomes you

Contribution thanks to

Maryika Wilding ‘Trugs & Trowels’ Gardening Club maryikawilding@talktalk.net

I

n my 23 years in Campton I have been involved with many village groups. In 2015 I decided to set up a group which I have a great passion for: a gardening club. In June 2020 Trugs & Trowels Gardening Club celebrates its 5th anniversary. The club, which is attended by many like-minded people, of all ages, both men and women, meets on the first Monday of every month in Campton Village Hall.

We have had a great variety of guest speakers over the years talking on a topics ranging from garden design, how to add ‘wow factor’ to your winter garden, garden wildlife, pruning and water features, to name but a few. We have had alternative speakers talking about the physical and mental health benefits of gardening. We also try to encourage local speakers as our gardens’ successes are dependent on the growing conditions of this area. 2020 is no exception as we already have speakers lined-up from the Shuttleworth Swiss Gardens, Wrest Park and the Old Warden Vineyard, who will bring with them their local knowledge and expertise.

As well as speakers we have a lot of fun with activities including competitions, day trips, competitive vegetable growing, birdfeeder design, quizzes, ‘Christmas on a budget’ arrangements and pumpkin carving. We have a gardening book library and a ‘free and swap’ table where our members bring plants and gardening items to donate and share with each other. We make visits to gardens of stately homes as well as hosting our own open gardens in Campton, in July every year – this annual celebration is always well attended and shows everyone’s different approach to gardening, with beautiful outcomes.

We look forward to welcoming new members in 2020. The next meeting is on Monday 3rd February at 7:30pm in Campton Village Hall, Gravenhurst Rd. Meetings are on the first Monday of the month (except for Bank Holidays).

Attendance is £3 per meeting for non-members or members pay a single £24 annual fee – refreshments are provided.

For more information, please contact Maryika Wilding above. Happy gardening!

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ROOM

101

We caught up with Kerry Kavanagh, the friendly and hospitable landlady at the True Briton, a traditional back street drinking pub in Arlesey, which first opened in 1857.

We wanted to find out what she would put into Room 101.

Grumpy old men

Or more specifically, grumpy old men who moan all of the time. OK, so teenagers have bad attitude, and middle-aged men can have a crisis, but old men can be so grumpy… big time! You know when you’ve become a grump when you start replacing conversation with complaints, or constant moaning about new technology, or blaming the youth of today for all the world’s problems. It’s easy to understand why their wives let them out, to get some respite. The one grump that really bugs me is those who moan about Christmas, they need to cheer up or head straight into Room 101!

People who don’t get a joke

People with no sense of humour at all and simply do not understand or comprehend a simple joke. Lighten up guys, life is too short and more enjoyable if you smile occasionally. People who don’t laugh easily are only fooling themselves!

Here’s a great example, one of our blackboard banners in the True Briton pub states, ‘Free Beer Tomorrow’, now, seriously people, it’s clearly a joke, an attempt at a little bit of humour to bring a smile to your face! To those that don’t get it… tomorrow never comes!

Drugs

On a more serious note, drugs are not good. They don’t make you look cool or sexy, in fact they make you look the exact opposite - uncool and silly. We all know that teenagers like to experiment and try things out, which is understandable, but for grown adults it’s not on! The selling and distribution of illegal drugs is one of the most damaging industries in the world. It’s up there with the selling of guns and weapons. Don’t be a part of it. It destroys lives and never creates happiness.

As Grange Hill’s Zammo said in the 80’s, ‘Just Say No’.

Now it’s your turn!

Do you want to banish your top peeve or worst nightmare to the depths of Room 101?

Submit your top 3 at: www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/room101 18

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BASED IN

ARLESEY Spaces limited

GROUP CLASS

GUITAR LESSONS Tuesdays 7–8pm

All abilities welcome, £15pp

(Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult)

To book your place, contact Jon:

07976 281911

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19

food & drink

DELIVERY BOYS’ REVIEW We check out the local restaurants & eateries

.

with.

by John McBurney & Andrew Martin dishes. Our orders were soon taken and whilst we waited we quenched our thirst.

Soon enough our starters arrived. Andrew devoured his Kebab Taste, succulent chicken pieces tossed in a wok with mouth-watering sauce and spices. John opted for the Salmon Tikka, big chunks of fish in a delicious marinade. Still room for a main course? You bet yer!

The Spice Lounge in Langford officially opened its doors for business on 7th July 2019 and by all accounts there was an eager crowd of people queuing outside to get in. If customers are that keen to eat there then it is a definitely a destination for the delivery boys.

We arrived at the restaurant on Friday evening at around 5.30pm with typical huge appetites after a long day of delivery. There is a nice big car park available for customers so there’s no hassle trying to find a parking space. We entered through the main door and received a friendly welcome from the staff.

The restaurant was already fairly busy and we were seated at a nicely laid table, with stylish, vivid coloured chairs. The decor inside is clean and fresh, contemporary in style, with subtle colourful lighting creating a warm and relaxed, almost exotic atmosphere.

We soon had menus at hand and shortly after popadoms and a delightful looking pickle tray arrived. The secret here is to avoid ordering too many popadoms, it’s vital to keep space for mains. The pickles were lovely, we particularly enjoyed the red onion salad.

With the popadoms demolished, it was now time to peruse the menu, which offered a comprehensive choice of familiar, traditional dishes, a range of tandoori, Biryani and Seafood dishes, but also a good selection of Speciality 20

Whilst we waited we chatted to Ali, the owner, who told us that he has been overwhelmed by how well the launch of the restaurant has gone and very happy that the new venture has received such a warm reception from local people in Langford and surrounding area. He explained that the restaurant used to be a pub called The Wrestlers, but like so many village pubs it closed down in 2018, however, the building was designated as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ and it is great to see that

This Month’s Review The Spice Lounge 126 Church St, Langford, SG18 9NX

01462 700500

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this continues with the Spice Lounge providing friends about, actually, it’s a place you will a place for local people to dine and socialise. want to meet-up with your friends to enjoy delicious food that comes with fantastic serWith the arrival of our main course, we turned vice from friendly, tentative staff and manageour attention to food. Andrew ordered Tandoori ment. We simply can’t wait to return!

Chicken Shashlick, served on a hot, sizzling skillet with pilau rice and Chana Massala (chickpeas). Amazingly tender, tasty chicken, with big chunky onion. Definitely no complaints there. John ordered the Spice Lounge Mixed Massala with mushroom rice and chilli naan. It contained chicken, lamb and king prawn cooked to perfection in a lovely sauce with yummy hints of coconut. We were both very satisfied.

The restaurant is open 7 days a week and on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday it is the very popular Banquet Night, where diners can choose a starter, a main, a side dish, and a rice or naan bread for just £11.95 per person. Banquet nights are busy and it is advisable to phone up and book in advance.

So, what’s our verdict on the Spice Lounge?

Well, it’s a place you will want to tell your

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21

safety

Arlesey street watch

LivingLife editor joins the team

W

e are very happy to inform our readers that John McBurney, our community editor, has joined ‘Street Watch’ as a volunteer. John recently met up with Juliet Wright from Bedfordshire Police to undergo his induction training. He also went on his first patrol with members of the Arlesey Street Watch team to learn how patrols take place and are carried out.

John said, “I’m really looking forward to going out on patrol.

Street Watch is fantastic for the local community. Patrols are generally carried out in areas where crime has been reported or where there are instances of anti-social behaviour, so it’s a great way to reassure residents, especially the elderly”.

John attends his first Street Watch meeting at the Vicar’s Inn, Arlesey

He also attended a ‘planning and social’ meeting at the Vicar’s Inn in Arlesey, where the team made their plans for 2020, including upcoming patrols and discussing ways to promote Street Watch and hopefully recruit new members.

If you see any of the Street Watch team out on a patrol then do stop for a chat as they are a friendly bunch and if you’d like to join Arlesey Street Watch : Call Alex on 07952 209722 or email: alex.landman@ntlworld.com 22

The

Diddy

Directory

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

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

ÂŁ20 ÂŁ30 1 Area

2 Areas

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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

Hannah Saoirse Doran

2

Jo McQueen

3

Linda Parcell

4

Nikki Gifford

5

Donna Pearson

Exploring on my bike

Barn Owl - Arlesey Nature Reserve Kestrel at Sunset The Riverside Stotfold, the night of the full moon

Morning Walk Rowney Warren

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puzzles

The February edition

CROSSWORD Answers on P15

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arts

Urban Wildlife Photography

Award winning photographer explains his passion

Contribution thanks to

Daniel Trim

www.danieltrimphotography.co.uk FB & Insta

@DanielTrimPhotography

I

first picked up a camera around the age of 10 and despite a few years of distraction along the way I’m still lost without a camera in my hand. I’m now even more obsessed if I’m honest and spend as much time as I can out taking photos.

My photography started as a way to document what I had seen during birding trips, but it swiftly grew in to more as I started to be increasingly focused on getting an interesting photo rather than seeing a rare species. After a while I was placing more importance on light and composition than the subject (within reason) and I take that same approach today. I much prefer an interesting photo of something common than a dodgy photo of something more elusive.

For this reason, I’ve really enjoyed photographing wildlife in our urban spaces over the years, this is probably the opposite of what most would consider as a happy place for a wildlife photographer! I love it though, you can almost guarantee that there will be a subject, so one component is already in place, then you just have to hope that there’s some interesting light or the subject moves into an interesting location. With patience this happens more often than not in London’s parks or the centre of local towns in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire where I spend most of my time.

This focus on urban wildlife has led to me winning the British Wildlife Photography Behind Bars - an urban grey heron fishing under a bridge Awards on two occasions, in 2017 and then in London. BWPA 2019 overall winning photo again last year in 2019 with this photo of a heron under a bridge in London. When I found out I was ecstatic, this is a competition I had only ever dreamt of winning. This photo fits a lot of the criteria I look for too, it’s a common species but in an unusual position. The heron was fishing here and moving around slowly, I could see the light starting to come through the grill so just had to wait for the bird to reveal its face and then hope that the eye was illuminated. Thankfully it all came together, and this was the result. Luckily the bird is also covering up a white sticker on the wall behind that ruined some previous photos of this scene too.

I still continue to take photos locally and am even holding my first exhibition currently at Baldock Arts & Heritage Centre, open Friday-Sunday until 12th April this year. Please come along if you can.

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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.

Name: EMILY & SOPHIE BARROW

age: 10 & 7 from: clifton Q: Briefly explain your talent?

Various styles of dance.

Emily: I enjoy learning tap, modern and street dance.

Sophie: I enjoy learning ballet, tap and modern.

We both attend dance school at Dynamic Theatre Dance School in Clifton and have attended dance lessons since the age of three.

Emily

Q: When do you practice, and with who?

We practise in lessons on a weekly basis with Miss Esme and Miss Jade, they make the lessons fun and enjoyable.

Q: What do you love about dancing?

It is fun, energetic and a good form of exercise! We have made new friends through our dance lessons and both love performing.

Emily: From the age of two I use to love dancing around the living room to Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’!!

I knew from an early age I wanted to go to dance lessons so my mum took me to Ballet lessons, taking part in my first show at the age of five I saw the older girls dancing tap and modern, I knew then that I wanted to learn this next!

Q: What are your goals/dreams/visions?

Emily: I would one day love to become a professional dancer and take part in Strictly or perform in a London musical.

Sophie: We went to see Mary Poppins over the Christmas holidays; I would love to perform in a musical like this on a big stage and dance!

Q: Do you enter exams or perform in shows and have you ever won any prizes?

Emily: I have completed ISTD exams in Ballet, Tap and Modern achieving Merit grades and I am currently learning grade two in Tap and Modern.

Sophie: I completed my first ISTD exam in Modern dance in July 2018, I achieved a distinction Does your child have an amazing talent? if so, please get in touch at admin@livinglifemagazine.co.uk which I was so pleased with!

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Emily: I have now appeared in three shows, my first when I was five years old, I love wearing the different outfits our teachers choose for us for the different dances and especially the make-up we get to wear!

Sophie: I appeared in my first show last year and really enjoyed performing on the stage in front of an audience.

We also took part in the RAF Family show in Henlow last Summer where we performed a couple of our dance routines, it was great fun on one of the hottest days of the year!

Q: Who is your favourite dancer?

Emily: My favourite dancer is Darcey Bussell, I really enjoy watching her and when she was a judge on strictly.

Sophie: My favourite dancer is AJ Pritchard, I went to watch him in panto over the Christmas holidays, he was great!!

Q: Any advice or tips for anyone wanting to become a dancer?

Join a local dance school, enjoy and have fun!

Sophie

Equestrian

Pet & Wildlife

Groundcare

Smallholding

Sandy Lane, Chicksands, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5QB.

01462 810190 | www. chandlersfe.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE it’s a date

SPORTS, HEALTH & WELLBEING

What:

Business Focus Meeting

What:

Back to Netball

When:

Wednesday 12th February

When:

Wednesdays 7.30pm

Business Focus Network Meeting, 2nd Weds of each month, 7pm at The Crown pub in Shillington, FREE! Info: FB ‘Business Focus’ or Emma Anthony, 07720 383320

Weekly Netball session at the MUGA courts at Arlesey Recreation Ground, 7.30 – 8.30pm, £5 per week

What:

Community Surgery - Shillington

What:

run shefford running club

When:

Wednesday 5th February

When:

Weekly Mon/Thurs

Your Local Policing Team will be at The Crown pub in Shillington holding a Community Surgery between 6.307.30pm.

Run Shefford organise two running sessions per week on Monday and Thursday at 7.15pm. Starts at the Shefford STMA

What:

Arlesey Musical Showcase

What:

Henlow Netball Club

When:

Sunday 29th March

When:

Every Tuesday Evening

Gala Concert at Church of St. Peter, Arlesey, 5.30-6.30pm.

Free entry with retiring collection. Bring your friends and family.

food, drink & markets What:

Indoor Picnic Festival

When:

Sunday 5th April

You bring the food, buy the drinks from us and we provide the entertainment. Crafts for kids and brilliant LIVE music.

12-8pm at Shefford STMA. FREE entry for all.

CLUBS, GROUPS & SOCIETIES

Netball Training at Henlow Academy 7-8:30pm. Training costs £3.50. We always welcome new players! Contact Julie Hepburn 07766 492037 Juleshep82@yahoo.co.uk

What:

British 4X Series 2020

When:

Sunday 22nd March

Mountain Biking - Schwalbe British 4X Series 2020: Round 1 - Chicksands. You race four riders at a time on a race track. www.british4x.com

What:

Youth Cycling at RAF Henlow

When:

Every Saturday

Available to all children aged 6-16, Saturday from 10am12pm, to come along please contact Mark Bradley on 07796 125996

What:

Stondon WI

What:

Callanetics exercise class

When:

3rd Weds of the Month

When:

Tuesday Evenings

We meet every third Wednesday of the month at Stondon Village Hall at 19.45hrs. For info, contact Thelma Endersby, 01462 850421, thelma.endersby@sky.com

Toned muscles, Better shape, Stronger body!

7pm-8.15pm every Tuesday evening. Henlow Methodist Church (High St, Henlow) Call Cathy 01462 811568

What:

Arlesey WI

What:

Boxing for Fitness with L-FIT

When:

2nd Tuesday of the month

When:

Wednesday Evenings 8.15pm

Arlesey WI meeting, held on 2nd Tuesday of the month at the W.I. Hall, High Street Arlesey at 7.30pm. Info: 07814 654876 / 01462 625235

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At Henlow Pavilion, 8.15pm. Limited spaces, booking in advance required. For more info get in touch! lauraozholl@ hotmail.com www.l-fit.co.uk

Advertising deadline for March - 10th Feb- visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk

MUSIC, DANCE & ENTERTAINMENT

family & Children

What:

The Chosen

What:

‘CONNECT’ Support Group

When:

Friday 7th February

When:

1st Tuesday of the Month

Making their 2nd visit, The Chosen return to The True Briton pub in Arlesey, from 8.30pm.

Support group for parents of children with additional needs, 9-10.30am at Kings Baptist Church Hall Stotfold, £1 inc. unlimited tea/coffee/cake. Info: 07944 124891

What:

Twango & Cash

What:

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

When:

Saturday 8th February

When:

Various Dates/Times (31st Jan - 8th Feb)

Twango & Crash are an acoustic vocal duo with a large repertoire of songs covering all genres, from 9pm @ Old Transporter Ale House, Henlow Camp.

Pantomine by HATS Drama Group at the Meppershall Village Hall, Tickets: £10/£7/£30 (Family) www.ticketsource.co.uk/ hats-drama

What:

Rod Stewart Tribute

What:

When:

Saturday 15th February

When:

Charity event at Meppershall Village Hall, tickets £10, contact Helen 07989 914941, proceeds for Children with Autism, doors open 7.30pm

Tine Turner Tribute

What:

When:

Sunday 14th March

When:

What:

80s School Disco

When:

Saturday 21st March

Disco, tuck shop and bar. Fancy dress, prize for the best!

18+ only, tickets £10, proceeds to Henlow events. Henlow Park Pavillion, 7.30-11.30pm, www.ticketsource.co.uk What:

Karaoke

When:

1st Saturday of Every Month

The Woolpack Pub in Shefford, Karaoke from 8pm. The 1st Saturday of every month

What:

Arlesey Musicians

When:

Every Wednesday

An informal collection of people who like to make music together, meeting at The Cricketers pub in Ickleford around 7.30pm. Info: steevc@gmail.com or 07952 002383

Saturday 22nd February

Arlesey Village Hall at 7pm. £10pp includes supper & first 2 Bingo tickets. Cash bar on the night. Book in advance: arleseyeventsgroup@gmail.com

What:

Charity event in aid of Breast Cancer at Shefford Sports Club, Tickets £10, contact Helen 07989 914941

Bingo Night

family events Weekly

Drop In Lego Club: Tues 3.30-5pm, Story & Craft: Fri 9:30 OR Sat 10:30 £1.50, Rhyme Time with Marie (term time £1.80), at Arlesey Resource Centre.

Running a local event?

Promote it here?

Simply submit your event at:

www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/event *Community & Charity events Free of charge, small donation of £3 for business listings.

All donations go to our nominated charity

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COMMUNITY

Your Local Update from…

Stondon Parish Council

Contribution thanks to

James Stirling Clerk to the Council

Stondon Parish Council clerk@stondon-pc.gov.uk

T

o help us develop our 2020 vision for the future of the parish we would welcome your input, and this will help us build the Neighbourhood Plan. So please send your practical ideas to the clerk via the Council website contact form (www.stondon-pc.gov.uk/contact)

Updates •

Stondon GP Practice have been working with local Parish Councils in identifying suitable funding sources as they hope they can look to expand the surgery. Through the efforts of the surgery and the Parish Council we have secured a significant sum of money towards expansion, however we are still waiting for confirmation from the Beds Clinical Commissioning Group to approve the spend. The GP Practice also hopes to implement on-line prescription service to make it easier to send prescriptions to local pharmacies or one of the on-line postal services.

•

We are gradually moving closer toward securing the works for Pollards Way and hopefully should have started implementing them soon, if not already started. There will be some disruption while to works take place, but we hope these will be minimal. The improvements will include a kick-about area, improved drainage and a footpath around Pollards Way. This all links to the new footpath installed linking onto the larger footpath network around Stondon

•

The roundabout at the junction with Orchard Way and Bedford Road has become rather overgrown. Initially the Parish Council started to clear it away and decided it was not a practical for them to do it. CBC agreed that they should be looking after this site, as it mainly resides in Henlow. This will happen soon and the improvements should make it easier to see traffic coming off the roundabout.

•

This time of year is busy for Parish and Town Councils as they set the budget for the coming year. There is a very small section of funding taken (called the ‘Precept’) as part of the Council tax set by CBC. Details on the size of request will be reported in the Council minutes and detailed on CBC website, against all the other Parish and Town Councils.

•

Planning Applications - While we are not the planning authority, we comment on them. Details in the Council agenda (on the website). Please feed your input back to CBC as well. It is important to remind them that we do care and want to see the right level of growth.

Make sure you are subscribed to the website and we will do our best to keep you updated.

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Advertising deadline for March - 10th Feb- visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk

Don’t forget to mention LivingLife when contacting advertisers

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’s C R A d n Sou w e i v r e t in with.....

Eyes of Albion. “We are stranger than fiction, more intense than realism and just as the universe cannot be imagined, neither can we. We are, just that; WE ARE!” Well there’s blues rock in there definitely, add a little Indian sounding twists to the mix with modal guitar and bass work, perhaps a hint of folk rock on occasions.

Power it with rhythm section which works from the very first beat, bass and guitar melodically complimenting the amazingly powerful vocals and you have a rough idea of what Eyes of Albion do and are.

1. How Did You Meet?

The Eyes of Albion formed when guitarist and sound engineer Robert Kemp met bass man Johnny Muzz in the studio, the two just clicked. In came a singer that Johnny had heard about and, “When Davy started singing, Robert and I just looked at each other”, Johnny explained, “It was like it was always meant to be”. Drummer Andy Mullins found his way to the rehearsal studio and the band was complete. The project, that Robert had dreamed of, was ready to go to work.

2. What Does Your Band Name Mean?

Eyes of Albion means, drawing on sounds and musical vibrations from within and beyond our homeland shores.

3. Your Biggest Influences?

There’s so many, from Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Hawkwind, Ravi Shankar, Floyd to name a few.

6. What do you prefer, Gigging or Recording?

We love gigging and playing in front of an audience, everybody having a great time and forgetting their troubles for just a short while, but we also love recording time; creating a piece of music is a great feeling, basically they both go hand in hand I think 7. Favourite song of yours to play live?

Experiment No. 5.1 8. If you could play in any other band, who would it be?

The Incredible String Band, it would be so much fun.

9. The Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Beatles.

10. Bacon sandwich - Red or Brown sauce?

Both! We like to mix it up!

4. In order of band members, who’d come first/last in a 100m sprint?

I think we would all either be disqualified for cheating or fall lame requiring oxygen 5. What do you enjoy most about being a musician?

Just about everything. We would need a full interview just to cover that question. LOL

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Connect via their facebook page @EyesOfAlbion

Advertising deadline for March - 10th Feb- visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk

Don’t forget to mention LivingLife when contacting advertisers

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