OVL Magazine FebMar20

Ouse Valley Living February / March 2020

HOME & INTERIORS

OUSE VALLEY’S NO.1 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE EST 2005 • 16,000 COPIES HAND DELIVERED

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2020 TRENDS

The home of Cruise Select Find us in Mill Street, Bedford

Over 20 Years Leading the Waves in BedfOrdshire as Cruise speCiaLists

Luxury Travel Showcase Discover the meaning of luxury travel for you THURSDAY 12 MARCH 2020 10.30am to 3.00pm The Barns Hotel Cardington Road, Bedford MK44 3SA What is luxury travel? For some, it’s an exclusive villa, an opulent hotel, a boutique safari camp, or an elegant cruise ship with attentive service and the finest food. It could also be cruising to the most remote destinations in the ultimate comfort and style, and enjoying exclusive money-can’t-buy experiences. It could be having your dream holiday curated especially for you, perfectly tailored to your every wish and need.

Select Travel Holidays are delighted to introduce our preferred partners in luxury travel, offering you the chance to discover the meaning of luxury travel for you. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, create treasured memories with all the family, have that once-in-alifetime trip, or want to find out more about luxury travel, this is an unmissable opportunity to meet face-to-face with the experts from our team and our partners.

REGISTER TODAY FOR FREE ENTRY

call: 01234 326778 email: sales@selecttravelholidays.co.uk or pop in to our shop

01234 326778

www.selecttravelholidays.co.uk sales@selecttravelholidays.co.uk

24 MILL STREET, BEDFORD MK40 3HD BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE ABTA & ATOL protected

Easter Summer

2020 Open to all children aged 5-14

Holiday Activity Courses Easter Monday 06 - Friday 17 April Summer Monday 20 July - Friday 21 August

01234 332500 www.bedmod.co.uk

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Feb/Mar 2020 / Issue 131

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Home & Interiors

46 GARDENS spring picks

37 WIN! Easter activity course

16 ECO living sustainably

53 PETS antifreeze alert

40 REVIEW The Red Lion

20 PANTONE classic blue

58 MOTORS Royal Enfield

48 TRAVEL UK Blackpool

22 FUSION Japandi trend

60 MUSIC Milky’s live scene

51 TRAVEL luxury cruises

27 LOVE Valentine interiors

62 BOOKS Margaret Atwood

54 WILDLIFE the otter

Lifestyle

63 FILMS Joker review

56 SCIENCE did you know?

28 STYLE wardrobe edit

65 THEATRE local listings

66 ASTROLOGY in the stars

33 BEAUTY tech neck

And more…

69 DIARY DATES what’s on

43 FOOD homemade beans

36 WIN! a cut and colour

72 PUZZLES brain teasers

Milky

Meet the OVL writers...

Feature: Music Matters Milky’s first records were Special Brew by Bad Manners and Kings of the Wild Frontier by Adam & the Ants. He still stands by them. With no musical talent his obsessions were gigs, the music press and records. He published the fanzine Skotch for Breakfast, started djing alongside touring bands and now promotes gigs in Bedford. If you hear EMF’s Unbelievable in a club, he’ll be the one decimating the dance floor.

Naomi Jones Feature: Beauty

Naomi is a professional beauty therapist with 15 years’ experience. She is passionate about her subject and has a pragmatic approach to keeping beauty in touch with the stresses and demands affecting people’s real lives. In her spare time, Naomi is also interested in chocolate and G&T and is hence constantly searching for the ultimate weight loss and anti-ageing fix!

Stelios Mores Feature: Science

Dr. Stelios Mores, member of the Institutes of Physics and of Chemical Engineering, spent many years in London as a lecturer before moving to Bedford to establish a company manufacturing equipment for the chemical, pharmaceutical and energy industries. Stelios is involved in local politics, school governance and the Biddenham Show. He rarely turns down a game of football or a karate session but finds family time the most rewarding of all.

ES OF PARADIS C I SP Mon to Thu 5.30-11pm E

Fri & Sat 5.30-11.30pm Sun 12-10.45pm 54 High Street, Harrold MK43 7DA Tel: 01234 721779 www.spicesofparadise.co.uk

SP IC E T R E E E H T

Mon to Sat 5.30-11pm Sun 12-10.30pm Templars Way, Sharnbrook MK44 1PX Tel: 01234 782967 www.thespicetreesharnbrook.co.uk

♥ ♥ ♥ Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us. Now taking bookings ♥ ♥ ♥

The Red Lion

Bar & Restaurant with Rooms Enjoy a night’s stay in one of our luxury double bedrooms Prices start at £65 per night and include a complimentary continental breakfast Our exquisitely designed bedrooms combine contemporary colonial interiors with cosy home comforts: quality beds, fine pure white linen and en suite shower rooms stocked with luxury products.

Anoth er ha pp “I just customer : y wan

‘thank ted t on Ch you’ for suc o say a big h a fa r is t m a ever yo b ne ab s Eve.Witho ulous meal s o ut exc lutely the se ep lo r accom vice was im ved their fo tion, moda od an p e c c a tio d b my fa mily m n was won le. Also, the derful embe were r a s who impre nd all s and st sed at how stayed ther e ylish t c omfo h Alison e rooms we r table , Dece re.” m 2019 ber

Pineapple sleeps 2 adults, 2 children

Palm Room sleeps 2

NEWMS O RO ING N E P O 020 IN 2

Zebra Room sleeps 2

WINTER OPENING TIMES

BAR

KITCHEN

Wednesday 5-11pm Thursday to Friday 11am-2pm & 5-11pm Saturday 11am-11pm Sunday 12-6pm

Wednesday 6-9pm Thursday to Friday 11am-2pm & 6-9pm Saturday 11am-2pm & 6-9pm Sunday 12-4pm

1 Park Road, MK43 7QD 01234 823946 hello@redlionstevington.co.uk www.redlionstevington.co.uk

February / March 2020 This year’s interior trends focus on creating a calm environment where we can relax and unwind. Perhaps not a surprise considering the current uncertain times. Living Sustainably encourages us to declutter our homes and become eco-conscious consumers, Pantone’s Classic Blue is said to represent calmness and connection while Japandi, an East meets West fusion trend, prioritises minimalism and functionality for fuss-free living.

If this all sounds appealing, you could make a start by editing the contents of your wardrobe. Isabel Kelly offers tips and tricks on page 28 to help you to do this with ease.

I’m delighted to introduce our new cartoonist, James Mellor, in this edition. James will be making us chuckle with his lighthearted observations on the puzzle pages in each issue.

Finally, don’t forget to visit our new website www.ousevalleyliving.com where you can read articles, new and old, from all our brilliant writers.

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View our recent editions online at www.ousevalleyliving.com

Ouse Valley Living Ltd Barnholme Cottage, 7 High Street, Sharnbrook, MK44 1PG Telephone: 01234 783159 Email: info@ousevalleyliving.com

OVL is printed by The Manson Group (01727 848440) on paper sourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based.

OVL design and production services provided by: Skinny Dog Design Ltd (01234 345145) www.skinnydogdesign.co.uk All adverts are printed in good faith. However, Ouse Valley Living cannot take responsibility for the content of the adverts or the services provided by the advertisers. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. ©Ouse Valley Living Ltd 2017

I believe in the value of knowledge Open Morning Wednesday 4th March, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 | www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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We love to hear from you! Have you tried one of our recipes, spotted interesting wildlife, grown any of our featured plants or been snapped reading OVL? Send your photos, comments and observations to:

info@ousevalleyliving.com Or write to us at: OVL Magazine Barnholme Cottage, 7 High Street Sharnbrook MK44 1PG

KEEP OUR INBOX BUSY! In your August/September edition on Village Life you highlighted Stevington and asked for other suggestions. Here in Felmersham in 2020 we are celebrating the 800th anniversary of St Mary’s Church, a church with a very interesting history. We are currently organising events in Felmersham and Radwell throughout the year, including talks, concerts, a story writing competition, a Festival weekend in July and a very special Patronal Festival in August. Do let me know if you would be interested in featuring the village.

With kind regards Jane Carwithen We will look forward to featuring Felmersham and Radwell in the Village Life series in our October/November edition.

I’ve just enjoyed reading your Christmas edition.

My wife is a coeliac so I’m going to try out the flour-free chocolate brownies to win a few “brownie” points!

Kind regards Andrew

That’s great news, thanks very much indeed.

What a lovely surprise! Hopefully my prize of a free lesson at The Bedford Golf Club will transform my game.

Best wishes Steve Devine I picked up a copy of the Oct/Nov edition and wanted to thank you for giving the Festival a full page. You obviously took the theme to heart.

Ann Collett-White On behalf of the Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church I picked my winning bag up from Blue Blancmange today. Thanks very much, it’s a great bag.

Kind regards Jess We love your festive magazine issue!

Zena Breed Harrold

Have you seen our new website?

Read our articles, new and old, including beauty, gardening, recipes, history, style, wildlife, science, music and more at:

www.ousevalleyliving.com

OVL Magazine

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10 Mill Street, Bedford 01234 351458 johnmedhurstltd

@JohnMedhurstLtd

Countrywear

SPRING/SUMMER Stock arriving during February/March!

www.lodgeway-countrywear.co.uk

01462 816122

Factory Shop Open Weekdays 9:00-4:30

OPEN: MON-FRI 9:30am-5:00pm SAT 9:30am-4:00pm

www.tusting.co.uk/showroom

Independent Boutique

Contemporary Womenswear & Accessories Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 10am-4.30pm Closed Sundays & Mondays Cromwell House, 36 High Street Kimbolton PE28 0HA sales@blueblancmange.co.uk

01234 781945

www.blueblancmange.co.uk

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Chicksands, Shefford, Beds SG17 5QB

Let them be curious.

Let them be inspired.

Let them learn.

OPEN DAY

Saturday 14th March 10am to 12 noon

For further details please visit our website or call 01234 369555 Pilgrims Pre Preparatory School Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7QZ

www.pilgrims-school.info

Sonic the Hedgehog. After a delay due to his initial CGI design, Sega’s blue speedy hedgehog finally makes his way to the big screen on 14 February. The government is looking to capture Sonic but can he escape with the help of a local cop? Starring Jim Carrey and James Marsden.

THE HARPUR TRUST PRE PREP

The Mandalorian. The new Star Wars spin-off TV series airs on Disney+ in the UK on 31 March. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, we follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. Game of Thrones star Pedro Pascal takes the lead in this epic fantasy series.

Soufflé Pancakes. With Shrove Tuesday just round the corner, we’re likely to see a surge in popularity of these fluffy Japanese-style pancakes which bounce and jiggle on the plate. Or on a more traditional note, the women of Olney will be taking part in their annual Pancake Race which is said to have first taken place over 500 years ago.

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2020 INTERIOR TRENDS

Sustainable Living Pantone picks Classic Blue Japandi minimalism Home is where the Heart is

Interphase Interiors Interior Designers & Curtain Makers

Interior Designers & Hand Finished Curtain Makers with an eclectic mix of Objet d’Art and custom made upholstery on display. You will find that unique gift for any occasion plus Fabrics, Wallcoverings, Carpets & Lighting, in fact, everything for your home.

18 Lime Street, Bedford MK40 1LD Tel 01234 262730 interphaseinteriors@icloud.com www.interphaseonline.com

De-cluttering?

Why not try selling at the Bedford Auction Centre.

Valuation, collection & auction service of individual items through to complete property clearances.

Entries for our sales can include: Antique & Modern Furniture, Clocks, Ceramics & Glassware, Collectables, Books, Pictures & Prints, Jewellery & Watches, Garage Tools & Equipment, Bicycles, Household Electrical Items, Office Furniture & Equipment, Horticultural & Commercial Equipment, Timber & Building Materials, Retail Products & Stock, Vehicles, Garden Furniture & Effects.

Bedford Auction Centre, Eastcotts Park, Wallis Way, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK42 0PE Tel: 01234 266 366 | info@peacockauction.co.uk | www.peacockauction.co.uk

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THE ART OF SELLING PROPERTY We are a multi-disciplinary estate agency with offices in the historic market town of Bedford. Our business is built on firm foundations of knowledge, service and ethics and we guarantee the highest level of Client satisfaction.

BUY, SELL, LET, RENT. HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

T 01234 889987 E enquiries@artistryproperty.co.uk

If you would like to request a free market appraisal please contact Barney.

www.artistryproperty.co.uk

Artistry Property Agents

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36 St Peter’s Street

|

Bedford

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MK40 2NN

2020 INTERIOR TRENDS

Sustainable Living

C

utting down on plastics and bringing zero-waste furniture into your home doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style; your friends will be green with envy when they see how lush your decor is!

Stick to pre-loved items, upcycled alternatives, and natural materials to make your space super sustainable. Being eco-friendly is about being conscious consumers, with an awareness of a product’s environmental and social impact, so opt for wood from properly managed forests, organic fabrics, bamboo and recycled glass.

Choose products that are made to last, de-clutter your space and sell or donate any unused or unwanted items.

With this trend, less is definitely more.

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Please remember to mention OVL when responding to adverts cuckooland.com Oeuf Brooklyn FSC Desk, £525 and Bookcase, £535

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1. National Trust Teal Recycled Glass Vase, £8 2. Oliver Bonas Woven Bamboo Laundry Basket, £49.50 3. TK Maxx Natural Bamboo and Rattan Vase, £24.99 4. Oliver Bonas Kotak Rattan Mirror, £58 5. National Trust Granite Soap Dish, £12 6. cuckooland.com FSC Pine Cube Storage Cabinet by Woood, £89 7. Swoon Sully Reclaimed Pine and Steel Bar Trolley, £249 8. cuckooland.com Lange Jan Extending FSC Oak Dining Table, by Woood, £499 9. einrichten-design.co.uk Scraplights Recycled Carbon Boxes Lamp by Graypants, £224 10. cuckooland.com Watch FSC Mix Wood TV Stand by BePureHome, £349 11. John Lewis & Partners Curve FSC Oak Floor Lamp, £395 12. cuckooland.com Lorena Canals Washable Recycled Cotton Rug, £175 13. Oliver Bonas Tufted Bench in Recycled Natural Materials, £145 14. Soho Home Simcoe Organic Cotton Hand Knitted Throw, Charcoal, £95 Follow us on twitter @OVLMagazine Find us on Facebook OVL Magazine

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Cordelia Jade Lighting Ceiling lights, table lamps & driftwood bases Fitting service available Repairs on lamps and lights Home visits for advice on your lighting needs Stockists of Endon, Dar Lighting & Franklite

01234 823033

sadiecraddock@gmail.com Showroom at Milton Ernest Garden Centre 18

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The Friendly Family Business with over 35 years Experience in Made to Measure Soft Furnishings

• MADE TO MEASURE CURTAINS • BESPOKE BLINDS & SHUTTERS • CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY • CARPETS & WOOD FLOORING

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104b Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QR info@coolandclassic.com Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

01234 327109

www.coolandclassic.com Saturday 9am - 4pm

Creating Homes not just Interiors Visit our Showroom to get Inspired!

2020 INTERIOR TRENDS

Classic Blue

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lassic Blue is Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2020. According to Pantone, this colour represents a dependable and stable foundation to move forward to a new era. It brings calmness, confidence and connection.

‘We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed

by Classic Blue, a solid and dependable hue we can always rely on,’ said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Think traditional, soothing and strong. It is also versatile which means it will be a popular choice. You can go full on blue or pair it with saffron yellow, soft pink and even rich forest green.

20 Please remember to mention OVL when responding to adverts Sweetpea & Willow Delphine Corner Sofa, £4695

2020

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1. Cult Furniture Square Textured Velvet Cushion 50cm, £24 2. Swoon Winston Classic Chesterfield Sofa, £2049 3. Cult Furniture Hyde Accent Velvet Chair Royal Blue, £159 4. Habitat Square Indigo Blue Linen Cushion 50cm, £60 5. Cult Furniture Printed Tie Dye Cotton Cushion, £47 6. Audenza Sapphire Blue and Gold Photo Frame, £26.95 7. Annabel James Shade of Blue Tealight Holder, £19.95 8. The Design Gift Shop Karlsson Mr Blue Steel Rim Clock, £72 9. Cuckooland Lorena Canals Washable Rug Alaska Blue, £175 10. Habitat Tripod Tripod Table Lamp and Navy Blue Shade, £85 11. Cult Furniture Nashville Velvet Armchair Royal Blue, £349 12. Habitat Hyde Blue Footstool with Wooden Legs, £250 13. Dartington Crystal Contour High Stem Vase in Cobalt, £20 14. Habitat Indigo Blue Linen Cushion 40x60cm, £60 Follow us on twitter @OVLMagazine Find us on Facebook OVL Magazine

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1. Nest.co.uk Karimoku New Standard Castor Low Chair, £1816 2. Swoon Roland Drawers in Natural Mango Wood & Black Steel, £699 3. Swoon Malvern Three-Seater Sofa, £1249 4. John Lewis & Partners Leather Sling Chair, £699 5. House by John Lewis Jax Large Side Table, £69 6. John Lewis & Partners Rattan Dressing Table, £399 7. John Lewis & Partners Rattan Double Bed, £599 8. Swoon Scandi Etta Oak and Linen Dining Chair £299 9. Swoon Akira Scandi Coffee Table in Natural Mango Wood, £249 10. Swoon Nyhavn Scandi Dresser in Light Mango Wood, £629 11. Flo & Joe Botanical Cotton Wood-Framed Wall Hanging, £39.95 12. Nest.co.uk Akari 16A Japanese Paper Suspension Light, £580 13. Cult Furniture Kintsugi Decorative Cracked Effect Wallpaper, £16.99 14. Nest.co.uk Fritz Hansen Earthenware Vase, £90

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Japandi

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apandi is a hybrid trend, combining modern Scandinavian design with the timeless elegance of Japanese interiors. Though they come from different sides of the globe, both value minimalism and emphasise the importance of clean lines and functionality.

Aspects of the Scandi notion of ‘hygge’ - the Nordic term for the homely feeling of cosiness - and Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ - finding beauty in imperfection - come together to to create a calm environment and a home where you can unwind.

To achieve this style of living choose natural materials, low slung furniture, plants, origami shades, neutral colours with accents of richer hues and keep your space as uncluttered as possible.

Nest.co.uk Northern Oaki Dining Chair, £490

2020 INTERIOR TRENDS

Visit Our Kitchen & Bathroom Showroom

First Class Design & Supply | Design & Installation Expect more, receive more…

• Designs to Inspire • Supply Only Option • First Class Installation • Employed Craftsmen • 10 Year Warranty

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5 Wood Street, Higham Ferrers -off the Market Square-

01933 355687

FA RM S HO P & C A FÉ

Good food, locally produced Tues - Sat: 8:30am – 5pm Sun: 10am – 4pm

• Butchers & Delicatessen • Café serving home-cooked food • Fruit and veg stall • Store cupboard goodies • All profits support local rural communities

Cople Road Cardington Bedford MK44 3SH 01234 831222 thebarncardington.com

5 mins from Bedford off the A421/A603

Valentine treats and more at The Barn May we thank all our many customers who supported us in 2019. For those who have not yet discovered The Barn, we are a non-profit making venture, helping local food producers by providing a retail outlet and café and supporting the work of Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity.

As Valentine’s Day approaches why not try some of our fabulous steak and sparkling wine to share with your loved one. All our beef, lamb, pork and game come from Bedfordshire farms and our butcher will be pleased to deal with any request for your favourite cut. Venison and pheasant from the Woburn Estate are particularly popular at this time of year.

months maturing on lees, giving it a great depth of flavour. It is the ideal drink for any celebration, especially Valentine’s Day.

@thebarncardington @barncardington Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) is the leading community development agency working across Bedfordshire. As well as The Barn and Old Warden vineyard, we help support local communities through initiatives such as Good Neighbour Schemes, helping to protect the green environment and managing Community Rail Partnerships. If you would like to know more see our website - bedsrcc.org.uk

Last year was a bumper harvest for Warden Abbey, our community-run vineyard, which in April celebrates 10 years under BRCC management.

It can only exist through the many volunteers who help prune, weed and pick the grapes. If you haven’t yet tried our sparkling wine it is produced in the traditional Champagne method and has 30

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Home is where the Heart is…

2020

INTERIOR TRENDS

Oliver Bonas Love Birds Book Ends, £32

Marks & Spencer Florentyna Soap Roses, £5

British Heart Foundation Love Cushion, £9.99

HomeSense I Love You Valentine’s Candles, £7.99

Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year Mug, £10

Gisela Graham London Pink Rose Scented Pillar Candle, Medium, £15

Lights4fun.co.uk Warm White Micro Light Heart Wreath, £7.99

Dobbies Garden Centre Succulent Love Hearts in Concrete Pot, £4.99

Melody Maison Metal Freestanding ‘Love’ Letters Paperweight, £5.95

The Contemporary Home Pink Resin Small Heart Picture Frame, £6.25

Annabel James Fine Bone China Heart Mug, £9.95

Sophie Allport Hearts Knitted Statement Cushion, £49

STYLE

How to edit your own wardrobe!

If you’re fed up of opening the wardrobe (which may be bursting at the seams) and despairing at finding an outfit, then you could try your own Wardrobe Edit!

I’ve included some tips and tricks below to ensure you can do this with ease. Bear in mind, it does take time.

You will have to empty the clothes out, and you will need lots of cups of tea (or gin!) to help you power through it all.

The first thing I advise any client to do is think about their body shape. Grab a friend, willing child or partner for this one and a soft tape measure. Get them to help you measure your shoulder width, your waist and your hips. This helps determine your shape. An example of this is if your hip measurement is larger than your shoulders and hips, then typically you’re a pear shape.

You’ll find lots of resources online about styles that suit your body and you can write down a few things to help you remember what’s a good shape for you as you go through your wardrobe. Certainly with a pear shape it’s about creating more ‘balance’ with your shoulders, and so tops with embellishments, shoulder pads or wide necklines to drag the eye out are a great choice for you.

If you’re measuring friend is happy to stay and help you

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make decisions, then start working your way through your wardrobe! I would recommend you find a pair of trousers or jeans that you love wearing and feel great in, and then try on all your tops with these. That way you know your bottom half is working perfectly for you and you can discount any tops that don’t feel good on.

Be ruthless! Don’t settle for something that just feels ‘fine’. If this leaves you with very few tops, then you at least have the opportunity to purchase a couple of new ones that you are going to love.

Work through methodically and ask your friend to be honest. If in doubt, take a picture on your phone to look at. This can sometimes help you make a decision on whether to keep an item or not.

Separate everything into piles as you work along – items you want to keep, items you feel you can sell, and items you want to donate. There are lots of options for places to sell items including Vestiaire Collective and Manifesto Woman for designer pieces or Depop for any others. If you’re looking to donate then obviously consider your local charity shop, or a service called Thrift Plus – this is an online service that sends you bags for your donations, you drop them at a collection

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point and they then sell them on your behalf. You can select whichever charity you wish for donations and you are also given credits to ‘spend’ with them on any preloved items.

Once you’ve worked through your tops and knitwear, select a great top that’s fairly neutral (so an easy white t-shirt, vest or plain top) and then work your way through your skirts, trousers and jeans. Do exactly the same – try every item on and if it doesn’t fit I advise either immediately getting rid or you can set a reminder on your phone and try it again in three months’ time. My personal opinion is that our bodies change and if the item doesn’t fit, I would prefer clients not to taunt themselves with something they wore 32 years ago! Buy beautiful pieces for the shape you are, not the shape you want to be or think you should be!

By this point you’ve probably drunk about 5 cups of tea! Keep going until you’ve tried on every item – and don’t forget to look at your shoe collection, bags and coats too! You will no doubt re-discover some gems you’d forgotten about and have hopefully managed to clear out anything you really don’t love.

While this sounds like a bit of hard work, it’s well worth it – clearing the clutter and only keeping pieces you love is a cathartic process. As you’re trying on lots of items you may not typically wear together it’s also a great way to discover new outfit combinations.

Good luck and do get in touch here at OVL if you’d like any further tips on editing your wardrobe!

Isabel Kelly is a personal stylist, fashion blogger and owner of The Wardrobe Edit www. thewardrobeedit.uk

Re-discover your personal style, learn how to shop smarter, and gain real body confidence with the help of The Wardrobe Edit

Chauffeur services to make your special day even more memorable Call us on 0333 444 1355 Email book@vectachauffeur.com Web: www.vectachauffeur.co.uk

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Personal Styling services created to help you achieve a look you love

T: 07966 390176 E: info@thewardrobeedit.uk W: www.thewardrobeedit.uk

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TINSLEYS RIDING SCHOOL British Horse Society Approved Licensed 5 Star Rating Established 1977

• Muscle Relaxing Injections (BOTOX) • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) • Slimming Injections (Skinny Jab) • Lip Enhancement • Dermal Fillers • Radiesse Jawline/Cheek Lift • PDO Threadlifts • Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy • CBD Oil – Top Quality • Neostrata Chemical Peels • Neostrata Skin Care Range

Friendly and professional coaches, with experience of developing skills of both the capable rider and the complete novice.

We welcome children, adults, beginner riders and returnees who have ridden before and wish to start riding again, to the more advanced rider.

Roz Lee RGN/BSc (hons) Specialist Nurse Practitioner TEL: 01234 750454 MOB: 07725 869240 www.enhancecosmeticsolutions.co.uk CQC Registered

Neil & Susan Black BHSII Long Barns, The Baulk, Clapham MK41 6AA

Telephone 01234 268556 www.tinsleysridingschool.co.uk

Ember Therapies Goldington Avenue, Bedford Holistic Massage, individually tailored relaxing sessions from 30 – 90 minutes. Swedish techniques, Deep tissue and other specialist treatments available including Indian Head Massage, Sports, Acupressure, Pregnancy Massage & Deep Cleansing Facials.

Gift vouchers available this Valentines, & don’t forget Mother’s Day! Ember Therapies work with businesses to provide onsite Chair Massage to employees to help reduce stress, tension and promote wellbeing and relaxation.

* For further information on treatments please contact steph@embertherapies.com or 07791 908 227 * embertherapies.com

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BEAUTY Naomi Jones shares more Secrets from the Salon....

Is your phone giving you wrinkles?

Maybe it’s time to ring in the changes Before you know it you’ve spent 20 minutes doing sort of nothing on your phone. Maybe checking emails, reading the news and browsing social media. My phone is usually within arm’s reach, which seems to me fairly typical of everyone, old and young. And according to research people generally spend an average of three hours and 15 minutes on their phones every day, with the top 20% of smartphone users spending upwards of four and a half hours! Amazing we can fit it in to our busy days.

Interestingly, the average person owns 3 of these devices but have you considered that your trusty smartphone or tablet could actually be causing premature ageing?

This week I had a visit from my beautiful 40-something cousin and it was during her treatment that really got me thinking about how our phones could be linked to wrinkles.

She is a naturally pretty and glowing girl with not a line on her face (which of course I attribute to my facial work). You know the type of person I mean: great personality, funny and a super mum as well (I’m writing this with slightly gritted teeth). I have to admit I think she’s pretty perfect but I did notice that, as she had her head bent down looking at her phone, some lines that were not consistent with the ageing on her face were forming on her neck. Well, after a little research it turns out that constantly bending your neck to stare down at the screen can indeed cause premature ageing known as ‘tech neck’. This is actually a new ageing term which has even been trademarked by one of the big beauty brands.

in daily life. The result of this is often the loss of volume in the underlying tissues. Genetics, sun exposure, excessive smoking and drinking, weight fluctuations, and even hormonal changes can all play a role in the change of texture in the delicate neck skin.

But just like repeatedly squinting and frowning can cause lines on your face, the persistent motion of your neck bending downward puts tension on the neck muscle. This, in turn, creates a dynamic wrinkle, a line that appears in response to movement (crow’s feet that only crop up when you smile are a classic example). Over time, that dynamic wrinkle can eventually turn into a static wrinkle. That is a wrinkle which is always there.

There are two types of neck wrinkles — horizontal and vertical. Vertical neck creases are usually caused by sleeping in certain positions for a long period of time and are mostly genetic, while horizontal creases usually occur from a myriad of factors including loss of collagen production, sun and environmental damage, and keeping the neck flexed forwards for long periods of time, for example, while looking at your phone furiously scrolling on your favourite App. So now we know that too much time staring at the screen can lead to some seriously wrinkly skin below the chin, what can we do? Great skincare is something you can do at home including active serums and rich moisturisers whilst salon treatments such as Radio Frequency and Microcurrent facials can strengthen and lift the skin offering a certain level of repair. Above all, try to minimise the amount of time you’re looking down at your phone. I’m willing to bet it will help not only your tech neck, but your burned-out tech brain too.

So our phones are not only causing eye strain, stress and even addiction but dermatologists are reporting that these devices are ageing us too with the so called tech neck seen in many patients.

The problem of wrinkles and sagging of the jowls and neck used to be an issue for us middle aged ladies but in the last 10 years, because of ‘tech neck’, it has become a problem for a generation of younger women. The skin on our neck is particularly delicate and is constantly fighting against gravity as we move our heads around Follow us on twitter @OVLMagazine Find us on Facebook OVL Magazine

33

Special Christmas Gift from Sharnbrook based Charity

help children with their educational needs. Frequent power cuts and a lack of funds for electricity bills cause issues for rural schools. The solar power plant will meet all the electricity needs of the school whilst generating pollution free and green power. SEVA Trust’s mission is to continue supporting low income rural children.

No child should be left behind due to their weak economic circumstances.”

Charan continued, “SEVA Trust UK is a registered charity run by unpaid volunteers. Any donations received go to fulfil the charitable aims and objectives, not to pay salaries or expensive overheads. We welcome any donations that will help in giving these children the gift of education.”

A

n award winning Sharnbrook based charity, Social Education Voluntary Association (SEVA) Trust UK, has funded a new solar power plant for a primary school in Burundi village in Punjab, India.

For online donations or more details please visit www. sevatrustuk.org or email info@sevatrustuk.org

SEVA Trust UK led a pilot project supported by a Trust volunteers’ team working in Punjab. Whilst inaugurating the solar power plant, Punjab State Coordinator for Smart Schools Manju Bhardwaj said, “This is the first Government Primary School of a Punjab state rural area to run on solar power. We are thankful to SEVA Trust and all the donors for this unique project that will help in meeting all electricity needs of our school.”

Chairman of the Trust, Charan Sekhon said, “We wanted to give a special Christmas present that will

North Beds Osteopaths & Physios is a local, well-established practice that’s successfully been treating patients of all ages for more than 25 years.

• Osteopathy • Physiotherapy • Sports massage • Complementary therapies • Open Monday to Saturday • Wide range of problems treated • Male and female practitioners • Fully qualified, professionally registered

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We offer a range of treatments to help you and your family maintain an active and healthy lifestyle

Call us today on 01234 823621 to find out how we can help you. www.northbedsosteos.co.uk •

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2a Grange Lane, Bromham, MK43 8NP • Towers Health & Racquets Club, Clapham Road, Bedford, MK41 6EL

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30 h ou fund rs child ed care

Harpers Nursery and Forest School BLUNHAM MK44 3NX A unique learning experience for children aged from 6 months to 5 years Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas Limited places now available for 30 hours of funded childcare

www.harpersnursery.co.uk Tel: 01767 641499

WIN A CUT & COLOUR We are offering two lucky OVL readers a cut and colour plus a goodie bag full of hair treats.

Barnets is situated in the heart of the Castle Road area in Bedford. Our focus is for you to receive a superior service from the moment you enter the salon. We have created a unique blend of both edge and elegance and with our modern and relaxed style we have developed a loyal reputation.

All of our experienced and knowledgable members of the Barnets’ team will listen carefully to your needs. Our aim is to cultivate a colour specialist salon that provides much more than just hair services. We work with the hair texture and complexion that nature gives each client and then we optimise and enhance their style, creating natural looking, beautiful hair.

Each of our team members strikes the perfect balance between understanding how to translate the latest trends into wearable styles for their clients, whilst also pushing the boundaries and setting the trends of the future themselves. Being passionate about what we do and being the best in the business is what drives us forward; constantly evolving and paying attention to client demand is paramount.

159 Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3RT 01234 363416 www.barnetshair.com

To enter our competitions: Email info@ousevalleyliving.com quoting Barnets or Bedford Modern in the subject box and we will enter you into the prize draw. The winners will be drawn at random and notified by email.

OVL brings you FANTASTIC prizes every issue!

WIN A FREE PLACE ON A HOLIDAY ACTIVITY COURSE Bedford Modern School provides holiday activity courses during the Easter and Summer holidays for children between the ages of 5 and 14. The girls and boys who attend really enjoy it, make lots of friends and learn new skills and talents.

“I’ve really enjoyed all the activities, in particular the quad bikes and the bouncy castle in Multi-activity, and the drawing and bag making in Arts and Crafts. The staff are all really helpful and I’ve loved everything.” Arjun aged 6.

“I’ve made lots of new friends on the Holiday Activity Courses this year, everyone is really friendly and there’s a great atmosphere. It’s good to be able to focus on something which really interests you and you can come back time and time again because there are so many great things on offer.”

Hannah aged 11.

Morning courses run from 9.30am to 12.30pm and afternoon courses run from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Children who attend both morning and afternoon courses bring their own packed lunch and are supervised during the lunch break. Additional cover from 8am and until 6pm is also available for those parents who require it.

The BMS Holiday Activity Course programme for Easter 2020 is: Monday 06 April – Thursday 09 April Tuesday 14 April – Friday 17 April With more than 40 courses to choose from, Bedford Modern School is delighted to offer one winner of the OVL Competition a free place* on an Easter 2020 Holiday Activity Course of their choice.

For more information please contact the BMS Holiday Activity Course Office on 01234 332667 or visit www.bedmod.co.uk to view the 2020 Holiday Activity Course brochure. *One free place on either a morning or afternoon course for one week

LAST ISSUE’S COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations to Sarah Scott who won a Christmas turkey from Browns of Stagsden and Joanne Knott who won a Christmas Tree from Stagsden Christmas Trees.

The provider of the prize will only receive the winner’s details and entrants’ details will not be given to any third parties.

Happy Birthday Sharnbrook Mancave!

T

he Mancave at Sharnbrook, which was started by Bernard Brown and Steve Marvell, will be celebrating its first birthday on 7 February 2020.

Free of charge with no membership required, Mancave is proving a great community success, bringing together men from the villages to meet over ‘Tea & Toast’ for conversation, company and to share experiences with one another. Men are welcome to drop in any time during the morning.

Monthly speakers cover diverse topics such as travel, woodcraft, cooking and health and there is a first aid demonstration

by St John Ambulance planned for 14 February.

The group also participates in local community projects, making use of their varied skills.

Comments from some of the group include…

“The Sharnbrook Mancave has allowed me to meet many local men and to become friends with them. It provides me with a pleasant morning’s meeting.”

“Nice to talk to chaps and exchange stories.”

“I look forward to this gathering, relaxing and genuinely conducted by Bernard and Steve.”

“A great opportunity to have male conversation.”

“It’s very easy to live in a community and not know anyone. The Mancave has helped me to get to know my neighbours across the village, many of whom have had interesting lives and others who can help solve current problems, or know a man who can.”

Meetings are held every Friday 10am-1pm at Sharnbrook Scout Hut. Bernard and Steve can be contacted at any time for further information on 01234 782844 / 07711 664451 or 01234 782177 / 07904 176698 respectively.

A warm welcome awaits!

Hill Farm Shop Buy the Best - Buy Local Meet the team: Jeanette and Mick Hurley on their family farm

eat We b ets on rk rma ten supe ty & of li a o u q e to pric

Prim eb from eef happ our y cat tle

OPENING TIMES

Thursday & Friday 9am-5.30pm Saturday 9am-4pm Sunday 9am-12 noon

Home reared beef, local pork, lamb, free-range chicken and eggs, milk and honey All meat reared on farms with guaranteed traceability and no added hormones British, continental and local cheese, bacon, pork pies, pâté, cured meats, olives No time to cook? We have homemade pies, curries and hotpots using our own beef

01234 781405 / 07834 257928 mjhurley@btinternet.com Visit us at www.hillfarmshop.com Follow us on Facebook Hill Farm Shop

Hill Farm, Mill Road, Sharnbrook MK44 1NP

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WHAT’S ON AT THE MILL HEARTY WINTER WARMERS MENU

We have Vegan Cassoulet, Pulled Beef in a Bun, Salmon & Cod Chowder, Local Goat's Cheese Salad and much more.

For a lighter bite, visit our coffee shop.

22nd Feb - 1st March

REAL BREAD WEEK Recipes, displays and more.

2nd - 8th March

BRITISH PIE WEEK Help us celebrate the pie and try our “Holme-made” daily specials.

22ND MARCH

Y A MOTHEWRITH’SA GID FT UM MEAL FOR M Follow us on: /JORDANSMILL

25TH FEB PSWANCAKE DAY

EET & S URY PANCAKE SAPVEO CIALS

February half term

LETS GO WILD Kids activity trail.

For full details of all our events please visit our website, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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www.jordansmill.com Jordans Mill, Holme Mills, Southill Road, Broom, Nr Biggleswade SG18 9JY

Fizz & Chips

at The Red Lion Stevington A fun-filled foray into the world of fizz

yeast are fermented in bottles, giving a more concentrated flavour with toasty undertones from the yeast. This tasted like a perfect party drink to me but, Simon is right, at a third of the price of Champagne there really is no need to save it for a special occasion.

L

ike many good things, it began with a glass of Prosecco. Simon, our charismatic expert for the night, described an appley flavour with light pear drops. It was our turn to taste… Yes, I got the pear drops!

Simon circled the room which buzzed as everyone sipped and pondered the contents of the glass.

We were in Stevington at The Red Lion’s Fizz & Chips event, one of the many fun occasions hosted by the popular country inn since their reopening last year. Simon Franklin, their resident wine buff, was on a mission to demonstrate that nice bubbles are for drinking at any time, not just on special occasions, and I for one was happy to be persuaded.

His opening gambit was a glass of La Gioiosa Prosecco DOCG Valdobbiadene. Sales in Prosecco have boomed in the UK so I welcomed Simon’s tip to look out for DOCG on the label to find a good bottle in a saturated market. The production region of DOCG is a hilly area in north-east Italy, where Prosecco is produced in smaller quantities and is considered superior. This doesn’t suit the mass market, explained Simon, but you get a better wine as the grapes are left to mature longer.

So, one delicious glass consumed and one interesting snippet learned. This was going very well.

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Simon introduced his next choice, a Codorníu Selección Raventós NV Cava, produced by the Champagne method where the wine, sugar and

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Simon is full of fascinating facts and his down-to-earth style made him easy to listen to. Easy, that is, when the room is paying attention. After our second glass we were all having fun and the noise level had increased a notch. I had a feeling that this stylish gastro pub had been the perfect setting for many good times during its first year.

Next up was a South African fizz, Graham Beck Brut. Simon talked of complex biscuity, brioche and smoky flavours and we were all keen to sip and search for these in the glass.

At this point, perhaps aware of just how much we were enjoying the wine, Simon offered a receptacle to tip away any unwanted drinks. One guest was horrified. “Who does that?” she exclaimed as laughter filled the room.

It was the middle of November but in Stevington the festivities had already begun.

Simon won back our attention with fizz number four: a glass of Selborne Classic Cuvée Brut from Hampshire.

English sparkling wines have soared in popularity and Simon explained that the best are produced on the south coast which shares the rich seam of chalky soil as the Champagne region of France.

I’m not sure I got the baked apple he described but the wine was delicious.

I didn’t want to offend the South Africans we’d been chatting to on the next table but I liked this one more.

So far my favourites were the Cava and English fizz at £9 and £20-25

OV

LR

respectively. I asked Simon why English wines are so pricey: “Grapes aren’t subsidised like other crops are here, the land is more expensive, wages are higher than in Europe and we can’t yet produce a guaranteed level of stock.”

Simon announced that we had reached hallowed ground as he popped the cork of a Gallimard Pere et Fils Les Riceys Blanc De Noirs, our first Champagne. There was an air of eager anticipation in the room and he managed to quieten a lively table to explain how Champagne grapes are always hand harvested to avoid damage.

The excitement and noise levels rose again as Simon uttered the word Bollinger. His jovial style took on a serious note as we were given two flutes and told that we must keep them apart. Simon was aware that we were all getting a little squiffy and had to persist above the chattering, “Is everyone understanding what I’m saying?” he checked. Yes, of course we were… hic!

I had a glass of Bollinger Special Cuvée in my left hand and a glass of Bollinger La Grande Année in my right and wondered if I was in heaven. We sipped each in turn and compared notes. They were both delicious but inevitably the pricey Bollinger, at £90 a bottle, was everyone’s favourite.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, the food arrived. I’d been enjoying the fizz so much that I’d forgotten all about the chips!

I was expecting classic battered fish and deep fried potatoes but we got so much more. We greedily devoured big, fat chips, beer battered cod, lobster mac and cheese, curried haddock fishcakes, Rockefeller mussels, tuna sashimi and crab rarebit, dipping them all in a

EVI

EW

homemade tartare sauce. Gosh, the kitchen at The Red Lion really knows how to create good food. And at £45 for all of the fizz, delicious food and Simon’s expert knowledge, the event was more than a bargain. The evening had massively exceeded my expectations and we still had more to come.

“We’re on the home straight,” Simon declared. Our eighth (yes eighth!) glass was a sparkling rosé from Italy, Cleto Chiarli Brut de Noir. Simon explained the difference in the production of rosé… something about keeping the skins on for half a day pre-fermentation but his words were lost in the buzz of guests having a great time.

We had one wine to go - a Villa Cialdini Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro - and Simon warned us that it was a real curveball. My glass was filled… with dark red bubbles.

Now that was a surprise. The room erupted again with discussion while Simon explained that this Lambrusco is dry and crisp with fruits of the forest flavours. It was a far cry from the versions I remember in the 80s.

There is no doubt that the team at The Red Lion know how to put on a fantastic, fun-filled event. We chatted to a couple from Olney who confessed, “We come here a lot.

Probably too often. We just can’t fault it and the food is amazing.” The Red Lion has plenty more events to look forward to in 2020. I suggest booking early so you don’t miss out on the fun!

The Red Lion Stevington 1 Park Road, MK43 7QD 01234 823946 hello@redlionstevington.co.uk www.redlionstevington.co.uk

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41

Browns of Stagsden...

A proper farm shop on a proper working family run farm

Stop at Stagsden for all your local produce

Home reared/local meat & poultry Fruit/vegetables. Homemade pies Wide range of artisan cheese

COME AND RELAX IN OUR TEA ROOM Farmhouse breakfasts, light lunches & delicious homemade cakes

01234 822330

OPENING TIMES:

Tues-Thurs 9-5pm Fri 9-6pm Sat 9-4pm

www.brownsofstagsden.co.uk Manor Farm, Stagsden MK43 8SH

BEDFORDSHIRE YOUNG FARMERS

73rd COUNTRY SHOW AND RALLY Saturday 16th May 2020 10AM-5PM

Howbury Hall, Renhold, Bedford, MK41 0JB

Trade stands, Food and Shopping Marquee, Children’s Entertainments, Attractions, Bar, Food Outlets, YFC Competitions and Main Ring Attractions www.bedsyfcrallyandshow.co.uk Tickets are £8 in advance or £10 on the gate. Under 10s go free.

By kind permission of the Polhill Family.

42

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FOOD

Homemade Baked Beans Easy to make, wholesome and delicious Serves 6 Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1 stick of celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, sliced 400g tinned tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 2 tsp smoked paprika

fresh thyme leaves 720g jar haricot beans knob of butter

Heat the oil in a medium pan and fry the onion, carrot, celery and garlic on a low heat until softened.

Add the tomatoes, ketchup, smoked paprika and thyme leaves. Season well and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and blend until smooth.

Tip in the beans with their liquid and simmer for a further 15 minutes. Loosen with a little water if needed and stir in a knob of butter before serving.

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GARDENS

Rosemary’s Garden Four of my favourite plants for my early spring garden - camellia, crocus, muscari and wallflowers The beautiful camellia with its shiny blooms of white, pink, coral or ruby red framed by dark, glossy, evergreen leaves will bring colour and elegance to your garden. They are not difficult to grow and will even thrive in semi-shaded areas, needing only a small amount of care once they are established. Most grow into large shrubs or small trees but they can also be grown in containers. They require a sheltered position and well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Prune them each year after flowering before new growth starts. They flower for about eight weeks so there is plenty of time to enjoy their exotic display.

The crocus is a such a spectacular early spring flower. The first shoots emerging through the cold soil will bring a welcome anticipation of the yellow, blue, purple, mauve and white flowers to come. They are very easy to grow. Most crocuses should be planted in a sunny position in gritty, well-drained soil. Let them die back naturally after flowering – there is no need to deadhead. They will give a wonderful display at the front of a border, naturalised in lawns or planted under and around trees.

They also look good in containers. The main problem can be that squirrels, rabbits and mice may dig the bulbs up.

Muscari, or the grape hyacinth, blooms in shades of blue, white and sometimes purple or mauve. All muscari have a lovely scent. The more you plant, the more fragrance you will enjoy. They will spread to fill any available area whether you plant them in full sun or partial shade. Use them between tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs or in containers. After the flowers have faded, allow the foliage to die back.

It can then be removed by gently pulling it out of the soil. If the leaves do not pull away easily from the bulb they are not ready to be removed and are still absorbing sunlight to produce next year’s flowers.

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Wallflowers brighten flower beds and containers at the beginning of spring.

They come in shades of yellow, orange, pink, purple and blue with some varieties bearing chocolate or crimson flowers.

Once established, they self-seed, grow anywhere, tolerate poor soil and do not need much water. Perennial wallflowers flower for a long time. Buy them in garden centres and aim to plant them a few weeks before the expected time for a last frost.

Or you can plant them from seed. Although they are very hardy it is a good idea to pinch out the growing tips when you plant them to create bushy plants. You should not feed wallflowers.

TOP TEN

Jobs for February & March

1

Prepare the ground for summer-flowering bulbs such as gladioli, alliums. and crocosmia.

2

Plant lily bulbs – five of the same variety in a 25 cm container.

3

Prune winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering.

4

Protect the blooms of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas from the early morning sun.

5

March is the main pruning season for all roses apart from ramblers.

6

Early spring is a good time to plant hardy geraniums and astrantia.

7

Brighten up your containers with plants such as primulas, forget-me-nots and wallflowers.

8

Cut back summer-flowering shrubs - buddlejas, hydrangeas and hardy fuchsias.

9

Make repairs to your lawn, feed with a spring fertiliser and mow if the grass is growing.

10

Clean your patio and decking so that you are prepared for al fresco living.

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TRAVEL UK

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The Boulevard Hotel, Blackpool Travel writer Katie Gregory stayed at The Boulevard Hotel – a new luxury hotel at Blackpool Pleasure Beach I’d forgotten how much fun Blackpool was until we arrived at The Boulevard Hotel with our children back in November. We drove up straight from school on a Friday night, so it wasn’t until they woke up the next morning and flung open the curtains that we realised quite how close to the action we were.

Outside The Boulevard, the giant steel tracks of The Big One – the Pleasure Beach’s landmark rollercoaster – swoop straight past the windows. The kids watched open-mouthed as an empty train rolled around the tracks ahead of the morning’s opening, like an eerie promise of what was to come.

Bedrooms with British design in mind Before hitting the rides though, we had a chance to look around the hotel. The Boulevard opened in autumn 2019, billed as Blackpool’s first luxury hotel and promising to bring a bit of style to the seafront. Inside, it certainly delivers – things are decidedly chic from the moment you step into the bright and modern lobby, via a grand entrance and canopied drop-off area so you can unload all your gear right by the door.

Inside, the whole place sports such a classy colour palette of smoky greys and brushed golds that you quickly forget the old-school seaside setting just outside it. Robert Owen, Director of Marketing, Sales & PR at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, showed us around some of the coastal suites on the top floors. They’re gorgeous – featuring a full-size lounge with squashy sofas, a fire and a balcony with panoramic sea views, on top of a separate bedroom with a super-king bed.

As we poked our head into more of The Boulevard’s bedrooms, we spied Tetrad armchairs tucked into cosy corners, Designers Guild fabrics draped on the beds and monochrome Union Jack headboards – all nods to British design perfectly curated by Amanda Thompson OBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Our own family room was a similarly stylish story, although the interior décor was lost on our kids, who fell in love with the individual TV screens set into the wall of their bunk beds.

Food and drink at The Boulevard The hotel restaurant is as impressive as the décor, and we had a fantastic dinner in the evening. I had chicken and chorizo arancini to start, followed by a melt-in-themouth sirloin steak. It felt like a nice place for a special meal, although the children were welcomed and didn’t feel out of place at an early sitting.

Breakfast was a less refined affair, probably due to the date – a friendly waitress explained it was the final weekend of the season and the last night of the illuminations, so the hotel was busier than usual and the restaurant was full. We sat in the bar area with some other families until a table came up, and although a tea or coffee would have been met with open arms, the kids later confirmed the pancakes were well worth the wait.

Location, Location, Location Outside, The Boulevard faces the seafront on one side and has its own private VIP entrance to the Pleasure Beach on the other. With it being the last night of the illuminations, we jumped on a tram just across the road and went a few stops along the prom towards the Tower, then came back to ride the rollercoasters and watch the fireworks at the Pleasure Beach that night.

The hotel has the benefit of being right at the end of the seaside strip, so you’re just far enough from the hustle and bustle to feel cocooned in a little bubble of luxury, but Blackpool’s buzzier side is only a tram hop away – and the Pleasure Beach couldn’t be closer. Opening an upmarket hotel on an old-school seaside strip is no mean feat but The Boulevard has gone and done it – with style.

Katie Gregory was hosted by The Boulevard Hotel. The hotel is on Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool FY4 1PL. To book, visit www.boulevardhotel.co.uk or call 01253 336073. Family rooms start from £150 including breakfast.

WATCH OUT! OUR YOUNG WINSTONS ARE ABOUT! Winston Churchill was the Chairman of the English-Speaking Union - a registered charity - from 1921-1926, and for over a hundred years the ESU has been committed to helping young people worldwide develop their command and use of spoken English. Every year, Ouse Valley Branch members organise workshops and competitions in debating and public speaking for local schools, helping thousands of pupils between the ages of 9 to 17 years develop the self-confidence to speak effectively in public, and acquire the verbal communication skills so essential to career success.

Between September and April, our members enjoy a stimulating supporting programme of monthly luncheon talks by leading national figures, held at the Sharnbrook Hotel, Bedford.

For reports of past events see https://www.esu.org/branches/bedfordshire-milton-keynes. The 2019-2020 lunches include topics as diverse as the British Empire, education, drama, art, the House of Lords, contemporary USA, and the novels of Mark Rutherford. Members visiting London are also able to make use of the fine restaurant and lounge facilities at Dartmouth House (the ESU international headquarters), a beautiful townhouse in the heart of Mayfair.

For membership information and an invitation to attend a luncheon event as a guest of the Ouse Valley Branch, please contact the President Dr Tony Wood on tony.wood@redrobin.me.uk or telephone 01234 349395.

Get fit at one of the Ouse Valley’s hidden gems

B

y the time you are reading this, many well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions to get fit will have drifted by the wayside. But it’s not too late to get things back on track and have lots of fun at the same time, whatever your age.

Unbeknown to many, tucked away at the Emmaus centre in Carlton is a friendly squash club that is open 24/7 365 days a year - so you can play whenever suits your schedule regardless of the weather.

The club caters for all standards of male and female players, from those who just want to play friendly games of squash or racket ball to keep fit to those who want to play competitively against other clubs in the Northants county league.

There is also a junior coaching programme for youngsters who want to take up the game or hone their skills.

Courts can be booked using a convenient online booking system and there are four box leagues so you’ll soon get to meet players of your own standard.

And how much does all of this cost? Well, not very much at all. An adult membership is just £70 a year, while the whole family can join for £100.

To find out more contact carltonsquashclub@gmail.com or visit www.carltonsquashclub.co.uk. The club is also on Facebook and Instagram.

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TRAVEL

What does luxury travel mean to you?

In February 2020, Regent Seven Seas Cruises promise ‘luxury perfected’ with the launch of their newest ship, Seven Seas Splendor. The largest suite onboard – the Regent Suite at 4,443 square feet - is about four times the size of an average family home and has a Savoir bed which costs $200,000.

The whole ship boasts exemplary craftsmanship, over 500 chandeliers, and priceless artwork.

To the outside world, she might look like a MacBrayne ferry, but step onboard Hebridean Princess (twice chartered by Her Majesty the Queen for private family holidays) and you’ll enter a genteel world more akin to a country house hotel. For the 50 guests onboard, Hebridean Princess offers a relaxed, ‘country house party’ ambience and, with the occasional ringing of the telegram for the Captain down to the engine room, it transports you back to a golden era of travel.

Both Hebridean Princess and Seven Seas Splendor exemplify luxury cruising, but showcase how different luxury travel can be. What they both share, however, is a commitment to personalised, attentive service. For many luxury travel operators, whether ocean or river cruises, touring or hotels, no request is too small. Within luxury cruising, ‘spaciousness’ is also just as important as the ‘crew to guest ratio’ and personalised service. On land, names such as ‘The Ritz’, ‘The Savoy’, ‘Fairmont’, ‘Shangri-La’ and ‘Four Seasons’ (to name just a few) are synonymous with luxury hotels.

“Tiffany’s! Cartier! Black Starr, Frost-Gorham! Talk to me, Harry Winston, tell me all about it!” Marilyn Monroe name-

checked various well-known jewellers and cooed, “I prefer a man who lives and gives expensive jewels” in the most famous version of Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend. In the ‘80s, Madonna recreated much of that scene for her music video for Material Girl. But our definition of luxury is moving away from a materialistic perspective as people are beginning to redefine luxury in terms of experiences, memories created and shared. A recent survey, Global Luxury Traveller Insights Study from Fairmont, found that “the luxury traveller wants more grit, to go out and have street food, to explore more but also to enjoy safety and comfort.” Keeping up with the Joneses no longer means who has the most up-to-date modcons, but who has the best story to tell at a dinner party.

For some people, the experience they crave isn’t necessarily how they travel but where they travel. That feeling of being a pioneer, or seeing sights rarely seen by other tourists, that precious exclusivity that they can claim, has a strong appeal – particularly for those already well-travelled – and, as a result, expedition cruising and off-the-beaten track destinations are becoming increasingly popular. But you don’t need to travel to Antarctica or traverse the Northwest Passage for a unique experience. An exclusive safari experience, a tour rich with immersive and cultural activities, including a homestay in a remote village with a local family, a barging holiday through the French winelands with just your family and a personal chef and crew onboard, are just some of the incredible opportunities travel gives us nowadays. Today, travel affords us amazing opportunities and experiences, and what could be a greater luxury than that?

To Book: Whatever your holiday requirement, Select Travel Holidays in Mill Street, Bedford can tailor your holiday to your wishes. Contact them on 01234 326778.

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PETS

Antifreeze Poisoning

W

hen we talk about poisonings in our pets, we often refer to certain foods like onions or raisins being toxic but it’s important to know, as we head into the colder months, that antifreeze is a common poison we see in Zoe Shelton-Smith veterinary practice. Antifreeze, or Veterinarian more specifically ethylene glycol, is highly toxic, particularly to cats.

What makes this a problem is that cats are prone to drinking water contaminated with antifreeze. This is because, as cat owners will know, cats like drinking from puddles or ponds. Antifreeze is found in car radiators and some screen washes, as well as some inks and even snow globes. What adds to the problem is that antifreeze doesn’t taste bad to cats but, rather, it tastes sweet with just one teaspoon being enough to kill a cat.

Signs of antifreeze poisoning in cats appear between 30 minutes and 8 hours after ingestion. These include: 1. Vomiting 2. ’Walking drunk’ 3. Lethargy 4. Difficulty breathing

5. Twitching eyes and muscles 6. Seizures If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, you need to contact your vet straight away. The fatality rate from a report involving 25 cases was 96% while another study had 197 cases out of 213 prove fatal. The sooner veterinary attention is sought, the greater the chance of survival but often kidney damage is too quick and too severe, resulting in many cats needing to be put to sleep.

So if you are using antifreeze or any product containing ethylene glycol make sure it is stored away properly and that any spillages are cleaned up straight away. It’s advised that if you have ponds or water features that you refrain from adding antifreeze to keep your cats protected. There is a much safer alternative for pets and wildlife available called propylene glycol.

The RSPCA campaign each year to raise awareness of antifreeze poisoning and remind that intentional poisoning is a criminal offence and the maximum penalty is up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a £20,000 fine.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding antifreeze poisoning or toxins in general, then please get in touch with your vet.

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53

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

W

hile many species have declined over recent years, the otter seems to have been seen more frequently and been noted moving more and more into many of the river systems and lakes in the UK’s built up areas.

Locally, we have had otters in the River Ouse around the Bedford area in places such as Bromham, Harrold and Felmersham for a long while and just last year a pair of otters moved into Bedford Boating Lake. They kept photographers and wildlife watchers alike intrigued by their antics for many weeks.

Generally, otters can be quite elusive and will disappear from view at the slightest bankside disturbance or noise. They are playful animals and appear to engage in various behaviours for sheer enjoyment such as making slides into the water, chasing each other and play fighting. They may also find and play with small stones. To witness a mother and cub playing together is something really special.

Otters have brown fur, often pale on the underside, and a long slender body with small ears on a broad head.

They have a long thick tail, short limbs and webbed feet and they swim very low in the water, quite often with their heads and back barely showing. This makes them very hard to spot.

December 2019 saw me head up to the West Coast of Scotland, to Oban, and catch the ferry over to the Isle of Mull. This area is renowned for the number of otters that frequent and breed along the shorelines of the many sea lochs. The shoreline on Mull is a lot easier to access than other Scottish islands, such as Arran. So with a bit of fieldcraft and guile it’s quite easy to get very close to these otters without disturbing them at all - and that is always the priority of a wildlife photographer.

The weather can be very changeable on Scottish islands and Mull is no exception. This trip saw torrential rain, flooding, high winds and waves and then an hour later the sun would come out and the sea would be like a mill pond. The otters don’t mind at all if the weather is bad. If they have a pup they have to fish and feed the youngster. The pup will stay with its mother for up to a year.

One particular day, we had been driving up and down the roadside along the shoreline of a loch for an hour or more but it was so windy and the waves choppy that it made it almost impossible to spot an otter out fishing.

We knew there was a mother and pup in the area so all we could do was persevere, scanning the seas, hoping to see a bobbing brown head swimming and diving for fish. We were eventually rewarded and spent over an hour watching the mother out at sea fishing and bringing back large scorpion fish, squid and lobsters to her pup waiting on the shoreline in front of us. When you are able to spend that amount of time in their company, the otters knowing you are there but not feeling threatened or concerned, it’s a real privilege.

Mull is such a beautiful island, easy to get around outside of the summer months when the tourists take over. There is so much to see in terms of landscapes and seascapes and such a variety of wildlife. In fact, if you are lucky you may spot both golden and sea eagles on the island.

If you would like to see more images of this spectacle go to my Facebook page which is Greg Coyne Photography. Please check out my page, like it, and then keep up to date with my travels on a regular basis. You can also visit my website gregcoynephotography.co.uk

Wildlife around the World

The Otter

Greg Coyne, Wildlife Photographer

SCIENCE

Stelios Mores

Cool Twist Fridges and freezers have been around since ancient times. Apart from the direct use of naturally found ice, usually held in snow and ice pits and typically insulated by grasses and branches, the ancient Egyptians placed boiling water in shallow earthen pots on the roofs of buildings at night. The pot exteriors were moistened throughout the night such that the evaporation cooled the water held within. Ancient societies appear to have used such primitive refrigeration techniques for mostly cooling drinks, whilst its use for preserving food began a lot later in the early 1800s.

The first true refrigeration machine was developed in 1755 by William Cullen whilst he was at Edinburgh University. The technique applied a vacuum to a flask of ether which boiled as a result, removing heat from itself and the flask. Since those early days, the concept of removing heat through evaporation has been the main principle that is still used in today’s modern fridges and freezers. Most of today’s appliances are based on the refrigeration cycle, which uses a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. This was first developed by the American inventor Oliver Evans in 1805.

This technique for cooling is not the only one. Recently the use of thermoelectric cooling has become prevalent in cooling electronic components within our ever more complex electronic devices. Unfortunately, this technology is extremely inefficient as a means of refrigeration and is only used where the refrigeration cycle approach is impractical.

Lately, however, a team of scientists led by Zunfeng Liu at Nankal University in China developed a totally new method for cooling.

Unlike the refrigeration cycle or thermoelectric methods, this approach is entirely

mechanical and relies on the expansion and contraction of solids. Based on the fact that rubber heats up when stretched and cools down when relaxed, they have developed Supercoiled Fibres composed of different materials including nickeltitanium wires and polythene.

These are capable of extremely efficient cooling by being twisted and untwisted repeatedly, bringing down temperatures by over 20°C. In time they expect to improve on this, making this technique extremely attractive for the development of fridges and freezers which will be both highly efficient and, most importantly, free of the refrigerants which are greenhouse gases. So further work on these materials is expected to provide a cool twist to the centuries-old story of refrigeration.

Hot Batteries

The first ever lithium-based batteries were developed

by Stanley Whittingham in the 1970s whilst he was working for Exxon. These initial attempts relied on the use of titanium (IV) sulphide and lithium metal, which, despite being both impractical and particularly hazardous, spearheaded the development of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries and the mobile communications revolution which depended heavily upon them.

Today the use of Li-ion batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles is transforming our personal transportation choices, with the intent of ultimately providing us with cars which might one day rely entirely on renewable energy. As a result Stanley Whittingham, John Goodenough and Akira Yoshino won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their contributions to the development of the Li-ion batteries. Today, efforts in developing lighter and more powerful Li-ion batteries involve tens of thousands of scientists and engineers throughout the world.

nsteins Ei

and mark the water level with the marker.

Do the same with cup ‘H’, but this time use hot water from a hot tap. Place the cups side-by-side in sunlight (if you can) on a window sill. Use your clock to note the time in your notepad and every five minutes check the cups, marking the water level on each every time.

As time passes you will notice that the water level drops as it evaporates. Do you notice any difference between the cold and hot water?

orner

Water can evaporate so that it changes from a liquid to a vapour or a gas. It can also condense and change from a vapour or gas back to a liquid. In this experiment we will see how water evaporates. You will need the following: 1. Two transparent plastic cups 2. A marker 3. Cold water 4. Hot water 5. A clock or watch 6. A notepad and pencil First mark one cup with the letter ‘C’ and the other with an ‘H’. Take cup ‘C’, fill it ¾ full with cold water

Recently, however, researchers at Pennsylvania State University discovered that perhaps a rise in temperature is not all bad. It seems that a consequence of a raised battery temperature is to enable it to charge and discharge more rapidly, as this speeds up the battery chemistries, as well as increase battery longevity by almost thirtyfold. So it seems that fifty years on from the discovery of the lithium battery and the Nobel prize won by its protagonists, it is still a hot topic of research and development.

’C

Invisible Water

With the growth of the electric vehicle industry, the problems of safety facing chemists and technologists sit at odds with the demands of the technology which requires extremely rapid charging and discharging. In fact, it is considered that the success of the electric vehicle industry will depend significantly on allowing drivers to rapidly charge their vehicles (within a few minutes) as well as be able to sustain fast discharge (such as when overtaking) without overheating.

Evidently maintaining a battery at an ambient temperature can be extremely challenging, such that this aspect is a major consideration in the design of electric vehicles.

e

One aspect of lithium battery usage which has been researched extensively is the tendency for the batteries to generate heat when being charged and discharged.

This has been one of the technology’s main constraints, since this can lead to lithium batteries heating up so much as to become unsafe. Thankfully, most lithium batteries are designed to shut down if their temperature gets too high when used normally, and so failures are usually the result of damage through abuse and misuse. Consequently, efforts are always made to ensure that batteries are kept at room temperatures

when being used. This can be achieved by controlling their temperature through careful product design and low current use, or by actively removing the heat generated through additional cooling.

Litt l

Since those initial efforts, Li-ion battery chemistries have evolved immensely, but the basic principles remain much the same. As such Li-ion batteries consist of three basic components, these being the positive and negative electrodes and the electrolyte.

At present there are numerous competitive Li-ion battery technologies based on variations of the original chemistry. Most mobile devices, for instance, use lithium polymer gels and lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) as the cathode. These are capable of storing large amounts of energy in the smallest volumes (high energy density) but present significant safety risks as they can potentially burst into flames if their integrity is compromised. Other chemistries include lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O3/LiMn2O4), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO3) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). These are used in applications that require greater safety such as electric vehicles and medical devices but have lower energy densities and are therefore likely to require recharging more often. So as always in most applications a compromise has to be reached.

MOTORS

McCann’s Motors McCann takes a – thankfully smooth – trip down memory lane Richard McCann

on a Royal Enfield.

As we look forward to spring, I see that there are now 1.25 million motorcycles in use on UK roads, a number that’s been growing over the past few years.

And while sales of entry-level bikes are down, biggerengined motorcycles are doing well. Much of that is down to the 50-something ‘born-again’ weekend biker who values retro style above ultimate 200 mph performance!

aimed at enthusiasts who love the retro-style and brand-authenticity but won’t put up with a plodding single.

Considerable parent-company clout means that current production is a world away from the – let’s say ‘disappointing’ and leave it at that – machines that RE used to sell.

Because they don’t make huge amounts of power, the new twins still qualify for restricted ‘A2’ licence holders yet they are plenty fast enough for purpose. The ‘Interceptor’ is a ‘sit up’ roadster tourer and the ‘Continental GT’ (harking back to a RE model I lusted after as a 16-year old) is the ‘looker’ of the But now, thanks to serious investment in facilities by family, more sporty yet still not too low to strain a owners Eicher Motors, Royal Enfield has stepped up rider’s ageing back on a sunny Sunday morning’s a gear with its new range of twin-cylinder machines stress-relief ride out!

58 Please remember to mention OVL when responding to adverts One marque that has fared well in the UK since it was ‘born again’ in India is Royal Enfield. The firm’s range of old-style 350cc and 500cc single cylinder machines were slow and old-fashioned – precisely what retro-fans were looking for it seems!

In an age of big heavy tourers that are often impossible to push around, the light, well-balanced Enfield twins are agile and easy to manage and the low centre of gravity imparts a feeling of stability… so long as the road stays smooth. Otherwise the budget suspension will betray its origins.

The last Enfield I rode had a gearbox with more false neutrals than a politician offering an opinion but those days have thankfully gone at RE and the new sixspeeder is slick all the way. The elephant is the room is ‘reliability’ and that’s something they want to change.

‘Have to change’ is more to the point.

Competition will surely come from Triumph’s Bonneville and Moto Guzzi’s V7, both of which we tested here some while ago. Both are more expensive but they are tried-and-tested and with fewer concessions to saving money.

This all-new range could be the turning point with a 1007-point-check, which Enfield claims takes six hours to complete. Plus a three-year warranty. That could be enough to make many riders turn their backs on the ‘more obvious options’ and dare to be different. A brand new 650cc twin bike with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty for around £6000. A chance worth taking I’d say.

I suspect the RE will offer what many riders in this sector will want – something different, pedigree, looks, price, user-friendly, with reasonable torque arriving before 2500rpm and a lovely exhaust note straight out of the ‘60s - which is a miracle in a Euro4 noisestrangled world.

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59

MUSIC

Milky’s Music Matters.....

SCENE:LIVE

FOCUS ON UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS ZUZU

GILL LANDRY (Old Crow Medicine Show) + guests Thursday 13 February, doors 8pm @ Esquires Tickets £11 in advance + booking fee Two-time Grammy winner Gill Landry is heading to the UK at the start of 2020 in support of his new album ‘Skeleton at the Banquet’. Landry was originally from Louisiana and started out as a busker on the streets of New Orleans before becoming a contributing member of the band Old Crow Medicine Show with whom he recorded 4 albums and toured from 2004 to 2014. He’s released 4 solo albums to critical acclaim, featuring such artists as Laura Marling, Brandi Carlile, Klara Söderberg (First Aid Kit), The Felice Brothers and Karen Elson among many others. Landry has toured extensively internationally in his own right, and has also supported Mumford & Sons, Brandi Carlile, Ben Harper, Laura Marling, Ben Howard and Bruce Hornsby.

The album is Landry’s fifth solo studio album and the follow-up to 2017’s ‘Love Rides A Dark Horse’ (Loose/ ATO). The first single from the album, ‘I Love You Too’ comes across like a new genre… haunted cowboy music – maybe? “This album is a series of reflections and thoughts on the collective hallucination that is America,” he tells us. “With a love song or two thrown in for good measure. I wrote it from within the refuge of a small flat in a small village in western France where I spent last summer. I found it to be a good place for seeing the forest through the trees, so to speak.”

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Thursday 27 February, doors 8pm @ Esquires Tickets £8 in advance + booking fee “With her electrifying unpredictability, the sci-fi-loving singersongwriter could be the future of Liverpool pop.” The Observer.

“Imbued with both the rock and roll swagger of fellow Liverpudlians The La’s And The Coral, and the powerful melodies of contemporaries Haim and Courtney Barnett.” The Line of Best Fit. “Ginormous indie-pop belters ideal for fans of Courtney Barnett.” NME. Computer games and relationships take centre stage in Zuzu’s video for her new single ‘What You Want’, another guitar-driven pop anthem for 2019’s Liverpudlian breakout indie starlet, and follow-up to the huge ‘Get Off’ and her joint release with DIY Magazine ‘Money Back’ earlier this year. With her unique style and direction Zuzu is unlike any other, rocking her space-inspired outfits and Courtney Barnett humour she’s becoming one of the most exciting artists for 2020.

In Zuzu’s world, comic books, strong female icons and massive power-pop riffs are the only things that matter – and she’s out to zap anyone who says otherwise with her own special power: sharp, self-aware indie-pop bangers. Zuzu has established herself as one of the most exciting artists to emerge from Liverpool over the past year and her highly charged live shows, powered by enormous indie-pop hooks and driving riffs, are set to conquer indie discos.

THE PETE WYLIE SHOW Friday 28 February, doors 8pm @ Esquires Tickets £16.50 in advance + booking fee Part time rock star - full time legend! Pete Wylie is a seminal Scouse maverick who, along with Ian McCulloch and Julian Cope, pioneered the Eighties artindie scene. His debut gig was at the legendary Eric’s in Liverpool - the night it was raided and closed for ever. He bounced back with a series of bands - Wah! Heat, Wah! and The Mighty Wah! - and had a string of hits including ‘The Story Of The Blues’ (Single of the Year – John Peel), ‘Come Back’, ‘Sinful’, ‘7 Minutes to

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Midnight’ and ‘Heart As Big As Liverpool’ (an anthem forever linked with the Hillsborough Justice Campaign).

Pete has written scores for Hurricane Films, Alex Cox and Radio 4. Staggeringly articulate, funny and wise, his TV and radio appearances include The Culture Show, BBC 4’s Pop On Trial, and any number of BBC Radio documentaries. This year ‘Pete Sounds’ was released as his first album in 17 years.

albums to its name, the band’s recorded output is not to be scoffed at. Prolific is an understatement, with albums touching genres as diverse as jazz, funk, soul, rock, and even rap, not to mention a handful of library albums in between. Each album is an absolute must for any Hammond fan: James’ playing providing a solid and accomplished lead as always.

JTQ’s fired-up signature tune, ‘The Theme from Starsky and Hutch’, cemented its reputation as master of the jazz-funk-r’n’b workout; 60s spy themes, psychedelic and free-form jazz all added something to the band’s distinctive sound. Originally playing the Hammond B3 organ in the UK mod revival band The Prisoners, James Taylor formed his own quartet, and began playing music similar to the rare-groove jazz-funk then in vogue around London. By the early 90s, that movement had spawned acid jazz, and JTQ found itself at the forefront of a vibrant young club scene. The first single, ‘BlowUp’, was released on the Re Elect The President label, a precursor to Acid Jazz. The band’s debut album, ‘Mission Impossible’, was released the following year, predominantly consisting of covers of 60s film themes such as Alfie, Mrs Robinson and Goldfinger. In the early 1990s, the single ‘Love The Life’ reached the Top 40, and the accompanying album, ‘Supernatural Feeling’, settled in the Top 30 UK charts. After releases on Polydor and Big Life Records, JTQ returned to Acid Jazz, and ‘In The Hand of The Inevitable’ remains the label’s biggest selling album to date.

JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET Saturday 14 March, doors 8pm @ Esquires Tickets £20 in advance + booking fee James Taylor, one of the great British instrumentalists of his generation has taken his trademark howling Hammond sound to the masses for over 25 years. The band’s relentlessly entertaining tunes take inspiration from the rare-groove style funk, and boogaloo funk of the 60s and 70s and, the band is, without a doubt, one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits in British live musical history today.

JTQ has evolved into one of the most exciting and well respected touring bands in the UK. With numerous SUPPORT THE BEDFORD LIVE SCENE - UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS FOR YOUR DIARY

ALL AT ESQUIRES Thursday 6 February - Sorry + guests Friday 7 February - JOHN + guests Thursday 13 February - Gill Landry (Old Crow Medicine Show) Friday 14 February - Ho99o9 Saturday 22 February - Club Momacoca ft Seb Fontaine Wednesday 26 February - Bar Stool Preachers/Riskee & the Ridicule Thursday 27 February - Zuzu + guests Friday 28 February - The Pete Wylie Show Saturday 29 February - Reggae Matters: Channel ONE Saturday 14 March - James Taylor Quartet Saturday 21 March - Special Kinda Madness Thursday 26 March - Squid + guests Friday 27 March - The King Blues Saturday 28 March - Skinnyman + TrueMendous Saturday 4 April - Lee Scratch Perry Tickets from: wegottickets.com / seetickets.com / Esquires Bar / Slide Records / Mario’s Hair Design Follow us on twitter @OVLMagazine Find us on Facebook OVL Magazine

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BOOKS

AN AUTHOR’S TALES OF LOVE AND LOSS

J

o Jackson, a former resident of Riseley, is the author of two novels. Her inspiration for her first novel, Too Loud a Silence, came from the years she spent in Cairo in the early eighties. “For almost two years I was a visitor to an orphanage, taking children out for the day. Abruptly and without explanation the orphanage was closed to foreigners.

I was never to know the fate of the children I had grown fond of. This is a novel I wanted to write for them.”

Ex Libris

The Testaments, winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, begins 15 years after the end of The Handmaid’s Tale. Margaret Atwood was 45 when she wrote the first novel and 79 for the sequel.

The Handmaid’s Tale exposes the demise of liberal democracy, threats to human rights, climate change and falling fertility with Atwood acclaimed a feminist icon. It is so relevant in the context of the behaviour of (some) powerful men and a popular TV series. The Testaments was eagerly awaited by the author’s fans.

The sequel has three female narrators where the first had one. Each of their testaments reveal the reality of Gilead, a patriarchal dystopian Christian state in America, where fertility rates are falling and women are subjugated according to their reproductive capability. The first voice is Aunt Lydia, the cunning and complex woman in charge of the handmaids. The second is Agnes, a young woman who has grown up in Gilead, a society “rotting beneath its outer show of virtue and purity”. She discovers that her real mother was a handmaid, refuses an arranged marriage and trains to be an Aunt. The third is rebellious teenager Daisy, who was smuggled to Canada as a baby and who belongs to the resistance movement helping girls escape from Gilead.

Aunt Lydia’s testament is gripping. She writes in the library, banned to all women apart from the sadistic Aunts, telling the story of her journey from prisoner to collaborator. The question is whether, and by what means, the evil regime can be destroyed.

Reviewed by Roz Masters

The story is set in 2011 when Egypt is in the grip of the Arab Spring. Journalist Maha, who was born in Egypt but raised in England by adoptive parents, wants to discover her roots.

When she travels to Cairo she is completely unprepared for the devastating secret she uncovers. Events draw her into the political mayhem and she experiences the abuse and violence of the revolution. She is moved by Egypt’s cause and the passion of the demonstrators. It is a sensitively written, poignant and sometimes brutal story of cross-cultural identity and of a mother’s love and guilt.

Jo Jackson’s second novel, Beyond the Margin, published in October 2019 is set in Ireland and Shropshire. For Nuala, abandoned at five years old, survival means learning not to care. Joe, fighting drug addiction, is searching for meaningful relationships. It is a compelling story of trauma, loss and second chances.

Both are available from Amazon, Waterstones and directly from the author at www.jojacksonwriter.com

FILM

Review Joker *****

Release: DVD/Blu-ray February 11

Stirring up a storm since its eight-minute standing ovation at The Venice Film Festival, Todd Phillips’ Joker origin story of the same name is designed to shock and Anthony Lowery overwhelm.

Phillips, of course, hit his stride with The Hangover Trilogy – a series that built its success on its lightness and comedic appeal. Why then is its helmer delivering a portrait of one of pop culture’s darkest characters? Phillips defends his appointment by explaining that if we look closely at the misadventures of The Hangover’s quartet, you’ll find a bold, bleak undercurrent coursing through its veins.

Truth is, though, nothing could have prepared Phillips for Joker. It’s much more than a movie, it’s sensory overload, a display of twisted intent - but knowing what’s required, you wouldn’t have it any other way. If Phillips was to do justice to a character and a psyche perhaps even more legendary than the Batz himself (an exploit never before done like this on film), the gloves had to come off.

@OVLMagazine @byAnthonyLowery #Joker

The story lives in the same universe as Batman, but Joker is (much) less a comic book movie than it is a psychological study, with one of cinema’s finest character arcs since Citizen Kane thumping away at its core.

Taking some serious convincing to accept the literally life-changing role of Arthur Fleck/Joker, Joaquin Phoenix (having already bagged the Golden Globe for his riveting rendition) delivers something we’ll be talking about for years to come, a performance that doesn’t contest Heath Ledger’s, but exists snugly alongside.

The script’s creativity, as it finds Fleck’s story a home in a world we’re already familiar with, is an attractive feat; attributing Joker’s laugh as a medical disorder is just one way in which Phillips makes this his own. It pushes boundaries, shatters them in some cases, and the simmering action gives way to highly explosive moments that’ll leave you feeling violated.

To offer some final measure, Joker’s an experience like sticking your head into a pressure cooker, taking you to boiling point and beyond.

HA-HA-Happy viewing!

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CHILDHOOD COMMUNICATION Independent Speech and Language Therapist Jacqui Wright answers your questions about childhood communication

James Mellor Creative

Dear Jacqui My teenage daughter is having difficulties concentrating at school and understanding her work. She is struggling to achieve her potential. She is also having difficulties with friendships. Can you help please?

This is an interesting question and there are a number of teenagers like this. A Speech and Language assessment is required to see if there are any aspects of subtle, higher level language difficulties and social communication difficulties which affect friendships. There may be auditory processing and spatial processing difficulties. This is when a person struggles to hear in background noise when these noises come from different directions i.e. they are spatially separated.

The combination of some auditory processing difficulties, higher level language difficulty and social communication challenges will present as: • Poor attention and concentration in the classroom and in group conversations • Difficulties following a set of instructions • The teenager often saying ‘Huh?’ or ‘What?’ as if they haven’t heard • Mishearing what is said at times • Difficulty with understanding the flow of conversation or a teacher in a lesson • Difficulty understanding new and complex vocabulary at the secondary school level • Difficulty understanding language in written text • Difficulty interpreting exam questions and long written answers • Difficulty with friendships including misinterpretation of what others say and mean It is advisable to have a full Speech and Language assessment in the first instance. Following this, a therapy plan can be put in place. With the right support, these students can improve and achieve their potential.

Bespoke Cartoons & Corporate Copywriting for publications, websites, social media, presentations and conferences www.jamesmellorcreative.com @jamesdfmellor

Would you like to know what the stars have in store for you?

Text or email Howard for more information or book a personal reading through his website:

astroguidance.co.uk

Jacqui Wright

www.childhoodcommunication.co.uk info@childhoodcommunication.co.uk 01234 782 365 / 07956 685581 Facebook: Childhood Communication Consultancy Twitter: @JacquiSLT If you have any questions for Jacqui please email info@ousevalleyliving.com and she will endeavour to answer your concerns in this column

Follow Howard’s ‘Astro-guidance’ on Facebook for forecasts and discussion email: howpark@aol.com

phone: 07866 727743

THEATRE

Love Theatre?

What’s on locally in February & March

Peter Pan Goes Wrong Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 4 to Sat 8 February Following their multi award-winning success with The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Mischief Theatre returns with their riotous spin on a timeless classic, the West End smash hit Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Info and tickets from www.atgtickets.com

The King and I Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 25 Feb to Sat 7 March Hailed as ‘the theatrical event of 2018’, the multi-award winning and critically acclaimed Lincoln Center Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King And I is embarking on a World Tour direct from its record breaking sold out season at The London Palladium. Info and tickets from www.atgtickets.com

I, Amdram The Place Theatre, Bedford, Friday 7 February, 7.30pm Amateur dramatics. The hidden history of many a performance artist. From four generations of leading ladies comes one queer Londoner, sharing a story of return and reconciliation – with her hometown, cultural inheritance and secret love of musical theatre.

Tickets from https:/theplacebedford.ticketsolve.com

Daisy Pulls It Off Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, Tue 3 to Sat 7 March Daisy, a girl from a poor background, must overcome snobbish prejudice and schoolgirl pranks from the wealthier girls at an English boarding school. Find out if she succeeds in this Youth-led drama by Denise Deegan. Info and tickets from www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk or Pick-a-Lily Florist in Sharnbrook.

A Day in: Bedford The Place Theatre Bedford, Wed 19 February, 7.30pm After their sold out productions of The Comedy of Errors and I, Banquo, SE Theatre Company returns for the first play in their A Day In project. Built around the experiences of the residents of the town, A Day In: Bedford explores what it means to be a Bedfordian in 2020.

Tickets from https:/theplacebedford.ticketsolve.com

King Lear The Place Theatre, Bedford, Thu 5 March, 7.30pm Armed with only a drum, a guitar, a knife and a chair, this inventive and highly accessible one-man is presented from the point of view of Lear’s long suffering and everloyal fool. All the characters from this sad and sorry tale are brought to life in this fast paced, funny and ultimately heartbreaking production. Tickets from https://theplacebedford.ticketsolve.com

Trojan Horse The Place Theatre, Bedford, 21 February 7.30pm “Why should I continue to be tolerant?

When the world has been so intolerant of me.” Amnesty International Freedom of Expression and Fringe First Award Winners LUNG (E15, The 56 and Chilcot) follows the real life stories of Muslim teachers and governors who were accused of plotting extremism in Birmingham schools.

Tickets from https:/theplacebedford.ticketsolve.com

Ladykiller The Place Theatre, Bedford, Friday 13 March, 7.30pm A hotel room, a maid and a dead woman. It’s not what it looks like, really, it’s not. It was self-defence… and anyway, the woman was asking for it. The chambermaid considers herself to be a pretty normal person. She’s even read The Psychopath Test and she’s pretty sure she’s not one so…

Tickets from https://theplacebedford.ticketsolve.com

Nocturne The Quarry Theatre, Bedford, Sun 23 February, 7pm The third programme of words and music scripted and adapted from letters and diaries by Lucy Parham chronicles the romantic life of one the greatest and most popular composers for solo piano – Frédéric Chopin.

Featuring narrators Patricia Hodge and Alex Jennings.

Champagne reception 6.15pm. In aid of the Cool-Down appeal. Tickets £25 from www.quarrytheatre.org.uk

Gilbert & Sullivan with The Wandering Minstrels Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm Savoy favourites, combining the biting wit of W.S Gilbert and the enchanting music of Sir Arthur Sullivan. Tickets £15 plus £1 booking fee from www. sharnbrookmilltheatre/tickets or Pick-a-Lily Florist in Sharnbrook. In aid of the Cool-Down appeal.

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HOROSCOPES

IN THE STARS with Howard Parker, the Astro-guide I can help you gain a deep insight into what the most important issues will be for you personally during this period by examining your own astrological birth chart. Please go to www.astroguidance.co.uk to book a session. You can also call me on 07866 727743 or email me at howpark@aol.com for more information.

If you want to keep in touch with what is happening astrologically, drop in on my Astrocafe Facebook group where I post regular live videos. https://www.facebook.com/groups/310639759701042/

Aquarius

If you’ve been feeling a bit ‘out of the loop’, then your ability to bring perspective and higher rational thinking may now be seen as very valuable. I know you have seen the size and dimensions of the problem for a long time while others have seemed ‘frozen in the headlights’ so try to influence what’s important as much as you can because March’s dissolving Pisces energy means people will stop listening!

Pisces

Positively, this is the season for some hard thinking followed by letting go of whatever has ceased to serve you well. Alternatively, you may feel inclined to descend into confusion and lack of direction and just hibernate. But spring is round the corner with its promise of renewal so a period of reflection and withdrawal from the world may be just what you need.

Aries

There are red flashing lights around mid March and red is for danger so pay attention to the cranking up of aggressive energy that has been taking place since the new year – it’s a potently explosive time. It will be a sign to step back from the brink in some way because, unless you are careful, the fall could be a long way down. The time for the renewed positive energy of spring is still a month away.

Taurus

Can you just let go and just see what happens? Well, that’s probably the dilemma you are facing, allowing your routines to be changed for you and seeing if you can enjoy the new things that life throws your way. It’s an experimental period and things happen out of the blue. It peaks on 9 March so enjoy the time coming up to that point.

Gemini

February starts rather emotionally and you may feel rather frazzled but the adjustments you have been making to your lifestyle during the past few months will continue. Try not to despair if you feel you are not getting anywhere: it is better viewed as preparation time for the spring that will be here soon enough.

Cancer

Withdrawal from the world has an attraction now but alternatively you might react to the almost unbearable pressure by being emotionally aggressive against people you know are not to blame. It is best to step back, recognise that this is deep winter and that spring is on the way. It’s all about self protection so do the things that you know help and heal you rather than lashing out.

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Leo

March will bring its annoyances with people around you vying for prominence as Jupiter inflames egos everywhere. So don’t get sucked into the fray, bide your time and when the dust settles, your Leo abilities will probably be in demand. It will require true leadership abilities to get out of this mess so there will be opportunities to be had.

Virgo

This period is a real mixture: the practical aspects of Capricorn will continue to assist you in getting things achieved to meet your goals but as February moves into March, the watery element of Pisces comes into play and may turn solidity into mud! It is important to note (with patience!) that the astrological year ends in March and that spring comes with the new moon in Aries on the 21st.

Libra

I feel that you will much prefer February to March. The earlier part of this period gives you chances to think out future goals and intentions for the coming spring but March itself may make you feel that all is turning to mud beneath your feet. There are also some fiery and harsh days mid-month when you should steer clear of aggressive people.

Scorpio

Much is still hidden as winter moves slowly towards spring. The energy is slow but progress can still be made for Scorpios who have secret plans and are in no hurry! In March you need to let go of old and possibly destructive emotions so that you can breathe new life into your plans when spring begins on 21 March. Be careful the week before, as there may be a sting in the tail.

Sagittarius

Mars in your sign will help you keep the fires burning this winter until mid-February but after that you must adjust your pace to suit the unremittingly slow uphill trudge through an unusually Capricornian winter. It is a time for slowing down and tightening your belt financially until the days lengthen and you can start to make plans. Or forget about this and just pop on a flight to somewhere hot!

Capricorn

As the year progresses you are going to have to rein in some of the more excessive intentions and ideas of people around you that are hopelessly impractical and over hyped. You know best how to reach the top of that hill but the optimism of January and early February may give way to difficulties, delays and emotional upsets in March!

Flavour of the Times We live in scary times and are going to have to learn how to work with Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto all in Capricorn for most of this year. On 17 March warlike Mars joins the Capricornian party so we can expect macho war mongering to peak then. This feels quite dangerous to me but if we can get through that, there are some changes coming. Don’t forget that not everyone will experience these energies on a personal level but if you have strong Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn in your personal chart, it may be a big wave you have to ride. The good side of Capricorn in all this is that if you have a clear idea of where you want to go, it is great for structuring plans and ambitions, so long as you can be patient.

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diarydates Saturday 1 February Cambs & Beds Hardy Plant Society Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, 2pm Marcus Dancer ‘New and exciting Plants for your Garden’. Nursery owner and lecturer, selling a range of clematis, shrubs and perennials.

London Community Gospel Choir Bromham Baptist Church, 7pm Tickets £15 or £10 concessions from the church office on 01234 822681 or www.bromham.org Part of our Church’s Centenary celebrations.

Monday 3 February Learning Lunchtime, 11am to noon Forest of Marston Vale Life in Nelson’s Navy - a Talk

by Alan Gilmore. Free, no booking. Donations gladly received.

01234 767037 or www. marstonvale.org/event Friday 7 February Man Cave Sharnbrook Scout Hut Fridays 10am-1pm. Unemployed, retired or just appreciate some company? Make new friends, chat and share experiences. For info ring Bernard 07711 664451.

Bedford Art Society, 7.15pm Putnoe Heights Church David Bennison is a talented artist who can manipulate perspective to create exciting outcomes. He will demonstrate his skills for us and show his work. Members free, visitors £5. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www. bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.

Saturday 8 February Coffee Morning, 10am Sharnbrook Methodist Church Come and enjoy coffee and a chat.

Sale of scones and homemade soup.

Tuesday 11 February Carers Together, 2.30pm Sharnbrook Methodist Church Churches together with Tibbs Dementia Foundation. Meet with other carers knowing the person you care for is safe enjoying other activities. Suggested donation £2.

Contact Linda Hoar 07791214148 or lindahoar@ hotmail.co.uk The Friends of The Higgins, 7.30pm The Higgins, Castle Lane ‘The Grand Tour’. Illustrated talk by Hugh Belsey. Friends £4, guests £9. www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk Wednesday 12 February Lunch at The Mill - Say Cheese!

Sharnbroook Mill Theatre, 12 noon Speaker Christine Twell, Cheesemaker of Neneview Dairy preceded by two course lunch.

Tickets £16 fromVirginia Pope 01933 356974. In aid of the CoolDown Appeal.

The Wildlife Trust, Bedford Local Group Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Ave, 7.15pm ‘A Social Marvel – New World Leaf Cutting Ants’ an illustrated talk by Brian Sims. No charge but voluntary contributions appreciated. Details at www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057.

Tuesday 18 February Kids’ Bird Crafts, 10.30am-3pm Forest of Marston Vale Paint your own bird feeder. 45 minute sessions, £4 per child.

Book at 01234 767037 or www. marstonvale.org/events Bedford National Trust Association Addison Centre, Kempston, 2pm Simon Michael - barrister and now crime fiction author “My Life in Crime”. No need to book. For info call Betty Thomas on 01480 860421.

Kimbolton Flower Club Mandeville Hall, 7pm Demonstration Historic Flowers

by Linda Seabrook. Raffle of the arrangements and light refreshments. Visitors £7.50.

Biddenham Gardeners Association Village Hall, 7.30pm “Mythology of Plants” by Joanne Baxter. Admission £5 per meeting, includes raffle & refreshments. www. biddenhamgardenersassociation. org.uk Tue 18 to Sat 22 February Half Term Children’s Trail Cowper & Newton Museum Usual admission to museum applies.

Trail £1.50 per child.

Thursday 20 February Bedford RSPB Local Group ARA Club, Manton Lane, 7.30pm Connor Jameson “Looking for the Goshawk – the “Phantom of the Forest”. Suitable for experts and novices, RSPB membership not essential. Members £1, guest £2, annual group membership £5, under 18s enter free. www.rspb.org.uk/ groups/bedford Giacomo Susani, guitar Bunyan Meeting, 7.45pm Music by Frescobaldi, Sor, Scarlatti and others. Tickets on the door £18, student (18-25) £5, under 18 £2. www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk Friday 21 February Historical Spooky Walk Cowper & Newton Museum A spooky night-time guided walk of Olney North End to explore some of the hidden corners and alleyways of the town. £10 adult/ £2 child to include refreshments. Meet outside museum at 7.30pm.

Abba Tribute, 7-10.30pm Forest of Marston Vale £15 per head. Booking essential 01234 767037 or www. marstonvale.org/events

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diarydates Colmworth & Neighbours History Society Colmworth Village Hall, 7.30pm David Fowler - Rise and fall and rise again of the Cardington Airships.

Contact Chairman Chris Walker 01234 771536 or chairman@ colmworthhistory.org.uk. Visitors, £4.

Membership £12.50 per year. www. colmworthhistory.org.uk Saturday 22 February Blunham’s Big Book Sale, 103pm Blunham Parish Church, Park Lane Nearly new books, homemade soup and cakes, teas, coffees and a raffle. All proceeds to Blunham Church Fabric Fund. For more details ring Sue and Peter on 01767 640572.

Tuesday 25 February Carers Together, 2.30pm Sharnbrook Methodist Church Churches together with Tibbs Dementia Foundation. Meet with other carers knowing the person you care for is safe enjoying other activities. Suggested donation £2.

Contact Linda Hoar 07791214148 or lindahoar@hotmail.co.uk Monday 2 March Learning Lunchtime, 11am-12pm Forest of Marston Vale Fantastic Facts, Figures and Folklore about Wild Flowers - a talk by Bob Hook and Judith Knight.

No booking, donations gratefully received. 01234 767037 or www. marstonvale.org/events Thursday 5 March The Soane Lecture, 7.30pm Moggerhanger Park The History of Paint by Edward Bulmer, interior designer, architectural historian and ‘colourman’ who has worked on some of Britain’s finest buildings.

Tickets from £18 (£12 Friends) includes wine and canapés. Kate Henderson 012334 838610 or henderson641@btinternet.com

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Friday 6 March Bedford Art Society Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm Tim Fisher, expert with oil pastels, gives tips on technique and different surfaces while painting a winter landscape. Members free, visitors £5. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety. co.uk for info.

Saturday 7 March Coffee Morning, 10am Sharnbrook Methodist Church Come and enjoy coffee and a chat.

Pancakes, Traidcraft stall and sale of soups.

Cambs & Beds Hardy Plant Society Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, 2pm Paul Green ‘Plants of the Season’ Green Leaves Nursery grows a wide selection of home-grown choice and rare unusual plants. Plants for Sale.

Tuesday 10 March Carers Together, 2.30pm Sharnbrook Methodist Church Churches together with Tibbs Dementia Foundation. Meet with other carers knowing the person you care for is safe enjoying other activities. Suggested donation £2.

Contact Linda Hoar 07791214148 or lindahoar@hotmail.co.uk Bedford National Trust Association Addison Centre, Kempston, 2pm Speaker - Frank Burns, cyclist “From Vancouver to Mexico - 1700 miles”.

No need to book For further information ring Betty Thomas 01480 860421.

Wednesday 11 March The Wildlife Trust Bedford Local Group Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Ave, 7.15pm ‘Planning for Wildlife - Development Pressure in our 3 Counties’. An illustrated talk by Conservation

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Manager Matt Jackson. Voluntary contributions appreciated. Further details at www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057.

Thursday 12 March Luxury Travel Showcase The Barns Hotel, 10.30-3pm Select Travel Holidays introduce our preferred partners in luxury travel. To register for free entry call 01234 326778 or email sales@ selecttravelholidays.co.uk Monday 16 March Learning Lunchtime, 11-12pm Forest of Marston Vale Born to Travel - the Migration of Birds. A Talk by the Creator of the Big Garden Bird Watch - Peter Holden. No booking, donations gratefully received. 01234 767037 or www.marstonvale.org/ events Tuesday 17 March Kimbolton Flower Club Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton, 7pm Demonstration by Stephanie Laing On the Move. Raffle of arrangements and light refreshments.

Visitors £7.50.

Biddenham Gardeners Association Village Hall, 7.30pm “Gardens Question Time” by Roger Skipper and R Callahan. Visitors very welcome £5 per meeting includes raffle & refreshments. www. biddenhamgardenersassociation. org.uk.

The Friends of the Higgins, 7.30pm The Higgins, Castle Lane ‘Swifts: The Fastest Bird on the Planet’. An illustrated talk by Bob Hook. Friends £4, guests £9. www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk Thursday 19 March Bedford RSPB Local Group ARA Club, Manton Lane, 7.30pm Steve Portugal, Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour at the Royal

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Holloway University of London on “Migration - Avian Migration and Moult. The Annual Cycle”. Members £1, guests £2, annual group membership £5, under 18s free. www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford Ashwell Trio horn, piano, violin Bedford School Recital Hall, 7.45pm Music by Haydn, Huw Watkins, Mozart, Brahms.

Tickets £18, students 18-25 £5, under-18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811. www. bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

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Friday 20 March Colmworth & Neighbours History Society Village Hall, 7.30pm Roy Smart - Wallis Simpson and the Abdication Crisis of 1936: The Year of Three Kings! Contact Chairman Chris Walker 01234 771536 or chairman@colmworthhistory.org.uk. Visitors, £4. Membership £12.50 per year. www. colmworthhistory.org.uk Monday 23 March Learning Lunchtime, 11-12pm Forest of Marston Vale Bedford’s Highlanders. A Talk on The Highland Division’s Stay in Bedford in WWI by Richard Galley.

No booking, donations gratefully received. 01234 767037 or www.marstonvale.org/events Tuesday 24 March Carers Together, 2.30pm Sharnbrook Methodist Church Churches together with Tibbs Dementia Foundation.

Meet with other carers knowing the person you care for is safe enjoying other activities. Suggested donation £2. Contact Linda Hoar 07791214148 or lindahoar@hotmail.co.uk Saturday 28 March Passiontide Music, 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Felmersham The Ouse Valley Singers and Kempston Musical Society. Tickets £6 on the door. Part of Festival 2020 celebrating 800 years of St Mary’s.

TUITION

French in Beds French daytime and evening classes at all levels in Bromham.

Private lessons also available.

Thea Hughes BA (Hons) MA www.frenchinbeds.com  07941 869424 theahughes@btinternet.com mag azin e

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Charity and fundraising events for the Apr/May edition to be supplied by 10 March to info@ousevalleyliving.com. Please email your entry with a maximum of 40 words and quote Diary Dates in the subject box.

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hand delivered door-to-door throughout the Ouse Valley To advertise please contact:

Christa Hallam christa@ousevalleyliving.com 07827 015170

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PUZZLE CORNER

2 9 1

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2 7 4

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Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits from 1 to 9, with no repetition!

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2 9

Sudoku

5 6

7 You can find the Sudoku solution at: www.ousevalleyliving.com

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Bedford Credit Union - Helping the fight against high cost loans

B

edford Credit Union (BCU) was established in 1998 as a response to people getting into debt with high interest loan companies and loan sharks. A Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial co-operative owned and controlled by its members, offering savings and affordable loans. Our main office is situated at 6 St Paul’s Square, Bedford.

To become a member of BCU you have to live or work in the wider Bedford area. Over the last 21 years we have grown steadily and adult membership now exceeds 2200, with 1100 junior members. We tend to have a closer relationship with our members than banks do with their customers, which leads to many feeling more able to share their financial issues with staff when support is needed.

Although not a bank, we do provide basic banking services to those unable to open bank accounts, and a debit card that enables access to funds without enabling the user to get into debt. We

encourage regular saving and thrift also providing small and medium sized loans that are sensibly priced, affordable and without any hidden costs.

So if you are tempted by the television and online adverts for loans, or the likes of Brighthouse, make sure you are fully aware of the interest rates and other costs you are likely to incur. Look carefully at the full cost of the borrowing before you apply and do not get tempted by the encouragements to take up further borrowing when it is not needed.

BCU has community service at its heart and as such we involve volunteers in the running of the office, carrying out many of the key functions of the business.

BCU is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Savers’ deposits are fully protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

For more information see our website www. bedfordcreditunion.org.uk.

Email: generalmanager@bcumail.org.uk Telephone: 01234 346352

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Clues Across 1. Bear witness (6) 4. Pancake mixture (6) 8. Fine cord (6) 10. Drying cloths (6) 11. Continue uninterrupted (3,2) 12. Portions of bread (6) 14. Holy (6) 16. Examine (4) 17. Kill (4) 19. Point, horn (4) 22. Health resorts (4) 26. Listen to again (6) 27. Idle talk (6) 28. Tall building (5) 29. Pursued (6) 30. Yacht harbour (6) 31. Spanish chaperone (6) 32. Mendicant (6) Clues Down 1. ------ the Hun (6) 2. Narrow passage (6) 3. Apportions (6) 5. Not in a key (mus.) (6) 6. Abstract explanation (6) 7. Dwell (6) 9. Powder (4) 10. Fling (4) 13. Meeting place (5) 15. Measure of gold (5) 18. Tropical plant (6) 19. Alter (6) 20. Shiny fabric (6) 21. Jab (4) 22. Stalk (4) 23. Procession (6) 24. Cord (6) 25. Mend (6)

D

7

M A R

6

H U N T E D

9

5

B E G G A R

8

4

E

3

G

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I

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D U E N N A

Crossword

Sharnbrook House High Street, Sharnbook Bedfordshire MK44 1PB

Sharnbrook House Care Home is set in the picturesque village of Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire and we specialise in high-quality residential care.

The team at Sharnbrook House are exceptional and wholly committed to providing the very best care.

They are loving, caring, compassionate and have all been selected because they genuinely care and treat our residents with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

Available 7 days a week 4 hour rental also available

Call or visit Sharnbrook House as many times as you wish so you know it is right for you and your loved one.

Call us on: 01234 781294 or e-mail: sharnbrook@greensleeves.org.uk

rentxpress.co.uk Greensleeves Homes Trust is a registered charity in England & Wales No 1060478

www.greensleeves.org.uk

74

Please remember to mention OVL when responding to adverts

01234 339008

Bedford Arts & Crafts Centre is a not for profit, community organisation.

We provide the right environment for individuals to learn a new craft or skill, in a relaxed and friendly setting. We offer a variety of courses that develop creativity and support wellbeing and friendship.

“Craftiness is Happiness” BOOKMAKING – CERAMICS – UPHOLSTERY MIXED MEDIA DRAWING & PAINTING DRESSMAKING – TEXTILES STAINED GLASS – JEWELLERY – FLUID ART

Raleigh House, Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9HE 01234 266510 ~ www.bedfordcraftcentre.co.uk @bedford_acc

@bedfordacc

johnmedhurstltd

10 Mill Street, Bedford 01234 351458

@JohnMedhurstLtd