affinity magazine
DESCRIPTION
Affinity is a stylish, glossy complimentary publication for everyone. With its glossy cover it oozes style and sophistication. It's distributed to Bedford and villages within Beds, Bucks, Cambs and Northants. Our articles cover health, fitness, beauty, fashion, food & drink, Barry Fry's footie corner, Sport, Motors, Interiors and Entertainment, our magazine appeals to men and women alike. Affinity enables local businesses to advertise to discerning and influential readers who enjoy their local lifestyle and areaTRANSCRIPT
BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON
MARCH 2013
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Jewellers of DistinctionMILLMAN
TEL 01234 354026
2 Church Arcade Bedford
Denim Dreams
Exclusive...
Update yourman’s wardrobe
Mark Moraghan onFranklin, Food & Football
Easter treats foreveryone
Spring BeautyTrends
Chocolate Indulgence
New Spring 2013 designs now in stock
Over 600 lines currently in store
Also Petite by Aagaard &
Aagaard Mens range
Luscious lashes& perfect pouts
Affinity March 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 13/02/2013 14:58 Page 1
A wonderful variety ofcask ales, lagers and wines
Over 50’s Wednesdays2 mains only £9.95 or
2 courses for £9.95 each
A Friendly Welcome Awaits
TheVictoria Arms
The Victoria Arms, High St, Wilden01234 772437
Mothers Day and Easter Sunday Menu1 course - £8.95
2 courses - £12.95Children half price
MainsRoast Chicken or Beef with Homemade Roast
Potatoes and GravyLamb Shank, Mash, Peas and Minted Gravy
Oven Cooked Salmon on a Lemon and Pea Risotto
DessertApple Crumble and Custard
Sticky Toffee Pudding and CustardChocolate Brownie and Ice Cream
Boozy Chocolate TrifleSelection of Ice Creams
Food ServedTuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm
Dinner: 6pm - 9pmSunday Lunch: 12pm - 4pm
T&C’s apply, ask in club for more details.
01234 763 930
fitnessfirst.co.uk
Affinity March 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:57 Page 2
Presentations Throughout The Day
Meet A Selection Of Our Experts From:- AmaWaterways - Avalon Waterways- Azamara Club Cruises- Celebrity Cruises- Cruise & Maritime Voyages- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines- Great Rail Journeys - Hebridean Island Cruises
- Holland America Line - Hurtigruten- Norwegian Cruise Line- Oceania Cruises- Regent Seven Seas Cruises- Rocky Mountaineer - Royal Caribbean International
- Seabourn - Star Clippers- Swan Hellenic - The River Cruise Line- Travel IndoChina- Voyages of Discovery- Voyages to Antiquity
FOR YOUR FREE T ICKETS CALL:
01234 326758
Freephone 0800 028 0529 [email protected] www.cruiseselect.co.uk
CRUISE & LUXURY TRAVEL SHOWSUNDAY 3rd MARCH 2013
THE SHARNBROOK HOTEL 9.30am - 3.30pm
Ocean Cruising - Cultural & Expedition Cruising - Luxury Cruising - Tall Ship Cruising - River Cruising - Train Holidays - Touring Holidays - Luxury Holidays
LUXURY LAND HOLIDAYS
from the four corners of the globe featuring: - Great Rail Journeys - If Only - Indus Tours & Travel - Rocky Mountaineer - Travel Indochina
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- The River Cruise Line- Swan Hellenic- Star Clippers- Seabourn
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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 1
Are you thinking of selling your home?
Are you thinking of letting your home?
If you would like to buy, sell, rent, or need a mortgage, contact us today.
With our stand out branding, leading referral scheme, and tireless approach you will be in good hands.
We are focused on providing clients with a friendly, responsive, and
Contact us now! 01234 268064 [email protected] www.advancingproperty.co.uk
Dombey Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7PZ
We’ll give you
£150Refer people you know to sell their homes through us and receive £150.00 referral fee on legal completion
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 2
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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 3
BEALESBedford
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 4
A FAMILY COMPANY Installing the very best quality kitchens,
bedrooms and home offices since 1974
Bedford Showroom
Anglia House, Wolseley Business Park, 7 Railton Road,
Woburn Road Ind Est, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7PN 01234 843000
Huntingdon Showroom:
Anglia House, Unit 2 Stone Hill,
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6ED 01480 398018
Anglia InteriorsTrading since 1974 Members of the KBSA
OFFERING UNRIVALLED SECURITY FROM DEPOSIT
THROUGH TO INSTALLATION www.kbsa.org.uk
www.anglia-interiors.co.ukWE OPERATE OUR VERY OWN EXCLUSIVE “NEVER UNDERSOLD” POLICY
WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON A TRUE “LIKE FOR LIKE” PACKAGE
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 5
UPLIFTING ENTERTAINMENT AT MKT!
0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)
GROUP SALES 01908 547609www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkg fee)
FIND US ON FACEBOOK ‘MILTON KEYNES THEATRE’
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @MKTHEATRE
SHAKESPEARE’S UPLIFTING TALE OF RECONCILIATION AND FORGIVENESS
LULU
THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN
MADAM BUTTERFLYMON 18 - SAT 23 MAR
FENCES
LENNY HENRYSTARS IN
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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 6
Wow what a busy month March is. On the 10th we have
Mother’s Day and then on the 31st we have a chocolate
lovers dream – EASTER!
You know here at Affinity we love to help you out so we
have some fantastic gifts for mum’s on page 30,
chocolate for grown ups on page 42 and don’t worry
we’ve not forgotten the kids, their treats are on page 69.
Last month we launched our fantastic new website
where you can now read what we get up to here at
Affinity on our weekly blog. There is also lots of extra
news and features that are not in the magazine so make
sure you pop over regularly to keep up to date. I want to
say a big Thank You to Adam and Nicci who put the
website together for me they made the whole process
simple (I didn’t have to resort to alcohol once from the
stress!) I can not recommend them highly enough so if
you need a new website or your old one needs a little
updating make sure you contact them
www.websitesthatworkforyou.co.uk
The musical 9 – 5 comes to Milton Keynes Theatre this
month and we were lucky enough to catch up with a
couple of members of the cast the charming Mark
Moraghan and the fabulous Jackie Clune. You can read
our exclusive interview with Mark on page 65 and just
pop over to our website to read what Jackie likes to do
to relax!
Just a reminder that next month we are launching our
brand new “Affinity Weddings” magazine (don’t worry
you will still receive your normal April Affinity), this will
be filled with all the things you need to make sure you
have the wedding of your dreams. If you wish to appear
in our wedding magazine make sure you contact us.
Happy Mother’s Day to my Mum and Happy Easter to
everyone, may the Easter bunny bring you lots of
yummy treats.
Cover Image
Marks & Spencer
Jane [email protected] 21552307809 499669
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Reproduction in whole or in part is
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Welcome...
Hi everyone
www.affinitymag.co.uk
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 7
There is so much concern around reducing
cholesterol thus reducing the risk of heart
attack or a stroke. But, some cholesterol is
necessary for our body in a variety of ways:
for the protection and functioning of our
nerves, conjugating hormones, providing a multitude of
signals throughout the body and for normal brain
functioning. The accepted normal or healthy level of
cholesterol in the blood stream is less than 5mol/l in total,
which is a combination of HDL (High Density Lipo-
proteins) and LDL (Low Density Lipo-proteins).
Colloquially known as good and bad cholesterol,
respectively. However, it may be lower if you are at risk
of, or suffer from, heart disease. Hyper- cholesterolemia
is essentially a lifestyle disease – other than for a minority
of people with a genetic pre-disposition to high
cholesterol levels from an early age.
So diet and lifestyle management can make a huge and
beneficial difference, over and above reducing your
consumption of saturated fat, increasing metabolism with
more exercise and, reducing your stress levels – which is
absolutely essential – with massage, yoga, Tai-chi and
meditation.
Here are just a few of the top foods to help in the battle.
Garlic
Results of studies give conflicting results as to whether it
does reduce LDL cholesterol (the harmful waxy-like
substance which has the potential to clog blood vessels),
but it is effective in reducing lipid (fat) levels within the
bloodstream. Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine
have used garlic for thousands of years for a wide variety
of health conditions, including heart disease. But it must
be taken regularly, over a long period – at least a clove a
day, crushed in a little oil to release the active constituent
allicin. I always recommend that it’s taken at lunchtime,
so as not to suffer its well known side effects! And, it’s a
tasty alternative to salt.
Chocolate
Another great anti-oxidant which is good for the heart
health as it lowers blood pressure, decreases the risk of
blood clotting and reduces bad cholesterol by around
10%. But only dark, bitter chocolate offers these benefits
– the milk varieties have too high a fat content and lower
flavanoids to help with reducing tri-glyceride and
cholesterol levels in the body. A good reason to eat good
chocolate!
Beetroot
It’s rich in soluble fibre which helps to remove the LDL
from the body. It is an amazing food with a multitude of
health benefits. Eating beetroot and drinking the juice is
recommended in Chinese medicine and Naturopathy to
strengthen the heart, purify the blood and it helps the
liver to detoxify the body more efficiently.
Berries
Contain ani-oxidants and polyphenols which lower the
risk of heart attack and many chronic diseases. Just a
handful of blueberries, strawberries, acai, raspberries,
and blackberries a day are sufficient to offer some
protection against heart disease. They all deliver high
levels of vitamin C, fibre and a variety of minerals which
all help to lower the risk of heart disease.
Other foods to eat regularly, which help keep cholesterol
levels in check include : nuts, seeds, oily fish and lentils.
But eating these foods occasionally, or in isolation, will
not appreciably reduce LDL cholesterol. If you are
concerned about your cholesterol levels there are many
great herbal prescriptions to help, along with making the
necessary dietary changes.
For further information contact Carolyn Wood-Herbalist and Naturopath MAMH, MANP, ITEC
07944 886502 [email protected] www.vedatherapeutics.co.uk
Eat ‘Til your Heart’s Content
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:07 Page 8
CONTENTS
13 Paint your pout pink
20 Mercedes-Benz
showroom beauty
24 Spring fashion trends
28 Morphing into my mother
32 Are you in an emotionally
abusive relationship
36 Rising from the ashes
40 Reviewing the Legstraps
53 All papered out
61 Man of the month
64 Meeting Mark Moraghan
66 Harder, Better, Faster
68 Yummy mummy
70 Road trip to Vegas
72 Ask Sue11
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 9
Spring is in the air and the latest trend for
our lashes is DRAMATIC, REBELLIOUS
and BOLD (think 60’s siren!)
The latest mascaras are dramatic and bold making it easy to have long, thick
and full lashes to die for.
Luscious Lashes
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 10
This season sees bold bubblegum pink lips (think hubba
bubba bubblegum!) and some even argue it’s the new red!
Here’s how to pull off hot pink lipstick with ease and without
looking too 1980s .
Skip the lip liner pencil and apply bright pink lipstick with a lip
brush or even your finger. This stops the look appearing too
harsh. By not using lip liner your lips will have a more youthful
appearance and if you want to enlarge the look of your lips,
apply a bit of dewy gloss in the center of your lower lip.
Before applying it to your lips put the lipstick on the back of
your hand and then use a lip brush to apply. You’ll achieve a
more subtle effect.
Blot, Blot, Blot then apply translucent power before another
layer of lipstick. This will make sure your lipstick has staying
power and will less likely wind up on your champagne flute or
your man’s shirt collar.
So go on try it and remember colour is fun! Don't be too
serious, After all, it's only makeup and can wipe off!
Paint your Pout
Pink
13
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 11
Adam Cochrane 07887 853218 [email protected]
adamcochranefitness @adamcochranewww.adamcochranefitness.co.uk
The Only Way to Lose Weight
AND Keep it Off for Good!
Weight loss from dieting
alone has a low long-
term success rate. In
one study, more than 90
percent of people who were obese and
lost body fat through diet alone
regained it within two years. Further
to this the American College of Sports
Medicine (the “bible” for the latest
fitness advice) consistently shows that individuals who
exercise after weight loss are more successful at keeping
it off.
What those clever people who do all the latest research
are really saying is that a combination of both diet and
exercise is ESSENTIAL to not only lose weight, but to keep
it off for good. To most of you this is no great surprise but
what are the proven best methods to get fat off for good?
For the purpose of this article I will concentrate on the
exercise part. Next month I will give you the latest and
best scientific dietary advice in regards to weight loss.
Nowadays it’s pretty much universally agreed amongst
fitness experts that Interval Training is the best method
to lose weight. Interval
training is a period of work
followed by a rest period.
If done at the right
intensity, interval training
not only burns a large
amount of calories during
the exercise session but
also for up to 12 hours
after – how good is that?!
After a few sessions clients
are also able to do weights
in their rest time, therefore
strengthening and toning
their body as well.
I won’t lie, this training is
hard, but the benefits are
quite simply amazing. From busy mums to clients well
into their 60s, I see weight loss week in, week out, using
interval training techniques. Of course, I do not throw a
new client in at the deep end from the first session (most
people who hire me are beginners). I analyse their ability
and build them up gradually. Each session I sneak a bit
more out of them and within only a few weeks they are
doing a full hour of interval training and burning a HUGE
amount of fat off the body in the process.
A key role of (a good) Personal Trainer is, therefore, to
demonstrate excellent motivational skills to literally
‘push’ their client through whatever interval they are
doing. For example a one minute sprint on a cross trainer,
a blast of punches on pads or maybe even a sprint outside
running!
To become a “registered” personal trainer courses range
from just several weeks, to several years when going the
degree route. A degree in Sport and Exercise Science, as I
have, not only involves developing a deep understanding
of physiology but also a strong knowledge of exercise
psychology, as well as demonstrating a high level of
leadership skills, so really making the person more than
just a “standard” Personal Trainer.
That’s it - if you want to lose weight, tone up and stay that
way then, as far as exercise is concerned, get into Interval
Training.
If you need that extra motivation to push your body to the
next level, to get great results and maximise each
workout, then a Personal Trainer is definitely the option
for you. Just make sure you hire one with some
personality and, of course,
qualifications, usually a
relevant degree is a good
sign. Why not train with a
friend, I charge by the hour
so you can split the cost
and have a giggle at the
same time!
I have been Personal
Training for 10 years now.
In that time I have been
fortunate enough to have
had great results with
many people. A few
celebrity projects have also
been thrown my way and,
contrary to popular belief,
I do not get paid more (agents and production companies
are very good negotiators!). The personnel that hire
people for celebrity projects only hire those trainers who
are tried and tested, so I must be doing something right.
Adam Cochrane offers personal training to people all
over Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Contact Adam to have a chat about how he can help
you.
”This is the calories
burned in just one
hour of interval
training from a lady
recently training
with me. In just 4
months the lady has
lost 3 stone training
twice a week.
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 12
Mother’s DaySpa
For that memorable day out togetherchoose a Y Spa package from £39 ...
Located midway between Cambridge and Milton Keynes
0333 7007 [email protected]
facebook.com/yspauk@yspauk
www.yspa.co.uk
Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AL
�e gift of all gifts, Y Spa vouchers and gift cards ... sublime
Guests must be over 18
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 13
Being editor of a luxury lifestyle magazine I am
always looking at the different beauty
treatments on offer and I am lucky enough to be
asked to try them for free. One thing I am not
keen to try though is Botox, or fillers. I'm not saying never,
but so far I've not succumbed. It's not that I don't believe
these treatments are safe and effective; it's simply that,
rightly or wrongly, I'm too scared to go under the needle.
However, when I heard about a system called ‘MESO vytal
cell boost concept’ that claims to be completely pain and
risk free, compared to all other rejuvenation treatments,
I was intrigued and decided to give it a go.
The Meso cell boost concept transports carefully balanced
highly potent beauty formulas into the deeper layers of
the skin. It uses skin needling which ensures the areas
that need it most are reached, thus creating the best
possible results.
The tiny pins gently open your skin barrier and allow an
even flow of the MESO vytal cell boost
substances right in the space between
epidermis and dermis to rejuvenate
wrinkled, injured or tiered skin.
I go along to Susie Bavister’s new therapy
rooms on the outskirts of Bedford to try it.
Once Susie has talked me through the
treatment, and reassured me for the
hundredth time that it won’t hurt
(remember I have a needle phobia!) we are
ready. First, she exfoliates the skin
thoroughly to create optimum conditions
using the MESO vytal AHA peel, which she
leaves on for about 10 minutes. Once my
skin had all traces of the peel removed,
Susie then applied some of the active substance directly
onto my skin and some directly into the MESO cartridge.
She then proceeded to gently massage the tiny needles
over my face and I can honestly say this was NOT painful
- all I felt was a slight vibration on my skin and at the end,
after the MESO vital aftercare was put on my skin, I looked
glowing, radiant and 20 years younger! (Well maybe not
quite 20!) There was a slight redness but this disappeared
after 30 minutes, and the good news is you can put make-
up back on your skin after an hour, which to us ladies is
vitally important. I do have to stress this treatment is also
perfect for men (although they won’t need to worry about
the make up afterwards!)
Since the treatment I have had so many compliments
about how radiant and fresh my face looks and this is only
after one treatment what will happen next time?
It is recommended to have a treatment once a week for
four weeks and then on a monthly basis to maintain
optimum results – and I am definitely going to do just
that!
Miracle Meso
07971 456636
www.susiebavister-permanentmakeup.co.uk
16
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 14
Susie Bavister
CreativeBeauty
at
I am a trainer for tattoo removal for Finishing Touches
(who I trained with). They are one of the UK’s largest
training schools
Semi Permanent Make-Up & Medical Tattooing
• Semi Permanent Eyelash Enhancement
(to give a fuller effect lash line)
• Semi Permanent Eyeliner
• Semi Permanent Eyebrows,
(Hair simulated or Powdered effect)
• Semi Permanent Lip Colour,
(lip liner, lip blush, full lip colour)
• Nipple & Areola
• Skin Grafts & Burns
• Scar Treatment
• Cleft Lip
• Stretch Mark TreatmentBefore
Before
After After
Susie Bavister - Creative Beauty Cosmetic Tattooist
EXCITING ***NEW TREATMENT***
MESO Vytal Cell Boost
MESO Vytal is the newest and most effective painless and risk free skin treatment. The substances
penetrate very effectively right to the intersection between the epidermis and the dermis and place the
highly effective substances directly at the problem areas. Your treatment will begin with a very gentle
AHA fruit acid peel containing a rich cleansing milk, which works mainly as an exfoliant. Then using a
special cartridge, which will penetrate your skin up to 0.3mm I will work on implanting the chosen
substance which nurture, refresh, rejuvenate and boost the cells from inside. Finally ending with the
after-care cream, your skin is able to absorb this aftercare formula and benefit from its soothing,
smoothing and strengthening effect. There will be no trauma to your skin, nor any healing time.
• Non laser treatment
• Most tattoos removed in 3 - 5 sessions
• Performed by a qualified micro pigmentation artist
• Sessions at 8 - 12 week intervals
• NOT a DIY fade product
Rejuvi Non Laser Tattoo Removal!
*We recommend a course of 6 treatments to get maximum benefits and
results, 1 treatment per week for the 1st 4 weeks then 1 a month.
Price for a single treatment £60
Course of 6 treatments £300
This treatment can be performed on your face, neck, decollete and the back of the hands.
07971 456636
www.susiebavister-permanentmakeup.co.uk
FREE consultation with a skin allergy test before any treatments are undergone
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 15
18
Top Tip!
If you are struggling to get the ponytail to the highest point,
try tipping the head upside down to help gather all the hair.
Top Tip!
Cheat your way to a bigger ‘nest’ by using a hair donut.
Just pin the hair around to hide your ready built nest.
EASTER
PARADE
• Once all hair has been pinned in a circular shape, spray with a strong hold
hairspray. If there are any stray hairs loose, either curl and pin, or leave to
give a slightly more natural look.
• Add your accessories of choice. We’ve used Spring flower clips, but why
not pick up some cute fluffy chicks and other Easter accessories and pop
them in the centre for a more ‘seasonal’ look.
• Take sections of the ponytail and loosely plait. Tie each plait with a small
elastic bungee, leaving some sections in-between loose. Gently pull the
plaits width-ways to help ‘fatten’ and create a more textured look.
• Begin to swirl the hair around in a circular motion, pinning as you go.
Slightly backcombing the sections you have left in-between the plaits will
help give extra volume.
And there you have it.
A cute, seasonal hairstyle
that will leave any girl egg-static!
(Another woeful pun – apologies
readers)
If you give this style a go; why not get
in touch on the Affinity Facebook
page?
We’d love to see your Easter
Braided Bun Nests.
Forget an Easter Bonnet, create your own egg-cellent hair do with these
easy step-by-step instructions for your own Easter Braided Bun Nest,
complete with Spring flowers. It’s a fun, easy style that you can
personalise to create something really pretty or slightly more Avant Garde!
You can easily adjust this style to suit young or old, and it works just as well
for a daytime or evening style.
• Sweep all of the hair into a ponytail that sits on top of the head. Secure
with a small elastic bungee.
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 16
19
For more hair tips from Kelly visit our Hair Clinic at www.affinitymag.co.uk
Kelly Gay www.klghairadvice.com
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 17
It’s only been up and running since mid January but the new
beauty room at Mercedes Benz, Ampthill Road, Bedford
which is run in partnership with award-winning 5th
Avenue hair and Beauty Spa is proving extremely successful.
A special room has been refurbished at the showroom to
provide a relaxing retreat where women can enjoy treatments
while their car is being serviced.
“Nearly 40% of our clients are women and we wanted to offer
them a chance to relax and catch up on their personal
maintenance while their vehicle is in the workshop,”explained
Bridget Thomas Service Manager,
“Car showrooms still tend to be rather masculine so we
thought we would show that we value our busy female
clients. We look after their cars, why not them too?”
5th Avenue owner Kerry Cash thinks the idea is great for
today's working women who struggle to find the time for a
massage or manicure.
“Our clients who juggle work and families often barely
have time to visit a salon for a make-over - this way they
can make good use of the hour or more they may spend
whilst their car is being MoT-ed.”
You don’t have to own a Mercedes or even be taking your car
for a service this new idea is open to anyone. Maybe you’re a
regular client of 5th Avenue and you fancy a change of scene,
or you’re a new customer wanting a beauty treatment, then
why not pop along for yourself and see what all the fuss is
about.
I did just that and went along for an aromatherapy
theraputic massage to see for myself if it was as relaxing as
visiting a salon. The treatment room was a calming retreat,
no different than being in a salon/spa environment and the
treatment that incorporated a full body, face and scalp
massage, (using a blend of essential oils)
relaxed and rejuvenated me making me
drift off into another world, forgetting
about all the stresses of everyday life. So
the verdict ... it may be within a busy car
showroom, but once you shut the door
behind you, you can drift off and pretend
you are wherever you want to be.
A full range of treatments are on offer
including waxing, hot stone massage, Espa
facials and Jessica nails – a relaxing top to
toe treatment for both men and women.
The beauty room is open every Tuesday to
book an appointment contact 5th Avenue:
01234 341377
www.5thavenuespa.co.uk
MERCEDES- BENZ SHOWROOM BEAUTY
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:08 Page 18
Make your mothers day.
Essence of Beauty, Bedford, Duke House, 2 Duke Street, Bedford MK40 3HR.Email: [email protected] www.essenceofbeautybedford.co.uk
Call to book an appointment: 01234 212149
Wishing all mothers a Happy Mothers Day!
She deserves something special & what better way to show her your love....
Mother-to-Be Nurturing Massage£50 (usually £65) 1hr 15minsThis inspirational therapy connects mother & baby through the power of touch, working with two heartbeats as one. Specialised positioning on the unique Elemis beanbag is used to ensure the ultimate in safety, comfort & relaxation. Helping to relieve tension in the back & alleviating swelling in the hands & feet, while easing the mind & uplifting the spirit.
Absolute Spa Ritual£80 (usually £95) 2hrsUltimate skin & body therapy for maximum results.Choose from one of the unique Elemis Advanced anti-ageing or Skin Solutions Facials & combine it with the powerful effects of the Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage. Two hours of pure relaxation with dramatic results!
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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 19
22
Family FitnessA
s a parent myself I’m
always trying to think of
ways to engage my little
ones in exercise. They
enjoying swimming and my
daughter loves her ballet and
gymnastics classes, but I wanted to
find things we could do together as a
family, to lead by example and
hopefully set them off on a journey
of good health and fitness. With the
help of Clare Fowler of Discovly, an
online children’s activity planner, we
have complied our favourite things
to do with our children. We hope
you enjoy them with your little ones
too:
Yummy Mummys
I run a new mums fitness group for
mums who have recently given birth
(babies under 12 months). We do a
one hour circuit style fitness class,
designed specially for the post natal
female. Babies are welcome to come
along too and in some cases are your
weights for your exercises! It takes
place every Tuesday at 10am at
Anjulita Court, Woodlands Park,
Bedford. For more information
contact me (Julie) on 07808 739651.
Willington loop bike ride/walk.
When the weather is bright Clare’s
family love to get on their bikes and
go for a family cycle around the
Willington loop bike track, it is a
beautiful, safe way to get some
exercise, whilst enjoying the
Bedfordshire countryside. You can
stop off for a drink and a turn on the
bouncy castle at the Danish Camp
before heading home, often with the
small one’s head bobbing fast
sleepily on the back of the bike!
Felmersham Nature Reserve.
If your little ones are anything like
mine and Clare’s then they will love
jumping in muddy puddles. Clare
found this little gem from her school
years at Sharnbrook Upper
School(perhaps when she should
have been concentrating in lessons!)
A former Second World War gravel
pit now provides a beautiful
protected area for many varieties of
flora and forna. A delightful walk for
the whole family and who says the
adults can’t jump in muddy puddles
too!
Aerial Extreme Milton Keynes.
My two are still a bit small for this
one but ideal for ages 6 and above. It
is the biggest high rope adventure
course in the South of England,
there are three exciting courses to
take on, the Junior Course, the
Adventure Course and the new
Goliath Course. You have to be 1.1m
tall to enjoy this adventure and
family discounts are available. I
wonder who will have more fun -
the children or the parents!
Willen Lake Milton Keynes.
There is so much to do and see on
the walk around Willen Lake in
Milton Keynes; Aerial Extreme, crazy
golf, miniature railway, playgrounds,
obstacles and boat trips on the lake.
One hundred acres of water
encircled by eighty acres of stunning
landscaped grounds, beautifully
maintained by the Parks Trust, with
mile after mile of cycle ways and
dozens of tranquil corners. Willen
Lake is the perfect place to enjoy
with your family and friends.
A walk around the lake can take a
good few hours with the kids and
when you combine the walking,
running, jumping over obstacles and
stops at the playground you have
had quite a good workout.
Punting on the river Camb.
This is number 1 on Clare’s ‘to do’
list this summer with her family.
The children will get great views of
the beautiful, historic college
buildings and between us all we will
get a good upper body workout.
Who knows, it may inspire your
little ones on to the
Oxford/Cambridge boat race in
years to come!
We hope you enjoy these tried and
tested adventures with your
children and grandchildren. Any
type of exercise is great for children,
so lets engage them in a healthy way
of life from the very early days.
For more information on exercising
as a family or help with your own
fitness regime then please feel free
to contact me at
[email protected] and for more
information on Discovly or to sign
up to their weekly mailing giving
you ideas of things to do with little
ones then please visit discovly.com
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 20
Julie Holl - Personal Trainer - Holl Fitness Studio
07808 739651 www.hollfitness.com23
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 21
Biker Babes
£45
House Of Fraser
Autograph Mono Block
Biker Jacket £75
Mark & Spencer
Black and Gold
Stud Boot £40
River Island
Denim Boot
River Island
Picker £99
Dune
River Island
River Island
Provence £99
Dune
River Island
Upside Down £68
Office
Diamond by
Julien Macdonald
£50 Debenhams
Kannon Jacket £60
River Island
Limited Collection
Utility Jacket £59
Marks & Spencer
Orange Red Faux
Leather Jacket £55
la Redoute
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 22
NEW NEW NEWNEW NEW NEEW
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 23
Slimline Crops P Adele Crop
Trousers £55
John Lewis
Autograph Green
£39.50
Marks & Spencer
Betty Barclay
Black Stud Loafer
Debenhams
Electric Blue Trousers £95
House of Fraser
Jewel Multicoloured
Pump £29.50
Marks & Spencer
Kirby £55
Dune
Marisa £60
Dune
Metallic Toecap £25
Marks & SpencerNude Cropped
Trousers £45
La Redoute
Debenhams
Debenhams
Yellow Trousers £45
La Redoute
F
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:09 Page 24
Pencil Chic
Astrid Skirt £119
Fenn Wright Manson
Autograph Metallic
Pencil Skirt £199.99
Marks & Spencer
r
95
Cannes Skirt £89
Fenn Wright Manson
Denim Sandals £35
Next
Floral Printed
Pencil Skirt £35
Next
Black & White
Debenhams
Open Toe
Platforms £45
Dorothy Perkins
Matalan
Cross Print Pencil
Skirt £12.99
Internacionale
Debenhams
Per Una Juliet
Skirt £99
Marks & Spencer
Coral & Cream
Strappy Heels £22
F & F
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 25
Midlife Madness
28
Morphing into my Mother!!
As I get older not only do other people,
especially policemen, dentists and most
worryingly pilots, seem to be getting younger,
but I seem to be morphing into my mother. All
those irritating things that parents do, I am aware that I
am now doing, AND in a time honoured tradition,
irritating my own children as well.
When they come to visit I check that they have locked
the car, question why they have spent a small fortune on
a designer top/shoes/bag when they borrowed money
from me just the other week, and dare to question
whether another night out is really sensible. I get that
‘but what would you know, you don’t understand
anything’ look.
But you see I have memories, somewhere on the dusty
shelves of my brain where the old memories go, of being
young and hating parents firing questions at me, or
criticising everything I did (well that was how it felt),
but as a parent I just don’t seem able to stop myself. I
hear the questions come out of my mouth, I don’t quite
seem to be able to stop myself BEFORE – and I am left
with ‘the look’!
The other thing I have noticed when my kids come back
to visit is that I do ‘older people things’. Like saving
money off vouchers - when did I start doing that? It’s
beside the point that I nearly always forget to use them
before the expiry date!. I have a place in the kitchen
where I keep them and it’s guaranteed my kids will pick
them up and make wise comments like – ‘Oh I didn’t
know you used Mr Muscle/Earl Grey/Bisto….whatever?’
Well I don’t ok! I know that! You know that! But I might,
because the point is there is a money off coupon and I
bothered to cut it out of the paper! Just like my mother
would have done! AArrgh.
Then of course there is the going out. It’s usually one of
those throw away comments said by either the girl who
is wearing shorts in winter or the boy who wears his
jeans underneath his butt cheeks (surely they will have
hip problems in later years as they walk while also
holding up their trousers) – ‘Oh you’re going like that
are you?’
What on earth is that supposed to mean – I think it’s
rather stylish, actually, though clearly their opinion of
my favourite old coat is somewhat different. In fact I had
been thinking I would change but now they’ve said it,
well obviously not a chance! We were only popping to
the supermarket anyway!
It doesn’t improve much when we get there, I am just
paying for the stuff - most of which seems to be for them
- and sadly the zip on my purse gets stuck (trapped by
one of the 250 money off vouchers that I have in my
purse)then, when I do get into it, I can’t find my Tesco
card. I know I had it just the other day I think to myself.
I put my bank card into the machine and somehow get
the pin wrong, frankly I blame my bifocals, I clearly
know it because I get it right the next time – I’d taken
my card out too early! Third time lucky, but daughter is
nowhere to be seen! No doubt cringing with
embarrassment in a corner somewhere, but she left me
with all the bags of shopping I notice.
Back home I can’t honestly remember when I started to
enjoy Antiques Road Show or University Challenge but I
know it wasn’t long ago! Would it shock you if I
confessed to listening to Radio 2 and classic FM on
occasions!
Sad thing is I guess we do all change a bit as we get
older – but do you think it is terribly wrong that
sometimes I can confess to enjoying the fact I irritate my
kids? I think 25 years of parenthood, sleepless nights,
nappies and tantrums, through to never answering their
phone when you are frantic with worry, constant
financial bailouts, unsatisfactory school reports and an
array of their mates eating you out of house and home,
have earned me that right.
So to all you mothers out there – Enjoy Mother’s Day
your own way! I know I will!
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 26
31 St Cuthbert Street Bedford MK40 3JG
Purchase over the phone: 01234 273300
Purchase online: www.oceanbeauty.co.uk
Ocean eautyB
Putting the Yummy Back into Mummy!On the first and third Wednesday every month Ocean Beauty is
open for Mummies to come along with their babies and children.
You have your treatment as your little ones can be entertained!
Being a new mummy myself it became apparent how difficult child care is in general but also
when needing your regular wax, pedicure or any treatment.
The guilt that motherhood brings sure makes it hard to ask for help, let alone when it's
needed for yourself! So I hope my mini play and rest area will enable you to do this together.
We will offer this service the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Mothers Day Offers!Book a special Mother and Daughter treatment
The treatment will take place in the same room and choose from Facial, Back Massage,
Full Body Massage, Indian Head Aromatherapy, Kanshi Spa Ritual, Pedicure and Manicure
Package 1: £20, 30 mins each Package 2: £40, 1 hour each
Package 3: £60, 1 hour 30 mins each Package 4: £100, 2 hours 30 mins each
Sons Special Mother's Day Gift Deluxe Four Layer Facial, Normally £75 now only £50!
This unique anti-aging and deep cleansing facial is the only treatment that guarantees constant visible results. You will
immediately notice your skin has added elasticity, smoother texture and firmed
facial contours and fine lines are eliminated. Suitable for all skin types.
You will also receive a free brow tidy!
Please be aware we are not looking after them but we will be allocating
an extra 15 mins to cover any settling in or nappy changing for you.
SPECIAL YUMMY MUMMY
INTRODUCTORY OFFERS!
15% off any treatments over
£20 during March and April
Our treatment room will include a play pen and a baby swing so here's to Yummy Mummy Wednesdays!
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 27
Angel Eau de Parfum
Natural Spray
£33.60 - £58.99
John Lewis
Disaster Designs
Songbird Pocket
Mirror £10
John Lewis
Lovely Mum Padded
Key Rings - £4.99
Tokyo Milk Honey
Blossom Lip Balm £12.50
John Lewis
Mum’s theWord
30
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 28
Mummys- Angels
Sphere of Life £69.90
Millman, Bedford
Britain's Best Mum Mug £6
Marks & Spencer
Falling Iris scarf
£45 Paul Smith
House of Fraser
Personalised 'Love
You Mummy' Heart
Necklace £69
Not on the High Street
Personalised Mummy
Slate £23
letterfest.com
Radley Pocket Bag £99
British Heart Foundation
Tesco Mother's Day
Gingerbread £0.90
Tesco
31
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 29
What exactly is emotional abuse? Emotional
abuse is defined as behaviour and language
designed to degrade or humiliate someone by
attacking their self-value or personality. It can take the
form of name-calling, shaming, blaming, intimidating,
dismissing, stonewalling or making threats. Whatever
form it takes, the effects for the abused individual can
be crippling. Anxiety, destroyed self-esteem, depression,
feeling alone, unimportant and isolated are all common
feelings of someone who has been emotionally abused.
Emotional Abuse, while it leaves no marks, can
sometimes be the hardest type of abuse to understand
in a relationship. It’s hard to imagine that someone who
“loves you” could abuse you and besides it’s just words,
right? It’s not like you’re being BEATEN!
Sad truth is, while broken bones heal, the wounds left
from emotional abuse can last a lifetime.
Signs you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship:
• Your partner keeps a tight control on all things:
money, the phone, using the car, using the internet,
who you see and what you do.
• Your partner treats you like an object, like property
not like a person with feelings.
• You’re afraid to tell your partner about a normal
event, such as your car needs a new tyre or you
stayed behind at work to catch up, as you’re not sure
how they will react.
• When you do talk to your partner, they belittle you
and make you feel stupid.
• You’ve begun to feel as though you deserve to be
treated badly. If you were a BETTER person you
wouldn’t make your partner so mad.
• To avoid confrontation, you make yourself available
to your partner no matter what the personal cost to
yourself.
• When talking about an accomplishment or
something equally exciting, your partner sneers and
puts you down, mocking your achievements, rather
than congratulating you.
• You no longer want to have your partner around your
friends or family because you’re afraid he will
embarrass and humiliate you in front of them.
• You’ll go out of your way to please your partner, no
matter what you have to sacrifice. If that means you
have to stay up all night to clean the house then so be
it, it beats him shouting at you.
• If you fight back your partner blames you for the
abusive behaviour “if you weren’t so stupid I
wouldn’t have to yell at you!”
• You feel helpless like you’re trapped in the
relationship.
• You’ve begun to believe you’re the crazy one, that
you’re the one with the problem.
• You’re in complete isolation. Your partner doesn’t
want you around your family or friends and has
convinced you that they’re the ones who are abusive
to you – not him.
• You make excuses for his behaviour regardless of the
situation.
Are you in an EmotionallyAbusive Relationship?
32
According to experts, emotional abuse has reached epidemic proportions.
Though hard statistics are elusive, experts say as many as two-thirds of
couples experience emotional abuse. And despite the prevalence in
everyday life, few of us recognise it, identify it, or do anything about it.
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 30
Though some may say emotional abuse is not as bad as physical abuse, this
is simply not true and should be taken very seriously. If you or someone you
know is suffering from emotional abuse, please seek help. No one deserves
to be treated this way and everyone is worthy of respect, even you!
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 31
B
A
��������pre-preparatory school
…inspires each child to love learning
OPEN DAYS
An independent, non-selective school for children aged 3 months to 7 years.
FRIDAY 15th MARCH9.30am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 3.30pm
SATURDAY 16th MARCH10.00am - 12 noon
For further details visit our website or call 01234 369555
Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, Brickhill Drive, Bedford.
pilgrims-school.infoA HARPUR TRUST SCHOOL
DO YOU WANT TO HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
for more information please contact:Lindsay Tribe, Host Family Recruitment Manager
“Bright World is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.”
www.brightworld.co.uk
Bright World Guardianships Ltd is a UK wide guardianship organisation and takes care of international children studying at UK boarding schools in this area. We are looking for families to host our students for some weekends and half terms.
‘’
Bright World Guardianships Ltd takes care of international boarding students in UK independent schools. We are looking for families to host our students for some weekends and half terms.
For more information please contact Lindsay Tribe, Host Family Recruitment Manager
www.brightworld.co.uk
‘‘Bright World is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.”
Accredited by AEGIS, Association of Educational Guardians for International Students
TIONALINTERNAATIONAL
TANTWWANTYOUDO
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being lots of fun and a cultural experience.family with a valuable extra income as well as
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and half terms. students for families to host our schools. Wstudents in UK independent international boarding Ltd takes care of
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staff and volunteers to share this commitment.” the welfare of children and young people and expects all ‘Bright World is committed to safeguarding and promoting ‘
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Accredited
International Students
Guardians Educational of Association AEGIS, by Accredited
International Students
for Guardians
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Veda TherapeuticsHerbal Medicine - Ayuverda -
Naturopathy - Therapeutic
Massage - Ear Acupuncture
As a herbalist and naturopath I can help you with
• Immunity • Skin Conditions • Digestive Complaints
• Hormonal imbalances • Heart health & Circulation •
Energy & Wellbeing • Insomnia • Depression
• Other chronic health conditions • Acute coughs & colds
07944 886502 [email protected]
Herbalist (Dip Herb)
Naturopath (Dip ND)
MAMH, MANP, ITEC
Carolyn wood
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 32
www.cruiseselect.co.uk
(01234) 326758
67 Goldington Road Bedford MK40 3NB Visitors welcome
Find us on
Service you can trust, prices you’ll love ...
For total peace of mind
Ride the Rocky Mountaineer through the stunning Canadian Rockies
Travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, surely the best way of exploring the Canadian Rockies. An ideal combination with a cruise or as a unique tailor made holdiay.
The luxury and comfort is simply beyond compare. No wonder it’s the most popular service.
Take in the Canadian Rockies through the panoramic windowsof the single-level dome coach.
Classic rail service in the single level coach. Relax and enjoy
an impeccable service.
Rachel Shelley Julie Tracey Bella Sharon
Your team
Featuring a wide range of itineraries from2 to 16 days
www.facebook.com/selecttravelgroup
Come see the Rocky Mountaineer stand at our Cruise & Luxury Travel Show, Sunday 3 March.
Go to www.cruiseselect.co.uk for more information
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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 33
Learning to Rise from the Ashes
Easter is a time when many Christians remember the death of
Christ and celebrate his resurrection but ‘rising’ is a word that may
have some meaning in a lot of people’s lives. Christians believe that
Christ overcame death by rising on the third day, so for believers
the concept of rising and overcoming may be a familiar one.
But that concept is also present in many
mythologies. We have probably all heard
the phrase ‘rising from the ashes’ and come
across the phoenix who, in mythology, is
reborn from the ashes of his own
combustion. We may have read the tale
based on the phoenix by Hans Christian Anderson or
remember the phoenix scene in the Harry Potter movie.
But in our lives today do such metaphors serve any
purpose?
Rising can mean variously getting up, emerging,
becoming bigger or taller. So when yeast is added to
dough, bread rises, tides also rise, the sun rises and, of
course, people can rise. They rise above a situation, or
they can choose not to rise to the bait if someone is trying
to irritate them; people may rise through the ranks to
become successful. Rising from the ashes, however, refers
to something new emerging from something that has
been destroyed.
In the wake of devastation, following an earthquake for
example, people talk of new buildings rising from the
ashes, but in many biographies the phrase is often used
much more metaphorically as often great achievers or
celebrities tell of success stemming from times of failure,
depression or difficulty.
The fact is that in society people will always face
adversity. Today that may be in the form of a devastating
illness, death of a loved one, loss of a job, bankruptcy, loss
of a home or the shattering of dreams once held dear, or
comfortable retirement plans, the dream of a move up the
property ladder dashed by negative equity for example.
When people talk about Rising from the Ashes they are
not usually referring to the common challenges that we
may come across everyday but something more major,
those situations where it really does feel like your world,
as you knew it, has come to an end.
So how do we come back from such times? How can we
learn to Rise from the Ashes?
36
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 34
Get a Realistic PerspectiveWe all know that time can change the way we look at
things and many of us will remember situations that did
seem truly devastating at the time but when looking back
don’t seem quite so bad. Bereavement, divorce, illness or
redundancy is never going to be easy, and the future will
not be the same as the past, BUT human beings are
amazingly resilient and adaptable. For most people there
is a way forward. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to
someone who has experienced something similar
because at least they can understand how you are feeling.
Accept where you find yourselfIn cases of
bereavement this can
take a long time and
please don’t think I am
making light of these
difficulties, but at some
stage there must be
acceptance that your
world is not as it once
was. Some things
happen because of
choices we have made
but some devastating
things ‘just happen’.
You do need to accept
your own feelings and
emotions and it may
take you a while to
even become
‘functional’ again, but
you need to accept that
or the process may
take even longer.
Make the choices
you can makeSome things quite
simply are out of our
control and much time,
effort and anxiety can be saved by not worrying about
those things. But there are always some choices that we
can make. There are opportunities for learning and
‘growing’ in every single experience, however awful that
experience may be. There are many cases of people
starting charities or trusts following horrendous
experiences, but their actions will have changed the lives
of many others and changed their own life in the process.
Take Care of YourselfIt’s easy to be so wrapped up in our problems that we
forget to do the simple things and then a very negative
cycle emerges. So make sure that you continue to eat
sensibly, exercise and do some nice things even if you feel
like you haven’t the heart for them. It’s important to keep
going and that is easier when we take care of ourselves.
Engage with the people who helpI am not talking here about professional help (although
that may be appropriate for some situations), but spend
time with the people who make you feel better. That may
be friends who know what you are going through and
have perhaps
e x p e r i e n c e d
something similar
themselves or it may
be people who know
little about your
current troubles.
But if you feel better
when you have been
with them, then
make sure you make
time for them.
Take each
moment as it
comesSometimes all we
can do is get through
the day, or even the
hour or minute.
That’s fine,
moments will pass,
and days will pass,
just like a bone that
is broken and needs
time to heal, so you
may need some rest
and relaxation to
‘restore’ yourself.
Learning & Looking ForwardAt some point you will be ready to move forward. At some
point you will be able to see what you have learned and
how you may have had the opportunity to learn and grow
through the experience however terrible it has been.
37
For more information or to discuss your own particular issues contact attuned education.:
07921 193479 [email protected] www.attunededucation.com
“It’s best to have failure happen early in life.
It wakes up the Phoenix bird in you so you
can rise from the ashes.”Anne Baxter (Actress & granddaughter of Frank Lloyd
Wright)
“Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist,
but the ability to start over”.F Scott Fitzgerald (American Author)
“Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents
which, in prosperous circumstances,
would have lain dormant.”
Horace 65-68 B.C.
“My mother was a phoenix who always expected
to rise from the ashes of her latest disaster.
She loved being Judy Garland.”Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland and
half sister of Liza Minelli)
In the words of the well known Gabrielle song, sooner or later, you will be
‘ready to rise again’
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 35
SPECIAL OFFER
£20
Normally £75 - See reverse for details
Chiropractic treatment can benefit the following:
CHRONIC/ACUTE BACK PAINNECK RELATED HEADACHESSHOULDER/ELBOW PAINGENERAL ACHES & PAINSTENNIS ELBOW PAINNECK PAINHIP/KNEE JOINT PAINFROZEN SHOULDERMIGRAINES
If you want to make the most of life and be at your best, call now.
20b De Parys Avenue, Bedford, MK42 2TW
Tel 01234 353937 [email protected]
S
£ - See rev
SPE
£2
e
Normally £75 -
v
R0
v
PECI OFFER
CIAL OF£20
verse
f
t
Give your mother the gift of healthThis gift voucher entitles the bearer to a FREE Consultation and examination
plus a verbal report of findings at the Bedford Chiropractic Clinic.
Voucher only valid upon booking within
Valid for the month of March 201320B, DE PARYS AVENUE, BEDFORD MK40 2TW
(01234) 353937www.bedford-chiropractor.co.uk
NORM
ALLY £75
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 36
CAST IRONCATERING
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Est. 1998
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 37
Loving the Legstraps
The Legstraps
01234 854112
www.thelegstraps.co.uk
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 38
Set in the village of Wootton on the outskirts
of Bedford is The Legstraps, a country pub
that incorporates a unique combination of
classic with a contemporary twist.
The restaurant presents a menu that is full of
imagination and provides a combination of
flavours & textures that deliver a fun and
memorable dining experience. The menu changes
daily to accommodate seasonal produce and this
is evident in the choices on offer.
We decided to pay the Legstraps a visit and I am
glad we did. We were welcomed by the warm
friendly staff who took us through the relaxed
bar area into the chic, subtle and stylish
restaurant.
The dining area had a relaxing ambience about it
and whilst we were waiting for our drinks to
arrive Matt, the manager, came to introduce
himself and took a little time chatting to us,
something that he did to all the diners, not just us.
The menu choices were tempting and varied and
it proved quite difficult to decide which dishes to
go for; finally the decision was made and the
choice was scallops, butternut, spice of angels and
crispy chicken. The scallops were cooked to
absolute perfection, they were succulent and
tender with the flavours from the other
ingredients coaxing each other. The other choice of
starter was mackeral x 4, horseradish and beetroot,
each piece of mackerel was individually flavoured
with just the right amount of sapidity, giving it a
unique taste without sacrificing it’s originality.
Main courses were free range duck breast,
beetroot, blood orange and chicory; the delicately
flavoured meat was cooked to pink perfection and
needed nothing more than its entourage of
ingredients.
Monkfish, chorizo, white beans, aioli and squid
was the other choice of mains. The tender
subtlety of the monkfish and squid were given a
slight kick by the strong flavours of the chorizo,
thus making this whole dish mouthwateringly
adorable.
The blood orange crème brulee with crème fraiche
sorbet made me give into temptation and have a
dessert; it was divine and well worth giving in to.
Rhubarb cheese cake accompanied with rhubarb
sorbet was the other dessert which was presented
elegantly (as were all the dishes), the fresh aciculate
taste of rhubarb mixed with the soft moist cheesecake
was a perfect combination.
This was a meal that certainly didn’t disappoint The
Legstraps deliver on all levels, with mouthwatering
food, attentive friendly staff and a bar/restaurant to
completely relax in. What more could you wish for?
41
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:10 Page 39
Buttons the Easter
Bunny £7.50
Hotel Chocolat
Classic Ostritch
Egg £70
Hotel Chocolat
Cocoa Loca Marbled
Chocolate Rabbit £10
John Lewis
Finest Belgian Milk Egg with
Hazelnuts & Mini Eggs £10
Tesco
Luxury Assortment of
Chocolate Eggs £10
Marks & Spencer
Luxury Milk Chocolate
Latice Egg £15
Marks & SpencerThe Cocoabean Company Milk
Chocolate Egg with Mini Eggs £10
John Lewis
Medium Milk Chocolate
Hollow Bunny £5.00
Marks & Spencer
Beau Bunnys £10
Hotel Chocolat
Egg-stravaganza
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 40
Sunday 12pm - 11pm
66 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NT01234 365366 / 360075
www.asialoungebedford.co.uk
10% Discount for Students,
NHS, NUT and all teaching staff (not valid with other offers)
I.D. REQUIRED
EARLY BIRD OFFERAvailable before 7pm Monday - Saturday2 courses only £9.95
3 courses only £11.95
Opening Times:Monday - Saturday 12pm-2.30pm - 6pm-11pm
Sunday 12pm-11pm
Mothers Day LunchComplimentary
glass ofchampagne and
a mysterysurprise gift
for mum
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 41
Chicken and Butternut
Squash Gratin
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 42
Ingredients
Recipe
Heat oil in a large pan and cook the onion, leek and
squash for 15min, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Set aside.
Put chicken into a separate pan, cover with cold water
and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer
for 5min. Drain and add to the vegetable pan.
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4. Melt butter
in the empty pan and stir in flour. Cook for 1min. Take
off heat and gradually whisk in milk to make a smooth
sauce. Return to the heat and cook, stirring constantly,
until thickened. Stir in mascarpone and tarragon. Check
seasoning. Stir sauce into the veg and chicken pan.
Pour into a heatproof serving dish and top with the
bread. Cook for about 30min or until the bread is
golden and the filling is bubbling. Serve with a green
salad.
“
“
3 skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
450g (1lb) butternut squash, peeled and cut
into 2.5cm (1in) pieces
1tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely sliced
1 leek, roughly sliced
50g (2oz) butter
50g (2oz) plain flour
500ml milk
100g (3½oz) mascarpone cheese
2tsp dried tarragon
100g (3½oz) ciabatta bread, torn into small pieces
Sainte Celine Chablis
Premier Cru Mont de
Milieu
This wine is dry, supple and
elegant with mineral, exotic
fruit flavours on the finish.
The purity of this wine
makes it delicious with
many kinds of food,
especially chicken.
£16.99 Sainsburys
Francois Martenot White
Burgundy
White fruits combine in this
rounded unoaked wine. A joy
with this chicken dish.
£8.99 Waitrose
To compliment the meal
A fabulous tasty dish to WOW family and friends with
45
First Cape Limited
Release Chenin Blanc
This traditional South
African variety shows
green pepper and citrus
notes on the nose, with
passion fruit on the palate.
A fantastic white wine
pair to the FirstCape
Limited Release Merlot,
and a great alternative to
Sauvignon Blanc.
£7.99 Sainsburys
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 43
Ingredients
This sweet is brought to
you by the Chef at
The Millhouse Hotel -
Riverside Restaurant,
Sharnbrook,Beds
46
450g Ground almonds
500g Unsalted butter
900g Dark chocolate
450g Caster Sugar
12 Eggs
1 Vanilla pod
450g Mascarpone
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4, grease and flour 8 metal
dariole moulds (approx 4.5cm)
In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until you have a
smooth consistency. Once smooth, add in the mascarpone and mix
well.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Fold them into the butter/sugar mixture, add the ground almonds.
In a heat proof bowl melt the chocolate over a pan of simmering
water, once melted, slowly add it to the mixture and fold it in until
all combined.
Finally add the mixture to the dariole moulds and cook in the oven
for approximately 20-25 minutes. They should rise just out of the
moulds and be soft and springy to the touch.
We serve our Chocolate Soufflé Cakes with Homemade Vanilla Ice
cream and Liqueur Cherries.
Enjoy!
Chocolate Soufflé Cakes
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 44
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Media Telesales
Executive RequiredWe are seeking a highly motivated sales person
to join our expanding team here at Affinity and
be part of this luxury lifestyle brand.
You will be required to sell advertising space
within our magazines.
Sales experience would be preferred although
applications from confident, outgoing
individuals who are well organised,
professional and driven to achieve targets are
welcome.
The vacancy is on a self employed, commission
only basis with great earning potential for the
right applicant, hours are negotiable on a part
or full time basis.
So if you are someone who is hungry and can
achieve targets, then we want to hear from you.
Please Contact:
Jane Fry (Editor)
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 45
Agreat start to the year for the
Advancing People and Advancing
Property teams with expansion as
we have both moved into bigger
neighbouring offices incorporating 2
meeting rooms to kick start the year giving
us plenty of room to expand in 2013 so
some exciting times ahead….
Whilst I have been contributing to the
Affinity Magazine I have focussed a lot on
finding a new role, but how about another option?
Well, if you are happy where you are but want to progress,
what tips and hints can I give to get you ahead of your
colleagues for that promotion or move into another
department you really want?
A little like deciding whether to move house or to extend,
it depends on the potential of what you already have,
what you can change and what will never change no
matter how many alterations you make!
If you like the company you work for but want more from
the role, it could be more money or more responsibility -
you need to be showing the right signs and working in a
way that sets you apart and makes you a real stand-out
employee for all the right reasons.
Show willing – it may seem obvious but if new roles
become available in your company make sure you apply,
usually companies have to include you as part of their
recruitment process, so you have as much chance as any
other internal or external candidate of landing the job.
The role you are going for may not be exactly right, but
can be a stepping stone in the right direction or could give
you extra experience, plus it demonstrates you are keen,
ambitious and are not afraid of change.
Being in your managers’ and directors’ thoughts for the
right reasons is a good thing and you never know when
they may be thinking of expanding or re-structuring and
you will be in the forefront of their minds.
Planning how you will get your next role is key: Who
are the decision makers? What did the last person do well
that got them promoted? Perhaps you can talk to them
confidentially to understand what worked for them and
get some relevant ideas?
Your relationship with your line manager is key – plan
ahead of your reviews to discuss what you feel you have
done well, what you can improve on and even where you
would like extra training on. Depending on the company
you work for ideas can be embraced and do not be shy of
putting together ideas or business plans for different
ways of working, new areas your business could
investigate – the worst feedback you can get is a “no” but
with the idea of standing out from your colleagues, how
many other people do this?
It will look good and you are again in the forefront of the
key decision makers’ minds.
Clearly it always pays well to do the everyday things well,
arriving on time, dressing appropriately, putting in extra
hours when required and embracing change and rising to
any challenges set.
Often and open and honest conversation with your
manager, if you have a good relationship, can save a lot of
time, there may be no chance of promotion so you need
to look elsewhere or there could be some new roles
internally just on the horizon but at least then you will
know and can plan accordingly.
If you have any specific questions about the world of jobs
or recruitment please email me on:
[email protected] and I will
reply directly and may even (anonymously) publish your
letter next month!
48
Dominic Quirke
www.advancingpeople.co.uk
Advance your career in 2013?Advancing promotion in 2013?
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 46
Call for a free valuation on 01234 268064 and fi nd out what a difference we can make to your move www.advancingproperty.co.uk
Thinking of Moving or on the market and not sold? We can help you! Join in our selling success today.
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:11 Page 47
We have built an enviable reputation for qualityproducts and customer satisfaction. Traditional or
contemporary, the choice is yours.
Visit Our Showroom Today, Your Home Will Thank You
T: 01234 400500 F: 01234 400501 E: [email protected]
Windows, Doors andConservatories
Apollo House, Aston Road,Bedford MK42 0LJ
Hundreds of satisfied customers
Over 36 years of experience in the window business
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 48
Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5.00pmSunday: 11am - 4pm
Visit our showroom at Google Maps
FurnishersFor people who love choice, quality and value £50
OFF
£100OFF
WHEN YOU SPEND£500 OR MORE &SAVE AN EXTRA £50
EXCLUSIVE OFFER
To qualify, add your email and
hand in when you order.
Applies to instore purchase only
Email.................................................................
Voucher entitles you to a bonus discount of £50
when you purchase any item priced at £500 or
more. May not be exchanged for cash. One voucher
per household. May not be used in conjunction
with any other offer. By providing your email
address you agree to receive our e-newsletter.
OFFER ENDS: 31/03/2013
To qualify, add your email and
hand in when you order.
Applies to instore purchase only
Email.................................................................
£150OFF To qualify, add your email and
hand in when you order.
Applies to instore purchase only
Email.................................................................
£200OFF To qualify, add your email and
hand in when you order.
Applies to instore purchase only
Email.................................................................
Voucher entitles you to a bonus discount of £200
when you purchase any item priced at £3000 or
more. May not be exchanged for cash. One voucher
per household. May not be used in conjunction
with any other offer. By providing your email
address you agree to receive our e-newsletter.
OFFER ENDS: 31/03/2013
Furniture made to your specifications in OAK, PINE,
MAHOGANY, CHERRY and YEW FINISHES.
Large collection of Mirrors, Clocks,
Accessories, Mattresses to go
WHEN YOU SPEND£3000 OR MORE &SAVE AN EXTRA £200
Voucher entitles you to a bonus discount of £150
when you purchase any item priced at £2000 or
more. May not be exchanged for cash. One voucher
per household. May not be used in conjunction
with any other offer. By providing your email
address you agree to receive our e-newsletter.
OFFER ENDS: 31/03/2013
WHEN YOU SPEND£2000 OR MORE &SAVE AN EXTRA £150
Voucher entitles you to a bonus discount of £100
when you purchase any item priced at £1000 or
more. May not be exchanged for cash. One voucher
per household. May not be used in conjunction
with any other offer. By providing your email
address you agree to receive our e-newsletter.
OFFER ENDS: 31/03/2013
WHEN YOU SPEND£1000 OR MORE &SAVE AN EXTRA £100
www.carlofurnishers.com127 Barkers Lane Bedford MK41 9RT01234 355 525
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 49
Convert with Con6dence...Convert with Con6dence...
‐ Loft Conversions ‐ Extensions‐ Refurbishments
‐ Design ‐ Planning ‐ Construction
SB Construction Management LtdBromham - BedfordT: 01234 826 339M: 07825 129 017E: [email protected]: www.sbconstructionmanagement.co.uk
Free ConsultationAll Work GuaranteedFully InsuredQuali6ed ProjectManagement
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Sectional Dismantling
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Garden Clearance
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We are fully insured and all
work undertaken is carried
out with respect for you
and your property.
Please call for a Free quote
Tel: 01234 330796
Mob: 07866 554673
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Simply Tree ServicesSimply Tree Services
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 50
All Papered Out
Dickens Jumble Books
Paper £129 Per Roll
digetexhome.com
53
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 51
Boat Stamps £45 (m2)
purlfrost.com
Big Apple
Gold £8.99
wallpapers-uk.com
Iconic Pop Collection
Majesty Mural £79
digetexhome.com
Lotus Black And
White Bathroom
farrow-ball.com
Sophie Conran - London
Lights Coffee £45
arthouse.com
Sophie Conran
Opening Doors
Liquorice £99
arthouse.com
The Old Smoke
Mural £400
zazous.co.uk
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 52
Vintage Twilight
Plum £30
arthouse.com
Happy Tea Party
Mural £99
digetexhome.com
Love London Mural
South Bank 1992 £99
digetexhome.com
New York Sketch
Mural £99
digetexhome.com
Scrap Wood Wallpaper (9m Roll)
by Piet Hein Eek £199
houseknutsford.co.uk
Sophie Conran Bohemia
Black & Red £19.98
arthouse.com
St. Pauls Mural £99
digetexhome.com
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:12 Page 53
Affinitygardening
The pasque flower is a sign that Easter has arrived. This charming
white form makes an interesting alternative to the usual purple
types. The pretty spring flowers are followed by fluffy seed-heads.
They decorate the spot with their attractive colour for up to three
weeks. The low-growing flower features several stems that grow 6 to
8 inches off the ground and support individual blooms, comprised of
six to eight petals in white, red or lavender and bright yellow
stamens.
This flower takes a while to get established and then does not like
being disturbed, so plant it in the right spot and leave it alone. If
happy, plants will self-seed, so leave the seedheads to allow colonies
to build up.
They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
⧫ Continue planting new trees, hedges,
climbers and roses.
⧫ Cut back hedges before birds start to
nest.
⧫ Start to prune roses, removing dead,
damaged or diseased stems.
⧫ Keep off the grass during frosty
weather.
⧫ Buy annual and bedding plants as
small plugs, as they’re such good
value. Transplant into individual 8-
10cm pots and keep in a greenhouse
or a draught-free area for three to
four weeks. Water regularly and
protect from the cold until the
weather is more clement, then plant
out into their final position.
⧫ Deadhead daffodils as the flowers
fade and let the leaves die back
naturally before clearing them away
about six weeks later.
⧫ It’s never too soon to put in plant
supports, like canes or frames to hold
and guide the stems of tall or
climbing plants as they start to grow.
Tie in loosely to begin with, if
necessary.
Affinity Loves.......
Flower of the MonthMarch Tips...
This iron lantern with
stone effect finish, for
indoor or outdoor use,
can be used hanging
or standing.
Also includes glass
hurricane lamp inside.
(N.B. candle not
included)
H29 x D21.5 cm
£22.00
www.miafleur.com
Bird Lantern
56
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 54
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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 55
Easter StyleEaster Style
Chicken Baking Tray
Debenhams
Chicken Egg Cups £6 (pair)
Next
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Marks & Spencer
Easter Rabbit
Candle Mint £4.75
buryred.co.uk
Patchwork & Button Hanging
Egg Decorations - £2.99 Each
tch.net
Villeroy and Boch Bunny
With Cupcake Leaf £11.95
John Lewis
Spotty Rooster
Decoration £4.50
John Lewis
Villeroy and Boch Bunny
With Cupcake £49.95
John Lewis
Yasmin Duck Door
Stop £19.50
Marks & Spencer
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 56
Glass Easter Eggs £5.95
nordichouse.co.uk
Ceramic Salt & Pepper Holders £6
John Lewis
Mini Flower Glass Egg Decoration £1 each
John Lewis
Pair Of Wooden Bunny
Ornaments - £19.99
tch.net
Patchwork Bird
Hook £12.99
tch.net
Patchwork Clip On
Birds £3.99 Each
tch.net
Rustic Spring Chicken
Easter Heart Wreath £12 99
tch.net
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 57
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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 58
What makes you stand out in a crowd?
I have a degree in Sport & Exercise Science; this
provided me with a deep understanding of physiology
and a strong knowledge of exercise psychology, as well
as demonstrating a high level of leadership skills. Add to
this my 10 years of experience with a wide range of
clients, fantastic results and the odd celebrity project, I
think this makes me a great choice as a Personal Trainer.
Your top three movies?
Superman (original 1978), Iron Man, Pulp Fiction
What do you do to relax?
I am always having to be very up tempo in my job so
relaxing is always easy. I love to just chill on my big sofa
with my fiancée, 2 dogs and a decent film. Usually I fall
asleep before the end, so have to watch the rest the
following day.
Your most extravagant purchase and why?
Hmmmm a tough one, I do like my gadgets. However
recently we just bought our first house together so it
was a huge step from a flat. Couple that with a very big
garden and the endless digging I do, then it has to be my
house!
If you could be anyone or anything what would it be?
Love this question! Has to be a formula 1 driver. I love
anything fast and dangerous and I hear the salary isn’t
bad, so I could hire a gardener to do all the digging
instead.
Describe your ideal woman?
Now I better get this right. I had never met her until I
met my Fiancée 3 years ago. So big boned, massive
biceps and a deep voice. Only joking, a great personality,
confident and, of course, a red head with lovely eyes!
Best Holiday destination and why?
I have been fortunate enough to have travelled a fair bit,
but in my opinion you cannot beat Devon (Saunton
sands) on a windy cold day. Wet suits on and into the
surf (I cannot get enough of surfing).
You can’t leave the house without?
Clothes ... got in trouble last time without any.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully surfing every day in good health, with all my
family.
What three people dead or alive would you invite to
a dinner party and why?
Brian Clough as he was the best England Manager we
never had and his leadership skills took an average
group of players to the league title and 2 European cups.
Bruce Lee as he was the best martial artist to have ever
walked the planet and he continues to be an influence to
me. His primary discipline was Wing Chun Kung Fu,
which is what I am trained in.
Ricky Gervais as he only has to say one word and I am
in stitches!
What makes you happy?
Personally – getting all the family together as often as
possible.
Professionally - Seeing a client’s face when they get the
body they always wanted.
Saturday night you can be found where?
Chilling out in the garden with my fiancée chucking a
ball for the dogs (I can’t take my alcohol very well as
drinking regularly and my job do not mix! Hence the 1
bottle of beer).
61
Man
Age: 33
Occupation: Personal Trainer and Self
Defence Instructor
Resides: Bromham
of the Month
Adam
Cochrane
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 59
DENIMREAMS
Backpack
River Island
Bertie Flow
£30 Mens
Dune
Charlie Shirt £45
Voi JeansDenim Gilet
River Island
Denin Jacket
Debenhams
Denin Shirt
Matalan
Jacket
Matalan
River Island
Vine Chambrey
Shirt £45
Voi Jeans
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:13 Page 60
In football we have managed to get over
the lunacy of the January transfer
window and now for football league
clubs, February sees the end of The
Emergency Loan window. A week after
the January window closed, 'The Emergency
Loan' window was opened and players can be
taken for up to 93 days.
The 'Emergency Loan Window' has for many
managers in the Football League become
every bit as important as the 31-day period for
permanent transfers that always ends amid
much frantic last minute negotiation.
Whilst no money can be exchanged to secure a
permanent transfer, they can improve their
squads with as many emergency loan moves as
they like. They are usually to cover injuries or
suspensions - hence the use of the word
'emergency' - but they are increasingly used
strategically by cash-strapped clubs to try and
turn their seasons around.
This involves the 72 league clubs, but as of next
year it will be the last time it occurs for these
clubs because FIFA, in their wisdom, want them
brought into line in 2015 with the Premier
League clubs. Which I feel will make the mad
scramble of January even more bizarre with
people spending money on transfer fees and
wages that escalate out of all proportion.
I don’t feel that these transfer windows help
clubs at all and I feel, particularly the Football
League, should revert to the old system where
during the season anyone can transfer anyone.
This will enable clubs with cash flow problems
to sell a player or two and relieve the financial
burden on them.
On the international front, I went to Wembley
recently to see Roy Hodgson’s new England team
beat Brazil with goals from Wayne Rooney and
Frank Lampard. It was very pleasing to see us
defeat the great Brazil side, who are the
benchmark for other countries across the globe.
Barry Fry
Fry’s
63
www.theposh.com
footie corner
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 61
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 62
65
If you thought The Spice Girls
invented ‘Girl Power’ then think
again! Back in 1979 Judy,
Violet, and the ‘not so dumb
blonde’ Doralee set out on a
mission to take on their sexist vile
boss. Sticking closely to the films
successful script, ‘9 to 5 – The Musical’
promises to be funny and a real feel
good night out!
I caught up with one of the stars, Mark
Moraghan, after being treated to some
show stopping songs from the
cast including the iconic ‘9 to 5’
and ‘Backwoods Barbie’ - a song
that the actress playing Doralee,
Amy Lennox, did justice –
certainly giving Dolly a run for
her money!
Playing the part of the sexist,
egotistical and lying boss
Franklin Hart is Mark Moraghan.
You will recognise him from his
TV credits including Holby City,
Brookside and Dream Team.
Mark is new to the role and when
I caught up with him he hadn’t
yet performed to an audience but
was fully into the rehearsals and
he assured me the rest of the cast
were treating the new boy very
well!
The first thing I notice is the
moustache, something he has
had to grow for the role and it
would appear that it’s taking
some getting used to, having
always been smooth-faced!
However mastering the
American accent he adopted for the
role has been somewhat easier. He
would love to put his great accent to
use as his ultimate part would be to
dress up and be a gangster in
Boardwalk Empire. When asked what
his favourite part has already been it
comes as no surprise, what with him
being an ardent Liverpool supporter,
that his answer is ‘Dream Team’ – the
Sky TV series about a fictional football
team. ‘It has to be the role that
includes one of my passions, football’
he explains ‘So being in Dream Team
was, pardon the pun, a dream!’ You
only have to look at his Twitter to see
how true his passion for football
really is (@MarkMoraghan).
Mark has been acting since the tender
age of 15 after the BBC visited his
school to audition for a Willy Russell
play. ‘When I got the part I was a
young lad and for my age I was
earning good money, so what was
there not to like?’ He was fortunate
that with the part came the much
needed Equity card. ‘Back then it was
a vicious circle trying to get your card
as you needed 12 contracts in order to
apply for one, but it was hard to get
work without the Equity card.
However these days it is a lot easier to
get’. When I asked what advice he
would give to any wannabe actors,
there is no hesitation in his reply.
‘Train, get some formal training - I
went to a drama school in Liverpool.
And you need to get a thick skin’ he
adds wryly. Marks’s first agent was
the actor Ricky Tomlimson which,
obviously, set Mark in good stead for
a very successful career.
When talking about music it is
obvious that this is a massive passion
for Mark, as he becomes very
animated when I ask what he is
currently listening to. ‘The Beauty
Room is a great band, very orchestral
and I like listening to
Whispering Bob Harris on
Radio 2 as he plays some
really good music’. Mark
appeared in the singing show
‘Just the Two of Us’ with
Atomic Kitten, Natasha
Hamilton and finished a
respectable second and he
has also released his own
album.
Another hobby of Mark’s that
he takes great delight in, is
cooking. In 2008 he was
runner up in Celebrity
Masterchef so I ask him what
he would cook to impress an
Affinity lady. ‘A Chinese
Banquet, the menu I
prepared for the Masterchef
final. To start it would be
spare ribs with green and
white jade soup followed by
sea bass and jorts (pork
dumplings). I love nothing
more than all the
preparation, great music on
and then two or three hours
in the kitchen - it’s very relaxing’.
So with Mark’s pork dumplings on
my mind I wish him luck when he
takes to the stage with the rest of cast
with what looks to be a real show-
stopper of a musical.
9 to 5 will be on a Milton Keynes
Theatre from 4th – 9th March to
book call 0844 871 7652 or visit
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Mark Moraghan
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 63
Audi A3 Cabriolet
Prepares for its Grand Finale
Harder, Better, Faster
66
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 64
As the worst of the snow receded from much of
the UK last month, the current Audi A3 Cabriolet
was also withdrawing gracefully with the help of
new Final Edition models which makes the prospect
of spring soft-top motoring even more attractive.
Based on the familiar Sport and S line specification
levels, the new Final Edition variants include
numerous enhancements which maximise comfort,
convenience and driving pleasure.
The A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition takes the
already comprehensively equipped Sport model and
replaces its cloth upholstery with supple Vienna
leather. It also adds front seat heating, rear parking
sensors, automatic headlight and wiper activation,
cruise control and a Bluetooth mobile phone
interface. These comfort and convenience features
are in addition to existing Sport trimmings such as
17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, dual-zone
climate control, a Concert CD audio system with
auxiliary iPod/MP3 socket and a fast-acting fully
automatic acoustic hood.
S line Final Edition models offer even more luxury to
complement their even more sporting stance. They
replace the original 18-inch S line alloy wheel with a
new five-segment spoke design, add full Vienna
leather upholstery in place of the original fabric and
leather combination and boost the list of S line safety
and entertainment features to include xenon plus
headlights with LED daytime running lamps, DVD-
based satellite-navigation, Audi Music Interface iPod
connection and a BOSE sound system.
The premium for the new A3 Cabriolet Sport Final
Edition model is £2,340 over the standard A3
Cabriolet, which also continues in this final
production run. Compared with the cost of
specifying its additional equipment individually, this
premium represents a saving of £1,605. The step up
to the S line Final Edition from the Sport Final
Edition costs an additional £2,435, effectively saving
£3,640 compared with choosing its additional
equipment separately.
Power options for standard Cabriolet models, and
both Final Edition variants, include three responsive
and frugal turbo charged and directly injected petrol
units – the 1.2 TFSI with 105PS, the 1.8 TFSI with
160PS and the 2.0 TFSI with 200PS – or two turbo
charged direct injection diesels – the 1.6 TDI with
105PS and the 2.0 TDI with 140PS. Depending on
the engine chosen, these offer economy potential of
up to 65.7mpg with CO2 output of as little as
114g/km.
With spring in the air we all want to feel the wind in
our hair and the sun on our face and we can with
prices for the final Cabriolet range start from
£21,435 OTR for the 1.2 TFSI standard model. Sport
Final Edition versions start from £23,775 OTR, and S
line Final Editions from £26,210 OTR.
67
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 65
We are going away for the weekend! Not just the six
of us but with five other families, therefore the
party size will total 12 adults and 16 children! So surely
you can understand my trepidation?! Not just with the
weekend away but the thought of packing for all six of
us – a military operation awaits!
Having been away before and with just the one child, I
still manage to forget vital stuff, including the bottle
steriliser and we only realised at midnight and as we
were in the middle of nowhere we had to resort to what
generations before us did – boiling water in a saucepan!
It worked and Rafferty suffered no ill effects – who
needs fancy equipment eh?! At least we have never
forgotten nappies – I don’t fancy my chances of
fashioning a makeshift one with a t-shirt!
A week before, a large piece of paper is sought,
preferably not one of the children’s masterpieces as
they wouldn’t forgive me for ruining such a work of art!
A big list needs to be put together and with so many of
us it has to include everything and split into each person
and then separate headings to include toys and food –
down to the amount of actual apples we will take! This
may seem really anal but trust me there is no other way!
Oh and don’t forget the snacks for the car!
This year we are off to Center Parcs as with so many
children it is an absolute necessity that they are
entertained – we will be resorting to drink anyway
without having to deal with 16 permanently bored
children!! Not only that, it means we can all be in
separate apartments, the thought of us all together in
one house would bring tears to my eyes!! There is
always at least one noisy child who gets up mega early
and wakes up everyone else and it’s usually one of mine!
And there is always at least one drunken noisy Dad who
decides to sing a rugby song at 3am!!
The Friday arrives and after four hours spent packing
we are ready to go! We are 10 miles into our 116 mile
trip before the first child asks ‘Are we nearly there’!!!
Despite entertaining them with in car DVD’s, copious
snacks and a toilet stop, we are asked at least every 10
miles, ‘How much longer to go’?! Finally after what
seems days, we arrive. As ‘The Husband’ and I unpack –
yes everything has to be put away in my anally retentive
world – the children run around at super speed
checking everything out and as we are somewhere new,
the mundane things seems super exciting to them - ‘oh
look Mummy, we have a lovely microwave’!
After the initial trepidation we have a fabulous
weekend! It was a great mixture of doing stuff together
as a big group as well as spending time just as a family.
And of course all the children have a fantastic time! The
older ones can do such activities as Tree Trekking, the
Hi-Wire etc and the younger ones have loads of suitable
stuff to choose from. And of course there are the
children’s clubs you can leave them at whilst you escape
for a peaceful coffee or even if you are really lucky, a trip
to the spa!
I know people will say Centre Parcs can be expensive
however we book ours a year in advance (we have
already booked for 2014!) to spread the cost plus we go
for a weekend in term time. We did have to cut it short
to fit in around school, however I am hoping that next
year we have a very accommodating head who will let
us off a couple of days – well all those activities can be
educational eh?!
Welcome to the musings of Yummy Mummy. Living in Bedford sheis married to ‘The Husband’ and together they have 4 children,
Rafferty 8, Violet 6, Roman 4 and baby Clementine.
Yummy Mummy
All my views are my own and are not intended to offend anyone but alas I may frustrate you as I certainly do myself and
no doubt those around me at times. I would love to hear from you, your views, questions or indeed just to share your
experiences of trying to be a Yummy Mummy. Email me at [email protected]
A Weekend with Friends!
68
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:14 Page 66
Easter Basket Collection £35
Hotel Chocolat
Headphone Jack £6
Marks & Spencer
Gnasher from the
Beano Egg £6
Marks & Spencer
Bobby Bunny £6
Marks & Spencer
Jsen_yellow Bucket
ellajamesliving.co.uk
Six Mini Chicks £5
Marks & SpencerWhere's wally Egg Hunt £6
Marks & SpencerFamily Easter Egg Hunt Basket 390g £5
Tesco
Set Of Two Traditional
Easter Egg Boxes - £4.50
tch.net
White Chocolate Tiddly Chicks £5
Hotel Chocolat
CC hh oo cc oo ll aa ttee
TTrree aa tt ss
Make Your Own Felt
Easter Puppets £1
poundland.com
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 67
70
We picked ‘the beast’ up in San Francisco, our 6
birth 40ft Motorhome was to be our home for
the next week , Our destination Las Vegas and
7 nights of camping en-route.
The RV, as they are known in America, was huge with a
double bedroom to the rear, a dinette convertible bed and
another one over the cab it could comfortably
accommodate 6 people. All mod cons including air
conditioning a microwave and WC with shower assured
us that we would want for nothing.
Travelling East from San Francisco along route 120 we
entered Yosemite National Park approximately 4 hours
later. The winding mountain passes made the journey
exciting an, in some instances, quite frightening as the
road would suddenly disappear around a bend and 40 ft
of motorhome would swing round after it. The National
Park is huge, covering 1170 square miles of breathtaking
natural splendour, the highest peaks more than 13,000
feet above sea level. Probably the most famous being Half
Dome with its western face a sheer cliff of plutonic
granite. Hiking and walking are a must here, but if you
drive through the Park you must stop for a while to take
in the scenic waterfalls and ice cold streams, gain a sense
of remoteness and breathe in clean fresh air.
Our campground for the night in the Yosemite Valley came
complete with bear proof bins and big warning signs
everywhere. Black bears are commonplace in the Park
and although it is rare to run into trouble with them you
are required to be ‘bear aware’. All food stuff must be out
of sight, windows, doors and air vents closed, as the most
inquisitive bears will sniff out or spot an empty food
wrapper and do serious damage to an unattended vehicle.
Even sunscreen and cosmetics are deemed too tempting,
so need to be hidden and, if staying overnight, you are
required to place foodstuff into the bear-proof bins
provided. Alas we didn’t spot any bears but the sheer
excitement of ‘what if ’ was tangible.
The Tioga Pass takes you through the Park to the Eastern
exit at Lee Vining and the beautiful decent towards
Mammoth Lakes, along route 395 towards Death Valley.
Because a hired RV cannot be recovered or towed from
Death Valley it isn’t possible to take one through, so the
only alternative is to skirt around it, a 4 day detour
through the Mojave Desert. Quite possibly the hottest
place on earth in the middle of summer, AC was not
adequate for our needs. The journey however was
fascinating. We followed the route of the heart-rending
tale of the Native Americans who were removed from
their homeland and force-marched to Reservations in
some of the most inhospitable landscapes on earth, many
dying on route without water or shade. Their story
unfolding to us on huge information boards in lay-bys
which soon became ‘must stop’ places of interest and
poignant reminders of man’s hostility to man.
Just east of Barstow is the ghost town of Calico, in searing
temperatures of the Mojave Desert and mostly restored
to its former glory, it is worth a visit to appreciate the
sheer endeavour the miners of the 1880’s must have
endured to extract silver from them there Hills.
Road trip to Vegas
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 68
71
The scenery was both amazing and repetitive, mile upon mile of
seemingly endless road, sand and distant mountains. It felt at times
like we would never reach our destination as the horizon stretched
on forever. Our camp ground for one night was lakeside and another
beside a typical ‘old west’ bar complete with pool table and cowboys
- no two nights were the same.
However, we eventually joined route 40 and after more miles of
desert we detoured onto probably the most famous road in America,
Route 66, for part of the journey. Passing gas stations and motels
straight from the 1950’s, Route 66 really is like stepping back in time.
Our journey into Grand Canyon National Park was reached through
Williams on Route 65, as the park isn’t readily accessible. Very few
roads lead to the Rim and the most awe inspiring view of the World’s
largest Canyon. Camping here is scenic and fresh, the air clean and
cooler than on previous nights. Having spent time exploring the
many walkways and viewpoints, we left Grand Canyon Village and
began our journey into Las Vegas passing the incredible Hoover Dam
on the way - stop and look over the edge of the Dam if you are ever
in the vicinity!
It is important to plan and pre-book your
campgrounds in the National Parks well in
advance, many of them booking a year ahead.
The journey distances can be immense so
checking mileage and not trying to put too much
into one day is sensible.
Our arrival into Las Vegas was timely. After 7
nights on the road in searing heat, inadequate
AC, bone shaking roads and endless horizons we
weren’t sorry to hand the Keys to the RV back.
With the promise of a large bed, refreshing
shower and cool room in our Las Vegas Hotel.
A long and sometimes arduous journey but the
wonderful memories of what we saw and did
will remain with us for a lifetime.
Sue Alexander Eagle Travel 01234 348882
11, Goldington Rd, Bedford
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 69
Dear Sue
There is a man I deal with in business, probably
meeting him once every couple months, we have a
little flirt but nothing more and sometimes there's
quite a lot of contact in between our meetings either
via email or text and sometimes there isn't.
When we do meet he opens up and tells me his
problems (which he has had quite a few of lately). I
never really thought anything of it I am married and
until recently so was he. He is a charmer which
makes me feel good, but it is all done as a little
giggle.
I met him just before xmas and there was nothing
different in his behaviour, although he opened up
quite a lot about his personal issues and had just
started dating a new lady - since our meeting I can't
stop thinking about him, I check my phone/emails
every day to see if he has contacted me (he hasn't) - I
fantasise about him and it is driving me mad - we
have arranged to meet in about a months’ time and I
know if I made the move it wouldn't be rejected, but
do I want to go there - I don't know in fact I am so
confused can you help? Thank you
Deborah
I hope so Deborah, the cards tell me that this man is
making you feel younger and more womanly than you
have managed to feel of late, mainly because you are on
a work/ shop /home route, which is becoming too
familiar as the years go by. His charming and flirtatious
nature attracts you, when his personality does not, just
because he offers a frisson of the old excitements that
you used to find more regularly with your partner. The
moon card shows that you are in a state of emotional
flux, trying to find another side of yourself which has
been overlooked. This man, while charming, would not
be the answer, but would become more of an ongoing
problem, leaving you feeling unsure in both work and
home situations, however, you should take on board
that you do need something more than you are getting
now, to feel happier in your life as it stands.
Dear Sue,
I hope you can help me - I used to have a really good
friend and we did everything together, but because
of her controlling husband we are no longer allowed
to see each other - It has been brought to my
attention lately that he has gone to one of my
business rivals as their PR to try to get one over on
me, this won’t happen but I just feel how many more
years will he continue to be such an idiot - I don't
see my best friend anymore so when will he move
on it has now been 8 years
Much Appreciated
Maria
Hi Maria, I will try…. The first card that I pulled for you
was the eight of wands, which is all about returning
communication. You need to see why as an all
controlling man he feels the need to hurt you, and that
would be that there is in his mind some long standing
hold that his wife feels for you, which he cannot erase
from her mind, so he attacks you in the hope that
hurting you will force this friendship to a more
permanent close. He will continue while he thinks that it
is having some effect. His wife pulled back because she
didn’t want to suffer anymore and drag you down too, it
does not mean that the friendship is over, just held back,
awaiting new contact.
Controlling men become more controlling when they
feel that they are losing battles. His movement in the
area of your life where you feel most peace is an attempt
to make you feel uncomfortable, and should be ignored.
He cannot harm you, as your work speaks for itself, and
he is laying himself open to ridicule by trying. Give him
enough rope, and as the phrase says he will likely ‘hang
himself’, in both a work and social sense.
Sue offers one to one readings on a private basis,
workshops, courses and much more
www.sanctuary-bedford.co.uk
01234 327090
Ask Sue...Sue has over 30 years experience in the psychic field and is an authority on
crystals and psychic energy, and is a world renowned Tarot reader and teacher!
72
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 70
[email protected] Road, MK43 7RBOakley
Phone 01234 824983
TudorRosePatchworkTudorRosePatchwork
Your LOCAL Threadcraft Hobby Shop!http://www.tudorrosepatchwork.co.uk
Present this Magazine and get10% off your next Purchase!*
*Cannot be used with other offers
EveningLacemakingClub
EveningLacemakingClub
Price: £10.25 Per Month
The group meets on a THURSDAYEVERY MONTH
From 7.00 pm until 9.30 pm
Phone the shop for more information!Or download a brochure from our website
Lacemaking is a
striking
example of the
impact of the
Industrial
Revolution, which
turned Britain
upside down from
the middle of the
18th century onwards. When we think about the
Industrial Revolution, we usually think of iron and steel
and steam engines.
The mechanisation of the production of so many types
of product killed off cottage industries, beginning the
rush from the country to the town as craftsmen and
craftswomen were displaced by machines and became
slaves to the factory culture.
Whole families were involved in making lace, man,
woman and child. Schools which taught lacemaking to
young children sprang up in the late 17th century.
Child labour was an accepted fact of life. And it took the
whole family to create enough lace to make ends meet.
Bedfordshire lace was never the finest type of lace made
in England – that was Honiton lace – although some
very nice work was produced. Rather, it was produced
during the mid-19th century for the “masses”, the rising
middle-class family which wanted “nice things” such as
lace-edged tablecloths. But it was a distinct style, or
rather, a series of styles, which were cherished by many.
Lacemaking was one of the first crafts which were
driven into near-extinction by mechanisation. Lace
machines able to create geometric lace were built as
early as 1810, and, to compete, Bedfordshire
lacemasters introduced patterns which couldn’t easily
be created by machine. But the technology caught up
with the craftspeople in the end, and over time
Bedfordshire lace, as did many other types of lace, died
out.
Fortunately the skill was never completely lost, and now
there are many groups of lacemakers in the east
Midlands which make Bedfordshire lace. You can find a
lot of examples of it on the Internet, and they’re well-
worth looking at.
Bedfordshire Lace
@affinitymagz
facebook.com/AffinityMag
[email protected]@affinitymag.co.uk
01234 215523www.affinitymag.co.uk
For all your advertising needs
A big thank you toall our advertisers
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 71
Delphi
I have a dream
74
I was in a house I didn't recognise and my wife
was ignoring me, I kept saying to her " I still
want you, I still want you" and she continued to
ignore me walking from room to room not
answering me - I then woke up and was actually
crying
“Houses in dreams are powerful symbols, as they
often reflect our character and how we feel inside
and out. If a dream house is in a state of disrepair
or “run down” for example, you may be feeling
tired and run down at the time you had the dream.
In your dream you don’t recognise the house, so it
may be you’re feeling unsettled in your home life
or in unfamiliar territory, especially if there has
been a significant event or change in your life
which has had an impact on your emotional
wellbeing. It may be that you feel unclear about
what you want or have made decisions which
aren’t “like you” - in other words you may not feel
yourself at the moment.
Your wife was ignoring you, which may be a literal
feeling, but may also demonstrate a fear you have
about your relationship. Of course, if your dream
mirrors how you feel in "real” life it’s worth having
a conversation with her about the health of your
relationship. Her walking away from you in the
dream, from room to room, may be that you
question if she will be with you as time goes by.
You woke up crying from the dream and this
suggests this is an anxiety dream, perhaps the
culmination of recent events and pressures at work
or at home.
My Top Tips to help you Sparkle:
* Acknowledge how events can shape you: Has a
recent event left you feeling like you’re in unfamiliar
territory? It’s important to acknowledge the impact
life experiences have so make sure you’re taking time
to process how you feel, especially if you’re feeling
displaced, out of sorts or “not yourself”.
* Look after yourself and your relationships: Take
time out to relax, especially in the evenings and at
weekends and wind down before bedtime to help
improve your dream content. If you have fears about
your marriage, talk these through with your wife or
consider mediation which may be mutually beneficial.
* Know what you want: Are you clear about what you
want and what makes you happy? Many people reach
a cross roads at some point in their life and it’s
important to take a step back and ask yourself the
question if you’re where you want to be, especially if
where you are is not where you thought you’d end up!
Remember, though, to acknowledge your wants and
needs will change over time. Just because you’ve made
your bed doesn’t mean you have to lie in it. You can
always make it again. ”
www.officialdelphiellis.com
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 72
A quiet night in.......
Gripping and chilling, with a killer twist, THE BURNING AIR
reaffirms Erin Kelly as one of Britain's foremost psychological
thriller writers.
The MacBrides have always gone to Far Barn in Devon for
Bonfire Night, but this year everything is different. Lydia, the
matriarch, is dead; Sophie, the eldest daughter, is
desperately trying to repair a crumbling marriage; and
Felix, the youngest of the family, has brought a girlfriend
with him for the first time.
The girl, Kerry, seems odd in a way nobody can quite put
their finger on - but when they leave her looking after
Sophie's baby daughter, and return to find both Kerry
and the baby missing. You’ll be transfixed as you
uncover the truth in this unputdownable novel.
Sparks fly between Hollywood heavyweights Mark
Wahlberg and Russell Crowe in this riveting thriller.
Disgraced ex-cop turned private detective Billy Taggart
(Mark Wahlberg) is thrown a lifeline. The Mayor of New
York City Nicholas Hostetler (Russell Crowe) is set on
cleaning up the apparently 'broken' city and hires the
former lawman to act as his eyes on the ground. But
events take an unexpected turn when Billy is hired to
trail Hostetler's glamorous wife Emily (Catherine Zeta-
Jones) and capture evidence of her rumoured infidelity.
A seemingly straightforward assignment soon turns out
to be anything but, as Billy uncovers a shocking scandal.
Soon he's double-crossed and betrayed by Hostetler, the
most powerful man in the city. Now streetwise Billy is out
for justice! A-list stars Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe
bring their commanding talents to this riveting mano-a-
mano thriller, one that plunges audiences into a world
where loyalty and trust are built on corrupt foundations
Heather Mason and her father have been on the run,
always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she
doesn't fully understand, Now on the eve of her 18th
birthday, plagued by horrific nightmares and the
disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she's not
who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper
into a demonic world that threatens to trap her forever
Release Date: 18th March
DVD release
Latestcinemarelease
75
Release Date
1st March
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 73
your guide to .........
What’s OnMarch 2013
Sat 2nd March
Indoor Car Boot Sale, Blunham Village Hall
An ideal opportunity for anyone who has any unwanted items:
homeware goods, clothes, toys etc and wanting to sell them.
£10 a stall
Contact: Marion 01767 640 855
Sun 3rd March
Cruise & Luxury Travel Show 9.30am – 3.30pm
The Sharnbrook Hotel, Sharnbrook, Beds
The opportunity to meet and talk to a wide variety of cruise line
and tour operator partners. Informative talks and presentations
throughout the day. Personal service from experienced cruise &
travel consultants.There are limited places available for the
presentations;
Apply for tickets today!
01234 326758
www.cruiseselect.co.uk
Mon 4th – Sat 9th March
9 – 5 The Musical
Milton Keynes Theatre
Fiesty, fun and oh so fabulous! This show features Dolly Parton's
original hit title song, 9 to 5 which won her an Oscar nomination
and 4 Grammy Award nominations along with her new Tony
and Grammy nominated score. These 18 original numbers that
mix Broadway and pop with Dolly's signature witty lyrics will
have you kicking up your heels. Leave your daily grind behind
and join in on the fun.
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Sun 9th March
The Heat is on at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
For the first time brave challengers can face fire at ZSL
Whipsnade Zoo and raise money for conservation by taking on
the Zoo’s new Fire Walk.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will be welcoming fearless fire walkers to
walk across red hot embers. Led by the Fire Master, those taking
on this challenge of a lifetime will attend a “nothing is
impossible” seminar before stepping out into the flames.
Fire walkers can invite friends and family along to watch them
embark upon their journey across the embers and then enjoy a
complimentary barbecue at the event.
Entry forms can be downloaded from www.zsl.org/firewalk
Gates open at 6.30pm
Spectator tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for under 15s, both
prices include a BBQ token.
Sun 10th March
Sizzling Sunday 11am – 4pm
Burwash Manor
The fabulous new Food Hall at Burwash Manor is thrilled to be
taking part in Cambridge’s latest food festival, Eat-Cambridge.
They will be offering tasting events throughout the festival, but
on March 10th, the Food Hall will be going crazy for all things
pork! Burwash Manor Farm is renowned for its delicious
organic pork products, from ham and bacon to their very own
sausages and they’re going to let you in on a few secrets.
Sun 10th March
Mothers Day at Wyboston Lakes 12pm – 4pm
Delicious three course lunch, music from a pianist and a gift for
all mums
0333 7007 667
www.wybostonlakes.co.uk
Weds 13th – Sat 15th March
The Winters Tale
Milton Keynes Theatre
Leontes has everything a man could want: power, wealth, a
loving family and friends. But he is not at peace. Inside he
harbours a bitter jealousy that drives him to destroy all he holds
dear. Many years later, in a distant country, a journey begins that
may ultimately heal his pain and reunite his family in
Shakespeare’s uplifting tale of reconciliation and forgiveness
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Sat 16th March
Dragonfly 3rd Birthday Party – 10am – 5pm
Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7EY
Dragonfly, the beautiful day spa at Burwash Manor, has been
open for three busy years. So to celebrate, they are holding a
birthday party – and you’re invited!
Their happy team of therapists would like you to join in the
celebrations, so they’re offering pink fizz, birthday cake (of
course!), free mini-treatments and the chance to relax for a
while in their lovely salon.
They’re very excited about their birthday but, being very well
brought up girls, have decided to give their birthday presents to
someone who needs them more! So if you book 3 treatments on
the day, Dragonfly will donate the full cost of the third treatment
to Tom’s Trust...so you’ll be helping yourself feel good, whilst
helping others too.
Sat 16th March
Nearly New Baby Sale 2pm – 4pm
Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford
Baby equipment, children’s clothes from birth, bedding, sleeping
bags, quality pre-school toys, and much more (some items
completely unused/boxed).
For more information: Melanie on 0755 2906157
76
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 74
Sat 16th March
Ladies Night
The Millhouse Hotel Riverside Hotel & Restauran
An evening of drinks, nibbles, shopping and pampering for
ladies of all ages to enjoy.
Only £12.00 per ticket (includes bubbly and canapés)
01234 781678
www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk
Thurs 21st March
Bedford RSPB Meeting 7.30pm
A.R.A. Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford
Sun 24th March
Easter Egg Hunt 2pm - 5pm
St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger, Beds
Come and join us for a fun, filled afternoon this Easter with
plenty to keep the whole family entertained. An egg hunt, stalls,
games and lots of activities to get involved with-it’s a day not to
be missed!
£3 entry for children with each child receiving a chocolate
Easter egg at the end of the egg hunt.
Katrina Brooks 01767 642412
Sun 24th March
Easter Bazaar
Bedford, Biggleswade Cats Protection 1pm
Cardington Village Hall
Lots of stalls, Children's Activities, Refreshments available.
Sat 30th March
Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 4pm
Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7EY
The Rocking Horse country toyshop will be celebrating this
year’s Easter Saturday with lots of fun filled activities for all the
family.
There will be an easter egg trail around the meadows and
courtyards – solve the fun clues to win chocolate prizes. You can
also enjoy, games, mini fair, donkey rides, face painting, refresh
yourself with the Icicle Tricycle and a BBQ or, for those with
weary legs, take a ride on a delightful miniature steam train!
All proceeds from the event will be donated to Tom’s Trust, a
local charity providing funding to help provide support to
children suffering from brain tumours.
Easter Trail £1.50
Sun 31st March
Classic Vehicle Show and Autojumble
Old Warden Aerodrome, Biggleswade, Beds
An enthusiasts paradise, lots of jumble and trade stalls,
commemorative classic style tax disc sticker for all pre booked
exhibiting vehicles. Judging and awards ceremony as well as
discounted entry to the Shuttleworth collection.
www.shuttleworth.org
Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 75
Sarah Wright - Partnert: 01908 696 002 e: [email protected]
Jane Charlton - Partnert: 01908 613 545 e: [email protected]
Family law - tailored for you.When you have to deal with family legal issues, you'll appreciate the straight talking and honest approach of our family law team – as well as their total discretion and sensitivity.
It's an attitude that ensures the best protection all round – in every area, from relationship breakdown to pre-marital agreements. It’s also one of the reasons why our team has been ranked in the top tier of The Legal 500 for the last five years.
Previously known as Harvey Ingram Borneos, we provide expert legal advice across Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire from our o6ces in Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell. We can also meet with you at our meeting facility in Bedford.
www.shakespeares.co.uk
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Affinity March 2013 _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:15 Page 76
A wonderful variety ofcask ales, lagers and wines
Over 50’s Wednesdays2 mains only £9.95 or
2 courses for £9.95 each
A Friendly Welcome Awaits
TheVictoria Arms
The Victoria Arms, High St, Wilden01234 772437
Mothers Day and Easter Sunday Menu1 course - £8.95
2 courses - £12.95Children half price
MainsRoast Chicken or Beef with Homemade Roast
Potatoes and GravyLamb Shank, Mash, Peas and Minted Gravy
Oven Cooked Salmon on a Lemon and Pea Risotto
DessertApply Crumble and Custard
Sticky Toffee Pudding and CustardChocolate Brownie and Ice Cream
Boozy Chocolate TrifleSelection of Ice Creams
Food ServedTuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm
Dinner: 6pm - 9pmSunday Lunch: 12pm - 4pm
T&C’s apply, ask in club for more details.
01234 763 930
fitnessfirst.co.uk
Affinity March 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 18/02/2013 13:21 Page 2
BEAUTY - FOOD - DRINK - HEALTH - FITNESS - STYLE - INTERIORS - MOTORS - WHAT’S ON
MARCH 2013
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2 Church Arcade Bedford
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Affinity March 2013 Cover _Layout 1 copy 12/02/2013 16:11 Page 1