Living Life Issue 6 (May)

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Issue 6 May 2019

n Distributio es now includ

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Inside

FOCUSON

Garden & Outdoors

Also inside

NEW Crossword What’s On Guide Scene by you

A FAIR MOT TEST FOR A FAIR PRICE WWW.THEGARAGESHEFFORD.CO.UK E: INFO@THEGARAGESHEFFORD.CO.UK

T: 01462 414820

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The Garage Shefford is a small friendly and family run company. Our team has over 40 years experience in the motor trade and provides an honest, reliable and cost effective service, which is approved by both the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and Trust My Garage. We believe in providing a fair MOT test for a fair price.

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The Garage Shefford reserves the right to revoke or rescind these offers at any point, without notice.

Identification may be required for Uniformed Services (professional ID or Blue Light Card) or Seniors discounts.

PROUD TO BE APPROVED BY...

billy the squirrel keeps running away - help us find him!

Help us find Billy the squirrel, he’s hiding in one of the adverts in this edition.

If you find him you could win £25!

Simply tell us which advert Billy is hiding in, along with your name and contact details and we will put you in the draw. Closing date 22/5/19

To submit your answer go to: www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk/billy 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.

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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 May edition of the magazine, which is a big milestone as it is our sixth edition. So far it’s been an amazing journey and we’re really happy about how the magazine has grown and evolved over the last 6 months.

We want the magazine to be a great success and we are keen to hear from our readers. We would love to know what you like and perhaps what you don’t like about the magazine, or maybe you could let us know what you would like to see in the magazine. It’s really easy to contact us; phone number and email address are on the left!

This month we have a truly fantastic mix of articles. We focus on garden and outdoors, discovering River Woodland at Polehanger Farm, a visit to Chicksands Priory, plus a handy guide to looking after your garden in late spring.

| Andrew Martin |

| John McBurney |

Elsewhere we have updates from several local groups, plus we have a lovely story about a missing cat. Our puzzle page has grown with the addition of a brand new crossword feature and be sure to check out where our delivery boys have been refuelling.

Kind Regards, Andrew & John

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

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6 polehanger farm Explore and find out what’s happening over the coming months

8 chicksands priory Fascinating history of local building is revealed and explained

10 the may garden How to make the most of your garden in late spring

12 artisans in the yard Meet Artisan’s resident blacksmith Lucas Ling

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14 shefford craft & produce show

TABLE OF CONTENTS A big welcome to our new advertisers this month......

SW1 Marketing Shires pest control age uk Bedfordshire artisans in the yard the gold lining 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

march

a big well done to:

laura sharpes who found Billy the Squirrel and WON £25

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Annual event for the people of Shefford and surrounding areas

17 money matters Our regular feature touching on all things financial.

18 welcome home smokey the cat Pet cat returns home after adventures far afield

20 delivery boys’ review We check out and review the local eateries whilst delivering the mag

24 inject colour into your wardrobe Colours have a dramatic effect on how we look and feel

26 st michaels & all angels - update Scaffolding free at last - beautifully restored tower revealed

28 new! puzzles pages Take a break and give your brain some exercise!

30 the meppershall players Local drama group sets up new home in Shefford

32 what’s on guide This month’s guide for everything happening in the local area

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FOCUSON

The Polehanger Farm River Woodland

Y

ou may have walked through the Polehanger Farm River Woodland at some point, but if you have yet to pass through, or are new to the area, I want to share with you the plans we have for the woodland over the coming months. First, a little history: situated at the North Western end of Polehanger Farm between the A507 and the River Hit, the Polehanger Farm River Woodland is a former grassland river meadow used by the Polehanger dairy herd until 1991. The woodland was created in 2000 and covers 8.1 hectares - roughly the size of ten football pitches. 14,000 trees were planted, predominantly Oak and Ash, in addition to Sycamore, Field Maple, Wild Cherry, Hazel and Hawthorn. The long-term goal is to provide a sustainable community asset. Access is provided by a series of permissive paths throughout the woodland, linking the existing public and permissive footpath network running through Polehanger Farm. This is an actively managed woodland, based on a Forestry Commission approved plan. Work may be carried out at various points within the year, including path grass-cutting, tree-trimming, tree-thinning and felling.

Contribution thanks to

Andrew Foster Polehanger Farms Ltd andrew@polehanger.co.uk www.polehanger.co.uk

vide many valuable habitats for a wide range of species. You may spot some of the following on your walks: • Buzzards, Red Kites, Sparrowhawks, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Grey Herons, Kingfishers

• Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Hedgehogs, Badgers.

We encourage you all to visit the woodland over the coming months to enjoy the seasonal change through Spring, and to see how the works progress and improve Improvement works are being carried out as what is already enjoyed by many local people. follows: When in the River Woodland, please ensure • Trimming branches along the main path that you and your dogs keep to the marked • Chipping waste on to the paths paths in order to protect the flora and fauna • Using logs to line the path and ensure that important habitats are not dis• Leaving deadwood habitats turbed. Please leave the woodland in a state • Thinning of trees to improve competition and that you would expect to find it. strength of trees • Providing signage boards and a nature trail If you spot anything that does not seem right • Improving access points within the woodland, or if you have any questions, please use the following email address, The Polehanger Farm River Woodland, along along with any photographs you may have takwith the River Hit, farm fields and margins, pro- en – woodland@polehanger.co.uk 6

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Contribution thanks to

FOCUSON

Julie Benson

The Friends of Chicksands Priory - the history revealed

The Friends of Chicksands Priory

juliebenson2014@gmail.com

C

hicksands Priory near Shefford, Bedfordshire, is one of the best surviving examples of 13th Century monastic architecture in England.

To explain how a Priory came to be at Chicksands, we have to go back to the Middle Ages – a time of religious fervour. The Crusades were in full swing and those who didn’t go, gave generously to the Church.

20 years after the Norman Conquest of 1066, lands at Chicksands came into the hands of the Beauchamp family and in the first half of the C12, Payne de Beauchamp, Baron of Bedford inherited them.

Meanwhile, around 1085 in Sempringham, Lincolnshire, a baby boy was born to Jocelin, one of William the Conqueror’s Knights and his wife, a Saxon Noblewoman. The child was of high social status, but unfortunately, had some sort of physical deformity – it hasn’t been determined as to what this was, but it made him feel rejected by those around him, he withdrew into his shell and so everyone thought he was a halfwit. Apparently, he failed at school and it appeared that there was no future for him either as a soldier (like his father) or as a scholar.

In his isolation it seems that he turned to the poor peasants of the manor for company, identifying with them in their despair and their servitude.

However, in his youth he was sent to study in the great French monasteries of Northern France, returning home to Sempringham, without shame, having risen above his disability, becoming a renowned scholar, gaining a degree - and a licence to teach.

So, he began to teach the boys and girls of the district and, under is kindly direction they acquired a good knowledge in reading, writing, Latin grammar, moral principles – but he had a reputation as a ‘hard master’. Later, Gilbert worked for the Bishop of Lincoln and when he was around 40, was persuaded to take holy orders, becoming a priest and devoting his ministry to the service of the poor.

He began his first priory at Sempringham as a house and enclosure on the north side of the parish church of St. Andrew for 7 young women. They were encouraged to practise chastity, humility, obedience and love. This was to be the foundation of the only English monastic order named after its founder - Gilbert, the order being known as the Gilbertines. Girls who wanted to be a part of the Order, but not cloistered, joined as ‘Lay sisters’ and they did the manual, housekeeping work of the priory. Before long, workers and 8

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craftsmen started to come from Gilbert’s lands and parishes to do the hard work as ‘lay’ brothers. They didn’t live in the priories, but in a separate house called a Grange. The one attached to Chicksands is at Haynes (now, sadly in disrepair).

Gilbert’s last addition to the constitution of the Order was a group of learned canons to ‘protect’ the women and help them in the work of administering the monastery. Since they were ordained men, they were able to serve the whole community as priests.

There were stringent regulations banning any exchanges between men and women. Male and female communities were to live in partnership - although strictly separated. Thus began the double house. Gilbert founded 13 houses in his long lifetime with the help of generous benefactor one of whom, already mentioned, was Payne de Beauchamp, whose wife, Countess Rohese persuaded him to give some land and Gilbert chose the site here at Chicksands - and indeed after Payne’s death Rohese became a prioress here. She died in October 1166 and was buried in the Chapterhouse.

Gilbert died in 1189 – at about 104 years old - and was sanctified only three years later.

The priory flourished and at its peak it had 120 nuns and 55 canons and was 3rd largest of the 26 Gilbertine Priories, before its decline.

It was surrendered to the crown – Henry V111 – on 22 October 1538.

When the Time Team came in 2001, it wasn’t one of their most exciting times, but they did feel that they found where the infirmary was – on the grass beyond the ha-ha. This is where the nuns and canons could meet face to face – as the nuns tended the dying men!

In 1540, the priory was granted to Richard Snow a London grocer for £810 11/8d and later conveyed to Peter Osborne in 1576. His son John took up residence in 1599 and it remained as the Osborn family home until 15th April 1936 when it was sold to the Crown Commissioners. During these years, many alterations and developments were made, firstly by Isaac Ware and then James Wyatt, resulting in the building we now see.

It was leased to the Air Ministry in 1939 and taken over by the Y service in 1941 (signals) which worked closely with Bletchley Park. The USAF came on 3rd November 1950 - and left on 30th September 1995, with the RAF personnel leaving between 1952 and 1962 after which the site became MoD property on 1st July. The RAF Commander was the Liaison Officer between the USAF and MoD, until it closed in 1995. During this time, a group of enthusiastic Friends were able to start on the mammoth task of renovation until the site was established as an MoD base with the Priory as its Officers’ Mess.

The Friends of Chicksands Priory are now able to offer tours from April to October on the first and third Sunday of each month. Anyone wishing to arrange a visit for their group (minimum 1!) should contact Julie on the email above. You will be assured of a fascinating afternoon.

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FOCUSON

Contribution thanks to

Geoff Bysouth Geoff Bysouth Freelance Copywriter

07411 051772

The May Garden - How to make the most of your garden in late Spring

geoff@geoffbysouth.com

W

ith average temperatures between 60C and 160C and the potential for wind, rain, hail, frost or a heatwave, we never quite know what the weather will throw at us in May. This can make it difficult to plan what to do in the garden so the following suggestions should be tempered with some consideration for what the weather is actually like at the time.

Planting

Containers

With warm, dry weather very likely, it’s important to make sure containers don’t dry out. They need to be able to drain properly so check that holes in the bottom aren’t blocked and raise them up on pot feet. If you have shrubs that have outgrown their containers, move them to a larger pot so they don’t become pot-bound.

Feeding

Garden centres will be bursting with arrays of tempting plants but, before you go on a spending spree, check that the plants you like are suitable for your garden. Soil type, position, growth rate and hardiness are just some of the factors that affect how well a plant will grow. Get it wrong and you will have wasted money, get it right and your garden will look fabulous. Bedding plants are a great way to bring instant colour to your garden and late May is the ideal time to plant them, weather permitting. Retailers will have trays of plug plants for sale which you can use in containers, hanging baskets or to fill gaps in borders.

Plants in containers can use up the available nutrients quite quickly so regular feeding during the growing season is important. Established plants can also benefit from feeding at this time of year but you must use the right food for any particular type of plant.

Weeds

Keeping weeds under control is an ongoing battle for most gardeners and this is a good time to get on top of them before they get out of hand. If you can make a concerted effort to clear weeds, regular hoeing will kill any new seedlings before they can get established. Mulching is a good way to stop weed seeds germinating and help improve Enjoy your soil at the same time, but you must keep it Most of all, get out and enjoy your garden. Hose topped up so that you maintain a layer at least down the patio and dust off the barbecue, sum10cm thick. mer is just around the corner.

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community

Meet Artisans’ Resident Blacksmith ‘If you can draw it – I can make it’

Contribution thanks to

Annette Glenn and collective Artisans

Artisans in the Yard FB@Artisansintheyard

T

hat is the motto of Lucas Ling our inhouse Blacksmith at Artisans in the Yard, Shefford.

Lucas is a young entrepreneur, originally from New Zealand, who goes by the name of Dark Lane Forge in Chrishall, where he makes things metal – in a very special way.

He established his own forge through the kindness of his Grandmother, Diana, who gave him A HOME on his arrival from New Zealand ….... and HER GARDEN! Aged 21, Lucas first attended a College Course and discovered welding and that, more or less, was it….. then inheriting an Anvil from his Uncle a little while later, was the turning point in his career. Fast forward ten years and his repertoire in heavy metal has vastly increased.

Not for Lucas the electric heat, he starts his fire with coke and traditional coal and then he uses all the old traditional tools so with hammer, tongs and grippers he crafts individual items for his public. Invited groups go to watch him work from local youth groups to ladies tea parties.

In winter he makes what he calls open fires furniture from companion sets to log baskets and fancy fire guards, in the summer - tree seats and tables – in fact Lucas can create anything you wish for, from a poker to a pergola. To his credit he has crafted a Formula One racing car and a very artistic garden archway which would not disgrace a pathway in a royal park. Indeed, we feel very lucky to have him involved at Artisans in the Yard or you may find him at one of the fairs and markets around the counties.

Lucas Ling - Heavy Metal with a difference.

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community

Contribution thanks to

SHEFFORD CRAFT & PRODUCE SHOW Saturday 31st August 2019

T

his year will be our 39th Show: a small committee of ladies organised the first, hoping that it would become an annual event for the people of Shefford and surrounding areas. Over the years it has grown, more space was needed and the Show is now held behind the Methodist Church. These rooms allow plenty of space for our displays and for people to enjoy some tea and cake. It is still organised by a relatively small group, but we never say no to offers of ideas or practical help!

Helen Allard Shefford Craft & Produce Show

sheffordcps@gmail.com

After the Show has finished and everything has been packed away, it is time to start thinking about the next one! This is often the hardest part as we try to cover a wide range of interests and hopefully provide something for everyone to have a go at. We are always very pleased to receive ideas for possible classes.

In April our free schedules appear in Shefford library and other outlets around town.

Inside you will find the classes that children and adults can enter, along with hints, tips and all the information you need. You do not have to live in Shefford to take part.

With age-related things for children to make or do, all age groups are covered.

There are special classes for those who attend any of the scouting or guiding groups and every child is eligible to enter a photograph they have taken. We try and provide plenty of choice for adults, so if you enjoy cooking, gardening, handicrafts, photography or flower arranging, there’s hopefully something for you. Choose what you want to enter, send in your entry form by the week before the Show (Saturday 24th August), then bring your entries to the hall between 9 and 10.30 am on Show Day. The hall is cleared and all items are judged by independent judges who do not know the entrants’ names. Rosettes or cards along with small money prizes are given to the winners and there are also a number of cups and shields to win. The Show opens at 2pm, when visitors are able to come to look at all the entries on display and enjoy some refreshments. Prize giving is at 4pm.

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If you have any questions, you can find us at the Shefford Summer Fete where schedules are available and we sell our fund-raising quiz (the proceeds of which go towards the costs of running the Show), or you can drop us an email.

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s r y e e t Mon Mat

The Ups and Downs of Investments

A close friend of mine was a Financial Adviser for many years and somehow every time the Stock Market crashed his client’s investments rose in value rather than falling. He says he doesn’t know how he does it!

The dot.com bubble in 2000/2002 sent UK equity markets crashing by 37%. In 2002/03 Gordon Brown sold 80% of UK’s gold reserves. My contrarian friend put all his client’s money into gold. In 2006 he foresaw the credit crunch coming. He was right. The UK equity markets crashed by 30.1%.

Every time, his client’s investments rose in value instead of falling. If we can find his secret we would all be a lot richer would we not? Can any readers help me? Is this man a prophet?

Does he work on gut reaction and instinct or is it just an awareness that he has built up during his years in the financial world? Your thoughts and answers are welcome on the email below or direct to the editors of Living Life.

For next month’s Money Matters I am going to ask him what he thinks will happen to all our financial futures. Want to know?

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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COMMUNITY

Welcome Home Smokey the cat Pet cat returns home after adventures far afield

by John McBurney

C

at lovers Dawn Criddle and her partner Marco Silva were overjoyed to see the return of their pet cat Smokey who went missing for approximately 8 weeks.

Smokey the cat was last seen on 1st February and his owners searched high and low for him. After several days with no sign of their cat, Dawn and Marco extended their search onto social media to try and track him down, but to no avail. After several weeks the couple had almost given up hope of seeing Smokey again.

However, on the 27th March at around 10:30pm Dawn received a phone call to say that a stray cat had been handed into a cat sanctuary in Alvechurch, Birmingham, some 90 miles away!

A man had spotted the stray cat hanging around some bins and he took him to the Cramar Cat Sanctuary. Fortunately Smokey the cat had been chipped and the cat sanctuary was able to identify him and his owners.

Dawn & Marco - Reunited with Smokey

Marco drove up at 8am the following morning to collect the cat and bring him home.

Smokey was originally a stray cat, but Dawn and Marco took him in two years ago. Smokey returned home looking very emaciated but with a huge appetite and very content to be home. How did Smokey survive for 8 weeks on his own? Dawn believes that his street skills learnt as a stray cat helped to keep him alive. Another puzzling question is how did Smokey manage to travel so far?

The cat’s owners believe that Smokey may have unsuspectingly hitched a lift up to Birmingham in a lorry or truck after accidentally getting trapped.

As the old saying goes, ‘curiosity killed the cat’, fortunately in this case Smokey has returned home safe and sound.

Smokey - Safe at home

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19

COMMUNITY

DELIVERY BOYS’ REVIEW

by John McBurney & Andrew Martin

We check out the local restaurants & eateries of Shefford, Clifton & beyond while delivering, and report back to you a nice bench in the children’s playground, and this is where we sat and scoffed our lunch.

Last month the distribution of LivingLife Magazine increased to 5200, which was fantastic news for the magazine, however, for our delivery boys it meant that we had to work that little bit harder!

After a fast paced morning delivery in the villages of Campton & Chicksands it was time to refuel. We felt it was a good opportunity to turn our attention to takeaways, so we headed to Shefford and decided to stop off for lunch at Lemon Plaice, a traditional fish & Chip shop and familiar landmark on Shefford High Street.

When we arrived there was a small queue, which is always a good sign for any restaurant or takeaway, and we were soon greeted by the chaps behind the counter, Dan and Callum. Our orders were quickly taken, both of us opting for medium cod and small chips plus a can of fizzy drink. John also opted for a side order of curry sauce, his northern roots clearly shining through.

Getting a takeaway is one thing, finding somewhere to eat it is another; there seemed to be a distinct lack of available public benches on the High Street so we jumped into the car and headed off to Kingfisher Road, the next area where we planned to deliver. Here we found 20

So, what about the Fish ’n’ Chips? Pretty faultless, we were impressed. Perfect chips, nice and hot, and the cod was delicious, cooked just right, perfectly fried but also quite chunky, which meant the fish was nice and moist with just the right amount of flakiness. The chunky portion also made it easy to pick up and eat, I dare I say, it was even possible to dunk it into the curry sauce. Yummy! The meal was also good value, coming in at £16 including drinks, and the portion size was just right, full stomachs with only a few chips left over in the bag.

Open 6 days per week, during lunchtime and in the afternoon/evenings until 10pm, Lemon Plaice certainly is the perfect place to get that tasty take-away.

This Months’ Review

Lemon Plaice

54-56 High St, Shefford SG17 5AX

01462 813290

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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

Doulla Georgiou

2

Jennifer Willis

3

Katherine Taylor

4

Sophie Claus

5

Amy Vass

Awesome shefford rainbow taken from Doulla’s kitchen

Walk near Flitwick in Bedfordshire

Crocus growing in Katherine’s garden in Shefford

Springtime in Shefford

A short walk with the family in Chicksands wood

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23

fashion

Contribution thanks to

Lindsay Edwards

Inject Some Colour Into Your Wardrobe

D

o you always play it safe by wearing black, or grey? It’s all too easy to fade into the background in drab and dreary colours. Introduce some colour into your life and you won’t regret it. Not only are colours aesthetically pleasing to our eyes, but we are heavily influenced by the psychology of colour too.

Green strikes the eye in such a way as to require no adjustment whatsoever and is, therefore, restful. Being in the centre of the spectrum, it is the colour of balance - a more important concept than many people realise.

The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem; it is the cheerful colour of confidence and optimism. Red is a powerful colour.

It conveys physical feelings of strength, and action. Whereas blue, the colour of the mind is soothing, it evokes feelings of logic, intellect and trust.

The Gold Lining

07942 866135 goldliningstyle@gmail.com

for us. You can use colour to your advantage, it is a clever way to instantly transform your look - wearing the shades of colour which suit you adds a radiance to your skin, making you look younger, fresher and healthier. It improves your self esteem, knowing that you stand out for all the right reasons. Knowing your colours even makes clothes shopping easier too - when you know what suits you, you don’t need to waste another penny on clothes that don’t do you justice. In time, you’ll create a wardrobe you love - full of outfits that ensure you always look your best.

Colours have a dramatic effect on how we look, as well as how we feel. Though many of us are drawn to colours we like, they may not necessarily be the colours that actually suit us! Our hair colour, eye colour and skin tone are all important factors which influence the shades of colours which are the most flattering

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community

Contribution thanks to

Patricia Goulding

Scaffolding Free At Last

07901 972392 patriciaannegoulding@gmail.com

Beautifully restored tower revealed Tuesday 26th March 2019. What an exciting day that was for all of us who have been involved in the Tower Project at St. Michael and All Angels Church. The scaffolding strike started and slowly over the next couple of days our beautifully restored tower was revealed.

Even the sun shone to add to the glory.

For many of the newer residents to Shefford this will be the first time they have seen St. Michael’s without scaffolding, I include myself in that number having been here a mere 6 years, an indication of just how much time and effort the project has taken.

a 14th Century tower have only been met by the 20th Century connectivity of the internet.

People have given generously of their money and their skills, talents and time, a small number of people may have led the project but a large number can justly claim a part in the success. The tower is safe and weatherproof but the work is not yet over. Many grant awarding bodies have been supportive, not least The Heritage Lottery Fund. As part of the grant scheme we have made a commitment to them to widen the appeal of our heritage and provide readily accessible up to date information. To this end we have been working with Shefford Lower School. A group of children have been writing an interactive guidebook and the whole school is involved a making tiles for display as a lasting commemoration of their involvement.

For the stone enthusiasts the new windows are Clipsham, which came from a quarry just a little way up the A1 and the protective hoods, the rain protection over them, are Stone Ground because it is harder wearing. No renovation ever goes according to plan and our noticeable hiccup is the clock. The newly painted and gilded face is returned and safely in place but as I write the mechanism isn’t. Hopefully it will not be long before it is working again, helping us to keep track of Also look out for a new Guide Book and leaflets, time as we go about our busy lives in Shefford. a recorded history of memories of St. Michael’s and more detailed information on our website.

We have been hugely blessed with support both financially and practically not only from These should all be available when we have our the people of Shefford but also ex-residents great celebration in conjunction with the secand friends and family as far away as Australia. ond week end of the annual Shefford Festival.

Some of the deadlines for the restoration of 26

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puzzles We thought we would add a bit of fun to this month’s edition of LivingLife. Enjoy our brand new crossword feature.

Don’t forget to comment on our Facebook page

The May edition

CROSSWORD Answers listed below, so don’t forget to cover up first. (No peaking)

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Spot the Difference This month’s Delivery Boys’ Review takes centre stage for our spot the difference puzzle. Taken when we stopped for lunch

Can you spot 10 differences in the two photos?

To see the answers go to:

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Contribution thanks to

COMMUNITY

Karen Mitchell Meppershall Players

Meppershall Players at STMA

01462 816336

The Meppershall Players have been performing since 1972. Up until 1984 it was mainly plays of different types and duration. In 1984 we performed our first pantomime, with our first variety show following in 1985, since then we have done many plays, pantomimes and variety shows. In 2010 we started writing our own pantomimes as it cut out the performing licenses that we have to pay when using scripts supplied by companies like Samuel French.

Membership to the Players is free and we welcome anyone from the age of 9 to 90+ and encourage them to take part in all areas of theatrical production that they have an interest in.

Until recently we have been based at Meppershall, but unfortunately the stage design in the original plans for the new Village Hall at Meppershall were changed, and the cost of fitting it out was prohibitive.

We made enquiries at Shefford Town Memorial Association hall and were delighted to secure Monday evenings from 7.30pm-10pm; our junior members usually leave at 9pm (due to school the next day).

We are a fun group where everyone’s input in productions is valued.

We are currently rehearsing for our summer production, ‘An Evening of Entertainment’, Fri 28th & Sat 29th June at STMA. Curtain Up 7.45pm, Tickets £10, Concessions £8, on sale from 6th May. Our audience will be sat at tables evoking a cabaret style feeling and we encourage you to bring your own supper for your own consumption, in past years we’ve had everything from cheese and crackers to a three course meal complete with candelabra, so the choice is yours.

For more information on the Players visit our community page on facebook, or pop into the STMA on a Monday evening, or contact Karen on 01462 816336.

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE it’s a date

SPORTS, HEALTH & WELLBEING

What:

Flitton Potato Race

What:

run shefford running club

When:

Sunday 16th June from midday

When:

Weekly Mon/Thurs

Raise money for good causes. Run one mile, or form a relay team, carrying 20, 10, 5 or 2kg of potatoes. Spud & Spoon races for kids. www.flittonpotatorace.co.uk

Run Shefford organise two running sessions per week on Monday at 7:15pm and Thursday at 7:30pm. Starts at the Shefford STMA.

What:

Beer Festival

What:

Get Fit With Tessa

When:

7th - 9th June

When:

Weekly Mon/Thurs

The fourth annual beer festival at The Admiral, Clifton 20 cask ales, 10 real ciders, eclectic gins, craft beers, live music, street food.

food, drink & markets What:

Henlow StrEAT Feast

When:

Friday 3rd May

Great food, music, alcohol, child Friendly, vegan & Veggie.

StrEAT Feast will have an array of international flavours.

Millennium Field, Henlow What:

Cheese and Chilli Festival

When:

25th & 26th May

Live music, cooking demonstrations, chilli eating comp, beer, magic shows, Man V Food, trade stalls, street theatre & more at Bedford Park. www.cheeseandchillifestival.com

CLUBS, GROUPS AND SOCIETIES

Aerobic Classes, Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30pm at Clifton Community Centre, for further info contact Tessa on 07787 970810 www.getfitwithtessa.com

What:

Henlow Netball Club

When:

Every Tuesday Evening

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:

Tai Chi Shefford

When:

Sundays & Mondays

Drop-in classes available for beginners on Mondays at 2.30pm or on Sundays at 6.30pm. Located in Shefford Community Hall.

What:

Beginners Yoga Course

When:

25th April for 5 weeks, 9:45-11:15am

Join me for a small group beginners course in yoga at my four person studio in Shefford. Friendly and gentle. Email info@indivarayoga.co.uk to book your place.

What:

Over 60s Coffee Club

What:

Callanetics exercise class

When:

Weekly Wednesdays

When:

Tuesday Evenings

What:

Clifton Walking Group

What:

Kids Run Free

When:

Weekly, Monday to Friday

When:

1st / 3rd Saturday

The club meets up between 9:30-11am. Annual membership is £5. If you want more information about the club, simply contact Sue or John Francis on 01234 381533

Clifton walkers meet at 4.15pm every week day and walk for an hour around the area for about 3 miles. Please contact Sue Cross 07768 105570 for details

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Toned muscles, Better shape, Stronger body!

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

Millennium Green Park, Purcell Way SG17 5RY. Arrive at 8:45 am for warm ups and the running starts at 09:00 am for an hour. Visit www.kidsrunfree.co.uk

Advertising deadline for June - 10th May- visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk

MUSIC, DANCE & ENTERTAINMENT

family & Children

What:

Space Goat

What:

When:

Friday 3rd May

When:

From 9pm at The White Hart, Shefford. Live acoustic covers and originals from Space Goat, an Indie-Pop band with classic songwriter vibes.

Hartbeeps

Weekly Fridays

8.30am-12.30pm. The most original, musical, baby, toddler and pre-school class on the planet. For info contact Jodi Heaysman 07735 572828. Shefford Community Hall.

What:

Rock & Roll Bingo

What:

Rhyme Time

When:

Friday 17th May

When:

Thursdays

PRZ Live presentz Rock & Roll Bingo at STMA Sports and Social from 8-11pm, hosted by Barry Bingo!

Bring your little ones along to sing while they learn (term time only). Book your place. Suitable for pre-school children. 10-10:30am and 11-11:30am. Shefford Library

What:

Magical Meadow Brush Party

What:

When:

Monday 27th May

When:

Join Brush Party, the UK’s ‘Paint and Sip’ experts, at The Bridge, Shefford, 7-10pm to paint our fabulous theme ‘Magical Meadow’. Ticket info: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Rock Against Cancer

What:

When:

Saturday 1st June

When:

What:

Outside Cinema - Bohemian Rhapsody

When:

Saturday 1st June

Outside cinema at the White Hart, Shefford, 9-11pm, ticket event, £5 per person. Hot and cold beverages, popcorn, slush puppies and alcohol slushes.

What:

Campfest 2019

When:

Saturday 15th June

Charity one day music festival from 2-10pm with 8 Bands and food stalls at the White Hart in Campton. Call in for tickets (early bird £10) or send message to facebook page.

What:

Take That Tribute Band

When:

Saturday 15th June

Meppershall Village Hall 8pm til late Tickets £10 Contact Helen 07989 914941 Proceeds for Amy & Friends (Cockayne Syndrome)

Weekly

Shefford - Mondays after school - Ballet, Tap and Modern.

Campton – Tues & Weds after school - Ballet, Tap and Modern. Contact: Lynda 07765 964495

What:

Fundraiser for Garden House Hospice, 12:30pm til late, bands and solos, magic man, stuff for kids, £10 on the door, kids under 16 FREE. Info: contact Gazz on 07773 091162

Campton School of Dance

Baby Singing Classes

Every Wednesday afternoon

Baby Signing Classes at Henlow Pavilion. We teach BSL with puppets and songs. Contact Jules Hepburn 07766 492037 Jules@thesigningcompany.co.uk

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 £2 for business listings.

All donations go to our nominated charity

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Advertising deadline for June - 10th May- visit www.livinglifemagazine.co.uk

Don’t forget to mention LivingLife when contacting advertisers

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