Community Life Magazine March13

Issue: 07 – March 2013 

...it’s all about Bedford! 

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL 

THE ELIZABETH CURTIS 

CENTRE, RIDING 

FOR DISABLED . . . 

Providing positive, beneficial 

therapy for over 25 years 

your FREE copy

2013 Holidays 

EASTER IN EASTBOURNE 29th March 5 Days £365 

CHESHIRE CHOICE 15th April 5 Days £385 

LAKE DISTRICT 29th April 5 Days £390 

KEUKENHOF GARDENS 10th May 4 Days £399 

BOURNEMOUTH 20th May 5 Days £325 

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS 3rd June 5 Days £415 

MYSTERY WEEKEND 15th June 2 Days £132 

SCENIC SOMERSET 8th July 6 Days £429 

Ferry crossing on the Stena Line to include lunch on the outward journey and dinner on the return journey (cabins available for a supplement) 

Other tours include… 

Somerset, Wiltshire, The Rhine in Flames, Tenby, Peak District, Dumfries & Galloway, Cornwall, Switzerland & 

Austria, Northern Ireland, German Christmas Markets, Tinsel & Turkey breaks — plus many more ... 

MOST TOURS INCLUDE HALF BOARD BASIS AND EXCURSIONS. 

Single supplements may apply on some tours. 

PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE FOR YOUR FREE 2013 BROCHURE 01234 355440 

PERSONAL PICK UP SERVICE AVAILABLE ON ALL HOLIDAYS* 

*charges may apply for a pick up outside a 20 mile radius of Bedford 

DAY EXCURSIONS 

Kew Palace & Gardens Wednesday 10th April 

Ely Thursday 18th April 

British Museum. Pompeii & Herculaneum Exhibition Tuesday 30th April 

Southwold Friday 10th May 

Blenheim Palace Tuesday 14th May 

Gardeners World Live & BBC Good Food Show Summer Saturday 15th June 

Chelsea Flower Show Thursday 23rd May 

Thames Lunch Cruise Friday, 31st May 

Great Yarmouth Thursday, 6th June 

Gardeners’ World Live & BBC Good Food Show Summer Saturday, 15th June 

Other excursions include: Theatre Trips, Seasides, Highclere Castle, Ascot Behind The Scenes Tour, 

Norfolk Lavender, Waddington International Air Show, Thames Lunch Cruise, Shakespeare Express, 

Buckingham Palace, Cadbury World, Thursford Christmas Spectacular and many more… 

2013 Day Excursion brochure now available. Please call the office for your free copy and to book your seats. 

BROCHURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD www.barfordiancoaches.co.uk 

GIFT VOUCHERS ALSO AVAILABLE 

500 Goldington Rd, Bedford , MK41 0DX 

Tel - 01234 355440 Fax – 01234 355310 

Or email: holidays@barfordiancoaches.co.uk 

(please type ‘CLM’ in the subject line) 

www.barfordiancoaches.co.uk 

2 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts

Editor 

Teresa Brooks 

T: 01234 310521 

M: 07429 136815 

E: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk 

Advertising Manager 

Marie Rugg 

T: 01234 910396 

M: 07761 472164 

E: communitylifemag@yahoo.co.uk 

Front Cover 

Picture: courtesy of 

Elisabeth Curtis Centre 

Design & Artwork 

tweet: @doodlemunky 

Production 

info@tmmedia.co.uk 

Printed by 

White Hart Press, Bedford 

Publisher 

Brooks Media 

Disclaimer 

© 2012 Community Life Magazine. 

All adverts and editorial are printed in 

good faith. While we make every effort to 

ensure the reliability and accuracy of the 

material contained in Community Life, we 

can accept no responsibility for the veracity 

of any claims made by our advertisers or 

contributors. No part of this publication 

may be reproduced or copied in any form 

without the written consent of the publisher. 

Welcome ... 

Welcome to the month of mad March 

hares, chicks and chocolate! 

This month is certainly going to be a 

busy one with Mother’s Day on the 10th – See page 25 for beautiful bracelet gift 

ideas from local business épanoui. Then 

prepare for chocolate overload time as 

Easter approaches on the 31st ! Check out 

the What’s On listing for local events including Easter Egg Hunts! 

This month’s main charity feature is all about the Elisabeth Curtis 

Centre, Riding for the Disabled, based in Bromham. This amazing 

charity is well supported by local businesses and people and 

provides an incredibly beneficial therapy for their riders. The 

front cover shows one of the regular riders at the centre on her 

favourite horse. 

With Spring just about in the air, at last we can get outdoors 

more - and exercise! The British Heart Foundation London to 

Brighton bike ride beckons so how about signing up and giving 

it a go? See page 29 for details. We hope you enjoy the March 

edition and if you would like to contribute to Community Life 

in any way or would like us to write about you, your business 

or projects or have any ideas to share, please get in touch. 

We love hearing from you. 

Teresa x Facebook – Community Life Magazine Twitter@CLM_bedford 

Contents 

Roosters Too at North Wing ......................................................................... 4 

Dog and Puppy Training ................................................................................... 5 

Panacea Museum Opens .................................................................................. 7 

Osteopathy in Pregnancy ............................................................................... 9 

Help for Tennis or Golf Elbow ..................................................................... 11 

Caremark creates new jobs ............................................................................ 12 

Men’s Health ................................................................................................................. 14 

Palmistry – It’s all in the hands ................................................................... 17 

Elisabeth Curtis Centre, Riding for the Disabled ........................ 18 

Fitness Trends for 2013 ........................................................................................ 20 

Save money for your business or charity ........................................ 23 

Mother’s Day Special Gifts ............................................................................... 25 

Dealing with the loss of a Parent .............................................................. 26 

London to Brighton Bike Ride ..................................................................... 29 

Volunteering Opportunities ......................................................................... 30 

Day in the Life – St John Ambulance ................................................... 31 

RSPB – Spring Birds Migration ................................................................... 32 

Take Me Home ........................................................................................................... 33 

Volunteer with Cats Protection ................................................................ 33 

What’s On ........................................................................................................................ 34 

Mini Ads & Services ............................................................................................... 35 

To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk

LOCAL BUSINESS 

Roosters Too opens at North Wing 

Roosters Sandwich Bar on 

St Cuthbert’s Street is 

one of the longest standing 

sandwich bars in Bedford, 

having traded for 17 years. 

In the heart of the town’s business 

district, they have a base of loyal 

customers from local offices and 

shops plus a growing reputation 

for buffets and corporate lunches. 

Open daily from 7.30am - 3pm, 

they offer a delicious range of 

made to order sandwiches, wraps, 

baguettes and paninis plus 

coffees, teas and soft drinks, 

generous salad bowls, jacket 

potatoes, homemade soups, 

cakes and daily hot specialsthere 

is plenty of choice, friendly 

staff and they can now boast 

a 4 star food hygiene rating. 

They are proud to have opened 

Owner, Nansi Rose 

a second branch within the 

Enhanced Services Building at 

North Wing Hospital - adjacent 

to Gilbert Hitchcock House and 

next to Moorfields Eye Clinic. 

Known as Roosters Too, it offers 

Ethical Addictions coffee and a 

full range of Clipper teas alongside 

freshly made sandwiches, crisps, 

www.indiansummerbedford.co.uk 

Indian Summer is a refreshing contemporary Indian restaurant 

situated in Bedford. It has warmth and character that perfectly 

complements its exceptional food and service. Whether it’s one of 

our sumptuous fish dishes or our succulent tandoori lamb chops, 

the quality of the food is astonishingly high. 

Indian Summer also boasts a stylish and spacious lounge serving an 

array of drinks including cocktails and mocktails. With seating 

up to 90 people, Indian Summer offers you the perfect venue for 

any of your memorable events and celebrations. 

Dishes are individually prepared before being freshly cooked with 

top quality ingredients and spices. We offer a great variety of 

contemporary and classical dishes as well as serving Chef’s 

specialities: succulent lamb chops and seafood selections. And to 

round off your dining, we provide a selection of Indian and 

international sweets. 

We also provide a takeaway service as well as delivery in Bedford 

and the surrounding towns. 

snacks and homemade cakes. Hot 

specials and jacket potatoes can 

be delivered to order. 

The Enhanced Services Building 

was once Bedford’s maternity 

hospital and Roosters Too would 

love to hear from anyone who 

may have had their baby delivered 

there, or indeed been born therewhy 

not pop in and reminisce? 

Or on your next appointment at 

North Wing, stop off at Roosters 

Too and enjoy a reviving cuppa 

and a snack. Free gingerbread 

stars are also offered to children 

attending the paediatric eye clinic 

on Fridays. 

Roosters 

St Cuthberts Street 

Tel: 01234 405140 

www.roostersbedford.co.uk 

www.facebook.com/RoostersToo 

Twitter @RoostersToo 

69 Tavistock Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 2RR 

Tel 01234 351 251 | info@indiansummerbedford.co.uk 

Opening Hours: 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm, 7 days a week (including bank holidays) 

Allergy awareness: A few of our dishes contain nuts or dairy products. If you suffer from allergy, please mention it when ordering. 


DOG TRAINING 

Dog and Puppy Behavioural Training 

Dogs Understood in 

Bromham was created 

from a passion for dogs 

and a desire to promote 

responsible dog ownership. 

Established in 2003, it has grown 

into a thriving business offering 

puppy training and classes, 

dog training, canine behaviour 

consultations, nutritional advice 

and mobile pet supplies. 

Sally Hubbard is a Canine 

Behaviourist, an Associate 

Member of the Canine Behaviour 

Centre, a member of the Kennel 

Club Accreditation Scheme for 

Instructors and a Pet Nutritional 

Adviser. She has 5 dogs of her 

own - 4 Belgian Shepherds and 

1 Shetland sheepdog. Two of 

the dogs are registered Pets As 

Therapy dogs and are regular 

visitors to local residential homes 

for the elderly. They also visit 

local schools, educating children 

about the wonderful world of 

dogs. Sally’s dogs work with her 

on a daily basis and have assisted 

many of her clients and their 

dogs. They are all happy to show 

off their skills, including clicker 

training, obedience and agility 

-the favourite trick being skate 

boarding by Lilly the Sheltie! 

Promoting responsible pet 

ownership is at the forefront of 

the business. They offer advice 

and support to potential puppy/ 

dog owners about choosing the 

right breed to suit their lifestyle 

Sally Hubbard with her dogs 

and circumstances and help to 

find reputable breeders or rescue 

homes. 

The behaviour consultations help 

to deal with behaviour issues that 

have arisen -often through a lack 

of understanding of a particular 

breed or character trait, 

through rehoming, a change in 

circumstances, a bad experience 

or lack of socialisation or training 

early on. 

Good recall and manners 

Dogs Understood also encourage 

owners to take responsibility 

for their pet, ensuring their dog 

is micro chipped and wears 

an ID tag when out in public. 

Responsibilities include poop 

scooping, having control of their 

dog and good recall and manners 

from their pet when approaching 

other dogs/people – these are 

just some of the basic steps 

they aim to achieve from all dog 

owners. 

The puppy classes are run 

in association with Scotts 

To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylife.co.uk 

Veterinary Clinic in Bedford and 

in order to be able to give the 

puppies and their handlers the 

time and support needed, each 

class consists of just 6 puppies. 

Dogs Understood also support 

the Puppy Parties held at the 

clinic, where puppies are able to 

socialise from a young age and 

learn some very important skills. 

Keeping your dog at an ideal 

weight is vital for its health 

and wellbeing and nutritional 

advice is available to ensure 

your dog is on a suitable food 

for its age, lifestyle and activity 

levels. Inappropriate feeding can 

contribute to behaviour issues as 

well as health issues. 

The pleasure of owning a welltrained 

and well-mannered 

dog is immense. To have a well 

socialised, relaxed and content 

dog is the envy of many. 

For more information visit: 

www.dogsunderstood.com 

and follow us on 

Facebook or Twitter. 

5

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Our other services include: 

● Health MOTs* 

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● Health Talks 

● Workplace Health Screening 

* Policy holders with Western Provident Association may be 

able to claim back the cost of these screenings in full 

For more details, or to book a consultation, 

contact: 

01234 

840089 

www.pulsescreening.co.uk 


F or 

LOCAL HISTORY 

Panacea Museum opens its doors 

years many people 

within Bedford have 

wondered about ‘the 

Panacea Society’, a unique 

religious community that 

once lived and worshipped 

within the centre of Bedford. 

They no longer exist but the 

museum within the society’s 

grounds between Newnham 

Road and Albany Road will now 

showcase their history and beliefs. 

This unusual religious community 

held deeply Christian views and 

were committed to local and 

national causes. The museum 

consists of buildings and gardens 

that tell their history and one of 

the buildings on the complex is 

the Edwardian ‘Founders House’, 

where the community’s leader 

’Mabel Barltrop’ lived. Mabel 

and her followers believed that 

she was both a prophet and the 

daughter of god and the house 

contains many of her original 

writings and possessions. 

The museum comprises other 

buildings including ‘The Chapel’ 

with its interesting clock 

tower, and most importantly 

‘Castleside’ - which houses a 

large exhibition providing an 

insight into what influenced the 

beliefs of the society, as well as 

Mother’s Day Menu 

Locally Smoked Salmon served with Crème Fraiche 

& Toasted Crusty Loaf 

Pan Roasted Scallops served with a Cauliflower Puree & Pancetta 

Wild Mushroom Risotto topped with Parmesan 

Rare roast beef & Pickled Vegetables 

Mains 

Roast Pork Loin & Tradition Trimmings 

Roast Beef & Traditional Trimmings 

Braised Lamb Shoulder & Traditional Trimmings 

Braised Blade of Beef Served with Parsnip Puree & Savoy Cabbage 

Goats Cheese & Spinach Linguini 

To finish 

Sherry Triffle; Sticky Toffee pudding; Maretto Cheesecake 

Dark Chocolate Mousse; British Cheeseboard 

Selection of ice-creams 

2 Courses £17.00 per person 3 Courses £21.00 per person 


the history behind the famous 

box of prophecies that can only 

be opened in the presence of 24 

Bishops! Visitors can also enjoy 

the tranquil gardens that the 

society once believed was the 

original ‘Garden of Eden’. 

The museum is open to members 

of the public for Open Days on 

the second Saturday of every 

month between April and 

September. Admission is free, but 

pre-booking is required. 

Group bookings of 8-20 are 

available throughout the 

year for schools, colleges and 

organisations. 

To arrange a group booking, or book a 

place on one of the Open Days, please 

contact the museum by phone on 

01234 353178, or email the museum at 

museum@panacea-society.org. 

The Panacea Museum, 

9 Newnham Road, Bedford. MK40 3NX 

Opening Hours 

Monday -Thursday: 12pm till 12am 

Friday & Saturday: 12pm till 1am 

Sunday: 12pm till 11pm 

Under New Management! 

@yethreefyshes 

facebook.com/yethreefyshes 

Ye Three Fyshes is a beautiful 

country pub in the picturesque 

village of Turvey in Bedfordshire. 

Ye Three Fyshes 

Country Pub & Restaurant 

Bridge Street, Turvey, 

Bedfordshire, MK43 8ER 

Tel: 01234 881463 

Email: info@yethreefyshes.co.uk 

www.yethreefyshes.co.uk 

7

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Contact us today for a FREE market appraisal 

Call 01234 364 000 

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WELLBEING 

Osteopathy & Pregnancy ... 

Pregnancy involves huge 

postural change over a 

short period of time. The 

body has to adapt to a 

different centre of gravity 

and carry extra weight. 

The hormone relaxin is produced 

in large quantities, especially later 

in pregnancy. It prepares the 

pelvis for childbirth by making it 

more flexible but it also makes 

all the other joints of the body 

looser as well, leading to strain. 

Osteopathic treatment will 

help the body to adapt to these 

rapid changes, taking the strain 

off problem areas. Structural 

problems that existed before 

pregnancy can also lead to 

additional pain or discomfort so 

pregnancy is a good time to sort 

these problems out. 

Ideally, come for treatment 

before your bump gets too big. 

This will give us time to resolve 

any problems before the growing 

weight of your baby puts too much 

pressure on your spine. Common 

ailments in pregnancy, such as 

pelvic pain (including symphysis 

pubis dysfunction or “SPD”) and 

heartburn, are considered normal 


and to be expected. With regular 

osteopathic care this need not be 

the case. We can often help avoid 

or relieve these uncomfortable 

conditions so you can enjoy your 

pregnancy. 

Osteopathy can relieve strains 

after childbirth and help your 

posture return to normal. Your 

ligaments will still be lax, making 

your joints prone to injury. 

Activities like carrying your baby, 

lifting car seats or prams, sitting to 

feed and odd sleeping positions, 

can all take their toll. You may 

benefit from some osteopathic 

treatment at this wonderful but 

strenuous time. 

North Beds Osteopaths are based 

in Bromham and Sharnbrook. 

Please call on 01234 823621 for 

appointments or any enquiries. 

9

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G olfer’s 

elbow is similar to its 

counterpart, tennis elbow. The primary 

differences between these conditions are 

the location of the pain 

and the activity that leads 

to injury. 

However, both conditions 

are caused by overuse of 

the muscles and tendons 

of the forearm, leading to 

inflammation and pain around 

the elbow joint. Tennis and golfer’s 

elbow are both forms of tendonitis. 

Tennis elbow can start with a dull 

ache on the outside of the elbow and 

within several weeks or months, the pain a n d 

tenderness can increase and just pressing on the 

elbow can hurt. The pain of golfer’s elbow is usually 

at the elbow joint on the inside of the arm; a shooting 

sensation down the forearm is also common while 

gripping objects. 

You may also get tennis elbow if your forearm 

To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk 

HEALTH 

Treatment for Tennis and Golfer’s elbow 

muscles are not used to doing a certain activity, 

such as gardening or decorating. However, even if 

you use your forearm muscles frequently, you can 

still injure them. They are both considered selflimiting 

illnesses but can 

persist for 1-2 years or 

even longer. Conventional 

treatments will include 

cortisteroid injections, 

analgesics, exercise, rest and 

even surgery but Chinese acupuncture 

and massage can help considerably to relieve 

the pain associated with these conditions. Deep 

massage can help reduce pain, improve blood flow 

to the surrounding area, and prevent the formation 

of scar tissue and adhesions in the connective tissue 

while Acupuncture will stimulate nerves located in 

muscles and other tissues which release endorphins. 

The positive effect in combating pain and symptoms 

can also last longer than other treatments. 

Acupuncture was originally used as an anesthetic to 

relieve pain and aims to keep the body’s yin and yang 

balanced, encouraging good energy flow through 

stimulating specific points in the body. 

Bedford Acupuncture Clinic 

Shen Long Chinese Medical Centre 

● Stiff Neck with 

Headache 

● Frozen Shoulder 

● Lower Back Pain 

● Sciatica 

● Arthritis 

● Stress 

● Depression 

● Menopause 

● Impotence 

Shenlong UK Ltd 

01234 268667 

14 Church Arcade, Bedford MK40 1LQ 

www.superbalance.co.uk 

Mon-Sat – 9.00 – 6.00pm 

EST. 

1999 

Community Life 

Reader Offer! 

Only £15 

for your first acupuncture 

or massage treatment 

11

CAREERS 

CQC registered manager Hayley 

said “A career in providing 

Care and Support can be very 

rewarding and we are committed 

to training, supporting and 

developing our teams. No two 

days are quite the same and 

seeing what you do make a real 

difference is highly motivating.” 

Starting Caremark is also 

their way of giving back to 

their community as they both 

recognised the difficulties faced 

by families needing care at home 

for their loved ones after their 

mother took ill and subsequently 

passed away in 2008. 

Creating new jobs in Bedford Borough 

Local sisters Jo Fitzmaurice and Hayley Parkins, who own 

and manage Caremark, are committed to providing the 

highest standards of care and support to people in their 

community as well as recruiting, training and supporting 

their team of care and support workers. Sisters Jo and Hayley 

In recent months there have been several stories 

in national newspapers about reactions to 

paraphenylenediamine (PPD) common in hair dyes. 

These reactions are becoming more frequent. We take 

sensitivity seriously. For our clients safety and our 

stylists peace of mind we have introduced sens.uk MC2 

PPD & Ammonia Free Hair Colour to our salon. 

Sens.uk MC2 is a natural hair colour that gives rich, 

vibrant hair colour results whilst protecting and 

nourishing the hair and scalp and reducing sensitivity. 

It is the perfect solution for anyone that experiences 

uncomfortable sensation and or itching during 

or after their hair colour service. 

Introductory Offer 

Colour Roots, Cut & Blow Dry 

with Marianne 

“We understand that making 

the decision to use outside 

help for personal or family care 

and support can be extremely 

difficult. From the outset our 

professional team assist people 

through every stage of the 

process. Starting with a free no 

obligation assessment, we very 

carefully get a full understanding 

of customers’ needs in order for 

us to design a personalised plan 

for their care and support” 

Jo and Hayley are great 

ambassadors for their team “The 

dedication we have had from 

our small team since we started 

£35.00 

*PATCH TEST REQUIRED 

our business last year has been 

phenomenal, our challenge now 

is to recruit and train new Care 

and Support Workers to meet the 

growing demand for our services” 

Applicants would need their own 

transport and we are also looking 

for people who would like to 

work in the mornings, evenings 

and weekends which are our 

busiest times. 

For further information, please call 

Hayley or Jo on: 01234 212 344 or 

Email: bedford@caremark.co.uk 

or visit www.caremark.co.uk/bedford 

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS * 

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12 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts 

!!!! 

ASK 

ABOUT 

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Care and Support in your own Home 

Caremark Carers have 

been carefully selected; 

CRB checked and trained 

to provide the highest 

quality care and support. 

Your needs are our 

priority 

Your carer will arrive at 

the time of your choice, 

and you will always know 

who that carer will be, as 

we permanently allocate 

and introduce all of our 

customers to their carers 

Could YOU make a difference? 

If you think you have what it 

takes to join our team of highly 

professional and dedicated Care 

and Support Workers. Please call 

us for a chat. You need to be a 

car driver and be flexible with 

your hours of work. Full training 

will be given to the right 

candidate. 

� All aspects of personal care 

� Help with your daily routine 

� Light meal preparation 

� General companionship 

� Live in Care and Support 

� Night sits and sleeping nights 

� Respite Care 

01234 212344 

Call us to discuss your needs 

or to arrange a free 

Assessment in your home 

Caremark Bedford, 

Bedford Heights Business Centre 

Brickhill Drive, Bedford. MK41 7PH 

Email: Bedford@caremark.co.uk 

We cover all of Bedford Borough 

www.caremark.co.uk/bedford 


13

F or 

MEN’S HEALTH 

Men’s nutritional needs for optimum health 

years, men have not always been 

very aware of their health risks but, 

due to magazines and general 

awareness campaigns, men 

are beginning to take better 

care of themselves and are 

learning the importance of 

prevention and recognising 

symptoms. 

Each month, we will cover some natural 

health suggestions for alleviating some 

of the most common male health concerns and 

conditions in all age groups. This month, we take a 

look at vitamins to help combat Ageing and support 

Prostate health. 

Ageing effects 

From skin wrinkling to aching bones, we all 

experience getting older. Men these days are 

becoming more aware of their appearance and 

moisturisers aimed at men are now on the increase. 

Try Pycnogenol with Grape Seed to help avoid and 

reduce wrinkles and consider 

Glucosamine Chondroitin and 

Boswellia Serrata to help with 

joint pain and swelling and also 

take daily antioxidants for cell 

protection. 

Prostate awareness 

Get regular checks! Awareness and 

prevention is the best cure. Symptoms 

of prostate problems include: frequent 

urination especially at night, difficulty or 

straining to urinate or pain when urinating. 

Increase antioxidants in your diet with plenty of 

fresh fruit and vegetables, and add a good quality 

antioxidant formula with generous amounts of 

selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E. Saw Palmetto and 

Pumpkin Seed Oil in addition to generous portions 

of the red foods including carrots, tomatoes and 

beetroot, can all support prostate health. 

Try Pumpernickel Health in The Arcade, Bedford 

for a full range of vitamins. 

www.pumpernickel-online.co.uk 



15

S. CLARKE 

BUILDING WORK, 

PROPERTY 

MAINTENANCE 

& LANDSCAPING 

Fencing, Decking, Turf, Paths, 

Patios, Drives, Concreting, 

Brickwork, Stud walling, 

Plaster-boarding, Shed 

re-felting, New shed bases. 

Wall & Floor tiling, 

Laminate flooring fitted, 

Hedge & Grass cutting, 

Garden rubbish cleared & 

much more! 

Tel: 01234 344615 

Mob: 07871 255699 

Licensed waste-carrier 

Property Maintenance 

One of the longest established property 

maintenance companies in Bedfordshire. 

Services include: 

• Patios / Fencing / Decking 

•Floor & Wall Tiling • Glass & Glazing 

installation & repairs • Fascias & 

Guttering • Painting & 

Decorating • Building • General 

Property maintenance etc. 

A friendly service that’s second to none. 

All work by appointment only. 

Tel: 01234 843503 Mob: 07980 897193 

Email: mrfixmtce@aol.com 

Craddock Electrical 

Services Ltd 

One of Bedfords Longest Established 

APPROVED Electrical Contractors 

Free estimates ● Air conditioning ● Fire 

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● Refurbishments ● Rewires 

✶ SPECIAL OFFER ✶ 

Consumer Units from £300+VAT 

Periodic Inspections from 

£100+VAT and Recessed Lighting 

Tel: 01234 358234 

craddock.elec@btconnect.com 



WELLBEING 

Palmistry – it’s all in the hands 

Palm Reading is still is considered by 

many to require a psychic gift, but in 

truth, anyone can learn, as there are facts 

which which are marked out on the hand 

and no psychic skill is needed to read them 

accurately. 

Personality types can be told from hand 

shapes and finger types and palms will tell 

you much about a person’s past, just by 

reading the fate and heart and head 

lines. These can also tell of 

illnesses, bullying, addictions, 

affairs, long term relationships 

and attitudes to others. 

A Palm reading can tell you things 

about yourself which will amaze 

you in less than a minute, or be an 

in depth study to reveal more. Most 

palm readers will read both hands, as 

one is the things that you are given in life, 

the other is what you have, and will make of 

yourself and your journey. 

This little exercise is easy enough to try on friends 

and associates. 

Ask which hand the person writes with. This is the 

hand that they have made for themselves. 

From just the hand shape and the fingers, you can 

show their personality and what is important to 

them using these guidelines 

An Earth Hand 

Has a squarish shaped palm and equally long 

balanced fingers and the overall look of the hand is 

an oblong. Earth handed people are good leaders, 

and fair minded; they are decision makers, they 

delegate to others what they cannot do themselves 

and tend to retain overall control of situations, 

they are very good in the positions of power. The 

downside is that they can be seen as controlling 

personalities. 

The Fire hand 

This palm and finger start with a rounded bottomed 

palm, and the fingers go to a fine point, so the 

overall shape is of a flame or teardrop. 

Fire handed people are excellent in a 

crisis, good at split second decisions, 

and can draw things together quickly 

to make the right action. They are 

adrenalin based, and enjoy elements of 

high activity. The downside is they can be 

loose cannons, acting on their own 

without guidance. 

The Air Hand 

This Palm is long and thin; with 

tapering long fingers. The base of the palm 

is almost flat. 

Air handed people are the thinkers in this 

world, Intelligent and somewhat introverted. 

Excellent at working out problems, but find it 

difficult to put their plans into place. They are 

thinkers, not doers. The downside is they can be 

seen as cold and unemotional. 

The Water Hand 

The overall shape of a water handed person is 

round, with a curved shaped bottom to the palm 

and widely spaced fingers which are usually a little 

chubby making the whole hand look , when open, 

circular. 

Water handed people are the carers in society; they 

make excellent nurses, and doctors. The downside of 

a water handed person is that they can be rather self 

absorbed, and thought to be selfish, worrying what 

others think of them. 

PALMISTRY WORKSHOP — 13TH APRIL — 11am -5pm 

How good it is to hold someone’s hand and know their past the present and their future, the type of 

person that they are, whether they are who they appear to be, and what they aspire to. 

Learn all this and be reading the hands of complete strangers within hours, with great accuracy 

Sanctuary, 59 Harpur Street Bedford, MK40 2SR. Telephone: 01234 327090 

£80.00 non members; £60.00 site members 

www.spellboundsue.co.uk 

17

CHARITY 

The Mad Hatters Tea Party, Elisabeth Curtis 2013 Charity Calender 

The Elisabeth Curtis Centre, Riding 

for the Disabled is a purpose built 

Centre in Bromham, open Monday to 

Saturday in term–times, catering solely 

for disabled riders. 

An independent charity for years, It 

became an independent charitable 

organisation in 2011 and is run entirely 

from riding fees, fund raising events 

and donations and has a team of Elizabeth Curtis 

dedicated volunteers. 

History 

In 1975 a group of volunteers started to give riding 

sessions to a few patients at the hospital in Bromham. 

They had two ponies and rode in the grounds and 

fields around the hospital. By autumn 1975, they had 

enough help to be able to transfer activities to a local 

“School of Equitation.” In 1978, the Indoor Riding 

School was built after the lease was granted on a 

piece of land at the hospital. This was the start of 

enormous fund raising efforts and great dedication 

and faith from the earliest members and the Indoor 

School came into actual use in October 1982. The 

Centre was named after the late Mrs Elisabeth Curtis 

(1921-1981), Chairman of the East Region RDA. 

“Li” Curtis was closely involved with the development 

of riding at Bromham Hospital from the beginning. 

She shared the dream and supported the early 

Providing 

disabled people with 

the opportunity to ride to 

benefit their health and wellbeing 

stages with wisdom, understanding 

and enthusiasm. She died before the 

dream became reality and the Centre 

is named after her as a living memorial. 

The Official Opening in 1983 was 

performed by H.R.H. The Princess Royal, 

President of the Riding for the Disabled 

Association. Many of the riders took 

part in a demonstration for Princess 

Anne and several of those riders who 

took part still attend the Centre today. 

Facilities 

November 1983 saw the completion of an extension 

and by 1988, a stable block and feed store for nine 

ponies had been also been built. A number of fields 

around the Centre were gifted by Bryant Homes for 

outside riding. 

During Summer 2012, work was done to enclose the 

seating area in the indoor school in order to make 

it more comfortable for riders, parents, carers and 

helpers, especially during the winter months. 

The ponies all live out and use their stables only 

when getting ready for work, or when waiting to be 

ridden. They are looked after by 2 part time grooms 

and the “instructor of the day”. There are typically 

three half hour rides in a session, though a few are 

of longer duration, and riders attend once a week. 


The Saturday Volunteers 

What it means to the riders 

The riders are small children, young people and 

adults who suffer with a wide range of physical and 

learning disabilities, mental health and behavioural 

problems. Riding is a positive and unique therapy 

with highly remedial effects on many levels and the 

riders find a huge benefit in the movement of riding, 

giving them a freedom and grace they lack when in 

a wheelchair or trying to walk. Just simply the action 

of riding uses 2000 muscles so helps to improve 

balance and strengthens back and leg muscles. Some 

children with cerebral palsy don’t have the strength 

to sit up, so can ride with a support or can lay back 

on the pony. By the second or third week, many of 

them are inspired to sit up and, over time, some 

have been able to actually support themselves for 

a few minutes, a fantastic achievement. The main 

focus of the centre is to ensure all the riders can 

gain maximum benefit in their own individual way 

through their experience. 

Emily, 11, has Aspergers 

and anxiety issues. 

She and her brother 

James are regular riders 

at the centre. Her 

favourite part of riding 

is the contact with 

the ponies. She loves 

the ponies and enjoys 

Wave from a young rider 

learning how to take 

care of them. Riding has helped with her anxiety but 

she still gets scared and excited before she gets on 

the pony. Once on board, the enjoyment takes over 

from the worry. She often says to her Mum on the 

way home, “I don’t know why I get scared when I 

enjoy every minute of it”. 

Her brother, James is 16. He also has Aspergers and 

Male rider being led off. 


CHARITY 

can appear withdrawn until he gets to know people. 

He is a quiet boy and finds it difficult to express his 

feelings, but he always wants to ride even if he is a bit 

“under the weather”. 

Volunteers and Fundraising 

The helpers at the centre vary in ages and skills 

and all give an hour or two a week. They are always 

looking for more people to help so they can help 

more riders and have more instructors. It is a fairly 

big commitment to be an instructor and means 

offering a half a day a week through term times. You 

don’t need to know anything about horses though, 

the centre will provide full introductory and ongoing 

care and in return you have the opportunity to 

help make riding enjoyable, safe and rewarding for 

the riders. The Centre also relies on generous local 

donations and sponsorship. 

If you are interested in helping in any way, please 

contact: Jan Tozer on 01234 824469. 

www.elisabethcurtiscentre.co.uk 

email: elisabethcurtiscentre@gmail.com 

19

FITNESS 

New Fitness Trends 2013 

So it’s that time of year when for the 

past month or so fitness, health and 

weight loss has been swept to one side, 

often bringing with it, the regret of over 

indulging in the wrong types of foods and 

drink during the festivities. 

We often let ourselves go during this short period 

and can undo all the hard work and time we have 

dedicated to training since, well this time last year! 

The feelings of regret are quickly followed by a strong 

desire to make better choices towards becoming 

fitter and healthier over the next year. 

With the help of Community Life magazine I want to 

inspire you get in great shape this 2013! Everything 

begins with an idea or thought, so once you have 

made that decision to go healthy the best way to 

make it stick is to understand the value it has and try 

to remain accountable to yourself as well as the plan 

and you will get fantastic results! 

The Future of High Intensity Interval 

Training – Boot Camps and Cross Fit 

There is fast growing popularity of HIIT training in 

boot camps and now in Cross Fit facilities! Boot 

Camps have been around for a while now and the 

perception of them being full of male military type 

bullies is fading! In my Outdoor Fitness Camps, 

clients are no longer afraid of press ups, burpees, 

squats, being in a group environment or working 

hard rain, snow or shine with better results than 

in the gym too as it’s not a generic work out. The 

boredom and ineffectiveness on the treadmills and 

resistance machines in a busy sweaty gym is wearing 

thin....people want quick results....and in my training 

the exercises are mean but so are the results! 

Cross Fit – military style training is another forward 

to fabulous fitness results. Cross Fit is varied, high 

intensity movement training and can be easily 

measured - this is key to keeping you motivated and 

Bedford-based Camille Stephens, Personal Trainer 

progressing towards your goals. Each session has a 

different concept and involves the whole body. 

Cross Fit combines strength and speed training, 

weight lifting, kettle bells, body weight exercises 

and gymnastics. It targets the major components of 

physical activity - cardiorespiratory fitness, stamina, 

muscular strength, flexibility, power, speed and 

endurance, agility, balance and co-ordination. 

A great start off program for any size or age 

Cross fit is most suited for healthy individuals who 

enjoy vigorous exercise and work outs that are fast 

paced. This training is challenging and constantly 

varying Training is 3-5 times a week using high 

intense and short 5-15mins of activity in a circuit 

format, with very little rest time in between exercise. 

If you are out of shape it’s better to start off with a 

friendly body weight based boot camp system. Our 

30 day Fitness Camps in Bedford do exactly that and 

use timed interval music tracks and fitness tests - A 

great start off program for any size, age, or ability, to 

shift that stubborn fat! 

If you would like some more information on training and camps and support to get started, 

send an email quoting “Community Life Fit Trend 13” to Camille@BedfordfitnessCamps.co.uk for 

your free 15 minute HIIT beginners home video work out link 


....when it all becomes too much 


www.drugandalcoholrehab.co.uk 

0844 478 1302 

21

��Chris Dunne 

Building & Maintenance 

Family Run Business • Quality Finish • Competitively Priced 

01234 261682 

Loft Conversions • Extensions • Renovations 

www.chrisdunnebuildingandmaintenance.co.uk 

101 George Street Bedford MK40 3SJ 


L ow 

Cost Bills are cost 

reduction brokers and 

utility billing experts based 

in Bedford, offering a face 

to face friendly service. 

Working with business and 

charities to help them to reduce 

utility costs and avoid unecessary 

price increases. This is achieved 

through their free bills review 

service which looks closely at 

key operating costs, potential 

billing problems and the actions 

required to achieve the best deals 

in tariffs including gas, electricity, 

telecoms, waste disposal, card 

processing, business rates and 

insurances. 

The most frequently encountered 

problem for businesses & 

charities are automatic contract 

renewals for gas and electricity. 

If deadlines to cancel renewals 

are missed, even by one day, the 

resulting prices increases can 

have a serious effect. Some price 

increases have been as high as 

50% which can be enough to 

cause a small enterprise to suffer. 

Other billing problems can occur 

with under-estimated and overestimated 

bills. The free review 

service from Low Cost Bills will 

help your business to identify 

any areas to save money and 

help get the best tariffs for you 

and prevent automatic contract 

renewals. They will also help 

to resolve any matters on your 

behalf with the energy provider. 


LOCAL BUSINESS 

Free bills review for your business or charity 

Low Cost Bills are direct brokers 

with some of the largest UK 

independent business energy and 

telecom providers and can advise 

your business or charity, offering 

unbiased information to help 

save you time and money. 

These are just a few of the local 

businesses who have already 

benefitted from their services: 

● Clearglaze Limited 

● P and R Bathrooms 

● Spaghetti Johns 

● Riverside Grill 

● Indian Summer 

● Riobello’s 

● Mamma Mias 

● Asia Lounge 

Find out more at: 

www.lowcostbills.com 

or email save@lowcostbills.com or 

call Julian direct on 01234 269112 

today to arrange your FREE review. 

Are Your Business energY Bills too high? 

Concerned about rising costs in your business or charity? 

Do you want to find extra ways to save money? 

Missing an energy supplier’s Contract Renewal deadline by just one day can cause 

price increases of up to 50% for the next year 

Book a Free Business Bills Review with us and stop that happening. 

We can check supplier prices for the Best Deals in: 

◆ gAs & eleCtriCitY ◆ teleCoMs 

◆ WAste DisPosAl ◆ insurAnCe 

◆ Business rAtes ◆ CArD ProCessing 

CAll us on 01234 269122 toDAY 

Free unBiAseD ADViCe – no oBligAtion 

www.lowcostbills.com 

e:save@lowcostbills.com 

33a st Peters street, Bedford MK40 2Pn 

23

BPHA offers 

Computer 

Clubs and 

Courses for 

the Over 50s 

So come and discover what you can do 

on a computer with the aid of our 

friendly volunteers! 

Surf the Net, Email friends and family; 

Whatever your interests we can offer IT 

learning in relaxed and friendly environments. 

Call Janet Cook 

0330 100 0272 

for more information 


B eing 

creative has 

always been a passion 

of Bedford based Hannah 

Paine and she is the designer 

of unique jewellery brand, 

épanoui. 

Épanoui reflects blossoming and 

growing to your full potential 

and the designs are all about 

combining colour and texture 

with modern and vintage 

elements. 

Hannah crafts individual 

pieces with fresh, natural and 

adventurous styles. From multilayered 

beautiful gemstone 

bracelets to nature inspired 

necklaces, timeless statement 

pieces are designed to suit the 

individual. 

Especially for Mother’s Day on 

March 10th , Hannah has a range 

of stunning birthstone bracelets. 

Keep your loved ones close with 

the birthstones of your family 

on your own bespoke treasured 

bracelet - the perfect, original gift 

for Mum with the personal touch. 

The beautiful gold and leather 

bracelets combine timeless 

tradition with contemporary 


MOTHER’S DAY 

Beautiful handmade jewellery for Mother’s Day 

Birthstone Bracelet 

styles. Prices start at £29 and 

include one birthstone - you can 

then add additional stones. The 

stones are strung onto a soft 

leather wrap, finished with gold 

fastenings and their signature 

gold épanoui tag, then beautifully 

packaged, gift boxed and finished 

with colourful ribbon. 

For further details please contact: 

Hannah@epanoui.co.uk or call 

her on: 07740 339105. 

Twitter @epanouidesign 

View our collections online at: 

www.epanoui.co.uk 

Hannah’s work is also stocked 

in local gift boutique Pensieri 

on Castle Lane 

Mothering Sunday, 10th March 

Contact us on: 

01234 851230 

Come into the shop: 

134 Bedford Road, 

Kempston, 

MK42 8BH 

Spoil Your Mum on 

Mothering Sunday 

with a beautiful bouquet 

or arrangement of flowers. 

Make your gift extra special by 

adding Chocolates, Wine 

or Champagne. 

“Show Your Mum How Much You Love Her ... 

Say It With Flowers” 

25

RELATIONSHIPS 

Dealing with the loss of a parent 

Buddhism has a maxim, “we are alive therefore 

we will die”. This is a simple and obvious truth 

of existence but one which we struggle to come to 

terms with. Death and dying are often a big taboo 

in families, who would readily discuss other life 

changing experiences. 

There is the natural expectation that parents will 

die before their children but nothing really prepares 

adult children for the loss of this relationship. When 

parents die we have to face a changed reality. The 

people who have brought us into this world and 

have known us for all our life are no longer there, 

so what is our place in this family when we become 

elders, who do we look to for support? Adults who 

have lost a parent will often talk of the 

intense loneliness they feel and some 

describe themselves as “orphans”, 

remembering the feelings and 

fears of early childhood. 

Moving On 

The death of an older person 

is not often recognised as 

having the impact that the 

loss of a young life has, and 

there may be the expectation 

from friends and colleagues 

that the bereaved person should move on more 

quickly that they feel able. In the face of death and 

loss many people struggle to find words to support 

the bereaved person and can avoid contact or steer 

conversation away from emotionally difficult areas. 

This can be confusing and hurtful and, even if words 

are hard to find or clumsily expressed, it is so much 

better to acknowledge loss than to ignore it. 

Understanding and accepting death takes time, 

even when decline and illness have been present 

for some time. Ceremony and ritual is common in 

all societies to mark the passage from life to death. 

Mourning is a process that allows the expression 

of loss and grief, brings families and communities 

together to share their experience of sadness. There 

are as many different ways of mourning and most 

are determined by cultural, religious and family 

customs and expectations. There is a human need 

to make meaning of the loss and acknowledge the 

relationship which has now ended. 

In our increasingly secular culture it seems harder 

for people to find meaning or solace in religious 

ritual, and there has been a move away from funeral 

rites that grieve loss, to ceremony to celebrate the 

life of the deceased. Both have their place and both 

can have elements of mourning but there is a risk of 

holding sorrow at bay by focusing on life and not on 

death. Celebration of life may be a more reflective 

experience, which needs time, whereas grief is 

present, vivid and needs expression. If religious or 

community rites feel uncomfortable it is possible 

to find a meaningful was to grieve; make your own 

way, find the family sound for grief–whether this is 

words, songs, pictures, meals, plants – whatever 

works. There is no shame in sorrow, 

it is natural and necessary. 

Milestones 

As time passes there may be 

sorrow for family milestones 

that will be missed: new births, 

weddings and celebrations, as 

well as personal family meaningsspring 

bulbs growing, summer 

light, whatever it may be. There 

may be sorrow for things that have been said or 

done and of those been unsaid ; for the questions 

left unasked. 

Death rarely comes neatly with all the loose end tied 

up. Death resonates with to all the most profound 

human experiences we have; a bit messy, confusing 

and full of emotion. The death of a parent leaves a 

legacy as well as a template for how we might move 

forward. 

Can we help? 

01234 356350 

www.relatebedsandluton.org.uk to find out more 

appointments@relatebedsandluton.org.uk 


A warm welcome awaits you 

This lovely Victorian Guest House is 

located on a tranquil tree lined avenue 

next door to Bedford School and only a 

5 minute walk to Bedford’s vibrant town 

centre or Bedford Park. 

The location of this attractive 

accommodation is well suited for business 

and leisure travellers as well as family 

members visiting students at the nearby 

schools and colleges. 

This very comfortable guest house has 

been a popular fixture in Bedford, 

England for 15 years. 

For your comfort Tariff: and pleasure 

all guest rooms Single: have £30.00 been remodelled 

and Single redecorated en-suite: £40.00 in 2008. 

Double/ Twin: £50.00 

Tariff: 

Single: Double/Twin £29 ~ with en-suite: en-suite £60.00 £35 

Double/Twin: Triple en-suite: £45 ~ with £75.00 en-suite £55 

Family Triple: room with [x4] en-suite en-suite: £70 £80.00 

Discounted Family: Weekly with en-suite Rates £75 Available 

Check In: in: 2.00pm 2:00pm Check Out: out: 10.30oam 

10:30am 

All major cards Accepted 

Telephone Available 

Freeview TV 

Totally non-smoking 

En-suites available 

Wash Basins 

Period Features 

Down Duvets 

Ground Floor Rooms 

Complimentary WiFi 

01234 353844 

www.bedfordbedandbreakfast.com 

mervynpoulter@lineone.net 

24 De Parys Avenue, Bedford. MK40 TW 


27

PESTAWAYSOLUTIONS 

LIMITED 

Call 0844 247 1192 

Have you got uninvited visitors 

invading your home or business? 

We are a family-run business providing a professional, 

friendly and efficient pest control service for both 

domestic and commercial customers. 

◆ No Call Out Charge 

◆ Professional Technicians 

◆ Reliable 

◆ Competitively Priced 

◆ Rapid Response 

◆ Discreet Vehicles 

◆ 7Day, 24 Hour Service 

◆ Latest Methods 

◆ Advice on preventative 

measures 

We specialise in the control of pests and vermin 

including: Mice, Wasps, Rats, Pigeons, Fleas, Squirrels, 

Moles, Bed Bugs & Insects. 

Email: info@pestawaysolutions.co.uk 

Web: www.pestawaysolutions.co.uk 

LONGER OPENING HOURS 


The legendary bike ride 

returns as registration 

opens for 2013. 

The BHF calls on riders with heart 

to sign up and use their pedal 

power to raise funds to fight for 

every heartbeat 

The British Heart Foundation’s 

London to Brighton Bike Ride, 

one of the most iconic charity 

cycling events in Europe, will be 

opening for registration at 10am 

on Saturday 2nd March, 2013. 

Join over 27,000 cyclists and 

ride the 54-mile route from 

the Capital to the Brighton 

Promenade on Sunday 16 th 

June 2013 and raise funds to 

go towards the BHF’s life-saving 

work into the fight against heart 

disease. 

The BHF London to Brighton Bike 

Ride, supported by Santander, will 

be celebrating its 38th anniversary 

in 2013. Around 750,000 riders 

have taken part, pedalling more 

than 40 million miles between 

them and raising over £57 million 

for the BHF. The Ditchling Beacon 

is the highest point of the ride 


CHARITY 

The British Heart Foundation’s 

London to Brighton Bike Ride is back! 

We can do it! 

Setting out on the historic bike ride 

Crossing the finish line — the end of the 54-mile route. 

at 813 feet, and is a renowned 

challenge amongst cyclists. 

The bike ride is part of the BHF’s 

London to Brighton Bike Ride 

Series, which includes the Night 

Ride (Saturday 13 th -Sunday 14 th 

July 2013) and Off-Road Bike Ride 

(21 st September) versions of this 

celebrated route. 

All money raised goes towards 

helping to keep hearts beating. 

To find out more, visit bhf.org.uk/L2B or call 0845 130 8663. 

29

VOLUNTEERING 

Volunteering Opportunities 

Can you give some time to help others? 

Just to remind you all that volunteering DOES NOT EFFECT YOUR BENEFITS 

Ref 138 Administrator/Coordinator Age 21+ 

Organise, manage and attend committee events including transport 

arrangements, correspondence. Organise volunteers. Take and deal 

with telephone calls and emails. Manage and maintain member 

database and event spreadsheets. Liaise with Secretary, Chairman 

and Editor. 

Ref 170 St Andrew’s Fairtrade Enterprise (SAFE) Manager Age 18+ 

Need a new volunteer manager(s) to run SAFE with assistance of 

volunteers- job share considered. The role requires 15-18 hours a 

week, some from home. To manage the shop and maintain stock, 

check weekly sales, order and pricing new stock, check stock datelife 

& rotation, preparing Sunday special displays and promotions. 

184 Retail Volunteer - Kempston Furniture Store Age 14+ 

To assist in a wide range of activities including providing strong 

customer service, serving customers and successfully operating 

the till, merchandising stock. Keeping store clean and tidy, stock 

preparation, sorting and pricing. 

Ref 177 River Care clean up days 

Rivercare clean up events are organised throughout the year by 

the Pride in Bedford Team to make the river, its banks and the 

surrounding areas cleaner. Volunteers will meet at the registration 

point to fill in a quick sign in sheet, enabling the team to issue the 

correct equipment required. This is a family event- under 16’s must 

be accompanied. 

Ref 35 Volunteer Mentor 

Mentors are required to support people with a range of mental 

health problems. You will be asked to mentor in the East Mid Beds 

area. Full training will be given. Mentors also assist individuals to 

engage in physical activity. We are particularly in need of the over 

56 volunteers and anyone who is available in the day. 

Ref 77 URGENT Headway - Rehabilitation Assistant Age 16+ 

Rehabilitation assistants coach and train, supporting the clients to 

develop skills they have lost due to their head injury, helping with 

speech therapy, cognitive exercises, massage, computer tuition and 

other activities. Urgent for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They will also 

need to give feedback to the staff about how the clients progress 

in sessions. 

Ref 11 To assist with coffee morning for older people Age 18+ 

To assist older people with tea and biscuits at the card afternoon 

and to join in. Dame Alice is a happy place to be, and you will find 

helping the older person very rewarding, improving the lives of 

older people and getting them out of their own flats and mixing 

with others. Thursday afternoons 2.30pm-4pm. 

Telephone: 01234 213100 

43 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2AA www.volunteeringbedford.org.uk 

Dyslexia Success: 

Specialists in Dyslexia 

University and College Students 

Dyslexia Success has been supporting students successfully in higher 

education for 15 years. 

Do you need assessing for dyslexia for DSA? We are licenced to do this! 

Have you already been assessed and awarded DSA? 

If so, we are specialists in supporting students one a 1-2-1 basis. 

Schools: 

Dyslexia Success already provides expert FREE advice and support to a 

number of schools in Bedfordshire by way of presentations to teachers 

and parents. 

We work in partnership with the school offering concessions to your 

children’s parents in assessing or screening for dyslexia and other 

learning difficulties. 

Parents: 

Does your child have low confidence? Are they struggling at school with reading, writing spelling and planning their work? 

Dyslexia Success have an excellent record of assessing children for learning difficulties (including Dyslexia) as well as 

supporting them on a 1-2-1 basis; the age range is 6-18 years. 

We offer either full assessments or screening tests, at reasonable prices, both providing a diagnostic report with 

recommendations in how your child should be supported in the future. 

Why not email or give us a call, we provide FREE advice of whether your child should be assessed 

and the type of tests necessary: or visit our web site for more information: 

Dyslexia Success 01234 219193 Email: dyslexiasuccess@aol.com Web: www.dyslexiasuccess.com 


A DAY IN THE LIFE ... 

Born and bred in Bedford – a builder, 

carpenter and qualified surveyor by 

trade, Victor Hulatt, 71, has dedicated a 

huge part of his life to service with St. John 

Ambulance. 

Now the divisional superintendent in charge of 

Bedford Pilgrim Division, he is as passionate today as 

the day he joined and very much believes in what St. 

John stands for. 

St. John is a voluntary organisation set up in 1887 

with the Queen as the sovereign head of the order. 

They are committed to making sure more people 

can be the difference between a life lost and a life 

saved and dedicated to providing care to those 

who need it. The first presence of St. John as most 

people know them was at Queen Victoria’s jubilee 

in 1887 but the history of St. John goes right back to 

the Christian crusaders and humanitarians who ran 

hospices as resting places for 

pilgrims. 

Victor joined when he was 

just 7 years old. Both older 

brothers were members 

and his Father was an ex member. Starting as a 

probationary cadet in Bedford, he progressed from 

there “I just wanted to be with my brothers so I 

thought why not join in, little did I know that I’d still 

be part of it over 60 years later!” 

Transferring to Kempston Division in the early 1960s, 

he began climbing the ranks and taking on more 

responsibility, being Divisional Secretary for 30 

years in addition to his service to the public. He is 

currently responsible for a management team of 8 

and 90 volunteer members aged between 6 and 63 

so people skills are a vital requirement. 

The provision for the community is the priority. 

Organisers will contact St. John and request their 

support. Vic will then arrange the volunteer teams 

for first aid cover at events like Bedford River 

Festival, Luton carnival, parades, sports events and 

fetes. They need to be prepared for all eventualities, 

maintaining professional standards of first response 

care combined with empathy and compassion. 

St. John has evolved over the years and the quality 

Victor Hulatt – a dedicated life 


of care is of an excellent standard. Working in 

close conjunction with the professional emergency 

services, they have volunteers who are also full 

time doctors, nurses, paramedics and health care 

professionals. St. John is always keen to recruit new 

volunteers and there are many areas they can help 

with. After basic first aid training, progression is 

made under supervision. Volunteers can offer their 

time in different ways not just in the public support 

role. There is a lot of personal 

Little did I know I’d still be 

part of it 60 years later. 

❝❝ 

VOLUNTEERING 

reward to be gained and Vic 

would encourage anyone 

interested to get in touch. 

Vic loves the variety in the role and he strives to 

instil confidence in the volunteers. “I am proud of 

the badge we wear and I encourage all members. 

Supporting them from the front as a good leader 

means they will reach their own potential and 

develop in confidence to provide a high quality 

service to the community.” 

Vic has been highly recognised and in 1997 he 

received the Officer Brother of the Order of St. John 

– a Queens’s decoration signifying his high level of 

long service and achievement. This was a special 

moment for him along with being invited to the 

Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2010. 

Caring is a part of who Vic is, “I am happy assisting 

others and making their life a bit better when they 

are in need so I’m glad I copied my brothers all those 

years ago!” 

For further information and to find out about 

volunteering please visit www.sja.org.uk 

34 St John’s Street Bedford MK42 0DH 

Call 0844 770 4800 

31

WILDLIFE 

Some of the early migrants will 

already have reached our shores. 

Wheatears and Sand Martins are 

generally the first to arrive, as 

early as February. 

A bigger movement of most of our 

visiting birds, including warblers, 

swallows, house martins, sea 

birds and cuckoos then follows in 

March and April, and most of the 

regular migrants are on territory 

by mid to end of April. 

A few species arrive later, Swifts, 

Turtle doves, Nightjars and 

spotted Flycatchers can arrive as 

late as May. 

While these birds are arriving, 

other species that have spent the 

winter here, such as Fieldfares, 

Redwings, Waxwings, Waders, 

Ducks and Winter Swans are 

heading further north to return 

to their arctic breeding grounds. 

Spring Bird Migration 

As this latest edition of the Community Life Magazine 

arrives on your doorstep, many of our spring migrant 

birds will be making their long and arduous journeys back 

to the UK from their wintering grounds across Africa and 

southern Europe. 

Cuckoo 

It’s all about survival 

The question everyone asks is why 

do these birds fly such massive 

distances and undertake perilous 

flights to get here every year? 

Basically, it’s all about survival. 

Birds migrate to reach better 

food supplies, good habitat 

and breeding sites and to have 

a better chance of successfully 

raising their young. 

Not all birds travel 1000’s of miles 

however. Some birds are partial 

migrants and an example of this 

would be birds such as Meadow 

Pipits. In the UK during the 

winter, these birds move from 

high moorland down to estuaries 

and the coast and return again to 

the moors in early spring. There 

are many other species that make 

these relatively short journeys, 

again to find food and survive 

at hard times. Over many years, 

birds have been recorded on 

migration and the first and last 

dates of every species logged at 

coastal bird observatories. Bird 

ringing records have shown us 

where birds go on migration. 

Nowadays, with advances in 

technology, individual birds can 

be tracked and the whole of their 

journey can be mapped. Amazing 

data has been collected about 

bird journeys. 

Swallow 

Last year, a three month old 

Juvenile Osprey flew from its nest 

in Scotland and reached Senegal 

in West Africa in just two weeks. 

This is thought to be a record 

time for an Osprey to migrate, 

but we only knew about it as the 

bird had been satellite tagged 

while at its nest. 

While you are out over the next 

few weeks, look out for these 

newly arrived birds. 

Heart-warming sight 

The first sight of a swallow and 

the first cuckoo calling are heartwarming 

moments when we 

know that spring is truly with 

us and we can be privileged to 

share this moment with these 

incredible creatures. 

RSPB LODGE 

Sandy, Bedford SG19 2DL 

Phone: 01767 680541 

www.rspb.org.uk 

32 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts 

Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

Take Me Home 

RABBBITS 

Rabbits: Whether it’s a Lionhead, a Dwarf, an 

English, a Lop, a baby or a more mature pet - 

we have a large number of rabbits. 

This beautiful young cat is only a year-old 

herself but has two litters already. Talkative 

and friendly she now needs a new safe home. 

GUINEA 

PIGS 

Guinea Pigs: 11 in need of a home! Found 

abandoned in a wet cardboard box, lucky to 

be alive, 6 females, 3 males plus two babies. 

RSPCA North Call us on 0845 6036 137 

WALLACE GHOST 

Approx 2 years-old, this beautiful, striking 

Siamese bi-colour is looking for new home 

without any other cats or dogs. 

ANIMALS 

TIMMY 

A handsome black & white semi long-haired 

kitten, 4 months-old. He looks sleep here as he’s 

tired himself out chasing about. 

ELSA 

Could you give a loving home to lovely Elsa – 

short-haired black & white female? Like all our 

cats she has been spayed and microchipped. 

www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk | catadoption@rspcabedfordshirenorth.org.uk 

H ave 

Can you give a few hours a week? 

you ever thought 

you would quite like to 

volunteer but either don’t 

have enough time or don’t 

know quite what to do? 

Many people think you need 

to be able to give hours/days 

to volunteering each week but 

charities are aware that many 

Cats Protection Volunteers 

people have busy schedules and able to help provide cover for a full time, so we carry out our 

now offer ‘bite-size’ volunteering couple of hours at the occasional home visits in the evenings or at 

opportunities. 

weekend to help us. We have 4 or weekends. We are also looking for 

Come join our team 

The local branch of Cats 

Protection, covering the Bedford 

& Biggleswade area, are looking for 

people who are happy to donate 

just an hour or two a week to 

help raise money and awareness 

5 street collections a year and are 

always looking for help at these 

and our shop in Kempston needs 

more volunteers, especially in the 

afternoons. 

We need people to help us with 

our home visits, where we meet 

a Publicity Officer to liaise with 

local publications to get editorials 

and to organise advertising. 

If you would be interested in 

volunteering with our branch then 

please email Tamsin at: 

cpbedford@ntlworld.com 

for the branch. We are involved in 

many Fundraising events and are 

looking for more people who are 

potential adopters and these 

hours are very flexible. In fact 

all of our home visitors work 

If you would like more information 

on volunteering in general go to: 

www.volunteering.org.uk/finder 


33

DIARY 

What’s On 

NCT and Red Cross – 

Baby and children First Aid Course 

Saturday 9 th March, 10am –12 or 2pm – 4pm 

Pilgrim pre-preparatory School 

Individuals £25 and £45 per couple 

Saturday 9 th March – 7.30pm 

Cavaleri Quartet St Andrew's Church, Kimbolton 

Rd, Bedford. Tickets £8, concs £7. Tel: 01234 216881 

Tropic Skincare range Pre-launch 

The launch of Lord Sugar's and Apprentice finalist 

Susan Ma's new Beauty Business 

Monday 11 th March, Kings House Conference 

Centre. Doors open 6.45pm start at 7.30pm, Raffle 

proceeds to Bedford Daycare Hospice. 

For raffle tickets and invitations call 01234 352015 

or email caron.brooks@btinternet.com 

Wednesday 13 th March 

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust - 

An illustrated Talk, “Protecting Bedfordshire 

Landscape through work with the planning 

system” At Priory Park Visitor Centre, Barkers Lane, 

Bedford MK41 9DJ. www.wildlifebcn.org 

Kempston Musical Society 

Passiontide Meditation based on the 

Gospel of St.Mark 

Saturday 16 th March, 7.30pm - Priory Methodist 

Church, Newnham Avenue 

Admission £4 Call 01234 781010 

E:kempstonmusicalsociety@hotmail.com 

Saturday 16 th March – 7.30pm 

Bedford Choral Society 

Pianos & Choirs with Beethoven 

Bedford Corn Exchange. Tickets £14, £12, 

Students £5. Box office 01234 269519 

Marston Forest Centre 

Conservation Task – Weaving the willow sculptures 

and work in the Sensory Garden 

Saturday 16 th March 10am-4.15pm 

Wear old clothes and bring lunch 

e:stephen.gascoyne@marstonvale.org 

Tel: 01234 762614 

If you would like to list your community or charity event for free, please 

email us by March 18th for April listings. teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk 

Nearly New Sale Clothes, Toys and equipment 

In aid of Bedford Hospitals Children ward appeal 

Saturday 16 th March 2pm-4pm- Athletic Stadium, 

Barkers Lane, Bedford 

Admission £1, Tables £8.50 Call Melanie on 0755 

2906157 e:new2u2@hotmail.co.uk 

FREE - Learning Lunch, Inheritance Tax Planning 

Thursday 21 st March 11am, Marston Forest Centre 

Easter Bazaar for Sue Ryder's St John's Hospice 

Saturday 23 rd March, 2pm – 4.30pm 

Transfiguration Church Hall, Bedford Rd, 

Kempston. Admission £1 

Cats Protection Easter Bazaar 

Stalls, activities, refreshments, Sunday 24 th 

March Cardington Village Hall. Doors open 1pm, 

Admission 50p, Accompanied children Free 

Every Thursday, Club Prima Generazione Italiani 

First Generation Italian Club 

2pm-4pm, chatting, music, coffee, yoga. 

Park Road West Methodist Church. 

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 

Bedford Daycare Hospice, Easter Sunday 31 st March 

11am-1pm. Face painting, bouncy castle, hot 

cross buns etc. £3.50 per child (every child gets a 

chocolate egg) Book your place on 01234 352015 

Indoor Car Boot Sale, Saturday 2 nd March Blunham 

Village Hall 10am-3pm 

The Heat is On at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, 

Saturday 9 th March Gates open 6.30pm fire walkers 

face the flames at 8.20pm 

Brave challengers can face fire and raise money 

by taking on the Zoo's new Fire Walk! Spectators 

tickets Adults - £8 and under 15’s £5 -Includes BBQ 

token. Entry forms – www.zsl.org/firewalk 

Easter Hunt Trail 

RSPB The Lodge Sandy, 10am – 3pm 

Trail Sheet £2, Admission Free £4 per motor vehicle 

to non-members 

Tel: 01767 680541 


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To advertise on this page please phone Marie on 07761 472164 


WATCH REPAIRS/ 

BATTERIES & 

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BIG RANGE OF 

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WATCHWORK 

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Tel: 01234 352710 

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Mobile: 07825 089570 

12 Queens Street, Bedford MK40 2HA 

35

ESTABLISHED 1987 

58a York Street, Bedford MK40 3RL 

Serving the 

Bedfordshire 

Community 

for 26 years 

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Community Life Magazine March13

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