OVL Magazine OctNov17

Ouse Valley Living October / November 2017

The Style Issue

AW Trends Win!

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

Pr ic

el es

s

The Embankment dinner & overnight stay

Visit us in Mill Street, Bedford

FREE ENTRY

The home of CRUISE SELECT, officially recognised as one of the UK’s leading Cruise Specialists

CRUISE SHOW Sunday 15 October 2017 10.30 to 15.00 The Sharnbrook Hotel Park Lane, Sharnbrook, Bedford

DISCOVER River Cruising - Small Ships - Expedition Voyages - Luxury Cruises

For FREE ENTRY call 01234 818478 email sales@cruiseselect.co.uk or pop into our shop in Mill Street

ExclusivE show offErs 01234 818478 24 Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3HD

24 Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3HD sales@cruiseselect.co.uk www.cruiseselect.co.uk

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE ABTA & ATOL protected

New Season Stock Now In Store

MILLMAN

JEWELLERS OF DISTINCTION 2 Church Arcade Bedford Tel: 01234 354026

October / November 2017 Issue 117

17 Style 14 15 17 18 22 26 27 28

WW AW17 bows WW AW17 disco WW AW17 red STYLE winter workwear BEAUTY nail trends MW AW17 camel MW AW17 velvet MW AW17 roll necks

Lifestyle 35 40 46 52 54 58 62 64 65

FOOD prawn chorizo rice GARDENS Rosemary’s tips PETS rabbit vaccination TRAVEL off the beaten track TRAVEL UK hotel focus MOTORS Citroen C3 Flair MUSIC Milky’s live scene BOOKS Erin Kelly FILMS Wind River

And more…

31 42 50 56 66 68 70 75 77

WIN! The Embankment NATURE great outdoors CAREERS the next step SCIENCE did you know?

OVL where you read yours ASTROLOGY in the stars DIARY DATES what’s on PUZZLES brain teasers MUSINGS recently I…

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Meet the OVL writers...

Clare Fowler

Feature: Style Clare is a Bedford-based mum of two and part-time fashion blogger. In between working full time and doing the usual mum stuff, you can find Clare at www.fashionfemme.co.uk. Clare loves to source unusual fashion and homewares and intends to one day learn to teach yoga.

Anthony Lowery

Feature: F ilms Anthony Lowery is a Bedfordshire-based film critic and a playwright, author, director and producer. His debut play ‘The Pendulum Swings’ opened in 2016 to rave reviews and is now back by popular demand touring the U.K. ‘The Man in My Footsteps’ is a psychological thriller and Anthony’s first novel, available now on Amazon. Ant loves connecting with his fans almost as much as he loves writing. Come say hello @AntLoweryTwit.

Amy Castiglione

Feature: Careers Amy, a graduate who has recently returned to Bedford, specialises in marketing, branding and business development. In her spare time, you can usually catch her supporting local business initiatives, and getting stuck in with charity work and youth employability focuses. She will be providing bimonthly advice to help you secure your future.

ES OF PARADIS C I E SP

Great service!

Fresh food & quality ingredients from our experienced chef

Mon to Thu 5.30-11pm, Fri & Sat 5.30-11.30pm, Sun 12-10.45pm

Banquet Night Wednesdays

The Real Flavours of India

54 High Street, Harrold, Beds MK43 7DA

Tel 01234 721779

www.spicesofparadise.co.uk

October / November 2017

Well, what happened to summer? Blink and you’ll have missed it. No matter, there are many things to look forward to with the new season - autumn leaves, comfort food and cosy fires to name a few. And of course it is the perfect excuse for a new wardrobe.

Not sure where to start? We’re here to help. In this issue we bring you the latest trends for women and men. Bows, disco, velvet, red - take your pick! Plus a special focus on winter workwear from our Style writer, Clare Fowler, who shows us how to “inject some personality into the daily 9-5 grind”.

The chilly weather can take its toll on our hands and nails so Beauty writer Naomi Jones comes to our rescue with tips on how to care for them during the colder months. Naomi also reveals the top nail colours for the autumn along with the striking nail art that featured on the AW17 catwalks.

We have a superb prize on offer - dinner for two at The Embankment with an overnight stay and breakfast the following morning.

Good luck!

YIELDEN

RUSHDEN

SOULDROP FELMERSHAM

BOLNHURST

BLETSOE

CARLTON STEVINGTON TURVEY

LITTLE STAUGHTON

RADWELL

COLMWORTH

THURLEIGH

PAVENHAM

CLIFTON REYNES

DROPS

SHARNBROOK

ODELL

OLNEY

DOOR TO DOOR

RISELEY

HARROLD

LAVENDON

SWINESHEAD

MELCHBOURNE

MILTON ERNEST OAKLEY

BROMHAM BIDDENHAM

CLAPHAM

WILDEN

ROXTON

RAVENSDEN RENHOLD

BEDFORD

GREAT BARFORD WILLINGTON BLUNHAM

To advertise in OVL contact Christa Hallam 07827 015170 christa@ousevalleyliving.com Like

KEMPSTON STAGSDEN COPLE BOX END GREAT DENHAM WOOTTON CARDINGTON

Ouse Valley Living Ltd

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

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View our recent editions online at www.ousevalleyliving.com OVL is printed by The Manson Group (01727 848440) on paper sourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based.

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

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7

Your Letters The Ashes.

Australia v England first test begins in Brisbane on 23 November. OVL will be rooting for Root and co as they try to retain the Ashes at the start of what is set to be a fascinating series.

I’m a Celebrity… Meanwhile in another part of Australia 12 new celebrities will be competing in tests of a different kind - popularity and Bushtucker. Who will be crowned this year’s King or Queen of the Jungle?

Bakerboy. The long-time favoured headwear of David Beckham and Kate Moss is set to be the hat of the season. To really nail the look, make it big and bold. Yay… bad hair days can now be a thing of the past!

River island

Dear OVL Just wanted to say thank you for the prize of an Activity Course at Bedford Modern School.

My son Joe has just gone for his last afternoon of gymnastics which he has thoroughly enjoyed. He has had a brilliant time and is already asking when he can go again.

Thank you again for this superb prize.

Kind regards Lizzy Bertram Dear OVL Please can you include the October and November meetings for the Alpine Garden Society (Bedfordshire) and the Bedford Embroiderers’ Guild in your diary dates - your publicity is bringing us new members.

Thank you Debby Dear OVL I am a Trustee at the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney. We have had several visitors in lately from the North Beds area who have asked us why we don’t have our events in the Diary Dates in your magazine. We would be most grateful if you could add our listings to your community events.

Best wishes Amanda Molcher

Dear OVL Thank you for the free golf lesson. I actually let my friend have it as she wants to get back into playing. She really enjoyed it and thought Sam was a good teacher.

Thank you Sue Amor Dear OVL Lovin’ the mag!

Lucy Dear OVL We have organised a programme of new folk nights at Bromham Mill and would like to get the word out to as many people as possible. Thank you for your support. Looking forward to the next issue.

With kind regards Marisa Mill Race Folk Dear OVL We booked our jazz cruise for 20 July and had a very enjoyable evening on the John Bunyan boat. The weather was lovely and the music good.

Thank you for a really lovely prize.

Samantha Ayers We love to hear from you: OVL Magazine Barnholme Cottage 7 High Street, Sharnbrook Bedfordshire MK44 1PG info@ousevalleyliving.com

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30 h ou FRE rs child E 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 FREE childcare

www.harpersnursery.co.uk Tel: 01767 641499

The Woburn Sweep Chimney Sweeping

A SCHOOL DESIGNED FOR

LITTLE PEOPLE

OPEN DAY

Saturday 4th November 10.00am - 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 THE HARPUR TRUST PRE PREP

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Chimney Sweep £50 net (single) Discount for multiples Bird Guards, Weather Cowls fitted Free estimates & advice for stove installations 01908 590040 / 07469 994523 www.thewoburnsweep.co.uk E: thewoburnsweep@gmail.com Tel:

Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps HETAS Registered Stove Installer and Sweep

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Supporting your well-being…

Back, neck or joint aches and pains?

General stiffness or not moving freely?

Sports injury, work strain or muscular tension?

Now you can also visit us at Towers Health & Racquets Club.

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

• Osteopathy • Complementary therapies in Bromham • Open Monday to Saturday • Clinics in Bromham, Bedford & Sharnbrook

• Sports Massage • Wide range of problems treated • Male and female practitioners • Fully qualified, professionally-registered

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

/northbedsosteopaths

2a Grange Lane, Bromham, MK43 8NP Millhouse Hotel, Mill Road, Sharnbrook, MK44 1NP Towers Health & Racquets Club, Clapham Road, Bedford, MK41 6EL

Put your trust in Polam

NURSERY 1-3 YEARS

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With so much changing in the education system, it’s good to know there are some things you can rely on Swimming | Music | Languages | PE

KEY STAGE 1 5-7 YEARS

KEY STAGE 2 7-9 YEARS

See website for Open Day dates www.polamschool.co.uk Polam School is part of the Cognita Schools Group www.cognitaschools.com

Telephone: 01234 261864 admissions@polamschool.co.uk 43-45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford MK40 2BU

GPD Services

emily johnston

Est 40 years based in Stevington Specialising in Bespoke Bathrooms Boiler & Heating Repairs and Replacements Free Quotations

Call Graham 01234 824140 / 07710 235208 gpdawe.services@gmail.com Bright, bold artwork for licensing.

Projects and commissions undertaken. www.emilyillustrates.co.uk www.facebook.com/JeSuisEmilyIllustration

12

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Sunday 15 October 2017 11am - 4pm th

BROM

at Bromham Mill & Gallery

M MILL HA

Bromham Mill Bridge End, Bromham MK43 8LP Tickets: £5 Adults, £3 Concessions Phone: Email:

01234 718616

events@bedford.gov.uk

Style

WOMen AW17 Bows This feminine embellishment adorned almost everything on the Autumn/Winter catwalks - blouses, dresses, footwear, bags and even the models’ ponytails. Adding a bow is a simple way to update your outfit. If you want to be bang on trend, don’t be shy… more is more with oversized bows and exaggerated pussy-bow necks. Or, if that sounds too scary, try a bow choker or skinny tie instead.

River Is

land

Accessorize Hobbs

Hobbs George at Asda

Very

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer

14

Primark

Marks & Spencer

Miss Selfridge

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Hot Diamonds at John Medhurst

WOMen AW17

Style

disco

Littlew

oods

The 70s are back. This season’s designers dazzled onlookers with disco boots, full-on sequins, vibrant metallics, chainmail, ruffles and glitter galore. To really bring your disco style up to date, team your favourite glitzy garment with a simple jumper or classic trouser. Add a sparkly accessory or two and you’re ready to hit the dance floor… it is the season to party after all!

River Island Miss Selfridge

Faith by Debenhams

House of Fraser

Marks & Spencer

Miss Selfridge

New Look Very

New Look

Miss Selfridge

New Look

River Island

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15

Luxury British-made Leathergoods

Make it personal & Special!

Visit us for a progressive approach to jewellery design & manufacture.

Handcrafted Jewellery in Platinum, Palladium, Gold & Silver.

Commissions, Remodels & Repairs.

Precious & semi Precious stones.

Local Artisan products, Arts & Crafts.

Introducing the new Portland Collection for Autumn/Winter

07785273766

Visit Our Factory Shop: Open Every Weekday 10am to 4pm The Tannery Warehouse, 29 Olney Road, Lavendon MK46 4EU 01234 712266 | www.tusting.co.uk | theteam@tusting.co.uk

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The studio, Walnut Tree House, West End, Stevington. MK43 7QU.

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Style

WOMen AW17 Red

Doroth

y Perk ins

If there’s one colour that screams AW17, it’s red. Not worn in an overtly sexy way though. This season, red has a grown-up, sophisticated feel. Wear it head-to-toe or team it with maroon and touches of leather for a refined style. Red also happens to flatter all skin tones so this is one new trend we can all indulge in.

Tusting

Faith at Debenhams River Island

Miss Selfridge

Monsoon

Radley at John Medhurst Jasper Conran at Debenhams

Marks & Spencer

River Island

Oasis

Very

Marks & Spencer

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17

Style

Winter Work Wardrobe Looking out of my office window as I begin to write this article, I can already see the leaves on the sycamore tree turning from green to a bright, Clare Fowler maple leaf red.

Autumn, it seems, has started early this year which leads me to consider a new winter work wardrobe.

Office wear can seem limiting on the face of it but introducing a twist here and there can really liven up an old outfit. For me it’s important to be able to inject some personality into the daily 9-5 grind.

I love to take a fairly formal dress or jumpsuit and team it with a sporty pair of pumps, some flashes of neon or statement jewellery to make my outfits more versatile. Here are my top picks from the new AW collections.

& Other Stories silk peplum blouse with car print, £79

… and their round neck, jungle print top would look great with opaque black tights and a black mini skirt, £125

Closet London Chelsea tulip dress, £55 The ruched, cap sleeve detail on this Closet London pencil dress makes for a perfect work to after work fun wardrobe piece, £45

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I adore this Essentiel Antwerp Ofra long sleeved shirt, £169...

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Your work wardrobe deserves some fierce trousers like these red racer striped pair also by Closet London, £30

Try teaming a simple yet luxurious cashmere jumper with a bold bow detail shirt like these from the wonderfully quirky Scotch & Soda

With a smart pair of petrol blue jeans, this Miss Selfridge poplin gingham ruffle blouse, £25 is perfect Friday office attire

Betty & Co is a new find for me – sophisticated style with a youthful vibe! With a long white shirt, this short grey jacket, £160 is essential smart/ casual office style

Jigsaw top picks: Cashmere purser button cuff jumper, £165

This outfit nails winter workwear luxe for me. Neoprene knit top, £120 with Nordic wave crepe culottes, £140 and Nielson point heeled boot £199

If we ever needed an excuse to go shopping, a new ‘work wardrobe’ is certainly up there with the best of them.

Follow me at www.fashionfemme.co.uk

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19

We are celebrating our first year of trading!

At Milton Ernest Garden Centre on Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 November We would like to thank our customers for their support with 10% off selected lines in store and 20% off all orders placed Shade making demonstrations Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on us when you purchase any light Stockists of Endon, Saxby, Interiors 1900, Dar and David Hunt Lighting

Showroom at Milton Ernest Garden Centre 01234 823033

RACING GROOMS classic wedding cars Very Special Transport for Very Special Gentlemen to Arrive in Style

CRAFT & GIFT FAIR IN AID OF

SAVE THE CHILDREN

FREE ENTRY

SHARNBROOK VILLAGE HALL LODGE ROAD SHARNBROOK MK44 1JP

Sunday 8th October 10.00am - 3.00pm

Take your Groom’s wedding day to the next level - and beyond!

• Classic ’60s E-Type Jaguar • D-Type Le Mans road racer • ’63 split window Corvette Sting Ray Coupe • International rally MG

Prices start at only £295 and run to £495 You may have seen cars of this rarity and quality on TV or in books - but seldom does anyone get the chance to arrive at a special event in something like this.

Travel within 15 miles of Bedford is included and further locations are by arrangement.

Our chauffeur arrives at your pick-up address and whisks you to the ceremony.

t: 07831 464 199 w: RacingGrooms.com 20

Browse a wide selection of handmade crafts and unique gifts not found on the High Street.

FREE ENTRY with a donation to Save the Children appreciated.

Stallholders email: coulterlyons@yahoo.co.uk or Telephone: 01536 500915

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Style

Winter Work Wardrobe Oliver Bonas is a dead cert to be included in my workwear wardrobe each season – these are my picks for 2017: Misty tie sleeve top, £55

Velveteen bow sleeve dress, £85

Orb frill sleeve sweater, £49.50

Mineral print top, £59.50 and sulphur paper bag trousers, £65

Odity fit and flare midi coat, £195

Follow me at www.fashionfemme.co.uk

Clay print wrap tunic, £69.50

Beauty

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

Let’s Nail This!

Although nail length and strength can quickly be achieved in the salon using the latest enhancement systems, there are lots of us who want to invest in our natural nail health.

I love to see beautifully manicured natural nails and, with a little patience and care, this can easily be achieved. A professional salon manicure is a perfect starting point, especially as the seasons change and our hands and nails react to the cooler weather.

At the salon your therapist will begin with a

consultation to assess the condition of your nails and ensure the best course of treatments.

As with all beauty treatments, no one product suits everyone!

The manicure involves shaping the nails, care of your cuticles and a massage that helps to bring oxygen and nutrients to the area feeding the skin and nails, finishing with a strengthener or nail colour. For optimum results a weekly manicure for six weeks is a great starting point, along with some simple home care techniques.

Tried & Tested OPI Nail Envy, £19.50 This nail treatment is the one to buy! OPI delivers strength with its range of Nail Envy natural nail strengtheners, the ultimate product for nails in need of a treatment. It’s made with hydrolysed wheat protein and calcium to help nails grow harder, longer and stronger. OPI has developed six formulas to meet your individual needs, including the sensitive and peeling formula which is especially good if taking a break from gels or other nail enhancements.

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Taking care of your nails at home • Weekly exfoliation will keep the skin looking bright and feeling soft and supple by removing dead skin cells which will also enable hand cream to be properly absorbed.

• Ideally, apply hand cream every time you wash your hands and last thing at night - but I know in ‘real’ life this is a tough one! When applying the cream dot onto the backs of your hands first and rub them together; this is the area that requires most moisture. Then spread to the rest of your hands.

• Remember to use sunscreen on the backs of your hands, especially in the summer, to help protect from sun damage and premature ageing.

• For ridged nails and to boost circulation, gently buff the nails. Most pharmacies sell double-sided buffers, which work perfectly well. Just be gentle! Don’t overdo it and you will create a lovely natural shine.

• Whilst you should never pick at your cuticles, it’s ok to gently push them back.

A good time to do this is after a warm bath or shower, using an orange stick wrapped in cotton wool. Regularly massage oil into the cuticles because healthy cuticles make healthy nails.

• Protect your hands when cleaning, washing up and gardening by wearing gloves and keep them toasty warm as the colder weather arrives.

• Always use a base coat to protect your nails from staining when using a nail colour, ending with a top coat for a glossy, hard-wearing finish.

• Try not to bite or pick at your nails but keep them a manageable length. If you need to file your nails remember to file in one direction only; filing the nails in a seesaw action can weaken them.

• And if all that isn’t enough to think about… you also need a good diet rich in vitamins and minerals to encourage strong, healthy nail growth.

Remember your nails are jewels, not tools!

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23

After Demeter H. Chiparus (1886-1947), a cold painted and ivory mounted bronze figure ‘Nimble Dancer’

Sold for £7,000

Auction Sales and Valuations

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

For larger or multiple items, we are happy to arrange for a valuer to visit your home or premises at your convenience. For an approximate estimate, email us with descriptions and images of your treasures to info@peacockauction.co.uk

Entries Now Invited Bedford Auction Centre, 26 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR

01234 266 366 09_17 OVL Ad Half.indd 1

Roz Lee

24

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peacockauction.co.uk 07/09/2017 09:33

Beauty Top nail colours this autumn - what’s your style?

Rouge Red 546 by Chanel, £20

That’s What Friends Are Thor by OPI, £12.50

Metallics 612 by Dior, £20

Very Vinyl by Jessica, £11

Catwalk style AW17

Not a half moon manicure and not a French manicure - it’s in-between!

Chic camel tones - one of the colours of the season

Wool - not the most practical but hot on the catwalk!

Minimalist cool - when less it more

Rich red and gold for added drama

Dry nail brushing - drag a little polish over the nail for a streaky ‘ink stained’ effect

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25

Style

Men AW17 Camel

House

of Fras

er

Camel outerwear is always an Autumn/Winter favourite but this year designers have taken it a step further with camel head to toe. For maximum impact, mix shades and patterns or play it safe and break it up with a splash of navy or cream.

House of Fraser

Debenhams

Primark Marks & Spencer

Next

New Look

Fred Bennett at John Medhurst

River Island

26

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River Island

River Island

Men AW17

Style

Velvet

Topma n

This opulent, tactile fabric created a sensual mood on the AW17 catwalks. A full velvet suit or luxe traditional blazer can look rather dashing. Prefer to keep it more casual?

You’ll still be spoilt for choice with zip-up bombers, joggers and tees.

River Island

New Look New Look

River Island

River Island River Island

River Island

House of Fraser New Look

River Island

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27

Style

Men AW17 Roll neck

Marks

& Spen

cer

Roll necks featured in most of the men’s AW17 collections in a range of colours, patterns and styles. Layered under shirts, jumpers and jackets they’ll provide welcome warmth in the chilly months to come or opt for a chunky knit with jeans or this season’s cords for a more casual look.

Blue Inc

Debenhams

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River Island

River Island

River Island

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River Island

River Island

Burton

White Stuff

New Look

Stunning new looks for your winter wardrobe including:

Bedfordshire’s biggest independent clothing store - opposite Waitrose Claytons at Hatters, 532 Goldington Road, Bedford, MK41 0DX • T: 01234 352429

Mon to Sat 9am - 5.30pm & Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm www.claytonsonline.co.uk • Ample FREE parking

Christmas Charity Day at Peter Crisp

P

eter Crisp Design Studio is hosting a Christmas Charity Day on Friday 1 December between 10am and 4pm in aid of Cransley Hospice Kettering in memory of Howard Bosworth.

Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some home-baked cake while you wander around the stalls selling Christmas gifts, handbags, handmade crafts, jewellery and cards.

Peter Crisp Design Studio is situated at 25-27 Church Street, Rushden NN10 9YU. For further details please contact Julia on 01933 356424 juliaroberts@petercrisp.co.uk

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WIN! WIN! WIN! AN OVERNIGHT STAY

T

he Embankment is a great British pub with luxury rooms. Enter our competition and you could win dinner for two with a bottle of house wine, an overnight stay and breakfast the next morning.

The historic half-timbered inn enjoys a stunning vantage point over the River Great Ouse and with its smart look, delectable food and drink and great friendly service, it’s the perfect place to be this autumn and winter.

Head chef Jon Aylard creates fantastic quality dishes with the best of the season’s produce and serves them fresh from his kitchen all day, every day. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything in between, alongside well-kept ales and beers, thoughtfully chosen wine and premium spirits.

If you can’t tear yourself away, stay the night in one of The Embankment’s twenty gorgeous, newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms.

And with Christmas just around the corner, The Embankment has it all covered with traditional fare and a packed festive calendar for friends, family or colleagues.

If you can’t wait to win, you can still enjoy The Embankment by calling 01234 261332 or going to www.embankmentbedford.co.uk.

The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 3PD. embankment@peachpubs.com T&C: Prize valid until 31st March 2018. Must be booked in advance by calling The Embankment on 01234 261332. Subject to availability.

LAST ISSUE’S COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations to Natasha Fay of Sharnbrook who won a meal for two at The Blue Orchid and Sue Giordano of Oakley who won an autumn hamper from Hill Farm Shop.

Entrants’ contact details will only be given to the provider of the prize and will not be passed on to any third party.

To enter our competition:

Email info@ousevalleyliving.com quoting The Embankment in the subject box and we will enter you into the prize draw. The winner will be drawn at random and notified by Friday 17 November. Closing date Friday 10 November.

OVL brings you FANTASTIC prizes every issue!

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R I TA IN

What does your kitchen mean to you?

AngliaInteriorsLtd Quality and price in perfect harmony since 1974 A FAMILY run company installing high quality, affordable kitchens, bedrooms and home offices.

HUGE RANGE OF GERMAN HANDLELESS KITCHENS AVAILABLE Forget the sales hype, just give us a try. You WILL be pleasantly surprised

NEVER UNDERSOLD POLICY

we will not be beaten on price for a true ‘like for like’ package

www.anglia-interiors.co.uk Bedford Showroom

Anglia House, Wolseley Business Park, 7 Railton Road, Woburn Road Ind Est, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7PN Telephone: 01234 843000

Huntingdon Showroom

Anglia House, Unit 2, Stone Hill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6ED Telephone: 01480 398017 01480 398018

Proud to be backed by KSBA. Buy with confidence and have peace of mind through to completion www.kbsa.org.uk

Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms and Home Studies A wide range of colours & styles to cater for different budgets Bespoke products Free plan & design service Full installation team Interior design service Friendly, local company

AUTUMN OFFERS NOW ON

REVAMP SERVICE AVAILABLE

www.kkbespoke.co.uk

happiness is homemade

Kreative, 2 Prebend Street, Bedford MK40 1QW Tel: 01234 300023

Hill Farm Shop Quality meat at the right price

Christmas orders now being taken

A Warm Welcome Awaits You • Home reared beef, locally sourced pork, lamb, game & free range chickens • Seasonal farm fresh Sharnbrook turkeys • Preserves, chutneys & our famous homemade pies • Local dry cured bacon, pâté, cured meats, olives, British, continental & Northants artisan cheese

Buy the Best - Buy Local

Hill Farm, Mill Road, Sharnbrook MK44 1NP

01234 781405

07834 257928

mjhurley@btinternet.com OPENING TIMES

Thursday & Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-4pm Sunday 9am-12 noon

Visit us at www.hillfarmshop.com Follow us on Facebook 34

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Hill Farm Shop

Food & Drink Prawn & Chorizo Rice A one-pot simple supper Serves 4

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 150g chorizo, sliced 1 onion, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 red peppers, sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced 1 tsp paprika

1 tsp turmeric 250g basmati rice 2 tsp thyme leaves 200g tinned tomatoes 800ml stock ½ tsp tabasco

Cook the chorizo in the olive oil in a wide, deep frying pan. Remove and set aside.

Add the onion, celery, peppers and garlic and fry gently until soft. Stir in the paprika and turmeric. Increase the heat and add the rice and thyme leaves. Stir well to coat the rice.

Add the tinned tomatoes, stock and tabasco and bring to the boil. Cover and lower the heat. Simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid has evaporated and the rice is cooked. Season to taste.

Stir in the chorizo and prawns and cook for 1 minute until the prawns are pink. Add more water to loosen if necessary and serve.

A L & G Abbott are proud to continue to support the wonderful work of the staff and volunteers at St John’s Hospice Moggerhanger.

Christmas is a time for remembrance and reflection and once again we are collecting donations for the Sue Ryder Lights of Love celebration.

Please visit our website if you would like to make a donation, or pop in to see us.

T 01234 843222 www.abbott-funerals.co.uk support@abbott-funerals.co.uk 150 BEDFORD ROAD, KEMPSTON BEDFORDSHIRE, MK42 8BH

WITH YOU WHEN IT MATTERS MOST

North Beds YFC needs YOU!

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re you aged 10-26 and free on Wednesday evenings? Do you want to make new friends, have loads of fun and learn new skills?

Then come and join us at North Beds Young Farmers’ Club. You can find out what we are all about at our new members’ night on Wednesday 11 October.

North Beds YFC is one of the 662 clubs within the Young Farmers National Federation and one of the 7 clubs within Bedfordshire and has members from Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Cambridgeshire.

If you enjoy being outdoors, learning new skills, trying different things and making new friends

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then North Beds YFC is for you. Farmers are obviously welcome to join, but non-farming members actually account for over half the membership.

Young Farmers is a fun organisation run by its members for its members. We have a brilliant range of weekly meetings and there is also the opportunity to take part in lots of competitions and activities throughout the year.

North Beds YFC meets every Wednesday night at 7.30pm, usually at Bletsoe Village Hall but this may alter depending on the meeting.

Please come and join us soon and start having fun.

Meanwhile see what we get up to by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Blogspot @northbedsyfc. To find out more please contact Ben Pell on 07880 736854 or Lucy Bates on 07593 332681.

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CHRISTMAS IS COMING At the Horse & Jockey we understand what makes Christmas special and our festive menus ensure that there are no lumps of coal in our stockings come Christmas Morning.

We use only the best produce, sourced locally where possible and prepare it with the respect that it deserves in an atmosphere that is cosy and welcoming.

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW Our Party Menu is available from Friday 1 December until Saturday December 23rd. You can enjoy either two courses for ÂŁ27.00 or three courses for ÂŁ32.00 and the whole menu can be found on our website.

Proprietors: Darron & Sarah Smith Phone: 01234 772 319 Email: horseandjockey@live.com @HorseandJockeyR www.horseandjockey.info

RAVENSDEN

Church End, Ravensden BEDS, MK44 2RR Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 12pm to 3pm & 6pm till close Sunday: 12pm to 6pm

‘Stories for Children’ Christmas Tree Festival £15 can be ordered from St Paul’s Church admin@ stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk or 01234 340163.

‘Where are Mr Toad and his friends?’ is the children’s competition running throughout the festival. Julia Jarman is presenting four of her own books as prizes suitable for children aged 0-12 yrs. She will also sign copies of her many books for sale, immediately following the opening on 6 December.

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his year’s annual must-see festival of 60 Christmas trees decorated to the theme of ‘Stories for Children’ runs from 6-10 December at St Paul’s Church, Bedford. Julia Jarman, local author of children’s books, will open the festival at 10.45am on Wednesday 6 December, followed by the first of daily choral concerts by local schools and community groups.

The festival opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12 noon-4pm. Admission is £2.50, children under 16 free.

Local groups and charities are invited to book a non-drop Nordmann Fir tree to decorate. Trees at

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The Festival Concert on Saturday 9 December at 7pm features Cellophony, the octet of cellos that played to a packed house in 2015. Richard Birchall will lead Cellophony in a wide selection of music to suit all ages including his latest composition – ‘Wind in the Willows’, with a narrator. Tickets are £15 from www. bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk or St Paul’s Church 01234 340163 or from 01234 783181.

Help to raise £10,000 to be shared between the Church and The Bedford Hospitals Charity, some of whose proceeds will be for The Primrose Car Service.

Further details www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk www.facebook.com/stpaulschurchbedford2016 www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk

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PRE-ORDER YOUR TREE NOW

OPENING 4TH NOVEMBER Fresh Cut Trees ~ Holly & Mistletoe ~ Decorations & Gift Ideas All set within our converted stables and Victorian walled garden

www.stagsdenchristmastrees.co.uk info@stagsdenchristmastrees.co.uk ~ 01234 391924 @stagsdenxmas Opening Times Mon to Sat 9.00am to 6.00pm Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm

@StagsdenXmas

and find us on Facebook Stagsden Christmas Trees West End Farm, Stagsden Beds MK43 8SZ

Gardens

Rosemary’s

Garden

Plumbago will brighten your autumn garden with sprays of beautiful blue flowers Plumbago may not be fully hardy so pick a sheltered spot. It grows best in full sun and prefers slightly acidic soil. It is usually droughtresistant once established.

O

riginally discovered in South Africa in the eighteenth century, plumbago is so versatile.

Although most species come in many different shades of blue there are also white and pink varieties. It can be a bush that grows very tall if not cut back, it can be a climber or used as hedging. It is great for filling in spaces in flower borders and is very fast growing. It will also look lovely trailing down from walls and containers.

Plumbago will flower through spring, summer and autumn until the end of the year or the arrival of frost but it will reappear the following spring. There are not many flowers that bloom so late and in mild winters plumbago flowers have been known to last until December.

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Left to its own devices plumbago can become straggly due to its spreading habit but hard pruning will result in lots of new growth and because the flowers appear on new stems you can expect a lovely display after it has been cut back.

Plumbago auriculata (also known as Cape leadwort) is an evergreen shrub growing to 4 metres or more with slender stems bearing light green, spoonshaped leaves and terminal racemes of long blue flowers 15 mm across. It is classed as a climber but has no climbing method and grows through other plants for support.

Ceratostigma willmottianum Forest Blue (also known as Chinese plumbago) is a bushy, spreading deciduous shrub which grows to 60 cm. Late in the year its blue petals will stand out, silhouetted against the plant’s purple-tinted, seed heads.

The diamond-shaped, scarlet leaves give light on dark winter afternoons.

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Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a low-growing woody perennial.

The slender red stems have bright green leaves, which change to spectacular shades of red in autumn before they fall.

It has vivid blue flowers, which form in small clusters from late summer to mid-autumn. It is a wonderful plant for adding late colour to the front of a border.

Ceratostigma griffithii is a semievergreen, woody shrub with attractive, bristly foliage outlined in purple-brown with clusters of blue flowers in late summer and autumn.

Plumbago indica (also known as Indian leadwort) is an evergreen shrub with slender stems, ovate leaves and terminal racemes of deep pink flowers 2 cm across in autumn and winter.

Plumbago auriculata alba (Cape leadwort) is also evergreen with slender stems, light green leaves and terminal racemes of pure white flowers in late summer and autumn.The white flowers are especially beautiful at twilight when they glow in the gathering dusk.

TOP TEN

Jobs for October & November In October plant hyacinths and large-flowered anemones.

Divide herbaceous perennials such as campanula, asters, geraniums and phlox but leave helleborus and peonies alone.

Keep your containers going until the first frost then replace your summer flowers with winterflowering pansies, winter heathers, trailing ivy and hardy cyclamen.

Shorten the long shoots of lateflowering shrubs, such as buddleja davidii, but finish the pruning in the spring.

If the weather is mild your roses will flower well into the autumn so continue to deadhead. Remove only the flower and not long stemmed sections as in summer.

This is also a good time to plant new hardy climbers so that a good root system can develop in warm, moist soil.

Lift begonias before the first frost and dahlias and gladioli after the first frost. I leave mine in the ground or containers.

Early winter is the time to prune late-flowering clematis, winter jasmine, ornamental vines and wisteria.

Plant tulip bulbs, filling the gaps with wallflowers for spring colour and plant lily bulbs in containers.

Most herbaceous perennials can be cut back in late autumn but leave penstemons until the spring as the stems will protect the crowns.

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41

Great Outdoors Will Anthony on autumn’s flora and fauna

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A

hhh, autumn. For many years I’ve been writing about my love of spring and the joy I feel when new life is all around.

But I’m beginning to appreciate all that autumn brings. Beyond the chill winds and winter woolies there is a beauty and stillness unlike any other time of the year. Many leaves will have fallen and now lie crisp under foot but some remain, with the oak saving its best show of colour until November. Damp, misty mornings leave hedgerows adorned with pearls of dew; cobwebs glisten in the low sunlight.

And for those of us lucky enough to see the river at dawn there is often still a shimmer of mist rising from the surface.

This is the season where it’s all change in the bird world too.

Most of our migratory summer species have already flown to warmer climes. But we now see the arrival of our winter visitors, often coming from Scandinavia or the Arctic. Blackcaps and chiffchaffs are increasingly spotted amongst the large flocks of tits and finches which can be seen

marauding across the fields and in our woodlands. Goldfinches, in particular, will be searching out the seed heads of the abundant teasel.

On my walks across the fields towards Radwell from Sharnbrook Mill I’m often surrounded by their wingbeats and classic twittering call. Many of the goldfinches seen now will be overwintering here, having come from further north.

Our summer birds head south, predominantly to France and Spain.

Interestingly, many more females travel than males and those that migrate don’t necessarily do so every year.

Goldfinches were once popular as domestic pets. This little excerpt from Warnes Model Housekeeper (1882) might be of use to anyone holding a garden party this Guy Fawkes night: “The goldfinch is a very tractable bird, and there are many accomplishments which he will learn, and seems to exhibit with pleasure. He may be taught to fire off a small cannon, to feign death, and stand unmoved while fireworks are let off close to him.”

However, it goes on. Be warned.

“The goldfinch is rather subject to epileptic fits, and whenever he is seized with one, he should be plunged head downwards into cold water, and one or two dips will restore him at once. He is a large eater, and in all probability has indulged his appetite too much, so that he must be kept upon a low diet of lettuce seed and thistles, and have no hemp-seed for a few days after he has had one of these fits.”

Once more I must thank Mabel Msonthi who has sent us a great picture from the Ouse valley. She says, “It was taken along the Great Ouse in between Great Barford and Roxton, capturing one of the few glorious summer days. The field, set against the vast sky, was a brief refuge for dormice before the combine harvesters set to work”.

It’s a beauty!

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Mabel Msonthi

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GBS

GARDEN BUILDING SERVICES LIMITED

One call and we’ll do it all: Installation, Base Laying Service, Building Disposal, Free Site Visits

Sheds Greenhouses Summerhouses Home Offices Workshops Garden Building Services at Willington Home & Garden

Bedford Road, Willington MK44 3PR

01234 851081

info@gardenbuildingservices.co.uk

www.garden-building-services.co.uk

Heritage arboriculture creating a HealtHy and beautiful environment…

Call Today for all your Tree Related Advice and a Free Quotation • Planning and TPO Applications/Queries • Hazardous Tree Removals • Veteran Tree Management • Crown Thinning • Crown Reductions/Shaping • Hedgework and Trimming • Orchard/Fruit Tree Management • Semi-Mature Tree Planting • Stump Grinding Neil Smith and the Team are Fully Insured, Qualified and Experienced

T 01234 720801 M 07787 726962

E neil@heritagearboriculture.co.uk W www.heritagearboriculture.co.uk Based in Harrold, Bedfordshire

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Pets

RHD2 - is your rabbit protected?

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have previously written about vaccinations for your rabbit but there is now another vaccine necessary to prevent illness.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease is Zoe Shelton-Smith a highly infectious, fatal disease Veterinarian affecting both wild and domestic rabbits. If you vaccinate your rabbits, then they will be covered for this disease already.

However, it will not protect them from the new strain of the virus - RHD2 which is replacing RHD1 in the UK. RHD2 has been brought over from France and is slowly becoming widespread across southern England with cases now being reported in Bedfordshire.

RHD2 has the potential to infect young and suckling rabbits as well as hares, unlike the RHD1 strain to which young rabbits have a natural resistance.

death it is highly suspected. No treatment is currently available so prevention by vaccination is the best option.

It is important to remember that if you have had a case of RHD it can take months for the virus to be removed from the environment as it can survive in high and low temperatures and be spread amongst wildlife populations, and by insects. So, all the more reason to have your rabbits vaccinated whether they are kept indoors or outdoors.

Not all veterinary practices are currently stocking the RHD2 vaccine, so contact your practice today to check stock levels and for more information.

Got a question on a veterinary topic? Feel free to contact me at info@ousevalleyliving.com and it may be the topic in the next issue!

RHD2 clinical signs are the same as those for RHD1. There are three presentations.

Peracute: sudden death in animals that appeared normal and healthy a few hours before.

Acute: lethargy, a high temperature and increased breathing rate. These animals usually die within 12 hours due to small haemorrhages throughout the organs. Very rarely will animals recover and if they do, they are likely to have liver damage.

Subacute: rabbits with mild signs from which they can recover and potentially be immune from further infections of RHD. Unfortunately, there is no certainty in diagnosing this disease without a post-mortem examination but based on a history of sudden

46

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TOP END VILLAGE STORES ANIMAL FEED & BEDDING www.topendfarm.co.uk

BARGAINS GALORE IN STORE!

Calor Gas always in stock

Wide and competitive range of horse and animal feed, supplements and stable essentials Paddock fertilisers, grass seed, post and rail, stock fencing, chicken wire, electric fencing and accessories Hay, straw, haylage, shavings, sundown, wood pellet bedding etc Stable and field mats, reclaimed sleepers, rat bait, horse carrots Layers pellets, poultry bedding, feeders, treats and poultry supplements always in stock Plus dog food and treats, wild bird feed, rabbit and small animal feed, small holder feed too Large free car park (horse lorries welcome) Fast and free delivery (T&Cs apply) Shop open 7 days a week

Top End Farm Little Staughton Bedfordshire MK44 2BY 01234 376426 topendfarm@btconnect.com

I believe in keeping an open mind Open Mornings Saturday 7th October, 10am Friday 17th November, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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47

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Big Smile

QYouth launched in Bedford

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new LGBTQ+ support and social group for 13-19 year olds is being launched in Bedford by the charity Q:alliance.

QYouth Bedford will run weekly from October providing LGBTQ+ teenagers with support and a safe space to socialise. This is thanks to £3,950 in QYouth MK members at a youth seed funding from The club social. Credit: QYouth MK. Harpur Trust. Young LGBTQ+ people are at significantly increased risk of social isolation, bullying and mental health problems.

They are often unable to talk to friends and family about what they are going through due to a lack of understanding around the issues.

QYouth Bedford will provide a safe space for anyone questioning their sexuality or gender identity where

48

they will feel supported and included. Sessions will be both social, including music, film, and games nights, and educational, providing information and support on a range of issues from mental and sexual health, to understanding gender and sexuality and LGBTQ+ specific family support.

The charity has been successfully running a QYouth group in Milton Keynes since 1998.

Overseen by Q:alliance’s Bedford Trustee Rosie Middleton, QYouth Bedford will be run by a qualified youth worker and a small team of volunteers from a central Bedford location.

The location and time of the group will not be advertised for safety reasons but will be available through contact with our team.

Q:alliance is currently recruiting a youth worker.

For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/QYouthBedford/ Rosie Middleton said: ‘We’re delighted with the generous support from The Harpur Trust. It is vitally important to be able to offer support to Bedford’s LGBTQ+ youth and build understanding within the wider community.’

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Birding in Bedfordshire Birds become easier to see as the trees lose their leaves and the grass and crops are cut. As long as you have warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy, comfortable footwear birdwatching in autumn and winter can be every bit as rewarding as at any other time of year. Indeed, many birders spend the last months of summer eagerly anticipating autumn with the possibilities of seeing interesting birds on migration.

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utumn is a wonderful time to enjoy our countryside and going for a walk with a pair of binoculars in hand can be a welcome distraction from a busy life or give a new interest that can last a lifetime.

This is a good time to get out and about whilst we still have some of our summer visitors such as swallows, house martins and blackcaps together with other birds that spend the winter further north but gradually return to Bedfordshire to spend the winter in our more temperate climate.

We have a friendly local RSPB group based in Bedford which meets at least once a month.

Throughout the winter we have evening meetings with some excellent guest speakers and there are field trips where knowledgeable members are happy to help with finding and identifying birds.

Indoor meetings (September to May) are at the ARA club in Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7PF. Our aim is to provide a social evening with interesting and knowledgeable speakers on a range of subjects. You don’t need to be an RSPB member to attend.

More details can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/ groups/bedford. Do join us. You will be most welcome.

TINSLEYS RIDING SCHOOL Established 1977

Friendly and professional experienced instructors Children from the age of five Adult tuition Lessons for the complete beginner to the more advanced rider

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

Telephone 01234 268556 www.tinsleysridingschool.co.uk

I believe in the value of knowledge Open Mornings Saturday 7th October, 10am Friday 17th November, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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49

Careers The next step Keeping the Balance Amy Castiglione

Whether it’s work, university or school, keeping a balance between different aspects of your life is not only important for your health but for results too. The Mental Health Foundation has found that the UK’s demanding work culture is perhaps the biggest and most pressing challenge to the health of the general population. Here are a few things you can do to keep the balance.

Unplug The simplest thing you can do to unwind and relax is, literally, unplugging. Whether it’s your phone, laptop, or tablet, unplug it when you’re done for the day. 82% of us share our personal phone numbers with our colleagues at work ‘in case of emergencies’ but is this really necessary? This allows for work outside work hours and can interfere with a peaceful work-life balance.

Healthy body = Healthy mind Exercise and meditation can work wonders for a cluttered mind and can therefore have a positive impact on your health and fitness. Moreover, it is necessary to drink at least two litres of water a day for the body to stay properly hydrated, but 2 in 5 of us admit to barely doing half of that. Amazon sells litre infuser bottles, where you can add fruit and veg to infuse the water which means extra vitamins while staying hydrated. Remember, tea and coffee count to your water limit too but drinking caffeine after 5pm can affect your sleep pattern and alertness the next day.

Quit wasting time A lot of the stuff we do, we don’t actually have to. Use your time wisely, and don’t procrastinate.

Planning and managing your time at work increases your productivity and efficiency, and means you feel more relaxed when you get home. 1 in 5 people have admitted that their procrastination has got so out of hand that it has jeopardised their job, relationships and even their health.

Investigate the issue of why you are procrastinating or wasting time to figure out the steps towards a more productive lifestyle. You can get fantastic tips on how to stop procrastinating at www.mentalhealth.org.uk Work to live, don’t live to work Most importantly, remember that you are at work to fund the lifestyle you want to live. Make time for work, and don’t scrimp time on family or your development for work. It is easy to get wrapped up in a demanding job and pressures but the healthiest balances are those that include activities outside of work to engage your mind in other areas and leave you feeling relaxed.

Need some help? Email me at hello@amycastiglione.com

Thought of the month: Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life

Blood, Sweat and Education saving opportunity of a bone marrow transplant. This is especially important for us as a family friend and former Bedford School boy, Ian Rowe, was diagnosed with leukaemia this summer. Ian received a transplant in August and he is climbing his mountain back to health.

I’m studying for A levels and my brother for his GCSEs. We are lucky to have access to good education. We are also raising money for Link Ethiopia who support quality education for Ethiopian children and adults. We think it’s a great way for us to give back to Ethiopians for letting us climb their mountain.

W

e are the Sogan brothers - Sebastian (16) and Max (14).

During October half-term, we will be climbing the highest mountain in Ethiopia, Ras Dashen (4,550m/14,930ft). Mum and Dad will be coming as well as a guide, a guard and some donkeys. The trek will take eight days and there will be few opportunities to wash. That suits us fine but Mum is a bit worried.

We are not mountaineers. We’re climbing this mountain to raise money for Anthony Nolan Trust who help people with blood cancer have the lifeSHARNBROOK SCOUT GROUP REG CHARITY 273510 SCOUT GROUP SHARNBROOK

Every penny of sponsorship will go to Anthony Nolan Trust and Link Ethiopia. All costs of the trek, flights, accommodation, equipment etc. are paid for by Mum and Dad (thanks!).

We’ve tried to call our challenge something meaningful – hint: the sweat will be ours. You can follow our progress on our Facebook page @ BloodSweatEducation.

If you would like to support our challenge you can sponsor us at http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/BloodSweatEducation

REG CHARITY 273510

SHARNBROOK SCOUT GROUP REG CHARITY 273510

44th GRAND 44th GRAND FIREWORKS DISPLAY 44th GRAND FIREWORKS DISPLAY

AND AND BONFIRE FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND BONFIRE BONFIRE South Field, Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook South Field, Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook South Field, Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook

SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2017 SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2017 SATURDAY 2017 Gates open4& NOVEMBER BBQ from 6.15pm Gates open BBQ from Display 7pm&followed by6.15pm Bonfire Display 7pm&followed by6.15pm Bonfire Gates open BBQ from

If wet, we may postpone event till Sunday 5 November Display 7pmfor followed by onmay Saturday posters the Bonfire village or see If Check wet, we postpone event tillinSunday 5 November Check onwww.sharnbrookscouts.webs.com Saturday for posters in the village or see If wet, we may postpone event till Sunday 5 November www.sharnbrookscouts.webs.com Check on Saturday for posters in the village or see children £2 in advance, £3 on gate www.sharnbrookscouts.webs.com

children £2ininadvance, advance,£5 £3on ongate gate adults £3 adults £3 children £2ininadvance, advance,£5 £3on ongate gate

Advance tickets available at The Cake Shop or The Co-op adults available £3 in advance, £5 on gate Advance tickets The Cake Shop or The Co-op until Friday 3at November only until available Friday 3atNovember only Advance tickets The Cake Shop or The Co-op Wood collection, in Sharnbrook on 4 November for anyone Friday 3one November only untilpurchasing adult ticket.

Wood collection, in Sharnbrook on 4 November for anyone Requests for collectionone to Ian Barnes purchasing adult ticket.Tel: 781784 Wood collection, Sharnbrook onBarnes 4 November for anyone Requests for in collection to Ian Tel: 781784 purchasing one adult ticket.

No beds, armchairs, settees, wood or Requests for collection to cardboard, Ian Barnespainted Tel: 781784 polystyrene please. painted wood or No beds, armchairs, settees, cardboard, polystyrene please.

No beds, armchairs, settees, cardboard, painted wood or polystyrene please.

SHARNBROOK SCOUT GROUP

I believe in living a balanced life Open Mornings Saturday 7th October, 10am Friday 17th November, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

REG CHARITY 273510

44th GRAND

FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND BONFIRE

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51

Travel

Bhutan

Off the beaten track - Albania to Bhutan

Theth, Albania

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f you want to avoid the crowds and the coaches, discover unspoilt islands and pristine national parks, or maybe even be warmly greeted by locals who have perhaps never met tourists before, then head off the beaten track. Some of these destinations may be new stars on the rise, some may be secret pockets in some of the most popular countries to visit, but they each promise their own memorable adventures.

ALBANIA Who doesn’t love a phoenix story, a tale about overcoming adversity? When Albania emerged free from the shackles of Communism in the early 1990s it was incredibly backward, and although Albania has now arguably caught up with the rest of Eastern

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Europe, its isolation has led to ancient mountain codes of behaviour, archaeological sites and villages where time seems to have stood still – but this just adds to Albania’s charm. This isn’t all that Albania has to offer; with coastlines on both the Adriatic and Ionian seas and an interior criss-crossed by the Albanian Alps, there’s an abundance of sheer natural beauty to be admired. A thriving capital, Tirana, is waiting to be explored, whilst the Albanian Riviera is populated with traditional Mediterranean villages and stunning beaches to rival other top European coastal destinations – Albania is an up-andcoming Balkan star.

ANTARCTICA For perhaps the ultimate in remote adventures, head to the South Pole and the seventh continent, the incomparable Antarctica, renowned for its unique frozen landscapes and remarkable wildlife. Each season brings different sights for visitors, from peak whale sightings to hatchings of baby penguins, or receding pack ice allowing

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Emperor penguins

ships to explore further south. Although tourism to Antarctica dates back to the 1950s with Chilean and Argentine ships starting to carry fare-paying passengers to the South Shetland Islands, a formal association for visitors or private-sector travellers was not set up until 1991. With visitor numbers restricted to preserve the sustainability of the landscape and wildlife, and its remote location, a trip to Antarctica is truly off the beaten track, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

BHUTAN The land of the thunder dragon, Bhutan is an extraordinary country, a Himalayan kingdom with a strong, traditional Buddhist culture, complete with famously colourful dance festivals (tsechus), and a reputation for mystery and magic. Also known as the land of serenity and the land of happiness, the Bhutanese pride themselves on a philosophy of ‘Gross National Happiness’.

Here you’ll discover red rice, and a plethora of natural wonders, as you explore mountains carpeted with thick forests, home to unique mammals and birds; the law requires at least sixty percent of the country must always be forested for all future generations. The landscape is strewn with majestic fortresslike dzongs and monasteries, and you’ll meet charming, friendly and well-educated local people. Nature lovers should head to Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest national park and home to clouded leopards and Bengal tigers, or Jigme Dorji National Park, the second largest in the country, where you can look out for snow leopards.

Berat, Albania

Go off the Beaten Track – contact Select Travel Holidays on 01234 818 478 to book your adventure

Travel UK

Luxury Travel in the Cotswolds Travel writer and blogger Katie Gregory reviews Ellenborough Park – a luxury manor house hotel in Cheltenham.

Rooms at Ellenborough Park hotel

In the bedroom, not even the addition of a big squashy bed, a rather serious-looking desk, a giant wardrobe, a three-piece suite, an en-suite toilet and several window seats could put a dent in the sheer amount of squarefootage available (I can neither confirm nor deny that I did a cartwheel to test this theory).

‘This place is bigger than our front room. And our kitchen. And our upstairs. Put together.’

Those were the first words to come out of my mouth as I walked into our suite at Ellenborough Park hotel in Cheltenham, a two-hour drive from Bedford. Apart from an unintelligible combination of ‘woooooah’ and ‘ohmywordwouldyoulookatthisplace’, of course.

And it was no understatement, because this wasn’t just any hotel room. Our home for the night was the Kauto Star Suite, a 53-square-metre, open-plan room on the first floor of Ellenborough Park’s Main House, with sweeping views of the hotel’s leafy grounds and Cheltenham Racecourse from three of its four sides.

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And then there’s the bathroom. This huge, elegant space accounts for more than 20 of those square metres, and ticks off a roll-top bath, a giant walk-in shower, a second toilet and just a whole lot of space in between for generally swanning around. I don’t think many things in life beat sinking into a big, hot bath, and I fell in love with the hotel’s 100 Acres Rose & Lavender bubble bath so much that I bought a bottle to take home (alas, my own bathroom doesn’t quite

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compare, even with the posh bubbles).

Elsewhere in the hotel there are a further 60 rooms spread across the Main House, The Mews, Ellenborough Gate and Woodland Court. The four suites are named after famous racehorses, and only the Istabraq Suite trumps the Kauto Star when it comes to space, with a whopping 56 square metres beneath its exposed Tudor beams.

Dining options at Ellenborough Park

For dinner that evening, we went down to The Brasserie - the hotel’s informal restaurant and bar. We settled on perfectly cooked steaks (well-done for me; barely dead for him), washed it down with a bottle of Merlot and rounded it off with a platter of British cheeses. There’s also a fine dining restaurant, the Beaufort, which was closed for dinner as it was a Sunday night.

We were glad of the relaxed atmosphere in the Brasserie, though - it felt like an upmarket but ultra-friendly pub.

The next morning, we were greeted with a full English breakfast in the main restaurant - a stately room with all the trappings of a classic country house. There was a full buffet spread as well as a waiterservice cooked breakfast, and I honestly couldn’t fault any of it.

One thing I did spot is that Ellenborough Park also offers a traditional Cotswolds afternoon tea served up in the 500-year-old Great Hall. I can’t think of a more quintessentially English setting in which to nibble on crustless sandwiches, scoff jam-laden scones and sip a freshly boiled brew from a bone china teacup.

A day or two after we got home, the hotel announced the launch of its very own signature gin.

And if that’s not a good enough reason for us to go back there, the Kauto Star’s incredible bathroom certainly is.

Spa, Wellness and everything else

After breakfast, the husband set off to find the hotel’s heated outdoor pool and I waddled off in the direction of the hotel spa, which is in a different area to the pool. The spa itself is small – there’s a jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam room – but there are seven treatment rooms, and the list of available treatments is huge. I settled in for my first ever full-body aromatherapy massage, and left feeling suitably blissed-out.

Later that morning, we went for a quick walk around the grounds before we had to check out and head home. The property sits at the foot of Cleeve Hill with widescreen views of the Cotswolds countryside, and The Cotswolds Way walking trail crosses the estate. Plus, there’s a track that leads from the front of the hotel all the way down to Cheltenham Racecourse.

This review first appeared on www.therewegoblog. com - a UK family travel and leisure blog. Katie Gregory was hosted by Ellenborough Park, a member of the Pride of Britain Hotels collection, which never showcases more than 50 hotels to guarantee quality and exclusivity. The historic five-star Cotswold manor house has 61 bedrooms, two restaurants and a spa offering a range of treatments including the 55-minute Aromatherapy Massage (£80). A one-night stay costs from £209 per room (two sharing) including full English breakfast. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929, or by visiting www.prideofbritainhotels.com

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Science

Stelios Mores

Super-Worms

P

lastic is a contaminant which is now found in almost every corner of our planet. Apart from being found at landfill sites, it is found in rivers, seas, and oceans where it has accrued over time.

One of the most commonly used types of plastic is polyethylene. It makes up for over a third of the world’s plastic consumption and is typically used to make plastic bags and food wrappings amongst other things, but is notoriously difficult to break down. It is a persistent, virtually indestructible pollutant once released into the environment. In time the polyethylene is eroded away leaving myriads of tiny plastic microparticles in its wake which can be ingested by wildlife causing much harm and at times can even enter our food chain.

Sometimes, despite all the best efforts of the world’s scientific and engineering communities, solutions to problems come from the most unexpected source. Federica Bertocchini, a researcher at the Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology in Spain who also happened to be an amateur beekeeper made a surprising discovery. This however was not whilst at her place of work but as she was cleaning out her beehives. Hives become infested by parasites known as wax worms, and she had placed these and the waste in a polyethylene shopping bag for convenience as she continued to clean out the hives. When she finally finished, she noticed that the bag had become riddled with holes and that the wax worms within it had decided to go for a wander around the room where she had

left the bag. It soon became obvious that these worms were capable of digesting polyethylene.

Subsequently it was shown that these worms have an appetite for polyethylene primarily due to similarities between it and the chemistry of bees’ wax, which is of course their natural food.

Inevitably it is the enzymes in the wax worm’s gut that are responsible for this capability, and so the researchers at the institute are now pursuing ways of creating these artificially in an attempt to develop a way to biodegrade polyethylene on an industrial scale.

So it seems that these ‘worms have turned’ into super-worms that may one day save our world from the effects of plastics pollution.

Hand to Eye

At first it was the trackball, but very soon this was superseded by the mouse. Since the early days of computing, the number of ways users interact with computers has changed significantly. From punched cards to ticker-tape, to keyboard and keypad. The numerous games console handsets is a testament to how technology has moved on so that we can interact with computers in an efficient and ergonomic way.

In keeping with this trend, researchers at the University of California have focused on an affordable input device that can translate sign language. Rather than adopt the conventional approach used by other workers in this field which typically relies on a matrix of infrared emitters and sensors to analyse the hand and body movements, they developed a smart glove. The glove relies on ultrathin strain sensors made from carbon fibres embedded in a fluoroelastomer resin which are painted onto the back of an athletic glove. A number of miniature accelerometers and pressure sensors are also embedded within it. This enables the glove to sense not only the movement, forms and positions of fingers and thumb, but also relative movement to the space around it. An embedded microcontroller finishes off the device, allowing the glove to translate movements of the sign language to text and even speech. The glove is now being put into use to create a virtual hand that can manipulate objects at a distance with the aid of robotics.

Little E i

teins’ C

ner or

ns

The development of techniques and algorithms to track the motion of people’s eyes is one of the holy grails of computer human interface development, aiming to create the fastest interface possible.

Workers in this field have focused on the use of camera technology to tackle this, but have reached a point where little progress can be made due to the subconscious movement of a person’s gaze from one location to another (known as ‘saccades’).

This is so fast that high-definition high-speed cameras struggle to keep up as do the computers processing the information, making this approach expensive and impractical.

In contrast to this method two research groups from Belgium and Holland have approached the problem in a very unconventional manner by exploiting the natural electric potential of the eye which creates a weak electric field around it. They placed four of these sensors into each of the lenses of a pair of glasses enabling them to determine the exact position of each eye, as well as detecting rapid eye movements and blinking. Driven by a complex computer algorithm, this technology is being developed so that individuals can carry out everyday mouse-type actions without having to move, and aims to help many disabled and speechimpaired people to communicate effectively.

Bottle of Blood This will impress your friends at a Halloween party or you can take it along with you on a ‘trick or treat’ expedition. You will need the following: 1. clean 1 litre clear soft drink bottle (e.g. Sprite, Coca-Cola) 2. glass of water 3. 3-4 cups of vegetable oil 4. 2 fizzy tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer) 5. red food colouring 6. funnel 7. torch or a red glow-stick and some sticky tape

Add 10 drops of the food colouring to the glass of water, and pour this into the bottle.

Using the funnel, slowly pour the vegetable oil into the bottle and wait a few minutes for the oil and coloured water to separate.

Break a fizzy tablet in half and drop one half of it into the bottle.

As it sinks to the bottom the ‘blobs of blood’ will start to rise and fall.

Finally shine the bottle with the torch from below, or attach the glow-stick to the back of the bottle with the sticky tape.

To keep the blood moving just add another half of a fizzy tablet.

Happy Halloween!

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Motors

Oh the Comfort!

Richard McCann

McCann floats over the potholes in the uber-cool new Citroen C3 Flair

I should never have eaten that out-of-date alphabet spaghetti – it spelled TROUBLE...

So now, I’m feeling a little delicate. That’s why I liked this car a lot! The cute ‘stand-out’ looks, the practical style, space economy and light controls certainly helped, but it was the seats and ride comfort that won me over.

But the comfy ride doesn’t compromise the Citroen’s roadholding – it still ‘go-karts’ the roundabouts if that’s what you fancy, while returning an astonishing 64.2 mpg during the

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period I was testing it, cruising at motorway speeds with a complement of passengers.

Just compare that with the trouble engineers went to years ago to eke out our fuel, designing tiny plastic cars powered by lawnmower-style engines!

These days, designing a car for this ‘super-mini’ class isn’t easy. In fact not only does Citroen compete with sales against its European rivals such as Polo, Fiesta, Ibiza and Fabia, it also squares up against its partner firm Peugeot. And now – since the announcement that the French company that owns Peugeot and Citroen has struck a 2.2bn euro (£1.9bn) deal to buy General Motors’ European unit, including Vauxhall - it’s slugging it out within its own family against the popular Corsa as well!

The latest Citroen C3 is very different to its predecessor, which failed to cause a stir while the same firm’s DS3 had customers queuing up to buy. Presumably inspired by how the other Citroen models’ bold styling converted to sales, Citroen has given the new C3 arresting styling and loads of personalisation options.

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It certainly does look distinctive, with a fullwidth grille flowing into LED daytime running lights where you might expect the headlights to be. Our version even had the excellent ‘Airbump’ protective panel cladding - the automotive equivalent of bubble-wrap which lines the bottom of the doors to help fend off frustrating car park dings that quickly have your brand new car looking decidedly secondhand.

Citroen has kept things simple by only offering three trim levels – Touch, Feel and Flair – with every C3 getting DAB radio, Bluetooth and cruise control as standard.

The ‘Feel’ trim is stylish with a contrasting black, white or red roof and adds Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with a seveninch touchscreen and alloy wheels. ‘Flair’ gets the ‘Airbump’ cladding, a reversing camera, leather details in the cabin and automatic lights and wipers. It also has the most progressive feature: a front-facing safety dashcam that records video of your journey and can even upload clips.

But these trims are just the start, because there are lots of ways to personalise your C3.

Roof colours, interior ‘ambiances’, coloured door mirrors and plenty of accessories are offered to suit your personality and style.

The Euro NCAP crash tests this year gave the C3 an excellent four stars for safety, with 88% for adult occupant protection. A large number of airbags, electronic stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring and lanedeparture warning are fitted across the board. There’s also technology to sense if you’re getting tired and warn you to take a break, along with speed-limit warnings.

ISOFIX points for securely attaching child seats are found in the front passenger and both outer rear seats.

There’s lots to like about this new C3, so if you’re in the market for a supermini I’d definitely give this car a try before you make any decisions.

As for me, I’m now feeling a little better, thanks for asking. I certainly believe people who say that laughter is the best medicine.

Although the doctor says that in my case he’d also recommend penicillin…

Sharp-eared music bosses offer Mick record deal Singer, songwriter and producer Mick Sharp of Bedford has signed a recording and publishing contract with London-based Copper Brown Records.

Mick submitted a song at the company’s monthly A&R (artists & repertoire) meeting, which it broadcasts live on the internet. “I have sent in tracks to them before, but last Friday Luke Cutler, Copper Brown’s creative director, introduced my song You Got Away and it began to play,” said Mick.

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Within seconds it was obvious Luke and his colleagues were enjoying the song, nodding and highfiving each other. “Thank you, Mick Sharp, for making our Friday night especially awesome,” said Luke when the song finished. “Great arrangement, nice lyrics… I would love to work with a song like that.”

Mick’s songs are also receiving airplay in the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Brazil. “It can be quite weird when I hear songs I recorded in my studio in Bedford being broadcast from the other side of the world,” said Mick.

There was a double celebration when, the next night, he proposed to artist Susie Hall at a gig at Stamford Bridge. Go West frontman Peter Cox invited Mick on to the stage where he got down on one knee and proposed. “She was shocked, but said yes”.

Mick’s self-titled album is available on iTunes, Amazon and all digital outlets. He is also working with synchronisation company Music Gateway, whose board members include Dave Stewart of Eurythmics and ReverbNation.

Further details at micksharp.co.uk

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Music

Milky’s Music s M atters... t Matters...

FOCUS ON UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS

Pete Fij (Adorable) & Terry Bickers (House of Love) @ Bedford Esquires, Thursday 26 October Pete Fij first came to prominence as the lead singer of cult Creation band (and Esquires regulars!)

Adorable, whilst Terry Bickers surely needs no

Daddy Long Legs @ Bedford Esquires, Friday 24 November Daddy Long Legs will be returning to Bedford Esquires and anyone who caught their show here back in June 2016 will know how unmissable this

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introduction as the guitarist in The House of Love.

With a shared love of melancholy, they have teamed up to make sweet, miserable music ‘like The Velvet Underground, Johnny Cash and The Everly Brothers all jamming at four in the morning, trying not to wake the neighbours up’.

Now on their second album, ‘We are Millionaires’, the duo produces beautifully sad tunes which have earned them rave reviews. With BBC 6 Music sessions and sold out gigs in London and their hometown of Brighton, Fij and Bickers are an uplifting reminder that it really is never too late to get your band together. Support comes from Bedford’s own Grubby Mitts and their brilliantly inventive collection of found sounds, wistful melodies and wonky electronica.

Tickets are £8 in advance, available now from www. seetickets.com /www.wegottickets.com and Esquires bar.

gig will be. Daddy Long Legs are a force of nature - one of the greatest live bands you’ve never heard of.

All the way from St Louis, Missouri and New York State, Daddy Long Legs are masters of arcane blues secrets - this is music to start a juke joint brawl to! Led by their harp blowing, blues bellowing lead singer, a Daddy Long Legs show is equal parts roots rock, blues and guttural soul, stripping down old standards and making them shiny and new again.

For fans of Howlin’ Wolf, Leadbelly, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Flamin’ Groovies, MC5, The Jim Jones Revue, Gospel, Punk and standing with a pint in your hand, gobsmacked at what you have just witnessed.

Tickets are £10 in advance, available now from www. seetickets.com /www.wegottickets.com and Esquires bar.

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MILKY’S ALBUM REVIEWS Black Grape – Pop Voodoo Wow, now here’s how you return after a 20-year break between albums.

Shaun Ryder and rap-cohort Kermit bounce off each other on a record filled to the margins with bouncy grooves, baggy beats, supersized choruses and a few classic Ryder lyrics. There’s a level of exuberance, humour and soul to this very fine album that bands 25 years their junior cannot hope to achieve – experience counts? Black Grape’s full mix and match prowess is shown on the slinky ‘I Wanna Be Like You’ which struts between disco and the sound of Madchester. Not a bad track in the bunch, this is Manc magic.

Starsailor – All This Life Surprisingly this is only the fifth Starsailor album and the first since 2009 so it’s no shock that a ‘not witnessed before’ sense of urgency is present across the 11 tracks. Lead-off track Listen to Your Heart is sculpted from bombast and rapidity, with a spirited chorus that sees James Walsh hitting those high notes with ease. Having a tool as sharp as Walsh’s vocal means it’s wise to play to that strength but vital to ensure that the balance is razorright (thankfully there is no over-reliance on mawkish schmaltz as a musical platform) – this time out Starsailor achieve that and more.

Ratboy – Scum This charmingly named debut album has a wrap-around concept (radio DJ announcements separate the tracks – note, they are so not funny it’s painful) which leads to heavy going trying to get through all 25 tracks.

Rifling through Jamie T’s bins in the hope of finding half a song, the Ratty boys expel an almost unlistenable piece of trash. Anyone who wants this album, email in to OVL and we’ll gladly hand it over. The rest of you - avoid.

Fantastic Negrito – The Last Days of Oakland Repackaged and released with 2 new tracks, this Grammy award winner (Best Contemporary Blues album) is sizzling with ideas, fusions of style and diversity. There’s a real sense of frustration and confusion spilling forth in the lyrics as if Xavier Dphrepaulezz (good name!) can’t quite grasp what a state the world is in. Sounding not unlike a feverish blues-up version of Alabama 3, this is a record that deserves widespread attention.

SUPPORT THE BEDFORD LIVE SCENE - UPCOMING BEDFORD GIGS FOR YOUR DIARY Friday 13 October – THE ESKIES @ Esquires Wednesday 18 October – CABBAGE @ Esquires Thursday 19 October – WILL JOSEPH COOK @ Esquires Friday 20 October – DREAM WIFE @ Esquires Saturday 21 October – CC SMUGGLERS @ Esquires Thursday 26 October – PETE FIJ (ADORABLE) + TERRY BICKERS (HOUSE OF LOVE) @ Esquires Friday 3 November – ALABAMA3 (acoustic) @ Esquires Saturday 4 November – MY VITRIOL @ Esquires Thursday 9 November – CHINA CRISIS @ Esquires Friday 24 November – DADDY LONG LEGS @ Esquires Saturday 2 December – ROACHFORD @ Esquires Tickets from: wegottickets.com / seetickets.com / Esquires Bar / Boutique Planet / Mario’s Hair Design Follow us on twitter @OVLMagazine Find us on Facebook OVL Magazine

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Books From Guitar to Piano

M Ex Libris

Erin Kelly’s fifth novel, He said/She said, is a gripping psychological thriller with a shocking and unforgettable twist. The novel moves between 2015 with married couple Kit and Laura expecting twins after a long wait to conceive and a festival in 1999 to witness a total solar eclipse in Cornwall when the couple were at the beginning of their relationship.

It is at Lizard Point that Laura and Kit, who share the narration, apparently interrupt the rape of Beth Taylor, a stranger to them. They call the police and later give evidence at the trial of Jamie Balcombe. He is sent to prison but he and his wealthy family continue to fight his conviction.

Kit, however, did not actually witness the alleged rape, arriving when Balcombe was running away. Laura knows she witnessed a terrible act against a petrified woman but in court panics while giving evidence and tells a lie.

At first Beth is grateful and brings them expensive gifts but obsessively works her way into their lives. Fearful and stressed, Kit and Laura move house, change their names and avoid social media. They do everything to make sure Beth does not find them. But Kit’s obsession is solar eclipses and he can’t resist travelling to the Faroe Islands to witness one while the very pregnant Laura stays at home alone.

The tension is built up to an unbearable level as what initially comes across as paranoia develops into terror and betrayal. The novel is dark and atmospheric with a clever and plausible plot, intriguing characters, and skilful prose that will delight you. The author does not reveal all until the end but will keep you guessing until that shocking final twist.

Reviewed by Roz Masters

ike Benson of Felmersham has published a book entitled Classical Guitar Favourites Arranged for Piano. It contains 32 compositions by some well-known classical guitar composers, including Mauro Giuliani, Fernando Sor and Francisco Tarrega. The book has 7 pages of Introductory Notes and 46 pages of music.

“From the early 1970s, I spent many years trying to learn the classical guitar with very limited success,” said Mike. “When I started to learn the piano in my retirement in 2002, I began to arrange music that I had attempted on the guitar so that I could play it on the piano. I then began arranging harder pieces that I would not have attempted on the guitar and found that I could play these.”

Mike grew up on the Welsh border and moved to Bedford in the early 1970s.

He worked as an administrator for City & Guilds in London for over 30 years, moving to Carlton 20 years ago and then to Felmersham in 2000. “I have been in Felmersham ever since and love it here,” he said.

Mike formerly published a book entitled Bedford’s Musical Society – A History of Bedford Choral Society, under the auspices of Bedfordshire Historical Record Society and published by The Boydell Press.

For a signed copy of Classical Guitar Favourites Arranged for Piano (£6.99) contact Mike on 01234 781649 or mail@mikebenson08.plus.com

Films

Film Review Wind River

**** Director: Taylor Sheridan Release: In cinemas now

Back in 2015, The Revenant taught us that, to tell a good story, all you need is a deeply personal tale and a landscape Anthony Lowery worthy of reflection. Taking note was Oscarnominated writer Taylor Sheridan (Hell or High Water), who here tackles a most delicate tale and blizzards at 11,000 feet to make haunting crime drama, and directorial debut, Wind River.

Set in the frozen corners of Wyoming where “luck don’t live,” Wind River is a story about a missing and murdered indigenous woman (Kelsey Asbille) on the Native American reservation it’s the type of story - true to life - that doesn’t get told, nor discussed.

Game tracker Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) and FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) join forces to solve the mysterious death of a loved local. It’s a likely pairing that, in any other movie, would promise romance; but there’s no place for romance in a Sheridan outing. Instead, the actor-cum-writer/director creates characters, explores the human condition and delivers tragedy without closure. Wind River is no exception; rather it’s a stellar

example of Sheridan’s poetically bleak style, bagging Cannes’ prestigious Un Certain Regard for Best Director.

With only five interior shots, and with Sheridan rolling cameras in every awful frozen place he could find, Wind River is a lesson in the laws of nature. “This isn’t the land of back up,” says the police chief (Graham Greene) to a naïve Banner. “This is the land of you’re on your own.” Ben Richardson’s camera jerks our attention with its ardent sensitivity to the ruthless environment and captures, beautifully, the isolation of “The Rez”; a forgotten place with its back turned on the world.

Though an engaging thriller in the mould of Sheridan’s past successes (including the tonally darker Sicario), you do wonder what Wind River would have looked like under the rule of a more seasoned director.

Nonetheless, this is a tense, terse and acutely intimate tale that, true to its writer’s style, bends the crime procedural genre, making it a hat-trick for the storyteller.

There’s something chilling about a murder in the snow. When in the hands of Taylor Sheridan, you’d better layer up.

Tweet your thoughts @OVLMagazine @AntLoweryTwit #WindRiver

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WHERE do you read yours?

Dave Chisholm, Gary Anderson, Michael Van Gerwen and Raymond Van Barneveld read theirs when they’re not on the oche

Senior C u read the bs Ted Browne irs after and Ch arley Dix being a silver aw warded ard by D the top on-Kelly avid He chief ard, AD C for Be scout dford

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Rosemary and Roger read thei rs at their bank holiday lunch do wn on the farm

Thank you for your many entries. If your picture isn’t here check the next issue of OVL. Email your pictures to info@ousevalleyliving.com and show us who’s been reading your OVL and where they were. Pictures will be printed in each issue and our favourite entry of the year will win £50 to be announced in the December/January edition.

Horoscopes

IN THE STARS with Howard Parker, the Astro-guide

Helping you find your way through life’s tribulations to your most precious dreams. My Astroguidance coaching works fast to give you a deep insight into where you want to go in your life, career and relationships. 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.

Libra

sep24-oct23 You may still be feeling a sense of expansion going on in your life now and you may wish to get organised this October. The problem for you is that a sense of urgency around the 5th clashes with your indecision - caused by far too many things to deal with. Relationship demands aren’t helping either so take time out to consider things quietly. This will help move you on to considering what you hold most valuable in your life in November.

Scorpio

oct24-nov22

What you do in October will influence how you get on when the sun is in your own sign in November so get practical, simplify your routines and don’t allow yourself to delve too deeply into things that will eat away at your resolve. The key is following things through to the end and getting things off your ‘to-do’ list. Friends will feel like a real help now and you will also become more aware in November how important your most important relationship are. Don’t take them for granted.

Sagittarius

nov23-dec22 If you’ve been feeling the frustrations of being held back recently, you will benefit from a sense that things are starting to go your way at last. Not fast, maybe, but at least in the right direction. There is some indecision in the air, perhaps in work circles, so beware of making ‘knee-jerk’ reactions which you may regret later. There is safe ground in sticking to your routines when times are rocky so make that a priority in November.

Capricorn

dec23-jan20 There is a chance that long hidden secrets may come to the surface at the beginning of October, which may shock you. The unpalatable truth is that you should have been paying more attention and the lesson is that you have an opportunity to learn something. The new moon on the 19th may bring you something totally unexpected that might point you in a new direction, sparking off a sense of creativity as November begins.

Aquarius

jan21-feb19 October may have a bit of an ‘other-worldly’ feel about it. You will feel activated early in the month to take on new projects only to find that the universe bounces you in a completely different direction mid-month. You will probably enjoy the fun of the U-turn and find ways to make the most of it. November will put your feet back on the floor where you will need to keep your eye on the ball, both at home and at work.

Pisces

feb20-mar20 You never like to be pinned down so the full moon on 5 October is likely to bring people around who seem unacceptably demanding that you get more focused. Your main relationships come under the spotlight later on in the month and require a new approach but will you make the changes that need to occur? You don’t need to go it alone, though, as November shows you that friends and family are all there for you.

Aries

mar21-apr20 October is a bit upside down.

You feel you can just cut through all the problems with your fiery energy but events in the middle of the month leave you thinking that not everything can be solved by just going for it. Paying attention to the boring details of life can prevent problems occurring due to neglect along the way. The implications to your finances and deepest values will become clear in November.

Taurus

apr21-may21 Taureans never seem very keen on delving into hidden issues. They like everything above board so they can just get on with the job in hand.

As a result, life can bring them surprises that everyone else could see coming.

Like a new encounter leading to love? Or maybe a creative project? Or even a pregnancy? Only you will know and it is likely to be in November that all this bubbles to the surface.

Gemini

may22-jun21

Getting things done may still seem challenging but at least things do seem to be moving at last. You may have to put your social life on the back burner for a while and mid-October your home base needs your focused attention as you set some goals there. Some odd things are still happening to get in the way though so just persist but flexibly! If you doubt this, try meditating on it in November. That should give you a few answers.

Cancer

jun22-jul23 Being the one in the office who supports everyone else is fine but what is it doing to your own prospects? What talents do you have that have been ignored because you are so ‘nice’ to have around? New opportunities for your personal development that occur closer to where you live may make you think differently about your situation. Your natural warmth will bring you closer to friends in November and may even attract lovers if you are open to that!

Leo

jul24-aug23

Well, it’s nice to be out of the limelight for a while so enjoy this period and watch what’s going on around you without feeling the need to get too involved. Then, mid-month, do something else you don’t usually do: sit down and work on your finances. It will tell you a lot about what you really value in life. Then, in November, just do what needs to be done at work before the new moon on the 18th brings the focus back home!

Virgo

aug24-sep23 With so many planets in your sign at the moment, you might be driving yourself crazy with your capacity for relentless analysis but, on the other hand, it is great opportunity to plan for the autumn period. It is a major ‘get real’ influence but at some point you will need to prioritise what matters most to you. November may remind you that, despite your sharp analytic mind, you don’t know everything so be open to learning.

Thought of the moment

The middle of November is likely to see an echo of the seismic (literally!) events of the eclipse at the end of August and into September, particularly in the USA but also reflected here in Brexit issues. If President Trump is unable to read the recent signs of climatic catastrophe from what is going on in his own back yard, then his head must really be in the sand! At least Mercury, planet of communication, is getting closer to Saturn (structures and sensible stuff) in this period so maybe some down to earth reality is in the offing? You have to hope, don’t you?

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diarydates Monday 2 October Alpine Garden Society (Beds) Wilstead Village Hall, 7.30pm AGM with illustrated talk on visit to Birmingham Botanic Garden.

Competitions, plant sales. Visitors £3 inc refreshments.

Tuesday 3 October ACTIVI-TEA, 2.30-4pm Methodist Church, Sharnbrook Meet other carers knowing the person you care for is safe enjoying other activities. Linda 07791214148 lindahoar@hotmail. co.uk Stevington Cinema Village Hall, 7pm Classic film about the life of Karen Blixen, Out of Africa, starring Meryl Streep. www. stevingtoncinemaclub.uk Bedford Floral Art Society, 7.30pm Addison Centre, Kempston Alan Smith & Lee Berrill ‘It Takes Two’. Raffle of arrangements, refreshments, sales tables. £12, £5 members 306432 / 07563 787849. www. bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk Tue 3 to Tue 31 October Black History, 10.30-4.30pm Cowper & Newton, Olney Amazing Grace and the Abolition of Slavery.

Wednesday 4 October Historical Association-Bedford Bedford School Library, de Parys Ave, 7.30pm Charles Dickens the Campaigner.

Illustrated talk by Prof John Drew, Buckingham University. Visitors welcome with donation. 07989 837819 / 266839.

Wed 4 & Thu 5 October Woburn Abbey & Gardens NSPCC Luxury Gift Fair Sculpture Gallery Preview Evening Wednesday, 6-9pm hosted by The Duchess of Bedford. Tickets, in advance only, £15 inc glass of champagne and canapés. Thursday, 9-4pm £7.50 on door inc a Woburn tote bag.

Thu 4 to Sat 28 October Felt Lace, 10.30-4.30pm Cowper & Newton, Olney International Feltmakers Association Exhibition. Free entry to the gallery.

Thursday 5 October Knit & Knatter Thursdays 9.30-11.30am

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Riseley Village Hall Coffee, knitting, crocheting, beading, needlework and plenty of knattering. Wendy 709083 ronandwendy@btinternet.com Stevington Cinema Village Hall, 7pm Broadcast from The Royal Opera House of The Magic Flute. www. stevingtoncinemaclub.uk Thu 5, 12 & 19 October Cowper on Thursdays, 2-2.30pm Cowper & Newton, Olney Poetry expert Ben Field on Cowper’s life through his poetry.

Saturday 7 October The Great 41 Club Bake Off & Coffee Morning,10.30-12.30am The Old School, Oakley In aid of Kidney Research. £3 adults, £1.50 children inc drink and piece of cake.

Cambs & Beds Hardy Plant Society Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade, 2pm Timothy Walker, lecturer and former head of Oxford Botanic Gardens on “Tenerife, A Botanical Honey-Pot and Evolutionary Labority”.

Bromham Scout Jumble Sale Bromham Village Hall, 2pm Variety of stalls. Entry 50p.

Refreshments. Proceeds to Bromham Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Bedford Sinfonia Concert St. Paul’s Church, Bedford Conductor - Michael Rose, Soloist - Julian Metzger (cello). Sibelius, Schumann & Beethoven. £12, Conc £10, Children/students £5. www.bedfordsymphony.com Sunday 8 October Save the Children Craft Fair Sharnbrook Village Hall, 10-3 Handmade crafts and unique gifts.

Free entry, donation appreciated.

Stallholders email coulterlyons@ yahoo.co.uk or 01536 500915.

Wednesday 11 October Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Ave, Bedford 7.30pm ‘Farming for Wildlife’ illustrated talk by local farmer Charlie Porter. Free, contributions appreciated. www.wildlifebcn. org or 266057.

Thursday, 12 October Stevington Cinema Village Hall, 7pm Heartwarming film about a book loving orphan girl and her adoptive family in Nazi Germany. www.stevingtoncinemaclub.uk Saturday 14 October Willington Village Market, 10-12 Seasonal decorations and produce. Info Sue Harland 07745 767718.

Craft & Gift Fayre, 10-3pm Great Barford Village Hall Refreshments all day, raffle. Adults £1, children U11 free.

Coffee Morning, 10.30 to 12 Sharnbrook Methodist Church Tools & garden produce for sale. Collections of DIY tools, for up-cycling, winter clothing for Prebend Day Centre, used stamps for ClicSargent, food for Bedford Food Bank.

Tuesday 17 October

ACTIVI-TEA, 2.30-4pm Methodist Church, Sharnbrook Meet other carers knowing the person you care for is safe enjoying other activities. Linda 07791214148 lindahoar@hotmail. co.uk Biddenham Gardeners Assoc Village Hall, 7.30pm Hanging baskets demonstration

by Lamorna Thomas. £5 inc raffle & refreshments. www. biddenhamgardenersassociation. org.uk Kimbolton Flower Club, 7pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Bring a harvest arrangement: prize for the winner. Quiz and harvest supper. Entry £7.50.

Thursday 19 October Luca Buratto piano Bedford Girls’ School, 7.45pm Tickets £18, students 18-24 £5, under 18 £2 on door or 261811. www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk Bedford Embroiderers’ GuildSt Mark’s Church Hall, Calder Rise, Bedford, 7.45pm View the Members’ Challenge; embroideries on ‘Trees’ and ‘Brexit’! Social evening with chat and stitching.

Friday 20 October Delta Ladies & support, 7.30pm College Arms Bar, Cranfield Bluegrass/americana. www. forestfolkandroots.weebly.com

Please remember to mention OVL when responding to adverts

Fri 20 to Tue 31 October In the Dark, Dark Museum Cowper & Newton, Olney Half-term family event. £1 per child includes a finger torch. Usual adult admission.

Saturday 21 October Table Top Sale, 9am-noon Christ the King Church Hall, Bedford Entry 50p, Tel 965497.

Monday 23 October Stevington Cinema Village Hall, 7pm Live broadcast from the Royal Ballet of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. www. stevingtoncinemaclub.uk Tuesday 24 October 250 Years of Cowper & Newton, Olney, 2.30-3.30pm St Peter & St Paul Church Find out more at www. cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk Bedford National Trust Association, 2pm Addison Centre, Kempston The Sport of Kings by Adrian McGlynn, from Weatherbys. £3.50, £3 NT members, £2.50 BNTA members. Raffle. Betty Thomas 01480 860421.

Tue 24 to Sat 28 October Marianettes present comedy musical - The Producers Trinity Arts& Leisure, 7.30pm Tickets at www.ticketsource. co.uk/marianettes or 07832 845783.

Fri 27 to Sun 29 October Festival of Flowers All Saints Church, Renhold Fri 1-5pm, Sat 10-5pm, Sun 12-4pm (Parish Eucharist 11am).

Donations welcome. Elaine 325131, Jill 870461.

Friday 27 October Afternoon Vintage Tea, 2-4pm Christ the King Church Hall, Bedford £3 - Tea, cake & dancing. Tel 404563.

Halloween Barn Dance Great Barford Village Hall Music by Kelly’s Eye. BYO food, licensed bar, raffle. Prizes for scariest fancy dress! £8, children £4, family £20 from Post Office, Val 871040 or John 87017.

Saturday 28 October Handbell Concert, 7.30pm Priory Methodist Church Biddenham Handbell Ringers and

diarydates The Barn Ringers with Soloists. £10, u16s free from 353523.

Competitions, plant sales. £3 inc refreshments.

Refreshments. Entry 50p. Funds for Tiddlywinks Play Group.

Kempston Musical Society Concert of Light & Secular Music Elstow Abbey, 7.30pm Tickets on door inc refreshments.

781010 or email prestissimo@ btinternet.com

Tuesday 7 November Bedford Floral Art Society, 7.30pm Addison Centre, Kempston Lisa Seabrook - ‘Green Finger Flower Arranger’. Raffle of arrangements, sales table. Visitors £7. www.bedfordfloralartsociety. co.uk

Wednesday 15 November Historical Association-Bedford Bedford School Library, de Parys Ave 7.30pm Eight Months that Shook the World – Russia in 1917 by Dr Jonathan Davis of Anglia University. Visitors welcome with donation. 266839 / 07989 837819.

Thursday 2 November Stevington Cinema Village Hall, 7pm Irish-American comedy with great music, The Commitments. www. stevingtoncinemaclub.uk Friday 3 November Bedford Art Society, 7.15pm Putnoe Heights Church Keith Morton on acrylics. £5 visitors. Jean Paterson 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk Saturday 4 November Christmas Craft Fair, 10.304pm Sharnbrook Village Hall £1, children free. Shirley 781348.

Cambs & Beds Hardy Plant Society, 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade Andrew Ward Nursery Owner on Indispensable Plants. Plants for sale. AGM. Turvey Village Bonfire Night Gates 5.30, Best Guy 6, fireworks 7pm. £5, children £2.50 on night.

Fast track wristbands from Turvey stores £4, children £2.

Sharnbrook Scout Group 44th Grand Fireworks & Bonfire South Field, Tofte Manor Gates & BBQ 6.15, display 7pm.

Advance tickets £3, children £2 from The Cake Shop or The Coop until Friday. £5, children £3 on gate. Wood collection Ian Barnes 781784. www.sharnbrookscouts. webs.com Quiz & Chips, 7.30pm Great Denham Community Hall In aid of The Friends of St James. £10, £8 Friends members, 1/2 price u16s from Diana Shooter 213305 or Laurie Hurn 364251.

Monday 6 November Alpine Garden Society (Beds) Wilstead Village Hall, 7.30pm Mostly Green and White - a beginners’ guide to snowdrops.

Wednesday 8 November Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust Priory Methodist Church Hall, Bedford, 7.15pm Rushden Lakes, illustrated talk

by Katie King of the Wildlife Trust.

Contributions appreciated. www. wildlifebcn.org or 266057.

Wed 8 to Wed 15 November Carers in Bedfordshire’s Mixed Media Exhibition John Bunyan Basement Gallery Creating art is an important part of these hardworking carers’ lives, come and see what they create and learn about the life of a carer.

Fri 10 & Sat 11 November Williams Antiques & Restoration Showroom Open Days, 104pm Furniture, silver, pottery, maps & small gifts. Hot drinks & homemade cake. Free entry. In aid of Breast Cancer Care. www. williamsantiques.co.uk Saturday 11 November Coffee Morning, 10am Great Barford Bowls Club £1 includes tea/coffee/ biscuits. Cakes, tombola, plant stalls, crafts. www. greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk Sat 11 & Sun 12 November Field & Stubble Art ExhibitionAll Saints Church, Lathbury, Newport Pagnell, 10-5pm Local wildlife artist Kate Wyatt.

Raffle, tea, coffee & cakes. Free entry. In Aid of Church Fund. Peg 01908 616804 / 07487 531251 or peg.thorn@hotmail.co.uk Saturday 12 November Christmas Gift Fair, 11-3pm Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club

Thursday 16 November Stevington Cinema Village Hall, 7pm Live broadcast from the National Theatre of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, The Follies. www. stevingtoncinemaclub.uk Júlia Pusker violin, Renáta Konyicska piano, 7.45pm Bedford School Recital Hall £18, students 18-24 £5, under 18 £2 on door or from 261811. www. bedfordmusicclub.co.uk Bedford Embroiderers’ Guild, 7.45pm St Mark’s Church Hall, Bedford Jill Izzard on ‘Forever Stitching’.

See www.jilltextileart.com. £4 inc refreshments.

Friday 17 November Circus Street + support, 7.30pm College Arms Bar, Cranfield Acoustic contemporary folk. www. forestfolkandroots.weebly.com Saturday 18 November Table Top Sale, 9-12 noon Christ the King Church Hall, Bedford Entry 50p, refreshments. Info 965497.

Christmas Charity Fair St Paul’s Church, 10-4pm To book a stall 340163. www. stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra Bedford Corn Exchange Conductor - Michael Rose, Soloist - Mengyang Pan (piano).

Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov & Musorgsky. £15/£12, conc £13/£10, children/students £5. www.bedfordsymphony.com Mill Race Folk Bromham Mill Traditional folk music with Laura Smith & Ted Kemp. £10. Food &

drink from cafe.

Sunday 19 November Autumn Fair, 2-4.30pm St Owen’s Church, Bromham In aid of Church Building Fund.

Stalls, raffle, refreshments. Free entry.

Tuesday 21 November Biddenham Gardeners Assoc Village Hall, 7.30pm Paxton Pitts - A Community Nature Reserve by Trevor Gunton.

Kimbolton Flower Club, 7pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton In Festive Mood with National Demonstrator John Chennell. £12.50, members £3 inc wine and mince pies. Sales table, charity parcels for sale, raffle of arrangements.

Friday 24 November Afternoon Vintage Tea, 2-4pm Christ the King Church Hall, Bedford £3 - Tea, cake & dancing. Tel 404563.

Saturday 25 November Christmas Fayre, 10-12 noon Clapham Methodist Church Gifts, stalls, raffle & refreshments.

Friends Jazz Night, 7.30pm Pavenham Village Hall Tina May & The Frank Griffith Quartet performing Fats Waller and Ella Fitzgerald. £19.50, inc hot supper, from Derek Bliss 823821. Licensed Bar. Melchbourne Christmas Fair Village Hall, 12-4pm Craft stalls, cakes, tombola.

Refreshments inc soup, bacon rolls & mulled wine. Visit from Father Christmas! Entrance £1.

Sat 25 & Sun 26 November A Dickens Christmas Festival Blunham Parish Church Sat 11.30-2.30pm - stalls, raffle, homemade preserves, cakes, Christmas puds. Sun 2-4pm - brass music, hand bells, Dickens readings. £5. www. stedmundorstjamesblunham.com Wed 6 to Sun 10 December Christmas Tree Festival St Paul’s Church, Bedford Book a tree to decorate 340163.

10-5pm, Sun 12-4pm. Cellophony concert Sat, 7pm. Tickets 340163 / 783181. In aid of church and Bedford Hospitals Charity.

Charity and fundraising events for the Dec/Jan edition to be supplied by 10 November 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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Make your child’s party EXTRA SPECIAL with a Mascot Character appearance by Peppa Pig, Olaf, Chase from Paw Patrol or a Minion.

Package 1

£75 (min 30 mins) • Meet & Greet with photo opportunities • Game

• Birthday child’s personalised gift & card

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• Meet & Greet with photo opportunities • Game • Birthday cake cutting (cake not supplied) • Birthday child’s personalised gift

Characters are also available for guest appearances at your toddler group, pre-school or marketing event.

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• Meet & Greet with photo opp • Game • Birthday cake cutting (cake not supplied) • Birthday child’s personalised gift • Bubble or Snow machine • Hand out your party bags

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Call now to book your child’s favourite character and or email make it a party to remember! enquiries@characterkidzparties.co.uk

Autism Charity is OUTSTANDING! Local charity Autism Bedfordshire has been awarded the highest grading by Ofsted this summer for their Luton Holiday Club based at Richmond Hill School. Their partnership working with other settings was described as ‘exemplary’ and the staff as ‘excellent’! Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people and how they experience the world around them.

Operating in Bedford and Luton, the charity provides specialist activities for children and young people on the autistic spectrum giving both an invaluable service for families who are in desperate need of a short break and engaging activities for the kids, who might otherwise be isolated and not able to access mainstream clubs.

One child said, “It’s brilliant! I want to go every year” and a parent said, “This is the best thing that happens every year for our children. What we are unable to access as a family is possible through this scheme”.

Liz McTernan, Children’s Services Manager, praised the team, saying that it is their talent, enthusiasm and commitment that makes the difference in the 10-months preparation that goes into it. Emma Reade, CEO, said, “This is a proud moment for our charity. Funding is an ongoing struggle in order to deliver an outstanding service to some amazingly inspiring children and young people”.

Please help by fundraising or volunteering to keep these services going or by donating quality, clean items for their new charity shop.

Contact Autism Bedfordshire at enquiries@ autismbeds.org / 01234350704 to find ways to help today.

Whose Ad is it?

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his image is part of an advert which can be found somewhere in this edition of OVL. Do you know whose ad it is?

Email your answer to info@ousevalleyliving.com quoting Whose Ad in the subject box. The winner will be drawn at random and notified by Friday 17 November.

Closing date Friday 10 November.

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A 45-Minute Golf Lesson with PGA Professional, Sam Smith The Bedford Golf Club Great Denham Golf Village Carnoustie Drive Biddenham, MK40 4FF 01234 320022 Answer to last issue’s Whose Ad is it?

Anglia Interiors Congratulations to Amy Bentham who won two day passes for Bodyflight Leisure Centre.

Sudoku 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!

Answers in the next issue Last issue’s answers

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Childhood Communication Independent Speech and Language Therapist Jacqui Wright answers your questions about childhood communication Dear Jacqui I’m concerned about my teenage son who spends most of the time in his bedroom on screens. He prefers to be isolated rather than engage with people. He is a terrible procrastinator and puts things off to the last minute or avoids doing things altogether. He does well at school if he can be bothered. He communicates if he wants to but often doesn’t. He is very frustrating to deal with.

Here are some tips on how to deal with this: • Check that your son is not suffering with depression.

• There is often underlying anxiety with this presentation so don’t confront him, rather try to speak to him about things indirectly and gently. If anxiety increases, he will be more avoidant.

• He may be an introvert but also have some underlying social communication and social interaction difficulties, with difficulty knowing what to say to initiate or maintain a conversation due to his own limited interests. He may benefit from an assessment at a practice like mine.

• Have some basic home rules: Treat everyone with respect; be responsible for yourself and clean up after yourself; cooperate with the family (come to meal times at the table); communicate what is happening and when someone speaks to you.

• Resist the urge to ‘helicopter parent’ and allow your son to learn from natural consequences with less important issues e.g. if he doesn’t hand in his homework, he gets a detention.

• Often these teens have sensory processing issues and can be quite passive.

Jacqui Wright Childhood Communication Consultant www.childhoodcommunication.co.uk info@childhoodcommunication.co.uk 01234 721 775 / 079 566 855 81 Find us on 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

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