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Issue: 06 – February 2013<br />
...it’s all about Bedford!<br />
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ Bedford in love ... happy valentine’s day! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤<br />
BEDFORD LIONS ...<br />
Ordinary People doing<br />
Extraordinary Things<br />
your FREE copy<br />
VALENTINES DAY ...<br />
Have you found<br />
your soulmate?
2013 Holidays<br />
WINTER WARMER – Sussex 11th March 5 Days £310<br />
WARNERS – HOLME LACY HOUSE 18th March 5 Days £399<br />
EASTER IN EASTBOURNE 29th March 5 Days £365<br />
CHESHIRE CHOICE 15th April 5 Days £385<br />
LAKE DISTRICT 29th April 5 Days £390<br />
KEUKENHOF GARDENS 10th May 4 Days £399<br />
Ferry crossing on the Stena Line to include lunch on the outward journey and dinner on the return journey (cabins available for a supplement)<br />
Other tours include…<br />
Somerset, Wiltshire, The Rhine in Flames, Tenby, Peak District, Dumfries & Galloway, Cornwall,<br />
Switzerland & Austria, Northern Ireland, German Christmas Markets, Tinsel & Turkey breaks<br />
— plus many more ...<br />
MOST TOURS INCLUDE HALF BOARD BASIS AND EXCURSIONS.<br />
Single supplements may apply on some tours.<br />
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE FOR YOUR FREE 2013 BROCHURE 01234 355440<br />
PERSONAL PICK UP SERVICE AVAILABLE ON ALL HOLIDAYS*<br />
*charges may apply for a pick up outside a 20 mile radius of Bedford<br />
DAY EXCURSIONS<br />
Snowdrops at Batsford Arboretum Thursday 28th February<br />
Hampton Court Palace – Florimania Sunday 10th March<br />
Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre, London Thursday 14th March<br />
Kew Palace & Gardens Wednesday 10th April<br />
Ely Thursday 18th April<br />
British Museum. Pompeii & Herculaneum Exhibition Tuesday 30th April<br />
Southwold Friday 10th May<br />
Blenheim Palace Tuesday 14th May<br />
Gardeners World Live & BBC Good Food Show Summer Saturday 15th June<br />
Chelsea Flower Show Thursday 23rd May<br />
Other excursions include: Theatre Trips, Seasides, Highclere Castle, Ascot Behind The Scenes Tour,<br />
Norfolk Lavender, Waddington International Air Show, Thames Lunch Cruise, Shakespeare Express,<br />
Buckingham Palace, Cadbury World, Thursford Christmas Spectacular and many more…<br />
2013 Day Excursion brochure now available. Please call the office for your free copy and to book your seats.<br />
BROCHURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD www.barfordiancoaches.co.uk<br />
GIFT VOUCHERS ALSO AVAILABLE<br />
500 Goldington Rd, Bedford , MK41 0DX<br />
Tel - 01234 355440 Fax – 01234 355310<br />
Or email: holidays@barfordiancoaches.co.uk<br />
(please type ‘CLM’ in the subject line)<br />
www.barfordiancoaches.co.uk<br />
2 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
Welcome ...<br />
With Christmas almost a distant<br />
memory, this is the time to start keeping<br />
to those resolutions– how are you<br />
getting on with them or have they faded<br />
just as quickly! Never mind, it’s February<br />
- The month of love! Start planning your<br />
romancing and chase the Winter blues<br />
away. This month we look at the world<br />
of The Bedford Lions, a long established<br />
charity achieving great things in Bedford.<br />
They would love some new Lions so have a read and if it’s<br />
something you could give any time to, please get in touch with<br />
them.<br />
February is also celebration time for Chinese New Year – a great<br />
tradition of goodwill to all and it certainly lasts a lot longer than<br />
our one night!<br />
If you are planning to give up smoking, this is the time to commit<br />
to it as the British Heart Foundation begin their new campaign<br />
‘Fags or Swag’ on February 27<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
th ready for No Smoking day on<br />
March 13th Editor<br />
Teresa Brooks<br />
T: 01234 310521<br />
M: 07429 136815<br />
E: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
Advertising Manager<br />
Marie Rugg<br />
T: 01234 930634<br />
M: 07761 472164<br />
E: communitylifemag@yahoo.co.uk<br />
.<br />
Continuing the theme of health and wellbeing, why not learn how<br />
to meditate or at least start to take some time out for yourself?<br />
Down to Earth Holistics shows you how.<br />
Whatever appeals to you this month, we hope you enjoy it and,<br />
Front Cover<br />
as ever, if you would like to write an article for us or contribute,<br />
please do get in touch.<br />
Picture: Stock<br />
Teresa x Facebook – Community Life Magazine Twitter@CLM_bedford<br />
Design & Artwork Contents<br />
tweet: @doodlemunky<br />
Mencap’s Social Enterprise .............................................................. 5<br />
Production<br />
info@tmmedia.co.uk<br />
Sports Injuries – Torn Cartilage ..................................................<br />
Can Acupuncture help depression? .......................................<br />
Polly Smith – Living with PKU ....................................................<br />
6<br />
7<br />
12<br />
Printed by<br />
White Hart Press, Bedford<br />
Ambitious Couples .................................................................................. 14<br />
Vera Wang Wedding Flowers ........................................................ 17<br />
The Bedford Lions – Charity of the month ..................... 18 & 19<br />
Publisher<br />
Meeting your Soulmate ...................................................................... 21<br />
Brooks Media<br />
Supporting Cancer Research UK ................................................ 22<br />
Chinese New Year – Year of the Snake.................................. 24<br />
Learning to Meditate ........................................................................... 27<br />
Disclaimer<br />
Age UK Bedfordshire .............................................................................. 28<br />
© 2012 Community Life Magazine.<br />
All adverts and editorial are printed in<br />
good faith. While we make every effort to<br />
ensure the reliability and accuracy of the<br />
material contained in Community Life, we<br />
Volunteering Opportunities ..........................................................<br />
Taking Care of your Feet ....................................................................<br />
Fags or Swag? Quit Smoking Campaign .............................<br />
28<br />
29<br />
30<br />
can accept no responsibility for the veracity<br />
of any claims made by our advertisers or<br />
contributors. No part of this publication<br />
may be reproduced or copied in any form<br />
without the written consent of the publisher.<br />
Bedford River Valley Park ..................................................................<br />
Pet Health – Neutering .......................................................................<br />
What’s On in February .........................................................................<br />
32<br />
33<br />
34<br />
Mini Ads & Services ................................................................................ 35
20b De Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TW<br />
admin@bchiropracticclinic.co.uk www.bedford-chiropractor.co.uk<br />
4 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
Handcrafted Social<br />
Enterprise flourishes!<br />
At a thriving mosaic workshop in Colmworth, local<br />
people with learning disabilities or autism are being<br />
given the chance to undertake paid work through an<br />
apprenticeship scheme, and thus help contribute to the<br />
local economy rather than rely on benefits.<br />
Many handcrafted items are now<br />
on sale and the team undertakes<br />
special commissions, from large<br />
scale company logos and signs<br />
to personalised plaques and<br />
household items.<br />
The Bromham Millers Colmworth<br />
workshop is Mencap’s social<br />
enterprise. The chair, John Myers,<br />
says: “It’s a shocking fact that only<br />
about 5% of people<br />
with learning<br />
disabilities or<br />
autism work<br />
full-time. Many<br />
want to earn a<br />
living and we are<br />
helping them achieve<br />
that.”<br />
One of the team is Beverley<br />
Conlon, a 53 year old from<br />
Bedford who was diagnosed<br />
as a slow learner and has never<br />
been able to do paid work before.<br />
She has uncovered a real talent<br />
for making mosaics at Bromham<br />
Millers. She says: “Creating<br />
mosaics is very relaxing and I’ve<br />
learned a lot about how to make<br />
designs in mosaic form. I can<br />
now work much more quickly<br />
than when I started the training.<br />
It’s exciting that the plaques and<br />
products we’re making are being<br />
sold. I also enjoy going to the<br />
workshop because it’s a chance<br />
to socialise while we work. ”<br />
The team are happy to create<br />
personalised house plaques or<br />
commemorative pet plaques to<br />
order. Businesses and community<br />
groups can commission striking<br />
external signs or logos to<br />
their own design<br />
specifications.<br />
Woodfines<br />
Solicitors<br />
of Bedford<br />
has recently<br />
commissioned<br />
a large mosaic of their<br />
logo that will be displayed<br />
in their reception area.<br />
A whole range of mosaic<br />
items created by Beverley and her<br />
colleagues are now on sale, from<br />
a set of coasters at £6 to mosaictopped<br />
tables at £150. The shop<br />
at the Colmworth is open every<br />
Thursday, 10am to 3pm.<br />
The money raised goes towards<br />
helping to keep people employed<br />
in the mosaic workshop and the<br />
artists receive a percentage from<br />
the sale of their mosaic piece.<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
soCial enterprise<br />
The Bromham<br />
Millers’ target is<br />
to place at least 18 people with<br />
learning disabilities or autism in<br />
full-time jobs by April 2013.<br />
This would be achieved by<br />
producing arts and crafts such<br />
as mosaics, and also through<br />
computer service contracts;<br />
sectors which are said to best<br />
suit the capabilities of those with<br />
learning disabilities or autistic<br />
spectrum.<br />
The funding they have received to<br />
date from the likes of JobCentre<br />
Plus and other organisations goes<br />
a long way to helping achieve this,<br />
but they are still in need of grants<br />
or donations to help create these<br />
jobs.<br />
The workshop in action<br />
how to donate: virgin Money Giving (http://tinyurl.com/ccw7hfr) or by cheque payable to Bedford Mencap<br />
mailed to: 2 tamworth Buildings, tythe Barn, school lane, Colmworth, MK44 2JZ.<br />
Mosaic online shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Craftarcadia<br />
please contact: 01234 376699 or email: aj_myers@btinternet.com for more info.<br />
5
health<br />
Torn Cartilage – what’s it all about?<br />
What are these cartilage things? There<br />
are two types of cartilage in some<br />
joints. Firstly, there is the articular cartilage<br />
which covers the ends of most bones. This<br />
forms the smooth, shiny slippery surface<br />
which allows movement. This can wear out<br />
in arthritis but does not tear.<br />
Secondly, in the knee (and a few other joints) there<br />
are also two menisci (singular = meniscus) which<br />
support and stabilise the knee. They are shaped like<br />
crescent moons, and are wedged into the joint. One<br />
of their main functions is to increase the contact<br />
surface area in the knee and thereby distribute the<br />
load. They are made of tough fibro-cartilage, but<br />
sometimes it is not tough enough and they tear.<br />
Why do they tear?<br />
Usually due to a twisting force on the knee while<br />
weight bearing.<br />
This is the classic<br />
footballer’s injury.<br />
Sometimes they tear<br />
due to degeneration<br />
and very minor<br />
trauma.<br />
symptoms<br />
An acute traumatic tear is usually very painful, but<br />
occasionally one can carry on playing sport with it.<br />
The knee will swell over a few hours. Thereafter the<br />
knee will often lock, give way or be stiff.<br />
do you need a scan?<br />
Most post-traumatic knee problems will require at<br />
least an X-ray. If the history and physical examination<br />
are classic, an MRI scan may not be necessary, but if<br />
there is any doubt it may be advisable. It may also<br />
be necessary to exclude or confirm other associated<br />
injuries such as a torn cruciate ligament. Top tipsometimes<br />
scans show tears which do not in fact<br />
exist – they are not infallible!<br />
Will it need surgery?<br />
Tears come in all shapes and sizes. Some cause few<br />
symptoms while others can be very disabling. Not<br />
Meniscal Cinch procedure<br />
all tears need surgery. The decision as to whether<br />
surgery is necessary or not is complex and there are<br />
many factors to take into account. This should be<br />
discussed with your surgeon.<br />
What does the operation involve?<br />
It is usually possible to deal with torn cartilages<br />
using keyhole surgery. There are two main options<br />
– excision or repair. Excision is relatively straightforward,<br />
but it can be difficult to decide how much<br />
to remove. Take out too little and the symptoms<br />
can recur. Take out too much and there is a higher<br />
chance of arthritis<br />
later in life.<br />
Occasionally it may<br />
be possible to repair<br />
a torn cartilage.<br />
This depends very<br />
much on the shape<br />
and position of the<br />
tear, as well as how old it is. If a repair is attempted<br />
recovery is slower and there is an increased chance<br />
of repeat tears. However, if it is technically possible<br />
this may be worthwhile as to remove a torn cartilage<br />
leads to early wear and tear arthritis.<br />
Mr Phillip Edge<br />
Consultant<br />
Orthopaedic Surgeon<br />
Based at:<br />
The Manor Hospital,<br />
Biddenham.<br />
For all enquiries call Tina on: 07974 514793<br />
E: ortho.edge@o2.co.uk W: www.bedfordortho.co.uk<br />
6 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
S et<br />
in the beautiful<br />
village of Turvey, Ye<br />
Three Fyshes is under new<br />
management for 2013 and<br />
Becky and Jimi extend a<br />
warm welcome to all.<br />
A great vibe welcomed all at the<br />
relaunch evening on January<br />
17th with gentle jazz tones from<br />
acoustic duo, Crystal & Reo.<br />
With a full house by 7.30pm, the<br />
atmosphere was buzzing with<br />
guests enjoying the real ales and<br />
wine tasting while friendly staff<br />
offered delicious canapés. Becky<br />
is really keen to further improve<br />
some aspects of this popular<br />
pub “We want people to meet,<br />
eat, drink and chat in a relaxed<br />
environment and generally have<br />
a good time. We now offer great<br />
guest ales from local brewery<br />
Hopping Mad, excellent wine<br />
choices and we source all our<br />
meats from local butcher, Phil E<br />
Burley, and vegetables from the<br />
neighbouring village of Olney.<br />
Our new seasonal menus will<br />
combine the very best quality<br />
local ingredients with a modern<br />
take on traditional pub food.<br />
Our chef is happy to<br />
accommodate individual dietary<br />
requirements and even tailor<br />
the dishes to your preference.<br />
We want to offer that extra<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
loCal BUsiness<br />
Ye Three Fyshes — Under new management<br />
Ye Three Fyshes is a beautiful country pub in the<br />
picturesque village of Turvey in Bedfordshire.<br />
You are invited to join us for a wonderful meal<br />
or drinks with friends and you’re sure to be<br />
given a warm welcome.<br />
level of service which makes the<br />
difference.” A bar menu and a la<br />
carte menu offers casual dining in<br />
the bar or a more formal dinner,<br />
enjoying the ambiance of the<br />
gently candlelit restaurant area<br />
and the large, open fireplace.<br />
Regular live music nights are also<br />
on the way along with Summer<br />
Hog Roasts and seasonal dining<br />
al fresco.<br />
so why not head over and<br />
enjoy for yourself?<br />
telephone:01234 881463<br />
www.yethreefyshes.co.uk<br />
Opening Hours<br />
Monday -Thursday: 12pm till 12am<br />
Friday & Saturday: 12pm till 1am<br />
Sunday: 12pm till 11pm<br />
Under New Management!<br />
Our menus combine the very best quality local<br />
ingredients with a modern take on traditional pub<br />
fayre. At peak times we advise you to make a reservation by calling us on 01234 881463 but you<br />
are always more than welcome to just drop in and we’ll accommodate you as best we can.<br />
Steak night every Tuesday – 2 steaks and a bottle of wine for £30<br />
Ye Three Fyshes<br />
Country Pub & Restaurant<br />
Bridge Street, Turvey,<br />
Valentines Day Menu<br />
Bedfordshire, MK43 8ER<br />
3 course menu with a choice of 4 starters,<br />
4 mains and 4 desserts and a liquer coffee to follow.<br />
Tel: 01234 881463<br />
2 Courses £21.00* per person 3 Courses £26.00* per person Email: info@yethreefyshes.co.uk<br />
A music act will also be playing quietly in the background for your enjoyment. www.yethreefyshes.co.uk<br />
*If you would prefer beer instead of wine or regular coffees instead of liquer then prices will vary – we are here to cater to the individual!<br />
7
10%<br />
off Health<br />
MOTs - Quote<br />
CL when booking<br />
Your personal health & wellbeing service<br />
Our Services Include:<br />
Health MOTs*<br />
Fertility Screen*<br />
Medical Tests*<br />
(Cholesterol, Homocysteine, Vit D, Thyroid,<br />
Adrenal Stress, Hormones, Hair Analysis)<br />
● Breast & Carotid<br />
Artery Thermograms*<br />
Workplace Health<br />
Screening<br />
● Diet & Lifestyle<br />
Advice<br />
● Health Talks to Local<br />
Groups<br />
Bio-Resonance Testing*<br />
If you are experiencing …<br />
● Anxiety<br />
● Allergies<br />
● Asthma<br />
● Candida<br />
● Depression<br />
● Eczema<br />
● Fatigue<br />
● Food Intolerances<br />
● Hay Fever<br />
● Headaches<br />
● Hyperactivity<br />
● Irritable Bowel<br />
● Migraine<br />
● M.E.<br />
● Nutrient<br />
Deficiencies<br />
● Poor Immune<br />
Function<br />
● Skin problems<br />
● Sleep Disorders<br />
● Stress<br />
● Thyroid Issues<br />
... we may be able to help<br />
* Policy holders with Western Provident Association may be<br />
able to claim back the cost of these screenings in full<br />
01234 840089<br />
www.pulsescreening.co.uk<br />
PESTAWAYSOLUTIONS<br />
LIMITED<br />
Call 0844 247 1192<br />
Have you got uninvited visitors<br />
invading your home or business?<br />
We are a family-run business providing a professional,<br />
friendly and efficient pest control service for both<br />
domestic and commercial customers.<br />
◆ No Call Out Charge<br />
◆ Professional Technicians<br />
◆ Reliable<br />
◆ Competitively Priced<br />
◆ Rapid Response<br />
◆ Discreet Vehicles<br />
◆ 7Day, 24 Hour Service<br />
◆ Latest Methods<br />
◆ Advice on preventative<br />
measures<br />
We specialise in the control of pests and vermin<br />
including: Mice, Wasps, Rats, Pigeons, Fleas, Squirrels,<br />
Moles, Bed Bugs & Insects.<br />
Email: info@pestawaysolutions.co.uk<br />
Web: www.pestawaysolutions.co.uk<br />
8 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
MONDAYS<br />
Goldington Day Centre – BARKERS LANE<br />
10 Barkers lane, just off Goldington Rd,<br />
MK41 9SJ<br />
Mondays 7.30pm<br />
**New 5.30pm session starting 7 th Jan<br />
2013**<br />
For info call Michele 01234 300314<br />
AFC Kempston – KEMPSTON<br />
Hillgrounds Road, (next to pool) MK42 8SZ<br />
Monday mornings 9.30am<br />
For info call Lorrie 01234 340473<br />
Centenary Hall - KEMPSTON<br />
Behind Town Council, Bedford Road,<br />
MK42 8BG<br />
Mondays 5:30 pm & 7:15 pm<br />
For info call Lorrie 01234 340473<br />
**New Consultant**<br />
Ampthill Methodist Church - AMPTHILL<br />
Chandos Road, Ampthill MK45 2LF<br />
Mondays 5.30 pm, & 7.30 pm<br />
For info call Jane 07545 856986<br />
TUESDAYS<br />
Jubilee Community Centre - WILSTEAD<br />
Off Bedford Road, Wilstead, MK45 3HN<br />
Tuesdays 7.30pm<br />
For info call Sarah 07970 946017<br />
St Marks Church Centre – BRICKHILL<br />
Calder Rise, Avon Drive, Bedford, MK41 7UY<br />
Tuesday mornings 9.30 am & 11.30 am<br />
For info call Helen 07989 080389<br />
St Marks Church Centre - BRICKHILL<br />
Calder Rise, Avon Drive, Bedford, MK41 7UY<br />
Tuesdays, 3.30pm, 5.30 pm.<br />
**New 7.30pm session starting<br />
8th Jan 2013**<br />
For info call Helen 07989 080389<br />
**New Consultant**<br />
Ampthill Methodist Church - AMPTHILL<br />
Chandos Road, Ampthill, MK45 2LF<br />
Tuesday mornings 9.30am<br />
For info call Jane 07545 856986<br />
Bromham Lower School – BROMHAM<br />
Grange Lane entrance, Bromham, MK43 8NR<br />
Tuesdays 7.30pm<br />
For info call Lorraine 07789757917<br />
WEDNESDAYS<br />
Bedford Heights – MANTON LANE<br />
**New Venue**<br />
Bedford Heights Conference Centre<br />
Brickhill Drive. MK41 7PH<br />
Wednesdays 7.30pm<br />
For info call Leanne 07979 343212<br />
Harrowden Middle School - BEDFORD<br />
Oak Road, (off London Road) MK42 0HH<br />
Wednesdays 6.00 pm<br />
For info call Liz 01234 354078<br />
Flitwick Cricket Club - FLITWICK<br />
Westoning Rd, (Next to Flitvale Nursery)<br />
MK45 5AA<br />
Wednesdays 4.00pm & 5.45 pm & 7:30 pm<br />
For info call Diane 01234 741334<br />
Church End Lower School -<br />
MARSTON<br />
Church Walk, Marston Mortaine,<br />
MK43 0NE<br />
Wednesdays 5.30pm & 7.30 pm<br />
For info call Jane 07545 856986<br />
THURSDAYS<br />
Bedford Athletic Rugby Club –<br />
PUTNOE<br />
Wentworth Drive, Putnoe, Bedford,<br />
MK41 8QA<br />
Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm<br />
For info call Kim on 01234 308480<br />
Scott Hall Community Centre –<br />
BEDFORD<br />
Barford Avenue, off London Rd,<br />
MK42 0DS<br />
Thursday mornings 9.30am<br />
For info call Amanda 01234 325886<br />
Old School House - OAKLEY<br />
Lovell Road, Oakley, MK43 7RY<br />
Thursdays 7.30pm<br />
**New 5.30pm session starting<br />
3 rd Jan 2013**<br />
For info call Karen 07841 075100<br />
Castle Lower School - BEDFORD<br />
Goldington Road, Bedford, MK40 3EP<br />
Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm<br />
For info call Lorraine 01234 741033<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
All of our groups are open 52<br />
weeks a year, however some<br />
may be subject to time/venue<br />
changes during the holidays.<br />
Please confirm by contacting the<br />
consultant direct or visiting our<br />
website.<br />
Thank you x<br />
www.slimmingworld.com<br />
9
Dyslexia Success:<br />
Specialists in Dyslexia<br />
University and College Students<br />
Dyslexia Success has been supporting students successfully in higher<br />
education for 15 years.<br />
Do you need assessing for dyslexia for DSA? We are licenced to do this!<br />
Have you already been assessed and awarded DSA?<br />
If so, we are specialists in supporting students one a 1-2-1 basis.<br />
Schools:<br />
Dyslexia Success already provides expert FREE advice and support to a<br />
number of schools in Bedfordshire by way of presentations to teachers<br />
and parents.<br />
We work in partnership with the school offering concessions to your<br />
children’s parents in assessing or screening for dyslexia and other<br />
learning difficulties.<br />
Parents:<br />
Does your child have low confidence? Are they struggling at school with reading, writing spelling and planning their work?<br />
Dyslexia Success have an excellent record of assessing children for learning difficulties (including Dyslexia) as well as<br />
supporting them on a 1-2-1 basis; the age range is 6-18 years.<br />
We offer either full assessments or screening tests, at reasonable prices, both providing a diagnostic report with<br />
recommendations in how your child should be supported in the future.<br />
Why not email or give us a call, we provide FREE advice of whether your child should be assessed<br />
and the type of tests necessary: or visit our web site for more information:<br />
Dyslexia Success 01234 219193 Email: dyslexiasuccess@aol.com Web: www.dyslexiasuccess.com<br />
10 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
Depression & acupuncture<br />
T here<br />
can be several<br />
factors working together<br />
that lead to<br />
depression.<br />
The three most important<br />
are biological, genetic, and<br />
environmental factors.<br />
Biological causes are due to<br />
changes in the chemistry of<br />
the brain- fluctuations in<br />
the levels of important<br />
hormones. Genetic causes<br />
are the result of what<br />
you inherit from parents.<br />
Environmental/emotional factors<br />
result from stressful situations. To<br />
make it even more complicated,<br />
depression can also occur as a<br />
result of a combination of the<br />
three factors just mentioned.<br />
Symptoms vary from person to<br />
person, but often include feelings<br />
of helplessness and hopelessness,<br />
loss of interest in daily activities,<br />
appetite or weight changes,<br />
sleep changes, loss of energy<br />
and concentration problems.<br />
how can acupuncture help?<br />
Traditional Chinese Medicine<br />
believes that the human body has<br />
12 main points through which<br />
the natural energy of the body<br />
flows. This energy is known as qi<br />
(or chi). Free flowing energy<br />
equates to good health.<br />
Depression would indicate<br />
a blocked or insufficient<br />
flow. Acupuncture can<br />
help restore the flow of qi so<br />
the body can function properly.<br />
It helps to stimulate the body’s<br />
natural healing mechanisms and<br />
the central nervous system which<br />
releases endorphins, the body’s<br />
pain-relieving chemicals- helping<br />
to relieve depression.<br />
Acupressure and Massage<br />
Shenlong UK Ltd<br />
01234 268667<br />
14 Church Arcade, Bedford MK40 1LQ<br />
www.superbalance.co.uk<br />
Mon-Sat – 9.00 – 6.00pm<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
health<br />
Massage can help reduce stress,<br />
anxiety and depression. Massage<br />
causes the body to release many<br />
therapeutic mood and health<br />
enhancing chemicals.<br />
It increases dopamine and<br />
serotonin and reduces the stress<br />
hormones cortisol and adrenaline.<br />
It increases the relaxation alpha<br />
brain waves and also increases<br />
pain relieving levels of endorphins.<br />
Deep tissue massage is safe and<br />
reliable for most people. It causes<br />
tissue to release toxins, clears<br />
blockages, activates the lymphatic<br />
system and helps to clear the veins<br />
and arteries.<br />
Bedford Acupuncture Clinic<br />
Shen Long Chinese Medical Centre<br />
● Stiff Neck with<br />
Headache<br />
● Frozen Shoulder<br />
● Lower Back Pain<br />
● Sciatica<br />
● Arthritis<br />
● Stress<br />
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● Menopause<br />
● Impotence<br />
EST.<br />
1999<br />
Community Life<br />
Reader Offer!<br />
Only £15<br />
for your first acupuncture<br />
or massage treatment<br />
11
people<br />
Polly copes with zero protein diet<br />
When little Polly Smith was days old,<br />
a straightforward heel prick test<br />
revealed that she had PKU, Phenylketonuria.<br />
This occurs in 1 in 50,000 babies and is a<br />
genetically inherited, missing enzyme<br />
condition which means that Polly’s body<br />
doesn’t break down protein effectively<br />
enough for her to have any large amounts<br />
of protein in her diet. This means she has<br />
to have a carefully managed low to zero<br />
protein diet.<br />
Mum, Alice, had to stop breastfeeding immediately<br />
and feed her a special formula. “We were completely<br />
shocked and very anxious about what this might<br />
mean for Polly and how we would manage it as a<br />
family. We were referred to Great Ormond street<br />
where Polly had more tests and a full assessment. “<br />
The family received fantastic support and they<br />
were advised that the treatment would be totally<br />
diet based for life in addition to daily amino acid<br />
supplements. Protein can build up over time, causing<br />
behavioural changes, irritability and neurological<br />
changes which could lead to brain damage so must<br />
be avoided. The early tests were absolutely vital as it<br />
cannot be treated over 9 months old.<br />
her diet is being constantly adjusted<br />
Now, Polly is 7 and overall her condition is managed<br />
well. Her diet obviously plays a huge part in her daily<br />
life, she has to have measures of food dependent<br />
on their protein contents and her diet is being<br />
constantly adjusted. Every two weeks she has blood<br />
tests to check her protein levels. If she has been ill,<br />
the levels will automatically rise so they have to be<br />
managed by diet adjustment.<br />
Alice says “A lot of her food is on prescription and<br />
I do a lot of home baking with special flour and<br />
meats. She likes pizza, veggie sausages and burgers<br />
like most young children but it does mean we can’t<br />
be spontaneous although restaurants go out of their<br />
way to help us so we just have to plan in advance.<br />
Her school, Castle Lower, is very supportive- she<br />
takes packed lunch and they keep her supplements<br />
polly with her younger sister Matilda and brother, Will<br />
for her and also have a provision of her sweets there<br />
for class birthday treats.”<br />
On a day to day basis, Polly copes really well and<br />
understands what she can and can’t have, parties and<br />
Christmas times are difficult as she can’t have party<br />
food. She tells people she has a “special tummy” and<br />
it will make her poorly.<br />
Great Ormond Street hold an annual Christmas<br />
party where all the food is PKU compatible and<br />
Father Christmas comes and Polly gets to join in<br />
all the fun and forget about it for a while! When<br />
she is 8, she has an opportunity to enjoy a youth<br />
hostel adventure weekend aways supported by the<br />
NSPKU Charity where they help her to develop her<br />
confidence and support her to start managing her<br />
diet independantly.<br />
Polly’s family worry it may become harder as she<br />
gets older but for now it’s manageable. Sometimes<br />
the tolerance will improve with age but she may<br />
need to continue her diet into adulthood. For now,<br />
though, they keep it all in perspective and like any<br />
other normal 7-year old, riding her bike and having<br />
fun with her friends is the most important thing!<br />
for more information on pKU visit:<br />
www.pku.com<br />
12 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
In recent months there have been several stories<br />
in national newspapers about reactions to<br />
paraphenylenediamine (PPD) common in hair dyes.<br />
These reactions are becoming more frequent. We take<br />
sensitivity seriously. For our clients safety and our<br />
stylists peace of mind we have introduced sens.uk MC2<br />
PPD & Ammonia Free Hair Colour to our salon.<br />
Sens.uk MC2 is a natural hair colour that gives rich,<br />
vibrant hair colour results whilst protecting and<br />
nourishing the hair and scalp and reducing sensitivity.<br />
It is the perfect solution for anyone that experiences<br />
uncomfortable sensation and or itching during<br />
or after their hair colour service.<br />
Introductory Offer<br />
Colour Roots, Cut & Blow Dry<br />
with Marianne<br />
£35.00<br />
*PATCH TEST REQUIRED<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
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t: 01234 213213 e: info@elysianhairandbeauty.com<br />
13
elationships<br />
Ambition – Gift or Burden?<br />
Traditionally ambition has been acted<br />
out in the workplace by men, but as<br />
women became high flyers in the work<br />
force the balance has shifted.<br />
Whereas women were seen to support successful<br />
men they are now successful in their own right. This<br />
change has created tension in many relationships.<br />
Ambitious women have often been seen as more<br />
dangerous than ambitious men. Shakespeare’s<br />
portrayal of Lady Macbeth as the force that drives<br />
her husband to take the throne is seen as a wicked<br />
aberration of womanhood. But it appears that<br />
ambitious men and ambitious women share many<br />
key traits.<br />
The highly ambitious person is generally exciting,<br />
enthusiastic, and full of<br />
life. They work hard and<br />
more likely to take risks,<br />
but can also be intolerant<br />
of people who can’t keep<br />
up with their pace. They<br />
are usually creative and<br />
full of ideas, enjoying new<br />
initiatives and innovation.<br />
Ambitious people take on<br />
responsibility and stress, but<br />
sometimes bite off more<br />
than they can chew. Often<br />
self-focused, it can be hard<br />
for very ambitious people to<br />
recognise other people’s needs and, even if they do,<br />
to act upon them. Conversely, many people identify<br />
that their ambition is often rooted in a desire to be<br />
appreciated, validated and loved.<br />
In a relationship where both partners are ambitious<br />
the tendency to become competitive with each<br />
other is a potential pitfall. Competition over who<br />
earns most, who is involved in the most important<br />
project or whose contacts list is most prestigious<br />
can ring the death knell on a relationship. The<br />
“work-life balance” can be severely compromised<br />
if both partners are not prepared to work together<br />
and acknowledge their relationship needs time and<br />
attention.<br />
Relationships where one partner is an ambitious<br />
high-flyer and the other is more laid back can also<br />
have stress points. The less ambitious partner will<br />
often want to be loved for being who they are and<br />
not for what they have achieved and can struggle<br />
to understand the way their partner prioritises their<br />
time. Couples in this type of relationship describe<br />
some common features:<br />
resentment. The balance between home life and<br />
work life causes friction as one partner feels the<br />
burden of either the home or the income falls to<br />
them.<br />
resignation. Both partners feel they can’t get the<br />
relationship right and will often say,” I can’t work out<br />
what he/she wants. I give up!”<br />
libido problems. Highly driven individuals may<br />
also have a high sex drive, although this has often<br />
been identified in ambitious men, it can also be a<br />
feature for women. Sex is not<br />
usually the main issue, it is<br />
more about feeling valued<br />
and fully alive. However,<br />
if work is overstretching<br />
and exhausting libido<br />
can plummet. The less<br />
ambitious partner may feel<br />
undervalued if the sexual<br />
relationship seems to be one<br />
sided.<br />
Ambition is an important<br />
human trait, it creates<br />
change and innovation, but<br />
it is at its most useful when<br />
we are in the driving seat and not when it is driving<br />
us. A bit of ambition for our relationship can be a<br />
very good thing indeed.<br />
If you make promises to do things with your partner<br />
and children, keep them. Don’t let work or business<br />
opportunities pre-empt prior family commitments.<br />
Can we help?<br />
01234 356350<br />
www.relatebedsandluton.org.uk to find out more<br />
appointments@relatebedsandluton.org.uk<br />
14 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
15
S. CLARKE<br />
BUILDING WORK,<br />
PROPERTY<br />
MAINTENANCE<br />
& LANDSCAPING<br />
Fencing, Decking, Turf, Paths,<br />
Patios, Drives, Concreting,<br />
Brickwork, Stud walling,<br />
Plaster-boarding, Shed<br />
re-felting, New shed bases.<br />
Wall & Floor tiling,<br />
Laminate flooring fitted,<br />
Hedge & Grass cutting,<br />
Garden rubbish cleared &<br />
much more!<br />
Tel: 01234 344615<br />
Mob: 07871 255699<br />
Licensed waste-carrier<br />
� MOT’s<br />
� Tyres<br />
� Brakes<br />
� Suspension<br />
� Exhausts<br />
� Clutches<br />
� Servicing<br />
� Air-Conditioning<br />
SPECIAL<br />
OFFER!<br />
Winter Service<br />
only £29.95<br />
Unit 12a Fenlake Road Industrial Estate,<br />
Fenlake Road, Bedford MK42 0HB<br />
Tel: 01234 266193<br />
TROUBLE HEARING?<br />
Let me help you<br />
FREE<br />
Stephen F Beale, FSHAA, RHAD, FRSPH<br />
Hearing<br />
Stephen is a leading Audiologist, fully qualified, and has been providing Tests<br />
expert diagnosis in Bedford for 36 years.<br />
The longer a hearing loss is ignored the more deterioration. Studies show<br />
that early help, rather then later, and using the right devices can slow down<br />
the rate of deterioration.<br />
Our aim is to provide the best solution for you, explaining your options to help<br />
you to make the right choice.<br />
For your own safety, it is essential that you can hear what is going on around you.<br />
No pushy sales talk, just old fashioned caring service from your local<br />
independent hearing professional. Call now for an appointment or advice.<br />
Bedfordshire Hearing Healthcare<br />
52 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 2QT<br />
01234 348144<br />
www.bedfordhearing.co.uk<br />
16 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
A Touch of Vera Wang –<br />
The New Wedding Fowers Collection<br />
G reycourt<br />
Flowers,<br />
located in Kempston, is<br />
delighted to offer brides-tobe<br />
a fabulous new collection<br />
of wedding flowers from the<br />
highly-acclaimed leader of<br />
bridal couture, Vera Wang.<br />
In collaboration with Interflora,<br />
they can now offer brides the<br />
once-in-a lifetime chance to dress<br />
their wedding day with the iconic,<br />
romantic and stunning simplicity<br />
of Vera Wang floral designs.<br />
During a private consultation, the<br />
bride will be offered a personalised<br />
and bespoke experience with a<br />
specialist wedding florist. The<br />
luxury floral line includes a<br />
range of sophisticated designs<br />
for the bride, groom, wedding<br />
party, ceremony and reception<br />
vera Wang orchid bouquet<br />
– all unmistakably Vera Wang<br />
creations.<br />
An unforgettable couture<br />
consultation will be provided<br />
to interpret a bride’s unique<br />
thoughts, colour themes and<br />
ideas into the final designs.<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
loCal BUsiness<br />
Keith Lilley, one of Bedford’s most<br />
experienced florists, is thrilled to<br />
be bringing a touch of Vera Wang<br />
to the area: “We are incredibly<br />
excited to be one of the florists<br />
selected to offer the Collection<br />
- our reputation for creativity,<br />
quality and customer service was<br />
absolutely key and we are looking<br />
forward to this new venture”.<br />
for more information, or to<br />
book your<br />
vera Wang Wedding<br />
consultation<br />
please contact Keith lilley on<br />
01234 851230<br />
07739 509829 or email<br />
keith@greycourtflorists.co.uk<br />
Greycourt florists are at:<br />
134 Bedford road, Kempston.<br />
St Valentine’s Day Thursday 14th February<br />
Contact us on:<br />
01234 851230<br />
Come into the shop:<br />
134 Bedford Road,<br />
Kempston,<br />
A selection of flowers and<br />
designs to choose from<br />
including the romantic<br />
12 Red Roses.<br />
Make your gift extra special by<br />
adding Chocolates, a Teddy,<br />
Wine or Champagne.<br />
MK42 8BH “Don’t forget or you may regret!”<br />
17
Charity<br />
Bedford Lions ... Ordinary<br />
People doing Extraordinary Things!<br />
Bedford lions at The lords Mayor’s show<br />
Lions Clubs International<br />
originated in 1917 and<br />
now have 1.4 million active<br />
members in almost 44,000<br />
communities and 861 clubs<br />
in the British Isles and Ireland.<br />
Lions everywhere are dedicated<br />
to raising money for their local<br />
communities and charities. Lions have always<br />
had a big commitment to promoting healthy vision<br />
through their Lions Eye Health Programme and<br />
invented the white stick.<br />
Who are lions?<br />
Lions are ordinary people who do extraordinary<br />
things, working closely with local organisations and<br />
are dedicated to the welfare of others less fortunate.<br />
They provide a service that can improve the quality of<br />
life for many whether it is improving environments,<br />
donating, encouraging youth or providing help<br />
during emergencies. Bedford Lions Club has been<br />
running since 1967 and local businessmen Clifton<br />
Ibbett, Chris Kilroy and Andrew Field were three of<br />
the founder members. Elinor Ashby followed in her<br />
father’s footsteps and is currently Zone Chairman for<br />
six clubs across Bedfordshire. There are 30 lions in<br />
the Bedford Club and they are always seeking more!<br />
The Lions give the time they can afford freely<br />
and every £1 raised after event costs goes<br />
directly to charity. Eddie Burry, current<br />
Lion’s President says “Being a Lion is<br />
sometimes hard work, sometimes fun,<br />
always rewarding.”<br />
Elinor believes passionately in what she<br />
does “It’s all about giving public service<br />
within a club so it’s like a family atmosphere.<br />
Being a Lion enables you to help others in a way<br />
that no person could do on their own and it’s a lot<br />
of fun too.”<br />
She not only supports and organises but raises<br />
money herself and last year raised £600, for Diabetes<br />
UK, from a tandem skydive! There are many Lions<br />
events on during the whole year including race<br />
evenings, dance nights and giant Easter Egg raffles!<br />
lions Mascot<br />
18 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
Bike ride for ridgeway school, Bedford athletic stadium<br />
Their monthly meetings are held at The Fox and<br />
Hounds Goldington and their 45th Charter Dinner<br />
on February 23rd at The Sharnbrook Hotel is an<br />
important event in 2013. Open to all, tickets are<br />
available from Eddie Burry on 01234 271155, 07850<br />
482206 or eddie.burry@btinternet.com.<br />
2012 events<br />
On August Bank Holiday Saturday, the annual<br />
Kempston Fun Day was a huge success. Local people<br />
enjoyed a community event whilst raising funds. The<br />
Wild West show, sponsored by The Lions, was enjoyed<br />
by all and the rest of the day offered charity and craft<br />
stalls and presence from the Naval Cadets, Territorial<br />
Army and Fire Service. A specially arranged spitfire<br />
flyby thrilled everyone and over £1700 was raised to<br />
be distributed between Kempston charities.<br />
Ridgeway School in Kempston organised a sponsored<br />
bike ride in July at Bedford Athletic Stadium. The<br />
Lions and Rotarians assisted the children with riding<br />
so the 200 laps could be completed and Mayor<br />
Dave Hodgson joined in along with local Police<br />
Community Support Officers.<br />
In November, the Lions were proud to be a part of<br />
The Lord Mayor’s show and they also ran a highly<br />
successful 50/50 auction at the Ents Shed in The<br />
Gordon Arms. Items collected from the public and<br />
local shops were sold and 50% went back to the<br />
Wild West show, Kempston fun day<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
Charity<br />
owner and 50% to charity! The final £800 went to<br />
the Foxgloves children’s respite centre on Bromham<br />
Road.<br />
December is the month that most people are aware<br />
of the Lions as the musical Santa Sleigh takes to the<br />
streets and supermarkets of Bedford. Delighting<br />
children along the way, they collect donations for<br />
local charities and in 2012; the money went to Dogs<br />
for the Disabled and Keech Cottage, the children’s<br />
Hospice.<br />
Kempston leo Club<br />
The Leo’s aged 11-18 are based in Kempston and they<br />
volunteer their time for projects like tree planting at<br />
Marston Vale, the Kempston Fun Day, Poppy Appeals<br />
and can participate in the Young Leaders in Service<br />
scheme. These awards recognise any young people<br />
who provide a significant level of service to their<br />
community. Contribution can include fundraising<br />
activities, clearing litter, recycling, services to the<br />
elderly, odd jobs, helping younger children with<br />
learning, visiting others in hospital, babysitting and<br />
reading to visually impaired people. Whatever they<br />
choose to do, it is all about making a difference.<br />
There are exciting opportunities to go abroad and<br />
be part of International Exchanges too. The Leo’s<br />
welcome other young people who want to join in!<br />
santa sleigh Christmas Collections<br />
The generosity of the public makes it possible for the<br />
Lions to achieve all they do and they are grateful for<br />
the donations and support.<br />
if you are interested in helping and<br />
becoming a lion or leo, please visit the website:<br />
www.bedfordlions.org.uk<br />
or call: Mike lock on 01234 353779.<br />
19
espoke<br />
cupcakes and<br />
celebration cakes<br />
for all occasions<br />
www.indiansummerbedford.co.uk<br />
Indian Summer is a refreshing contemporary Indian restaurant<br />
situated in Bedford. It has warmth and character that perfectly<br />
complements its exceptional food and service. Whether it’s one of<br />
our sumptuous fish dishes or our succulent tandoori lamb chops,<br />
the quality of the food is astonishingly high.<br />
Indian Summer also boasts a stylish and spacious lounge serving an<br />
array of drinks including cocktails and mocktails. With seating<br />
up to 90 people, Indian Summer offers you the perfect venue for<br />
any of your memorable events and celebrations.<br />
Dishes are individually prepared before being freshly cooked with<br />
top quality ingredients and spices. We offer a great variety of<br />
contemporary and classical dishes as well as serving Chef’s<br />
specialities: succulent lamb chops and seafood selections. And to<br />
round off your dining, we provide a selection of Indian and<br />
international sweets.<br />
We also provide a takeaway service as well as delivery in Bedford<br />
and the surrounding towns.<br />
Love of<br />
Cupcakes<br />
BOOK EARLY FOR DELIVERY<br />
ON VALENTINES DAY<br />
For more images of our cakes visit<br />
our Facebook Page at:<br />
www.facebook.com/<br />
loveofcupcakesbedford<br />
Special<br />
Valentines Offer<br />
For a Bouquet with a difference<br />
Only £17.95<br />
Mention<br />
Community<br />
Life when<br />
ordering for<br />
a 10%<br />
Discount!<br />
Tel: Zoe – 07515 708876<br />
ORDER LOCALLY IN BEDFORD!<br />
www.loveofcupcakes.co.uk<br />
Visit me at MK Wedding Fair 1st-3rd Feb, 2013 Centre MK<br />
69 Tavistock Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 2RR<br />
Tel 01234 351 251 | info@indiansummerbedford.co.uk<br />
Opening Hours: 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm, 7 days a week (including bank holidays)<br />
Allergy awareness: A few of our dishes contain nuts or dairy products. If you suffer from allergy, please mention it when ordering.<br />
20 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
❝<br />
People think a soul mate is your<br />
perfect fit, and that’s what everyone<br />
wants. But a true soul mate is a<br />
mirror, the person who shows you<br />
everything that is holding you back,<br />
the person who awakens you and<br />
brings you to your own attention so<br />
you can change your life.<br />
❝<br />
ELIZABETH GILBERT<br />
These days, do people even really believe<br />
in true love or Soulmates? In a world<br />
that is fast paced, driven busy and full of<br />
technology is there time to even think<br />
about a bit of romance let alone the person<br />
who may be destined for you and why.<br />
With Valentine’s Day upon us, it is just a commercial<br />
event with little meaning or would we secretly love<br />
to believe in love and that it’s possible to have a true<br />
soulmate? And how do you know if you’ve met your<br />
soul mate?<br />
inexplicable familiarity<br />
Have you ever met someone and had the feeling that<br />
you’ve known them before? Not always in a “your<br />
face looks familiar” kind of way, although it can be<br />
like that, but rather felt an inexplicable familiarity<br />
when you look into that person’s eyes? You just feel<br />
it in your bones that this is someone who has been<br />
and will be important to you.<br />
Some believe that in previous lives we make<br />
agreements with other souls and agree to learn<br />
certain lessons from each other.<br />
deep soul connection<br />
We may establish a soul agreement with someone<br />
in order to awaken a particular facet of our soul that<br />
up to that point in time had lain dormant. Perhaps<br />
you’ve shared many lives with this person, or just<br />
one.<br />
If you have a particularly deep soul connection,<br />
there will be a “freeze-frame” memory of the first<br />
moment you met that person. In other words, as<br />
we later reflect back upon the first time we met<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
valentines<br />
a particular person, we have a clear picture in our<br />
mind of all of the circumstances of that moment<br />
when that person first entered our lives.<br />
● There is a powerful feeling that you have known<br />
each other before<br />
● You felt an instant connection for each other<br />
● Words can’t describe the feelings you share<br />
together<br />
● Time and space lose meaning when you look<br />
into this person’s eyes<br />
● It is intoxicating and sometimes full of drama<br />
● Both of you know without a doubt you were<br />
brought together for a reason<br />
● The relationship has a deep sense of purpose<br />
● You have a timeless bond even when you are<br />
apart<br />
● You see yourself in the other person<br />
Soul mate relationships, while wonderful, are almost<br />
never pain-free. These people are in our lives to<br />
help us grow and as a result, they often challenge us<br />
more than others. They will impact you on a deeply<br />
emotional level.<br />
Challenging but never boring<br />
Soulmates give you a chance to see yourself more<br />
clearly and teach you something. So when you find<br />
them, it’s not always easy with jumping on clouds<br />
and smiling as you gaze into each other’s eyes for<br />
hours -though there is some of that!<br />
Lots of personal growth takes place when you<br />
find your soulmate which can be challenging but<br />
certainly never boring.<br />
21
fUndraisinG<br />
Supporting valuable research<br />
Hello! My name is<br />
Victoria and I am the<br />
local representative from<br />
Cancer Research UK, my<br />
role is to help anyone in the<br />
local area who would like<br />
to volunteer or fundraise<br />
for us.<br />
Cancer Research UK is the world’s<br />
leading cancer charity dedicated<br />
to saving lives through research.<br />
Our groundbreaking work into<br />
the prevention, diagnosis and<br />
treatment of cancer has seen<br />
survival rates double in the last 40<br />
years. Our scientists and doctors<br />
have contributed to most of the<br />
world’s top cancer drugs and<br />
we have pioneered the use of<br />
radiotherapy to treat cancer.<br />
We don’t just do research. Every<br />
year we help millions of people<br />
get the information they need<br />
to understand the disease. And,<br />
together with our supporters, we<br />
campaign on key cancer issues<br />
including access to cancer drugs,<br />
screening and reducing the use of<br />
tobacco.<br />
More than one in three of us<br />
will get cancer at some point in<br />
our lives. Our research to beat<br />
cancer is entirely funded by<br />
the public. And thanks to their<br />
generosity our scientists, doctors<br />
The Cancer research UK Centre at Cambridge<br />
and nurses are leading the world<br />
in discovering new ways to fight<br />
cancer. Research saves lives and<br />
our work is critical to ensuring<br />
more people beat this devastating<br />
disease.<br />
Last year 2011/12 we raised £432<br />
million, £332 million of which was<br />
spent on research, the rest goes<br />
on future fundraising. For every<br />
£1 you donate we guarantee<br />
that 80p will be spent directly on<br />
research. You might be surprised<br />
to hear that 90% of our donations<br />
are for £10 or less and there are<br />
lots of things you can do to help<br />
raise funds.<br />
Get involved & sponsored<br />
Get sponsored to give up one<br />
of your guilty pleasures like<br />
chocolate, shopping or swearing.<br />
Sponsored silence - Keep your<br />
lips sealed for a day and ask for<br />
donations.<br />
Shave it off - Get sponsored<br />
to shave off your hair or your<br />
eyebrows.<br />
Have a good clear out - Start<br />
auctioning off all those unused<br />
items sitting around your house<br />
that you don’t need any more.<br />
Do a good deed - From sweeping<br />
up those autumn leaves to<br />
cleaning and car washing – there<br />
are lots of chores your neighbours<br />
could use some help with.<br />
victoria Goldsmith<br />
Empty your pockets - Donate<br />
your loose change every night for<br />
a month.<br />
Thanks to our supporters, we<br />
spent more than £42 million last<br />
year on leading scientific and<br />
clinical research in East Anglia.<br />
We fund groundbreaking research<br />
throughout the region, from<br />
clinical trials running at nearby<br />
hospitals, to our Cancer Research<br />
UK Centre in Cambridge. Our<br />
Centres bring together experts<br />
in the local medical and scientific<br />
community to translate research<br />
into benefits for patients as<br />
quickly as possible.<br />
Every day, 80 people are<br />
diagnosed with cancer in East<br />
Anglia which adds up to 29,300<br />
people a year being diagnosed in<br />
the local area alone and cancer<br />
death rates in East Anglia have<br />
fallen by almost a quarter over<br />
the last twenty years.<br />
We have made great progress but<br />
there is still so much more to be<br />
done.<br />
if you would like to find out<br />
more about volunteering or<br />
fundraising for Cancer research<br />
UK please contact me at<br />
victoria.goldsmith@cancer.org.uk<br />
or telephone: 07909 967718.<br />
22 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
��Chris Dunne<br />
Building & Maintenance<br />
Family Run Business • Quality Finish • Competitively Priced<br />
01234 261682<br />
Loft Conversions • Extensions • Renovations<br />
www.chrisdunnebuildingandmaintenance.co.uk<br />
101 George Street Bedford MK40 3SJ<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
23
CUltUre<br />
Chinese New Year 2013 – The Year of the Snake<br />
As the longest and most<br />
important festival<br />
in the chinese calender,<br />
Chinese New Year is itself<br />
centuries old and is a major<br />
holiday for the Chinese.<br />
Known as ‘Spring Festival’, it<br />
marks the end of the winter<br />
season. Customs and traditions<br />
concerning the celebration<br />
of the Chinese New Year<br />
vary widely. People pour out<br />
their money to buy presents,<br />
decoration, material, food, and<br />
clothing. It is also traditional for<br />
families to thoroughly cleanse the<br />
house in order to sweep away any<br />
ill-fortune and to make way for<br />
good incoming luck. Windows<br />
and doors will be decorated<br />
with red coloured paper with<br />
popular themes good fortune,<br />
happiness, wealth and longevity.<br />
Chinese New Year’s Eve is the<br />
annual dinner where the family<br />
feast and end the night with<br />
firecrackers! The next morning,<br />
children will greet their parents<br />
by wishing them a healthy and<br />
happy New Year, and receive<br />
money in red paper envelopes.<br />
The Chinese New Year tradition is<br />
to reconcile, forget all grudges<br />
and sincerely wish peace and<br />
happiness for everyone. It ends<br />
15 days into the New Year with<br />
the Lantern Festival.<br />
The Year of the Snake<br />
signifies steady progress,<br />
attention to detail, and focus<br />
and discipline to accomplish<br />
what you set out to achieve.<br />
The Snake is the sixth sign of the<br />
Chinese Zodiac and is the most<br />
enigmatic, intuitive, introspective<br />
and refined of the Animal Signs.<br />
Ancient Chinese wisdom says<br />
a Snake in the house is a good<br />
omen because it means that your<br />
family will not starve.<br />
24 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
....when it all becomes too much<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
www.drugandalcoholrehab.co.uk<br />
0844 478 1302<br />
25
OUR OWN SOUTHILL ESTATE MUNTJAC VENISON IS NOW AVAILABLE EVERY WEEK FROM OUR BUTCHERY<br />
Winners of<br />
TASTINGS ON THE DELI & BUTCHERY EVERY SATURDAY<br />
Taste Real Food’s<br />
We take much pride in sourcing the very best Best Sausage in Bedford<br />
local and artisan produce we can find. As well 2011 & 2012<br />
as local lamb, pork & chicken we have our own<br />
aged beef and an extensive range of our own sausages.<br />
OuR Deli OFFeRS The FineST<br />
BRiTiSh cheeSe anD chaRcuTeRie.<br />
We’re easy to find, just a few minutes south of Bedford. Take the<br />
Cardington exit from the A421 and follow the signs to the farm shop –<br />
you’ll find us just 200 metres after Cottage Farm Nursery.<br />
@SummerhillFShop Summerhill Farm Shop<br />
Summerhill Farm Shop, Cople Road, Cardington MK44 3SH.<br />
Tel: 01234 831222 | sales@summerhillfarmshop.co.uk<br />
26 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
Time to meditate?<br />
❝<br />
others inspire us,<br />
information feeds us,<br />
practice improves our<br />
performance, but we need<br />
quiet time to figure things<br />
out, to emerge with new<br />
discoveries, to unearth<br />
original answers.<br />
dr ester Buchholz<br />
❝<br />
Why is it we are always trying so hard<br />
to be perfect at everything? What<br />
is it inside of us that cries, “That’s not<br />
enough! Do better, do more”.<br />
Isn’t it time we gave ourselves a break and let<br />
ourselves off the hook. Why not try telling yourself<br />
“Well done, I have achieved a lot today, I have done<br />
things to the best of my ability with the time and<br />
energy that I have”. It is time to take the pressure off<br />
yourself!<br />
Some days your energy levels are lower<br />
so listen to yourself, rest when you<br />
can, take some time and recharge your<br />
batteries. Easier said than done I hear<br />
you say, but you must always make time<br />
to put yourself first, even if it is just half<br />
an hour. Meditate, take a bath, go for a<br />
walk, have a massage/treatment or even<br />
an afternoon nap. Remember when you<br />
are feeling good everyone around you benefits it has<br />
a knock on effect.<br />
A great way to recharge and feel centred again is<br />
to meditate: “…but I don’t have time to sit and do<br />
nothing” I hear you say but it doesn’t have to be<br />
for long- even ten minutes a day can make you<br />
feel better. The word meditation comes from the<br />
latin word “meditari” which means frequent so the<br />
more you can practice it the better. Meditation is so<br />
beneficial especially in today’s society. In relaxing the<br />
mind, the brain releases endorphins which create<br />
a feeling of well-being. Physically it helps to boost<br />
the immune system, reduces stress levels, and stress<br />
Down to Earth<br />
Holistics<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
WellBeinG<br />
related illnesses. It helps to reduce anxiety, insomnia<br />
and lower blood pressure.<br />
You can meditate when washing up, walking, laying<br />
in the bath, or sitting still. You don’t even have to<br />
be silent, there are plenty of good guided meditation<br />
cd’s out there. Or you can sing to yourself, or play<br />
some soothing music. A lovely way to meditate is to<br />
imagine or visualise you are in a lovely safe peaceful<br />
place and all is well, let go of worries and feel that<br />
peace, stay there for as long as you can. Imagine you<br />
are surrounded by a beautiful white<br />
light keeping you calm and protected<br />
from daily issues.<br />
When you say the words meditation<br />
people automatically think of<br />
somebody sitting crossed legged sitting<br />
for hours on end in silence -there is no<br />
right or wrong, just do what suits you.<br />
Try and give your mind a break. Focus<br />
on something else than your thoughts,<br />
a candle, your breathing, your singing, a guided cd,<br />
a visualisation. Let your thoughts come and go like<br />
they are moving across your mind, try not to focus<br />
on them -let them go. Remember practice makes<br />
perfect, the more you practice the easier it will<br />
become.<br />
tracy at down to earth offers massage, crystal healing,<br />
aromatherapy and angel Card readings.<br />
Based in Clophill, she offers a relaxing environment<br />
and a warm approach.<br />
Call her on 07939 541703 or email:<br />
tracy.handley@hotmail.co.uk<br />
27
CoMMUnity<br />
Supporting older people in the community<br />
A<br />
ge UK Bedfordshire<br />
is the largest older<br />
peoples’ charity operating in<br />
the county of Bedfordshire.<br />
Previously known as Age Concern<br />
Bedfordshire we have been<br />
helping older people for over 15<br />
years with free, confidential and<br />
objective advice to support each<br />
individual to live independently<br />
in safety and with choices. We<br />
work with Bedfordshire residents<br />
over the age of 50, their families,<br />
friends and carers. We focus on<br />
the individual client to ensure<br />
their needs and wishes are<br />
prioritised.<br />
Our range of services include:<br />
● Practical assistance around<br />
the home through our home<br />
and gardening support services<br />
(Home Help, Handyperson and<br />
Gardening).<br />
Charity shop in Ampthill Ref 157<br />
They are looking for volunteers of all ages. It’s more of a book shop<br />
at the moment. Open Monday to Saturday. They are a friendly<br />
bunch of volunteers so if you want to make new friends please<br />
contact us. Ages from 13.<br />
Befriending and enabling volunteers Ref 155<br />
Providing support to our clients, both in care homes or their own<br />
homes, to take part in social and leisure or educational activities<br />
enabling them to get more involved in their local communities.<br />
Activities might include: swimming, going to the cinema/theatre,<br />
shopping trips, going for a pub lunch, gardening, day trips etc.18+<br />
Volunteer Mentor Ref 35<br />
Mentors are required to support people with a range of mental<br />
health problems. You will be asked to mentor in the East Mid Beds<br />
area. Full training will be given. Mentoring is goal based and time<br />
limited. Mentors also to assist individuals to engage in physical<br />
activity. Age 18+ but particularly over 56 and availablein the day.<br />
Emergency Volunteer Ref 190<br />
Would you like to become a member of a group of emergency<br />
volunteers and specialise in emergency response? If so why not<br />
sign up as an emergency volunteer by joining the Bedfordshire and<br />
Luton Emergency Volunteers Executive Committee (BLEVEC).<br />
● Information and Advice on<br />
issues like money, care, health,<br />
housing, benefits, personal<br />
budgets, or any other issue.<br />
● Home visits to complete forms<br />
for people who are housebound.<br />
● Community Support Workers<br />
work with clients who have<br />
complex needs including issues<br />
on multiple health problems,<br />
social care, finance, debt,<br />
benefits, housing, bereavement<br />
or any other need.<br />
● We advocate for our clients on<br />
any issue they may have.<br />
Our services are delivered in a<br />
caring, friendly but professional<br />
manner, through our team of<br />
dedicated staff and volunteers.<br />
Volunteering Opportunities<br />
Can you give some time to help others?<br />
if you or anyone you know<br />
would like more information,<br />
please contact us on the<br />
number below or visit our<br />
website<br />
www.ageukbedfordshire.org.uk<br />
tel: 01234 360510<br />
Volunteer for out-of-school Activities Ref 191<br />
Volunteers needed to help bringing in the sports equipment,<br />
checking the yp in and giving them name badges, phoning parents<br />
if young person does not arrive and<br />
making sure young people leave with their parents. You need to 20+<br />
Website Administrator Ref 192<br />
To update the company website with information provided by<br />
other members of the team.<br />
Computer Mentor Ref 193<br />
We assist clients with their search for new employment.One of the<br />
services is training on computers in the use of the internet and office<br />
documentation. This includes helping clients set up email addresses<br />
and use the recently introduced Universal Job Match system.<br />
Computer literate volunteers, who enjoy teaching computer skills,<br />
are needed to mentor clients. This will be mainly on a 1:1 basis and<br />
clients’ IT skills vary considerably. Based in Sandy. 18+<br />
Just to remind you all that volunteering DOES NOT EFFECT YOUR BENEFITS<br />
Telephone: 01234 213100<br />
43 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2AA www.volunteeringbedford.org.uk<br />
28 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
Taking care of our mobility<br />
Mo’s Toes offer mobile<br />
routine and ongoing care<br />
for anyone who values their<br />
mobility and general sense of<br />
wellbeing.<br />
Maurice is a qualified Foot Health<br />
Professional and provides an<br />
enjoyable, relaxing service as well<br />
as keeping corns, calluses and<br />
errant toenails under control.<br />
A relaxing massage is a part of the<br />
treatment and many customers<br />
book more than they need to<br />
simply because they enjoy it so<br />
much!<br />
Each session starts with a brief<br />
examination to look for anything<br />
unusual. It is not uncommon<br />
to notice problems like minor<br />
infections at this stage even<br />
though they may not be apparent<br />
to the client. Toenails often show<br />
signs of systemic problems earlier<br />
than other parts of the body so<br />
clients can be advised to seek<br />
further treatment if necessary.<br />
Next, toenails are trimmed,<br />
leaving them correctly shaped<br />
and smooth. Depending on the<br />
needs of the individual, corns,<br />
calluses and hard skin can be<br />
removed, reduced and smoothed.<br />
The treatment finishes with the<br />
application of a suitable foot<br />
massage cream, leaving the feet<br />
feeling refreshed and invigorated.<br />
In an age where personal contact<br />
with the local community is<br />
harder to achieve, Maurice<br />
takes pride in getting to know<br />
his clients and believes this is of<br />
enormous importance.<br />
MO’s TOES<br />
MOBILE FOOTCARE SERVICE<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
health<br />
Due to the high level customer<br />
satisfaction, he also offers a<br />
100% satisfaction guarantee -<br />
or your money back! Prices are<br />
very reasonable at just £20.00<br />
for a session. They usually last<br />
for around an hour and include<br />
the cost of any necessary minor<br />
dressings. So why not book<br />
yourself an appointment and give<br />
your feet a treat!<br />
Call Maurice Criddle on:<br />
tel: 01234 926331<br />
Mob: 07758 153205<br />
BEDFORDSHIRE HEARING<br />
FREE HEARING TESTS<br />
IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME<br />
OR AT OUR LOCAL CENTRE<br />
We are a well established friendly business giving expert service and advice,<br />
with no pushy sales talk and no obligation to buy.<br />
10% off from now until end March<br />
call now<br />
01234 348144<br />
Bedfordshire Hearing Healthcare<br />
52 Harpur Street<br />
Bedford MK40 2QT<br />
www.bedfordhearing.co.uk<br />
MEMBER<br />
29
healthy livinG<br />
Fags or swag? Smokers choice for No Smoking Day<br />
More than 750,000 smokers are<br />
expected to ‘swap fags for swag’ on<br />
No Smoking Day on Wednesday 13 March<br />
2013.<br />
The British Heart Foundation hopes that by showing<br />
smokers the swag-style luxuries they could afford,<br />
such as trips to the cinema, meals out or the holiday<br />
of a lifetime for the cost of their usual cigarettes,<br />
smokers will be more likely to try and quit for good.<br />
More than 10 million men and women in the UK<br />
smoke but about two thirds say they want to quit<br />
With the average smoker saving £7 a day, £49 a<br />
week, £210 a month and £2,555 a year if they do<br />
ditch the cigarettes for good,<br />
it’s easy to see<br />
the potential<br />
for some<br />
lifestyle<br />
indulgencies<br />
instead.<br />
Doireann<br />
Maddock,<br />
Senior Cardiac<br />
Nurse at the BHF,<br />
said: “Everyone<br />
loves a little luxury,<br />
but if you smoke,<br />
you could probably only afford the treats you’re<br />
after for you and your family if you quit. That’s why<br />
we’re asking all smokers to ‘swap fags for swag’ on<br />
No Smoking Day and think about what else they<br />
might prefer to spend their money on.”<br />
“Whether it’s buying your child’s birthday presents,<br />
a family trip to a theme park or a complete house<br />
makeover, the financial gain from quitting is one<br />
of the biggest motivating factors for anyone who<br />
wants to kick the habit for good. But whether it’s<br />
your health or wealth that’s the incentive, we’re here<br />
to help and support you at every turn.”<br />
The No Smoking Day campaign, which is now in its<br />
30th year, is set to launch on Wednesday 27 February<br />
2013 to give smokers time to prepare their minds,<br />
seek advice or get any quitting aids they might<br />
need to quit on No Smoking Day itself. Last year No<br />
Smoking Day helped more than 760,000 people quit<br />
smoking and inspired another 1.5 million to seek out<br />
information to help them quit in future.<br />
Smokers who want get more information and advice<br />
can visit www.wequit.co.uk or call 0800 434 6677.<br />
Quit tips<br />
Set a date to stop - and stick to it!<br />
No Smoking Day on Wednesday 13 March 2013 is an<br />
ideal day to quit, with over a million other smokers<br />
all around the UK trying to quit at the same time.<br />
Write down your reasons<br />
Whether it’s saving money<br />
or for the health<br />
of you and<br />
your family,<br />
keep your list<br />
somewhere<br />
handy to use as<br />
a reminder if you<br />
are tempted to<br />
have a cigarette.<br />
Get help<br />
Let friends and family<br />
know you’re quitting<br />
and you could encourage them to<br />
sponsor you, giving an extra dimension to your quit<br />
attempt.<br />
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will be delighted to<br />
give you advice about stop smoking support and<br />
to let you know about<br />
stop smoking services<br />
and helplines.<br />
reward yourself!<br />
Save the money that<br />
you would have spent<br />
on cigarettes for a treat<br />
such as a new outfit,<br />
going out for a meal or<br />
taking a holiday.<br />
start by visiting: www.wequit.co.uk or call the hotline on 0800 434 6677.<br />
30 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
Interior Specification for Limo for Hire<br />
● Drivers partition wall with privacy curtain<br />
● Side facing limousine-style seating for 16 passengers with individual lap-belts<br />
● Seats trimmed in two tone black and silver with white piping<br />
● Rear bar unit to the centre, between side seats and across the back<br />
● 1x40” LCD screen inside back and 3x19” LCD screens side & front of vehicle<br />
● Full bespoke sound system with 6x5” speakers, 2 x 12” subs<br />
● Combined CD/DVD unit to the front<br />
● Roof panel incorporating fibre-optics and color changing led’s<br />
● Interior laser for cabin laser-light show<br />
● Over 6 foot headroom providing standing room and a spacious cabin interior<br />
● Air conditioning ● Glass and drinks storage areas ● Licensed bar<br />
● 6 wine bottle fridge ● Karaoke machine ● Full COIF cert. supplied by V.O.S.A<br />
Tel: (01234) 354054 info@cedarcoaches.co.uk<br />
Arkwright Road, Bedford MK42 0LE<br />
Property Maintenance<br />
One of the longest established property<br />
maintenance companies in Bedfordshire.<br />
Services include:<br />
• Patios / Fencing / Decking<br />
•Floor & Wall Tiling • Glass & Glazing<br />
installation & repairs • Fascias &<br />
Guttering • Painting &<br />
Decorating • Building • General<br />
Property maintenance etc.<br />
A friendly service that’s second to none.<br />
All work by appointment only.<br />
Tel: 01234 843503 Mob: 07980 897193<br />
Email: mrfixmtce@aol.com<br />
www.pumpernickel-online.co.uk<br />
LATEST OFFERS<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
7 The Arcade,<br />
Bedford MK40 1NS<br />
01234 348 179<br />
WAS NOW<br />
AloeDophilus, Aloe Vera 60 Capsules £8.39 £4.19<br />
and Acidophilus, Additive free<br />
Cod Liver Oil, High strength, with<br />
Omega 3 and Vitamins A & D<br />
(1000 mg)<br />
90 Capsules £4.19 £2.49<br />
Echninacea Root, time release,<br />
standardised purpurea extract<br />
(1000 mg)<br />
90 Tablets £10.69 £5.35<br />
Glucosamine Sulphate (1500 mg)<br />
Mega Strength<br />
90 Tablets £14.99 £7.10<br />
Omega 3 Fish Oil (1000 mg)<br />
High in EPA & DHA<br />
90 Capsules £8.99 £4.49<br />
Organic Coconut Oil (500 ml) £9.95 £8.99<br />
1 litre bottle Maximum<br />
Strength Aloe Vera Juice<br />
HALF PRICE for £5.99<br />
Many Protein Powders also Reduced by 50%<br />
PHD Diet Whey 1kg only £22.99<br />
BPHA offers<br />
Computer<br />
Clubs and<br />
Courses for<br />
the Over 50s<br />
So come and discover what you can do<br />
on a computer with the aid of our<br />
friendly volunteers!<br />
Surf the Net, Email friends and family;<br />
Whatever your interests we can offer IT<br />
learning in relaxed and friendly environments.<br />
Call Janet Cook<br />
0330 100 0272<br />
for more information<br />
31
environMent<br />
Creating a vast new<br />
country park for Bedfordshire<br />
Bedford River Valley Park is an ambitious regeneration<br />
project to create a vast new country park for<br />
Bedfordshire. The project will unlock more than 3.5<br />
square miles of land, establishing new expanses of riverside<br />
landscape across the flood plain of the River Great Ouse.<br />
Rivalling many regional parks,<br />
Bedford River Valley Park will<br />
form a natural link between<br />
Bedford and the wider<br />
countryside around the village<br />
of Willington. It will become<br />
an inspiring landscape where<br />
visitors of all ages, abilities and<br />
backgrounds can exercise, relax,<br />
play, compete, learn and work in<br />
a variety of natural settings.<br />
a pair of tufted ducks<br />
facility with playing fields, plus<br />
a business park for research and<br />
development and a 100 bed hotel<br />
and conference centre.<br />
exciting projects<br />
Bedford River Valley Park will<br />
be delivered by local authorities<br />
and organisations such as the<br />
Marston Vale Trust, to sport and<br />
recreation clubs, local people<br />
and groups. In 2006, Marston<br />
Vale Trust purchased the Grange<br />
and very easy to ride. Whether<br />
on foot or bike, head east from<br />
Priory and enjoy the delights of<br />
the developing Bedford River<br />
Valley Park.<br />
A thriving volunteer team is now<br />
carrying out a wide range of<br />
important work at the Grange.<br />
The ‘Big Society’ in action; such<br />
wonderfully selfless contributions<br />
made by local people enormously<br />
volunteers at the Grange estate<br />
Estate between the village of<br />
Willington and the river. Since<br />
Creating a new habitat on elstow Brook<br />
It will be one of England’s largest<br />
complexes of woodland, marsh,<br />
and pools, bringing valuable new<br />
opportunities for wildlife, flood<br />
alleviation and the production of<br />
renewable energy.<br />
new developments<br />
An Olympic standard Water<br />
Sports Lake already has planning<br />
permission. Local landowners<br />
have proposed an area to the<br />
south of the lake to be developed.<br />
The scheme proposed is a mix<br />
of extra care housing for elderly<br />
people, a higher education<br />
then, many exciting projects have<br />
been completed.<br />
Dovecote Lake habitat<br />
improvements – reed and<br />
bulrush were planted to prevent<br />
erosion and increase diversity. The<br />
new planting will provide habitats<br />
for fish, bugs and wildfowl.<br />
A new 2 mile cycle loop built<br />
by in 2008 follows the Ouse<br />
as it meanders to the north<br />
of Willington and this is also<br />
becoming popular with cyclists<br />
and walkers. A third connection,<br />
in 2009, completes a figure of<br />
eight of 3½ miles; all surfaced, safe<br />
increase the amount of work that<br />
can be achieved and hopefully,<br />
gives something back in<br />
satisfaction and a feeling of doing<br />
something really worthwhile.<br />
Bedford River Valley Park<br />
is an amazing venture and<br />
somethingthat will be producing<br />
results well into the future.<br />
to find out more visit www.<br />
bedfordrivervalleypark.org.uk<br />
Guy lambourne<br />
forest of Marston vale<br />
tel: 01234 762608 or<br />
email:<br />
guy.lambourne@marstonvale.org<br />
32 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
take Me home<br />
An affectionate young dog who missed<br />
out on a lot of early training, needs a home<br />
committed to helping him “catch up”.<br />
Wood Green Tel: 0844 248 8181<br />
5326 (Godmanchester Centre)<br />
This is Tye, he has come into the centre<br />
with his friend Harvey, Tye is looking for his<br />
forever home, he is good with children.<br />
LEWIS HONEY MUSTARD<br />
Honey and Mustard – lovely brother and sister pair looking for a new home together. They<br />
love to play together but Honey is definitely the boss, though she’s a bit of a lap-cat and<br />
enjoys lots of fuss, loves to be out and about too, usually with Mustard not far behind!<br />
Wood Green Tel: 0844 248 8181 – 4215/6 (Heydon Centre)<br />
TYE HARVEY<br />
This is Harvey he is one year old looking for<br />
his forever home, good with children.<br />
Pauline on 01462 834458 about Tye or Harvey — R.A.T.S. — www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk – 01234 853100<br />
Neutering – The Kindest Cut<br />
N eutering<br />
aniMals<br />
CUDDLES & TOFFEE<br />
Cuddles and Toffee are 15 month old males,<br />
very tame and are 2 lovely boys looking for<br />
a loving family. Call Hazel on 01234 357788.<br />
your pet can<br />
be a controversial<br />
decision to which there<br />
are many opinions and<br />
misconceptions.<br />
neutering. The following misunderstandings<br />
are common;<br />
neutering is expensive<br />
Most vets provide special offers<br />
on neutering. It is worth ringing<br />
At Wood Green we promote the<br />
round to find the best rate. Many<br />
neutering of all dogs, cats and<br />
charities are able to help with a<br />
rabbits for the following reasons;<br />
Unwanted litters<br />
Each year thousands of animals<br />
will find themselves abandoned;<br />
often the result of unplanned<br />
or poorly considered breeding.<br />
Puppies and kittens may be easy<br />
to find homes for but many will<br />
find themselves unwanted once<br />
the novelty wears off. Before<br />
breeding also consider the<br />
financial implications – specific<br />
health tests are required for<br />
many dog breeds and birth<br />
complications require expensive<br />
veterinary treatment.<br />
preventing health problems<br />
Unneutered pets are susceptible<br />
to life threatening womb<br />
infections. The chances of<br />
some types of cancers are also<br />
eradicated through neutering.<br />
Often pets are given up due to<br />
behaviour issues which could<br />
be avoided by neutering. These<br />
include the urine spraying by<br />
male cats and aggression towards<br />
other animals<br />
Wood Green’s Outreach team<br />
provides advice to owners<br />
unconvinced or nervous about<br />
voucher towards the cost. There<br />
is no evidence that it is healthier<br />
for a pet to have a litter before<br />
being spayed. Animals do not<br />
experience the same feelings<br />
about motherhood as humans do.<br />
Even if you keep one of the litter<br />
you will have many other puppies<br />
or kittens to rehome and there<br />
are always risks that breeding<br />
may permanently affect pets’<br />
behaviour and health.<br />
if you would like help or advice<br />
regarding neutering your pet, contact<br />
our outreach team on: 0844 248 8181<br />
www.woodgreen.org.uk<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylife.co.uk<br />
33
diary<br />
What’s on<br />
White Horse PH Newnham Avenue<br />
24 hour Live Music Jam and Superbowl night<br />
Sun 3 rd February 11pm -Midnight on Mon 4 th<br />
February. Help raise money for Help4Heroes<br />
Hot dogs and Doughnuts<br />
Free Preparing to Breastfeed Course<br />
Monday 4 th February 7.30-8.30pm<br />
Peter Pan Children’s Centre<br />
01234 269512 or fran_griffin@hotmail.com<br />
The Italian Consulate Office is open every Friday<br />
9.00-12.00 & 14.00-16.00<br />
Italian Church, 12 Woburn Road, Bedford.<br />
Bedford Lions<br />
45 th Charter Anniversary Dinner<br />
at Sharnbrook Hotel. Black Tie, Tickets £45<br />
Call Eddie Burry on 01234 271155 or<br />
07850 482206 - Eddie.burry@btinternet.com<br />
Age UK – Free Learning Lunchtime<br />
Marston Forest Centre<br />
Thursday 7 th February at 11am. An expert from<br />
Age UK will be visiting to talk about what you<br />
may be entitled to as years gather pace!<br />
Tuesday morning walkers<br />
RSPB The Lodge, Sandy<br />
Tues 5th,12th,19th,26th 9:30am - 11:30am<br />
Join our friendly weekly walks around the reserve<br />
with a leader looking for birds, wildlife and<br />
enjoying the reserve. Cost Adults £3 (free for RSPB<br />
members)<br />
Call 01767 680541 - www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge<br />
Nordic Walking Marston Forest Centre<br />
Sunday’s 2pm to 3pm, Tuesday’s 9.30am to<br />
10.30am. 6x1hr sessions £20 paid in advance or<br />
£6 per session. Advance booking essential -<br />
contact Dennis Simpson on 07508 827279 .<br />
E: fortytwa@virginmedia.com<br />
Free Learning Lunchtime<br />
Marston Forest Centre<br />
Thursday 21 February at 11am<br />
Writing your Will with Park Woodfine Heald<br />
Mellows LLP<br />
Have you written your will or does your will need<br />
updating? Just turn up for 11am.<br />
Family Fun Trail<br />
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire<br />
Saturday 16 th February to Sunday 24 th February<br />
11am-4pm<br />
White Horse, Newnham Avenue<br />
Fund-raising Quizzes £5 per person incl.<br />
ploughmans<br />
Wed 6 th Feb Hills Lower School<br />
Wed 13 th Feb The Samaritans<br />
Wed 20 th Feb Hearing Dogs (Unison)<br />
Wed 27 th Feb Friends of Bedford Hospital<br />
Thurs 28 th Feb The Mayor’s Charities<br />
Conservation Task<br />
Marston Forest Centre<br />
Sunday 17 th February at 10.15am<br />
Hedge Planting, wear old clothes and bring lunch.<br />
anna.charles@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614<br />
Fabulous Fox<br />
Friday 22 February<br />
Make a fox mask and discover some fabulous fox<br />
facts. Four sessions, 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm.<br />
For children 4-10 years. £2.50 per child<br />
Advance booking 01234 767037<br />
Love Nature Walk<br />
RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Sunday 10 th February<br />
Warm up for Valentine’s Day with a pleasant stroll<br />
around The Lodge Reserve<br />
Adults £4 Children £3 Call 01767 680541<br />
www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge<br />
Children’s Woodpecker Hunt<br />
RSPB The Lodge, Sandy<br />
Monday 18 th Feb – Sunday 24 th February<br />
£1 per sheet. Call 01767 680541<br />
www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge<br />
White Horse, Newnham Avenue Karaoke<br />
Fridays 1 st , 15 th February and Saturday 23 rd Feb<br />
Open Mic Big Band Jam Nights -Monday 25 th<br />
February.<br />
If you would like to list your community or charity<br />
event for free, please email us by February 18th for<br />
March listings. teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
34 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
Mini ads & services<br />
A1 CARS<br />
01234<br />
364444<br />
FULLY<br />
COMPUTERISED SERVICE<br />
● Special Rates for airports & long distance<br />
● We offer a quick & reliable service<br />
● Live Internet Booking<br />
Text Booking Service<br />
07566 364444<br />
Telephone: 01234 219443/400990<br />
Mobile: 07825 089570<br />
12 Queens Street, Bedford MK40 2HA<br />
WATCH REPAIRS/<br />
BATTERIES &<br />
JEWELLERY REPAIRS<br />
BIG RANGE OF<br />
WATCHES & JEWELLERY<br />
WATCHWORK<br />
9 LIME STREET, BEDFORD<br />
Tel: 01234 352710<br />
HAVE YOU GOT<br />
PAINFUL FEET?<br />
IS IT GETTING YOU DOWN?<br />
THEN YOU NEED:<br />
Mo’s Toes<br />
MOBILE FOOTCARE SERVICE<br />
• Affordable and Professional<br />
• Caring and Personal<br />
• Satisfaction Guaranteed<br />
Book Now for a useful free<br />
gift on your first appointment.<br />
Call Maurice Criddle on:<br />
Tel: 01234 926331 Mob: 07758 153205<br />
SIMPLY<br />
DANCE SHOES<br />
3 Clair Court, Lime Street, Bedford<br />
Tel: 01234 344422<br />
Ballroom/Latin Shoes for:<br />
Men, Women and Children<br />
Good range of styles and and sizes in stock<br />
SALE NOW ON<br />
We also stock shoes for:<br />
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Line Dancing, Jive<br />
Leotards, Jazz Pants, Leggings, Tights,<br />
Bags and Accessories<br />
To advertise on this page please phone Marie on 07761 472164<br />
To advertise please call 01234 310521 or email: teresa@communitylifemag.co.uk<br />
NO FIX — NO FEE<br />
� Virus & Spyware Detection & Removal<br />
� PC Upgrades<br />
� PC Health Check<br />
� Wireless / Broadband & Email Solutions<br />
� Data Recovery / Transfer<br />
� All in Home Service - No Call Out Charge<br />
� CISCO Qualifi ed Engineer<br />
� Custom Built Computers Available<br />
� Free Quotations<br />
01234 358074<br />
07891 926440<br />
anthony.powell007@btinternet.com<br />
The<br />
Boundary Plaice<br />
FISH & CHIPS<br />
147 HARROWDEN ROAD,<br />
BEDFORD MK42 0RU<br />
01234 271423<br />
ALSO POP INTO OUR NEWLY<br />
REFURSHED BAKERY<br />
TWO DOORS DOWN<br />
FRESH NEW PREMISES!<br />
T.R.Donnelly<br />
HEATING SERVICES<br />
Local Engineer<br />
Specialising in all heating appliances<br />
Breakdowns & Installations<br />
Fixed Boiler Services £55<br />
Landlord Gas Certs<br />
Power Flushing<br />
All Plumbing Repairs Carried Out<br />
01234 307 667<br />
0800 298 2889<br />
07967 643 405<br />
184319<br />
35
ESTABLISHED 1987<br />
58a York Street, Bedford MK40 3RL<br />
Serving the<br />
Bedfordshire<br />
Community<br />
for 26 years<br />
� Corporate Stationery<br />
� Business Forms<br />
� Programmes<br />
� Continuous Stationery<br />
� Digital Print<br />
� Greetings Cards<br />
� Brochures<br />
� Catalogues<br />
� Booklets<br />
� Price Lists<br />
� Leaflets<br />
� Posters<br />
01234 270465<br />
email: info@whitehartpress.co.uk<br />
www.whitehartpress.co.uk<br />
36 Please mention Community Life when responding to adverts
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