villager bedford aug 12

£25Prize

CrosswordSee Inside

VILLAGERThe

and Town Life

Issue 18 - August 2012

Your

FREEcopy

Bringing local business to local people in Bedford and surrounding villages

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts2

3 festivals offering 3 days of great entertainment on 6 stages plus “fringe” events. Comedy. Theatre. Madam Miaow’s Culture Lounge. Children’s Entertainment,

including Panic Circus, Organised Football & Junior Olympics. Hemlock Morris. Groovy Movie Picture House. DJ Wheelie-Bag. Real Ales & Ciders. A Wide Choice of Superior Food plus Farmhouse Ice Cream. General Store. Markets. Supervised

Campsites. Luxury Loos. Hot Showers. Free Car Parking.Further details and tickets from:

www.rhythmfestival.com

RH

YT

HM

FO

LKR

HY

TH

M &

BLU

ES

FRIDAY

ACOUSTIC STRAWBS JIM MORAY & BAND

JAMIE SMITH’S MABON • LUCY WARDSATURDAY

PEATBOG FAERIES DAVID KNOPFLER

THE TRAVELLING BANDIAN MCMILLAN ORCHESTRA RICHARD DIGANCE • WISHING WELL

SUNDAY

SHOW OF HANDSfeaturing MIRANDA SYKES

LAU• SCOTT MATTHEWSMOULETTES • KATRIONA GILMORE &JAMIE ROBERTS + more every day!

FRIDAY

WILKO JOHNSONGENO WASHINGTON

BUICK 6 • MITCH LADDIE BAND JERRY TREMAINE & THE RISING SONS

SATURDAY

THE BLUES BANDBIG BOY BLOATER

DAVE KELLY • CHANTEL McGREGOR ROADHOUSE • LUCY ZIRINS

SUNDAY

OLI BROWN BANDHAT FITZ & CARA

MICHAEL MESSER 2nd MIND BAND CROSSTOWN LIGHTNIN • CHERRY LEE

MEWIS • more every day!

RHYTHM FESTIVALS 2012RHYTHM FESTIVAL • RHYTHM FOLK • RHYTHM & BLUESAUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND – FRIDAY 24 to SUNDAY 26Mansion House @ Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DX

3 Great Music Festivals for the Price of OneFRIDAY

HAWKWIND | THE SLACKERS | THE BEATEDDIE & THE HOT RODS • 3 BONZOS & A PIANO • MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG + more

SATURDAY

BOOKER T | THE DAMNED | ARDAL O’HANLON DENNIS ALCAPONE | KING MOB

HANK WANGFORD & THE LOST COWBOYS • CAPTAIN SENSIBLE BAND • THE GROUNDHOGS • HERE & NOW • THE MAGIC TOMBOLINOS • LEATHERAT + more

SUNDAY

KEN BOOTHE | JOHN COOPER CLARKE | CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN | DAVID RODIGAN

BOOMTOWN RATS • JOHN OTWAY BIG BAND • DELROY WILLIAMS & THE JUNCTION BAND • ATILLA THE STOCKBROKER • KING HAMMOND + more

villager_2012_110512.indd 1 11/05/2012 08:12

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122 3

EditorialBedford Borough Council,Pippa Greenwood, Pippa Duncan, Solange Hando, Sarah Hunt, Alex Brown and Katharine Sorrell

Front Cover ImageStevington Mill - Bedford Tourist Information Centre

Advertising SalesChrista HallamTel: 07868 [email protected]

Design and ArtworkDesign 9 Tel 07762 969460

PublishersVillager Publications Ltd24 Market Square, Potton BedfordshireSG19 2NPTel: 01767 [email protected]

DisclaimerAll adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

VILLAGERThe

and Town Life

In this Issue£25

Prize Crossword

See Inside

VILLAGERThe

and Town Life

Issue 18 - August 2012

Your

FREEcopy

Bringing local business to local people in Bedford and surrounding villages

Crop Circle Special ..........................................................4Stevington Windmill ...................................................... 6A Short Break Can Have Long Term Rewards .............. 8Feel Great This Summer ............................................... 10Gdansk .......................................................................... 13What is Reiki? ................................................................ 16Transition Trouble ........................................................ 17Your Plants Don’t Want a Holiday ...............................26Seasonal Delights .........................................................30Children’s Page .............................................................33Cool Kit for Hot Days ....................................................35Puzzle Page ..................................................................36What’s On .....................................................................38Creating Space.............................................................. 41Parks in Bedford Borough............................................45Fun Quiz ....................................................................... 46

West End WendiesAnd West End Wiggles

20

The Pad Presents DodgyCompetition

23

P&R BathroomsBedford

24

You are now able to view the Villager Magazine online at

www.villagermag.com

Prize Crossword£25 up for grabs!

42


It’s August, and although the crop circle season is nearing its end, now is the best time to go out and see what delights the Andy Goldsworthys of the skies have left us to marvel at this year.Actually, crop circles “appear” around the world throughout spring, summer, and autumn – whenever and wherever there’s a standing crop. But with a fair chance of decent weather and the kids on holiday and needing some diversion, August may be the right month to go and see one, perhaps as part of a day out in the country which might include a pub lunch and a couple of hours in a traffic jam on the A303 (because an awful lot of crop circles “appear” in the Stonehenge area).I say “appear” in quotation marks because of course the contentiousness about them is how they’re made, or more especially who or what they’re made by: freak weather, outer space visitors or human pranksters.Crop circles have been reported sporadically since the 17th century, and the first investigation of their cause, in Surrey in 1880, put them down to “cyclonic wind action”, extraterrestrials having not yet been thought of. From the 1970s, though, they were reported more and more often, attracting more media attention and more theories about their origin. I needn’t go into detail, but by 1991 there was a large body of opinion that they were the work of UFOs or their occupants.Unfortunately for the UFO theorists, in that year a couple of blokes called Doug Brewer and Dave Chorley claimed to have made most if not all of them using nothing more sophisticated than a plank and a length of rope, and were more than

CRoP CIRClE SEASonSPECIAL REPORT

happy to be filmed doing so. Since then there have been crop circle competitions and manufacturers including Nike have used their logos rendered as crop circles in advertising. There’s even a group called Circlemakers that specialises in creating ever more intricate patterns and, like Doug and Dave, is happy to be filmed doing it.But it takes more than a video of a couple of guys with a plank and a length of rope to convince the UFO theorists and although I don’t wish to be disrespectful of sincerely-held views it always seems a bit strange to me to favour a theory you can’t prove over an alternative that can be demonstrated, filmed, and repeated on demand. The UFO theorists – who, given their refusal to believe the evidence of their own eyes, ought to be called the “sceptics” in this case – can point to lots of oddities and anomalies that suggest that Doug, Dave and their successors didn’t create all of the crop circles in the world; but then, we don’t know who painted all of the paintings in the world, but that’s no reason to suggest that extraterrestrials did.I raise the subject of paintings deliberately, because I don’t really care whether it was a couple of blokes or alien astronauts: my point is, crop circles are beautiful and they serve no practical purpose - to me that makes them art. Anyway, believe what you want to believe. But if you’re having one of those Dunkirk-spirit make-the-best-of-the-recession “holidays at home” this August, just Google one of the million or so regularly-updated websites devoted to the subject, choose a crop circle near you, and visit it. You’ll love it. Who needs art galleries?

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Stevington Windmill is a Grade II listed building under the ownership of Bedford Borough Council. It is visited by thousands of people each year. The picturesque landmark has a two-storey body, timber-framed with pitch pine weatherboarding and hosts internal machinery completely restored and in workable order. One of the crosstrees contains an incised date of 1770 which presumably refers to the date at which it was built. Historians predict that the roundhouse around its base was added in the 19th century. The mill operated commercially, mostly grinding cattle feed, until 1939. The sails were finally restored in 2004 and the mill remains in working order. Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough Council, said: “Iconic landscapes such as Stevington Mill are enjoyed by so many. It’s steeped in history. It is not only fully functional, but it is beautiful in design. We are very proud to host it in the borough, and work to ensure it is taken care of so that future generations can enjoy it for years to come.”Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service has deeds for the mill from 1797 to 1951. In 1931 Bedfordshire Historical Records Society published a volume which included accounts of Bedfordshire mills by J. Steele Elliott of Stevington Mill, he observed: “The post-mill, one is pleased to think, still works intermittently. It was considerably repaired about 1900, and previously to that time, was without the enclosed ground floor, the supporting beams resting upon four masonry pillars and open below. The base is of local limestone, and measures 23 feet overall,

STEVInGTon WInDMIll THE ONLY COMPLETE WINDMILL LEFT IN THE COUNTY…

with an interior measurement of 18 feet 6 inches. The mill has cloth-covered sails; these are 6 feet wide and with a span of 54 feet across, but they have been reduced in length, as at one time a hollow was sunk into the ground to allow the sails to turn freely, but even so they still come within a foot or so of the ground; little wonder that a sheep was killed by them which came within the danger zone. The base of the main-pos is unusually massive, being 27 inches square, resting on 10½-inch square cross beams; the post tapers to 22 inches and is circular at the top. It carries an overhead crown-beam 20 inches by 15 inches, and the brake-wheel is 8 feet in diameter. It works one pair of 4 feet 6 inches stones only, and these are fixed in the topmost floor. The present owner is George Field, who purchased it from the previous owner Alfred Raban. Mrs. Ann Franklin was miller in 1848; Edward Favell in 1852; William Raban in 1869; then came James Raban, followed by his son Alfred who was there from 1898 to 1916.”Directions: west of Bedford, south of the Stevington - Bromham road. Open: Keys available from the Royal George Pub (Mon - Friday 12pm - 2pm and 5pm – pub closing time, Sat - Sun 12pm – pub closing time, £5 returnable deposit payable).


Bedford Borough Council has funded KIDS Direct Short Breaks in order for them to provide a support worker, for six hours a month, to selected families with disabled children and young people. This is a 12 month pilot scheme which could benefit up to 30 families from across the borough.KIDS Direct Short Breaks links families to fully-trained workers who then deliver positive activities for disabled children, so that their parents take a break from their caring arrangements, and for their disabled child to have a positive and enjoyable experience at the same time.The initiative is aimed at children and young people with mild to moderate disabilities, who would require one-one support so as to access mainstream activities in the community, or to have a break within the home. Cllr Sue Oliver, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Social Care Services at Bedford Borough Council, said: “A short break gives parents and carers an opportunity to take some valuable time out and enables them to return to their loved one re-energised. I am pleased that we recognise the importance of this role and the positive impact it can have on a family by securing up to thirty families with this extra level of support.”

A SHoRT BREAK CAN HAVE LONG-TERM REWARDS

Rosie Cooke, KIDS service manager, said: “KIDS Direct Short Breaks is a ground breaking service that is simple to use and puts the process of choosing when and where to have a break in the hands of the family. It gives families with Disabled children maximum flexibility and control, as well as providing a practical solution to transform the way local authorities deliver short break services.”“Our service works by setting up families with a secure online account and family profile. This states their likes and dislikes and specific requirements. All families receive a home visit from their KIDS local manager to discuss the service and to carry out a risk assessment.” Once a family have completed their on-line profile and have met their KIDS manager, they either go online or book their short breaks. Families without access to the internet can book via, their local manager or through the helpline on 0845 453 1000.The service will go live within Bedford Borough at the end of July 2012.

To find out more on this scheme, contact Rosie at KIDS Direct Short Breaks,

on 07827 989149 or email: [email protected]

Alternatively, visit KIDS Direct Short Breaks’ website at: www.directshortbreaks.org.uk


Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or Email: [email protected]’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH

Open 7 days a week10.00am – 4.00pm

FrEE entry

Wood Green, The Animals Charity is the registered Trademark of Wood Green Animal Shelters, registered Charity No. 298348.

Wood Green

Animal Fun Day Sunday 16th September

10.00am – 4.00pm £2 adultsA great family day, enjoying have-a-go

dog agility, pet toy making, novelty dog shows, bouncy castle, shopping opportunities

and much more, dogs welcome.

Please visit our website or call us for more information about any of our events at the

Godmanchester and Heydon Centres.

Behind the scenes tours 14th, 21st & 28th August

Booking is essential 1.00pm – 3.00pm £4 per person

Join our Hands On team for a behind the scenes workshop at our Godmanchester Centre. Find out

more about dog, cat, small animal and field animal care, make fun pet toys and feed some of our

animals tasty treats. Suitable for ages 5+.


It’s never too late to start making yourself feel good - both mentally and physically - and summer is a great time get started. Giving a little attention to your diet, exercise and general wellbeing can really benefit to your overall health.Diet - You don’t have to radically alter your diet as even small changes will benefit you. • Blackberries, blueberries, cranberries and

strawberries are all high in antioxidants and fibre, are nutritious and eating great handfuls will fill you up with healthy energy

• All melons, but particularly watermelons are mainly water. They’re healthy and a great option if you need something sweet

• Courgettes, mushrooms, leeks, asparagus, onions, peppers and garlic are all delicious grilled or roasted with a light brush of olive oil. High in nutrition and flavour, low in calories

• There are no rules for salads - just put in any vegetables or fruit that you have, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and avocado. Combining different greens or lettuces, such as cos, romaine, Chinese leaf, rocket or watercress make salads more interesting and are cheaper than buying the ready-packaged salads. Add beans, couscous or tabouli for a bit of substance.

• Alcohol is high in calories, so reduce this by enjoying a white wine spritzer (50/50 wine with sparkling water) or going for a non-alcohol

FEEl GREAT THIS SuMMERBY PIPPA DUNCAN

alternative, such as lemon barley water or lime cordial with sparkling water.

Exercise - This doesn’t have to mean daily sessions at the gym or long-distance running. The key to weight loss is using up more calories than you’ve eaten, and there are lots of ways you can achieve this:• Walk. Sounds simple - and it is. Start by walking

locally three times a week for just 20 minutes. Build up the pace so that you can do the route more quickly and extend the time to 30 minutes by extending your route. If you can fit in four walks a week, or even every day, go for it - you will notice the difference.

• Yoga is a great exercise for stretching and toning your muscles without having to break out into sweat. In the summer heat, your muscles are already warm and relaxed. Even better, find a class held outside to enjoy nature along with your session.

• If you are exercising in the heat, remember to keep to the shade and wear a hat to protect your head and neck. Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes and help you to avoid squinting, causing lines around the eyes.

• Gardening is great exercise as you use a wide range of muscles and are constantly moving.

Wellbeing - We all have to deal with stress at some point and research shows that it’s actually the small things in life (being stuck in a traffic jam, forgetting to pick up the dry cleaning, missing a work deadline etc) that causes more tension and anxiety than the major life events. So, allow yourself some ‘me time’. This simply means doing things just for yourself and just for the pleasure of it. Allowing yourself 20 minutes a day to potter in your garden, read the paper, or even take a nap calms the mind, lowers blood pressure and, just as importantly, gives you a few minutes to just ‘be’. More recent research shows that we don’t necessarily need eight hours sleep. Many of us can exist quite happily on less but what’s important is the quality of your sleep rather than the quantity. Try to stick to a routine, even with the lighter summer nights, winding down and avoiding alcohol too late in the evening. If your room gets too warm, fans are a great way to cool the temperature and their low hum will help you drift off to sleep.


Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean

or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more.Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated & completely spellbound? This is Cabaret,

close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to

performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic

entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come.

(Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).Please phone or email for details

07719 261147 • 01767 260671www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk

email: [email protected]

The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean

Maharajah of Sandy OPEN 7 DAYS 5.30PM - 11.30PM22 Market Square, Sandy SG19 1JAwww.maharajahofsandy.co.uk01767 689743/680475

Exquisite, modern Indian cuisine Fully licensed Takeaway menu available Climate controlled

Inspiring menu, voluptuous flavours, wicked spiciness, authentic cookingDELICIOUS FOODReserve your table now!


Before After3 Victoria Place, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9RN

www.victoriaplacedental.com

With the Six Month Smiles rapid tooth coloured brace system stunning transformations like this are possible within months.

Contact us for a complimetary cosultation to assess your suitabilityand you could be on your way to a brand new smile by Christmas!*

Plus, commission your braces by September 30th 2012 with this advertfor a 10% discount on your case. This offer applies to new cases only.

*Treatment times vary and cannot be predicted. Average time is six months.*Treatment times vary and cannot be predicted. Average time is six months.

Victoria Place Dental Practice01767 313896

[email protected]

Would you like a nice straight smile by New Year?

It’s not impossible!

Introducing

Before 2 Months Later!


Spires and domes, gables, towers, elegant façades festooned with frescoes and dormer windows, Gdansk’s finest buildings reflect centuries of flourishing trade at the mouth of the Motlawa river. Ships from all over the world still dock for maintenance and repairs while ferries and yachts sail downstream towards the Baltic Sea.Meanwhile at the heart of town, Europe’s biggest medieval harbour crane looks down on the river. Once powered by four giant wheels, it rises, eerie and awesome, a dark silhouette jostling for space among gaily-coloured buildings, café-terrace and boutiques gleaming with Baltic amber. Gdansk loves amber, a local tree resin millions of years old, crafted into jewellery, trinkets and artwork. There are 100 different kinds, most precious the gems with a bluish hue, most common the yellow and orange colours shimmering like sunlight on the river. From the old fish market to the Green City Gate, the waterfront promenade is a perfect picture postcard, historic town tucked away on the left bank and on the other, a sprinkling of tavernas, old royal granaries, a small marina where riggings tinkle in the breeze, the Millennium bridge in the distance and a maze of canals and islands which feel like the Little Venice of the Baltic North. Now and then, an archway lets you peep into the old historic centre hiding behind the tightly-packed buildings along the riverfront.Gdansk suffered heavy losses in wartime but the Historic Centre has been beautifully restored and the city is as magnificent as ever. Stroll down the Longmarket towards the Golden Gate or delve into the flower-draped lanes and you want to stop every step of the way to marvel at such rich

GDAnSK on THE MoTlAWA RIVERBY SOLANGE HANDO

architecture, here the Main City Hall in Gothic Renaissance style, there Neptune’s monument, the city’s landmark alongside the crane, the Golden House on the Royal Route, the Great Armoury, a classic example of Dutch Mannerism, the balustrades and statues crowning so many buildings, the city gates and a dizzying number of churches from St Catherine’s the oldest to St Mary’s, the largest brick church in Poland. Bells chime now and then and when the sun sets, red brick towers and green domes glow like magic across the cityscape.For history buffs, there are museums to explore, from the amber museum, in the daunting Executioner’s House and Prison Tower, to the history and Solidarity museums. Here and there, monuments recall significant events and people, the local astronomer Hevelius, the Polish soldiers who defended Westerplatte on the first day of WWII or the shipyard Solidarity workers who, in August 1980, changed the course of history in Poland and beyond. Pop into the Main City Hall to enjoy the splendid interiors and superb panorama from the top of the 80 metre high tower.Far below the streets are abuzz; artists, buskers, shoppers and tourists filing into the pastry shops replete with cheese cake and Polish doughnuts. But sooner or later, the river calls you back. Just across the Green Bridge, the city’s favourite meeting point, sleek pleasure yachts prepare to cruise across the bay to the lovely spa resort of Sopot where the people of Gdansk like to relax at the weekend and myriad swans glide undisturbed, under the longest wooden pier in Europe.


ALLDERSOPTICIANS

Bedford01234 344866

www.alldersopticians.com

£50 O F FRodenstock EyeLT lens range*

Up to 40% better vision in the near range

Rodenstock Impression® progressive lenses with the new Eye Lens Technology

*Terms and conditions apply

Peaceful Living

Reiki, the natural way to bring balance and harmony into your life. Reiki relieves stress,

helps heal physical and emotional pain, enhances sleep and relaxation.

Sarah offers Reiki treatments, Past Life Regression Therapy, Reiki, Crystal, Angel and

Meditation workshops & Readings.

For more information call Sarah now on 0845 4681550 or email her at [email protected]

You can also find out more about Sarah and the services she offers at www.peaceful-living.co.uk

Reiki is the name given to a healing technique which originated in Japan. The word Reiki literally means “Universal Life Force Energy”.The Life Force Energy is found everywhere and in everything, and is what sustains us. It is not our own personal energy but rather that of the universe.Reiki is channelled through the practitioner so that the recipient’s body can draw the energy to the parts of the body that need it. The practitioner will also receive Reiki whilst giving the treatment. During a treatment the Practitioner may place their hands lightly on or just above the body. Reiki has a deeply relaxing effect as it works on body mind and spirit creating a sense of peace, health and well-being.

WHAT IS REIKI? BY SARAH HUNT


A new school can be tough. Read our guide and help your child make the change with confidenceSome children find it easy to start at a new school. They are good at making friends and can adapt to new routines and surroundings. For others, it can be a traumatic experience as they struggle to settle in. It can also be a difficult time for parents, who may not know how to help. Most children will start a new school at some time – whether it’s because the family moves house, the child has been bullied, or simply as they move up through the education system. Fortunately, there are lots of ways that parents can support children through these changes. Here are some suggestions:• Make sure you attend the open days offered by

the new school. This is a good way to familiarise yourselves with the teachers, other children in the class and the layout of the buildings.

• Carefully read the information provided by the school. Make a note of key dates and get to know procedures before term starts.

• Children are likely to be experiencing a mixture of feelings – they’re excited about the changes ahead, but also anxious about how they’ll cope. Encourage them to talk about their fears and suggest solutions. If you can’t solve their problem instantly, talk about ways that you can find an answer.

TRAnSITIon TRouBlE? BY ALEx BROWN

• If your child isn’t moving schools with a close friend, try to identify at least one child they will recognise. Arrange to meet up in the holidays so the children get to know each other. Encourage your child to join a lunchtime or after-school club to meet children in other classes who share their interests.

• Keep praising your child for how well they are coping with this big change. If they are feeling confident, they will find it easier to deal with new situations.

• If your child is starting a new school in the middle of term, perhaps after a bad experience, reassure them that this is a fresh start. Keep calm and positive and your child will pick up on this.

• After the long summer holiday, it can be difficult to get back into the school routine. In the week before they return, start getting up early again and re-establish a regular bedtime.

• Be prepared: have a trial run of the route to school and get together uniform, bags and stationery supplies well in advance.

• A few wobbles are always to be expected when a child starts a new school, but if problems persist for more than a few weeks or seem more serious, arrange to speak to your child’s teacher. They would always prefer you to come to them early if you are worried.


Part time advertising sales people requiredfor our exciting new special projects.

Experience preferred but not essential.

If you have a bubbly, confident and outgoing personality and want to

work hours to suit from home...

please call Nigel or Christa on01767 261122

Or email [email protected]


It was ‘West End Wendies’ dream to create a school where every child felt part of something special and unique. In under a year, Adelle Young and her husband Wyn Moss have established a flourishing Performing Arts school with an enviable reputation.From humble roots, delivering promotional leaflets door to door upon leaving a five year stint in the West End production of Chicago, to opening a second school, West End Wendies is thriving at the South Bank Arts Centre, Bedford.Children of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy all round theatre training from experienced West End performers. Every child is offered one to one attention experiencing as much or as little as desired with singing tutors, film and theatre actors and West End dancers, performers and leading show Creatives. It has become Bedford’s most exciting school and a perfect springboard for the aspiring performing, raising the bar and building confidence and transferable skills.The popularity of the Saturday workshops has allowed for an afternoon session opening this September. Mirroring the morning, it promises to be jam packed with drama techniques, scripts, popular songs, inspiring choreography and regular visiting guest artists from every West End show imaginable.Along with weekly classes, unique Holiday experiences inspire and engage. This August sees Mamma Mia Mania hit Bedford and along with previous workshops will see success at

an unimaginable level. The Easter workshop followed themes of the hit Broadway and West End production of ‘Wicked’. The week was cleverly planned, allowing each child to play a part, sing or dance solos in a fully working Theatre with the added bonus of lights, sound, costumes and props. Led by West End royalty each child reached personal milestones and no one was left in the wings during a unique showcase for invited family. West End Wendies students have also been engaged to appear in professional productions, most recently An Evening of Dirty Dancing on behalf of Stage Acts Entertainment. Children took to the stage at the Corn Exchange in June along with leading names in the industry to perform hit numbers from the most classic of popular shows. The feel good concert had something for everyone and the audience were on their feet, swept away on a wave of nostalgia as they sang along to hits including: Do You Love Me, She’s Like the Wind and the timeless Oscar winning (I’ve had) The Time of My Life. The children enjoyed the full experience, and true to life each received a red rose and opening night card from Wyn and Adelle.With huge successes enjoyed at the recent River Festival and an exciting term ahead of them why not join the school for an open day on Saturday 1st September. Any child is welcome from the age of 4 please see website for details.

www.westendwendies.com

WEST EnD WEnDIES & WEST EnD WIGGlES OPEN DAY SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER


8pm, Friday 10th August @ Esquires, Bromham Road, Bedford

The definitive Brit Pop line up of Nigel Clark, Andy Miller and Mathew Priest is back... The first time round, Dodgy were only together for seven years but in that time they sold over a million records worldwide, released three albums and 12 Top 40 singles, including 3 Top 10s and the Top 5 hit Good Enough, still a staple of the Radio 2 playlist; sold out the Brixton Academy for three nights in a row and were awarded an unprecedented 90-minute Saturday evening slot on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival in 1997 just before Radiohead. Not bad, considering that they also partied harder than an Ewok. Besides the hits, such as Staying Out For The Summer, Good enough, So Let Me Go Far, Making The Most Of, If You’re Thinkin Of Me, Melodies Haunt You, In A Room, and the epic Grassman, the guys have also recorded a new album that has put them firmly back on the musical map with rave reviews from the likes of Q, NME, The Independent, The Sun and even Heat magazine and since reforming in 2010 Dodgy have

been selling out venues across the UK and come to us at Esquires as a little warm up show for the V Festival! This is a show not to be missed!Support on the night comes from local legends Bowfinger, back together again and packing more punch than ever. To complete the line up we have the beautiful Rebecca De Winter, with a sound that fuses the alternative pop soul of Ryan Adams with the pure piano balladry of Ben Folds and Regina Spektor. Tickets are on sale now priced £13 from Dannys bar at Esquires, Luscious Juice Bar in Lime St, and online at www.seetickets.com FREE AFTERSHOW FOR ALL GIG GOERS:An aftershow party is included in the ticket price at the seminal classic 90’s indie revival night - THE TEA PARTY which takes place @ The Pad Nightclub playing the greatest hits of 90’s Indie, legendary Brit Pop tunes and Madchester classics, doors open at 11pm until 3am, free admission with a Dodgy ticket stub or £3 before Midnight..

http://www.dodgyology.com/ www.bedfordesquires.com

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO DODgy - V FESTIVAl WARm uP ShOW

AT ESquIRES, BEDFORDFRIDAy 10Th AuguST

Just answer this question:How many albums have Dodgy released?

Please send your entries to the address below by 7th August 2012.

Dodgy Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

C O M P E T I T I O N • C O M P E T I T I O N • C O M P E T I T I O N

THE PAD PRESEnTS DODGY + BOWFINGER + REBECCA DE WINTER


P AnD R BATHRooMSHERE TO HELP AS YOU GROW OLDER

Although most of us enjoy planning for the future, planning for a future with the most practical view is not always a comfortable experience. Paul Kynoch from P and R Bathrooms explains how they advise their customers:

‘No one wants to go to the trouble and expense of replacing their bathroom on a regular basis, that’s why, when it comes to planning your bathroom, it makes real sense to think of the future. As we grow older certain practical measures can make using the toilet, bathing or showering more pleasant or even possible. A slightly higher toilet, a very low shower tray, easy-clean shower screens and a lower bath with a strong handrail make all the difference. And even if they are not needed straight away, our designs make these features so stylish, there’s no need to compromise your tastes.’I would certainly agree with Paul as I wander around the large Bedford showroom and discover that it takes real effort to spot the slight modifications that he has described. Next to one bath is a grab bar which looks exactly like a chrome soap dish while next door is a wet room with a colour-matched flip-down seat that blends so seamlessly, so elegantly, it really is just a part of the furniture.‘We have made a real effort to source not only good quality bathrooms from only the most reputable and reliable companies but we have also included features which are musts for our older customers and those planning for the future. We stock non-slip tiles in many styles


P&R BATHRooMS9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ

Tel: 0845 434 8401Website: www.pandrbathrooms.co.uk

Open 9:00am-5:00pm Mon - Fri 10:ooam-4:00pm Saturday

and offer the option of single lever basin mixer taps which are brilliant for both the very young but also anyone suffering with arthritis who may struggle to grip another kind of tap. We specialize in fitting thermostatic showers which do not alter their temperature when water is used elsewhere in the house – much safer and more comfortable for all the family.’I ask Paul more about design. ‘We offer a design service as well as the complete installation package – as much or as little as our customers need and we really listen to what they want as well as taking on board what will work in their home and with their personal tastes – now and in the future. For example, if someone has a bath installed we will always recommend that they purchase a few more tiles so that if the time comes that they feel that a shower tray would be more practical, they are able to have one installed and there are enough tiles to avoid buying new ones for the whole room. ‘Our wet rooms can be installed both downstairs

onto concrete or upstairs onto wooden floors and we can also save customers so much upheaval by using Mermaid paneling, a type of waterproof boarding that is quick to install and makes transforming your bathroom so much easier – it looks really lovely too.’‘Basins are not necessarily static items’ Paul continues to explain, ‘They can be set higher than usual for anyone who has difficulty bending and we can supply and fit baths which are lower and so much more easy to access.‘None of these items, whether they are part of a complete bathroom package or modifications, need to look like medical or specialized equipment. The fact is they are not, they are just variations of the norm which make life more comfortable for so many people who like a stylish bathroom as much as they always have.’P and R Bathrooms, with their impressive showroom and team of designers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and installers are just a phone call away. Why not consider your future and plan a bathroom that will be not only a delight to use now but also an invaluable an investment in times to come?


If you’re going on holiday shortly, don’t forget that your garden and plants will appreciate some TLC before you leave. An hour or two spent sorting out your plants can not only help to keep them going whilst you’re sunning yourself elsewhere, but also help to make your house look less abandoned in your absence. So before you grab a suitcase, make sure you spend some time in the garden.I’m certainly not a lawn buff, but whether your lawn is your priority, or like me it’s more of a patch of grass than a bowling green, sort it out before you go. Give it a thorough mowing, cutting it as short as you dare but without ‘scalping’ it by cutting too low. Next take a pair of lawn edging shears, a half-moon edger or simply a sharp spade and neaten all the edges, including those next to flower beds. The effect of edging lasts far longer than mowing and will not only stop the lawn moving into the flower beds, but also make the grass appear more recently maintained.Make sure that all plants, especially those in containers and those forming fruit whilst you’re away, are given a good feed before you go. Liquid feeds usually have the speediest response, but if you’re taking a long trip, controlled release fertiliser granules will last for longer. If you use a dry or granular feed, make sure that you water it in well unless it’s just about to rain.It really is worth persuading a friend, relative or neighbour to pop in to your garden and do the odd bit of watering. Make sure to suggest that they pick the sweet-peas, harvest some veg and so forth, then you’ll both benefit.A good, thorough watering of the garden will mean that plants in open ground should be unharmed by hot weather for a good while. Plants in pots and tubs are totally reliant on you if there is not much rain, so make these your priority, and tell your plant-sitter where all the containers are, especially those out of sight. Many plants cease flowering if faded flowers are left on them and allowed to start to form seeds. This means it’s extra important to remove every faded bloom before you leave. If you’re off for more than a week, I suggest ‘dead heading’ not only the faded flowers, but also those which are just starting to fade. A sharp pair of scissors or just your finger and thumb should do the trick.Hanging baskets are invariably in the hottest, sunniest pots in the garden and with their roots

YouR PlAnTS Don’T WAnT A ‘HolIDAY’BY PIPPA GREENWOOD

up in the air they are especially prone to drought. Unless you have a really reliable watering helper lined up, it’s best to carefully lower hanging baskets and stand each one on its own pot in a shady spot where it will dry out less quickly.Planters and patio pots lose moisture very readily especially if the weather is hot, windy or, worse, a combination of both. By carefully grouping the pots together in one place you’ll not only make it easier for your holiday helper to find them all, but will also create shade around the roots of the pots, so reducing the risk of drought and heat damage. Try to position more drought tolerant patio plants such as pelargoniums, towards the outer edge of the group, and more drought prone plants towards the cooler centre of the group.Make sure that your garden sheds and other storage areas are properly secured so that there’s less chance that any light-fingered guests will burgle your belongings. It’s worth giving the padlock keys to a neighbour, just in case there is anything in the shed that might be needed in your absence.Ladders, mattocks, spades and other gardening items that could be used to break into your house (or the shed) should be removed completely, or locked away out of sight so that they don’t encourage burglary.Finally check that plants are healthy and that any new outbreaks of pests or diseases are treated or dealt with before you go - leave a handful of whitefly in your greenhouse, or a few greenfly on your roses, and there may well be a full-scale disaster zone when you return!Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and order your ‘Winter Thru’ Spring’ Vegetable Collection. Orders close soon. Whilst there, visit the new products area for a great selection of products including signed copies of Pippa’s books, Grower Frames, cloches, raised bed kits, delightful terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, biological pest controls and lots more!


BEAVER SHEDSQuality Bespoke Timber Buildings

• Sheds • Kennels • Offices• Summer Houses• Playhouses • Cabins

23 Spinney Road,Chawston, Bedford, MK443BW

Monday - Friday – 8am-5pmSaturday - 9am-3pm Sunday – Closed

Tel: 01480 212336www.beaversheds.co.uk

Unique Landscape

We specialise in Patios, Fencing, Clear Ups

Turf Laying, Hedge Trimming Tree Cutting, Tree Felling,

Planting, Pruning, Driveways, Printed concrete,

Stencil Concrete, Decking ...and much more

Free Quotations Reliable Friendly Service

Mob: 07717 760851 Office: 01480 434401

e:[email protected] www.uniquelandscapes-huntingdon.co.uk


GILKS FENCING LTD

Tel: 01767 681746 Fax: 01767 681776www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: [email protected]

QUALITY AND SERVICE

Membership No. 200424

Supplying of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public.•Closeboard Fencing• TGV Gates• Trellis Made to Customers Design• Lap Panel Fencing• Railings• Chain Link• Knee Rail Fencing• Concrete Slotted Posts• Professional Installation Available

•Maintenance free•Environmentally friendly•Stronger and lighter than concrete posts•Unique natural wood-grain finish•Dual faced fencing posts and gravel boards•Will not rot, crack, chip or split

We are looking for show gardens to promote this exciting new product. Excellent prices

for the first few selected. Interested? Call us.

New Address for Gilks Fencing Ltd

Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX


A Complete and Comprehensive Tree Care Service since 1907

For over 100 years, Bartlett Tree Experts has led both the science and services that make your landscape

thrive. No matter the size or scope of your needs, our arborists bring a rare mix of groundbreaking research, global resources and a local service approach to every

task at hand. Trees add so much value to our lives; Bartlett adds even more value to your trees.

For a free quote please contact your local arborist Tim Brown

01234 354 [email protected]

www.bartlett.com

Tree & Shrub Pruning | Planting | Tree Removal

Hedge Cutting | Stump Grinding

Woodland Management | Disease & Inseact Control

Bartlett Tree ExpertsA Complete and Comprehensive

Tree Care Service Since 1907

honey Fungus – Armillaria Phytophthora root rot is a widespread disease of landscape plants. Several species of Phytophthora attack the fine absorbing

roots of plants and may invade larger roots and the root collar. The name Phytophthora is a Greek work literally meaning “plant destroyer”. These fungi grow in the cambium and sapwood causing death of the tissue. Loss of water and nutrient

absorbing capacity and stored carbohydrate reserves in the root cause a gradual, or sometimes-rapid decline of the above ground portion of the plant.

Phytophthora is a water mold therefore diseases caused by these fungi are most common on soils that are poorly drained or receive excessive irrigation. Consequently, root rot is common on newly developed sites where soil is severely disturbed or compacted from construction activities. Phytophthora is also a common disease in nurseries. Decline and death of new plantings may result from outplanting diseased stock. Oaks, Beech, Rhododendron, fruit trees (Prunus, Malus), Cornus, Sugar and Red maple and Zelkova are particularly prone to collar rot from buried root collars. There are many other trees and shrubs susceptible.

Symptoms include a reduction in shoot growth; small leaves, thinning of the crown, chlorosis, twig and branch dieback and eventually death. Diseased roots are reddish brown and brittle. Decline occurs over a period of months or years before death occurs. Rapid wilting and death of the entire plant. Leaves turn red then brown and usually remain attached. Phytophthora lesions may extend into the root collar, which causes girdling of the stem and rapid collapse of the crown. Phosphite sprays and/or soil drenches to stimulate tree vitality are recommended Treating surrounding susceptible plants on a preventative basis also is recommended.

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01234 354 673Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford uK


SEASonAl DElIGHTSHOME-MADE BURGERS - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

It’s the barbecue season and nothing tastes better than delicious home-made char-grilled burgers. Follow these top tips for great burgers.• Always choose good quality premium minced

steak for the best flavour but pick one that has some fat in it – don’t buy extra lean mince as the burgers will dry out too much during cooking. Try asking your local butcher to mince some rump or chuck steak with about 20% fat content. For four quarter pounder burgers you’ll need 500g mince.

• Mince is fairly bland so you’ll need to add plenty of flavouring. Grated or very finely chopped onion and minced garlic form the basic flavouring but you add whatever dried or fresh herb, spice or seasoning you like. You’ll need to add 5-10ml (1-2tsp) salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper too.

• A handful of fresh breadcrumbs and a little beaten egg will also help to bind the mince together and prevent the burgers from breaking up during cooking. Whizz all the ingredients in a food processor until the

mixture starts holding together or use clean hands to mix as thoroughly as possible.

• Shape the burgers into round flat discs with wetted hands. To get perfectly round shapes press the mixture into a metal pastry cutter. Don’t over handle the burgers or they will be tough and dry when cooked.

• Ensure that burgers are cooked all the way through and there is no pinkness in the middle. To check this press the burger down with a fish slice – if there are pink juices oozing out then cook for a few more minutes.

• If you want a change from the classic sesame seed bun why not serve the cooked burgers on top of wedges of toasted ciabatta bread spread with a little mustard mayo or pack into warmed and split pitta breads with salad or coleslaw.

• Try a fresh tomato relish instead of ketchup – just peel and finely dice a couple of ripe plum tomatoes and mix with a little olive oil, fresh chopped basil, a pinch of sugar and salt and freshly ground black pepper.


SEASonAl DElIGHTSHOME-MADE BURGERS - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW


August tends to be the month we start looking for ways to battle against the heat. It’s boom time for fans, but if you have some cash to hand you can find something considerably smarter than the typical bladed job: Brookstone’s Bed Fan ($79.99 plus shipping from the US) is a height-adjustable fan that directs cool air over you when you’re in bed, while Dyson’s immensely clever Air Multiplier (£159) wafts a powerful blast of cooling air without the buffeting and chopping of traditional fans.Fans can only do so much: if you want to reduce the temperature rather than just move air around, you’ll need an air conditioner. There are lots of models to choose from, with prices as low as £160, but the biggest choice of portable models cost around £250. Models such as De’Longhi’s NF170 cools the air in the summer and doubles as a dehumidifier to prevent condensation and damp during the winter.f course, an air conditioner isn’t much use if you’re out and about, but clothing firm Columbia reckons it has the solution: Omni-Freeze, a specially developed fabric that transmits heat away from your body and feels cooler than normal fabrics, and Omni-Freeze Ice, which is activated when you sweat and, Columbia says, lowers the temperature of the fabric. It’s far from cheap - expect to pay around £40 for a base layer top or £45 for a polo shirt - but we’d rather see the great British male wearing such technical clothing than getting his top off and tummy out. The slightest hint of sunshine sends most of us into the garden for lounging and barbecues, and a big part of that is having a drink in the great outdoors. Luckily there are all kinds of gadgets designed to keep your drinks cool. The Ravi Instant Wine Refresher (£20) is chilled in your freezer, and when you want to use it you simply stick it on the neck of the bottle and let the wine pass over its internal coil, dropping the temperature by around 15 degrees. That means it’s best suited to red wine. For white, the Menu picnic wine cooler (£35) uses a thermal jacket to keep your wine chilled until it’s ready to drink. If the party’s far from home, there’s a huge range of car-powered portable fridges; expect to pay around £50 for a good one. If your tastes are more beery, the Tinchilla Instant Can Cooler

Cool KIT FoR HoT DAYSTHE COOLEST GADGETS FOR SUMMER

(£12.99) uses thermal conduction to cool a can of lager in just 60 seconds: all you need is a bit of ice and a pair of AA batteries. It’s even possible to find cool gadgets to help you sleep. The superbly named Chillow (£27.50) is a “personal cooling pad” with a foam core, rather like memory foam, that you fill with water. Although it’s designed as a sleep aid, the manufacturers also suggest that it’s a good way to stop your laptop making your legs too hot; they’ve even created the Compusooth (£39 in a pack with the Chillow) to go under your hands and keep them cool while you’re using your computer. While you’re at it, you might want to invest in a cooler for the laptop itself: they’re susceptible to warm temperatures, and a device such as Belkin’s laptop cooling stand (£21) can help prevent overheating.

Belkin Laptop Cooling Pad

Mini Chillow Cooling System

Dyson Air Multiplier


How to play It’s simple! Fill in

the grid so that

each row, column

and 3x3 box,

contains the digits

1 through to 9 with

no repetition.

Use your logic to

solve the puzzle.

Watch out! Sudoku

is highly addictive.

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22

23 24

25 26

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W x Y Z

9 X 9 PuZZlE

CoD

EWo

RD

36 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts


01234 855 00707795 821 595

Special o�er: Fixed price

Boiler service

only £60

Odell & SonPlumbing and Heating

•Local family run business •Same day service •No job to small •O.A.P rates

Gas leaks boiler breakdowns, installations & servicing. Power flushing, cookers & fires fitted & fixed, bathroom

installations, toilets, ball valves, water mains, burst pipes, showers, new radiators & outside taps.

Gas safe registered

Tel: 01234 855 007Mob: 07795 821 595

37 Ridge Rd, Kempston MK43 9BS


29 July-4 AugustCople Music Festival

29 July - Concert and Afternoon Tea in the Church from 2pm. Tickets £10.

1 August - Music Quiz, Five Bells from 6pm.3 August - Music in Five Bells from 8pm

4 August – Cople Proms in the Village Hall and Playing Fields from 3.30pm. Bands, Hog Roast, BQ,

Bars and raffle. Bring chairs, blankets and flags. Entrance Adults £2, under 16s free.

The Charity of the year is the British Heart Foundation.

Tel: 01234 8386597Email: [email protected]

Web: www.cople.org.uk/events.asp

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 AugustChildren’s Nature Discovery

2-4pm RSPB The Lodge, SandyAdults free, Children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3

Enjoy a fun and informative walk spotting birds, butterflies and dragonflies and get hands-on with

some bark rubbing and other great activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tel: 01767 680541Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 AugustWhist Club

7.30pmGreat Barford Bowls Club, School Lane, Great Barford

Cost £1.50Every Wednesday.

Tel: Beryl Seymour 01234 308844

1 & 17 AugustDate with Nature Dusk Watch

7.30pm til late RSPB The Lodge, SandyRSPB Members £4, non-Members £6 including car

park and entryAn exciting evening event, experiencing the sights and sounds of the reserve as darkness creeps over and secretive nocturnal creatures begin to emerge!

Booking essential.Tel: 01767 680541

Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

3 AugustRoll-up Evening

6.00pmGreat Barford Bowls Club, School Lane, Great Barford

Flat soled shoes required; the club will provide additional equipment. New comers most welcome.

Every Friday through to September.Tel: Beryl Seymour 01234 308844

WHAT’S on?IN AUGUST

3, 6, 10, 17, 20, 24 & 31 AugustMinibeast Safari

2-4pmRSPB The Lodge, Sandy

Adults free, Children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3Kids love to delve and discover the bugs, beetles and

beasties living in the undergrowth on the reserve. Booking essential. Children must be accompanied by

an adult.Tel: 01767 680541

Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

3 & 4 AugustThe Importance of Being Ernest

7pmRSPB The Lodge, Sandy

Adults £12.50, Children £8, under 7s free, Family 2+2 £35

We welcome the return of the Pantaloons for their fourth successful year with an outdoor

performance of The Importance of Being Ernest on the lawn of The lodge. Bring your blankets, picnics

and chairs and a bottle of course, to enjoy a fun, outside performance. Please note no dogs at the

performance.Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

4 & 5 AugustThe Brothers Grimm

2pmRSPB The Lodge, Sandy

Adults £12.50, Children £8, under 7s free, Family 2+2 £35

We welcome the return of the Pantaloons for their fourth successful year with an outdoor performance

of The Brothers Grimm on the lawn of The lodge. Bring your blankets, picnics and chairs and a bottle of course, to enjoy a fun, outside performance. Please

note no dogs at the performance.Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

5 AugustAugust Military Pageant Air Show

Gates open 9am, flying starts 2pm, vehicle parade 1.30pm

The Shuttleworth Collection, Shuttleworth (old Warden) Airfield, Biggleswade

Adults £20 in advance, £25 on the gate, children freeThe Shuttleworth Collection Military Pageant Air

Show with vintage and modern aircraft. Ticket also gives entry to Swiss Garden and Bird of Prey Centre.

Web: www.shuttleworth.org

Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise

please email the details to [email protected]

39

10 & 24 AugustWhist Drive

7.30pmMoggerhanger Village Hall

Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. Refreshments included.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information

11 AugustBat Night

8.30-10.30pmRSPB The Lodge, Sandy

Adults £5, RSPB Members £4, Children £4, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £3

our popular night walk, searching for the bats that live and feed on the reserve.

Please bring a torch. Must book and pay in advance.

Tel: 01767 680541Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

17 AugustBingo Night


Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, raffle and licensed bar.

All proceeds to support the Village Hall.Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727

19 AugustCountry Fete11am-4.30pm

St John’s Hospice, MoggerhangerEntry £1.50, children under 14 free

In the grounds and field behind the hospice. Steam engine and fairground rides, trade stalls, dog show, pony rides, animal demonstrations, classic cars, children’s entertainment, dance & music, BBQ, hog roast, cream teas and more.

Tel: 01767 642412Email: [email protected]

Web: www.sueryder.org/events

25-27 AugustFlower Festival “This England”

12-5pmAll Saints Church, Kempston

Refreshments, Bric-a-brac, Face painting.www.allsaintskempston.com

27 AugustKempston Flower Show

2pmAddison Centre, Kempston

Admission 50pVarious classes include, flower arranging, cookery,

handicrafts, photography & Children’s classes. Teas & homemade cakes available.

Large Raffle and Tombola. Auction 5pm. Schedules for the show are available from the

Addison Centre, or telephone 01234 354487.

29 AugustSocial / Dance

8-10.30pmMembers £2.50, non-Members £5. Pay at door.

Addison Centre, Kempston, BedfordBedford organ & Keyboard Club presents well-

known organist John lee.Tel: 01234 344423

Web: http://www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/bedford2/

9 SeptemberCompanion Dog Show

Pedigree and Novelty ClassesRegistration from 9.30am. Pedigree Classes

commence 11.00 am /novelty classes commence 11.30 am

G & M Growers, upper Caldecote, nr Biggleswade SG18 9Bu

R.A.T.S. (Re-homing Animal Telephone Service). Stalls, home-made refreshments available.

All proceeds go directly to helping the animals in our care.

Tel: 01234 871174Web: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk

6 JulyBingo Night


Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, raffle and licensed bar. All proceeds to support the Village

Hall.Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727

13 & 27 JulyWhist Drive


Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. Refreshments included.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information

WHAT’S on?IN AUGUST


Are you feeling cluttered, chaotic and claustrophobic at home? Katherine Sorrell offers six quick and easy tips to help create more spaceStep One: Clear out that clutterIt’s boring but simple: sort through your stuff. All your stuff. Unless you’re absolutely certain you want to keep it where it is, then put it into boxes or bags marked for rubbish, recycling, giving away, mending or storing elsewhere. If it’s too painful to do this all at once, aim for one room per week, or else do ten minutes a day – then make a habit of keeping on top of it, with regular sort-outs. You’ll be amazed how much extra space you find when your house is no longer crammed full of unnecessary clutter. Step Two: Create super-efficient storageEvery nook and cranny around your home can be used to store your possessions in a neat and organised fashion. Built-in cupboards make the most of space, as they can be made to fit into the most awkward of corners, and stretched right to the ceiling for maximum capacity. Paint them the same colour as the walls and they will blend in brilliantly. On the other hand, off-the-shelf storage tends to be cheaper, more flexible and whether it’s a vintage French armoire or a cheap coloured plastic bucket, can be tailored to suit your style and budget.Step Three: Lighten upStart by ensuring that your windows are brilliantly clean, that curtains or blinds don’t block them, and that furniture is placed in just the right spots to make the most of natural light. As for artificial lighting, bear in mind that the traditional central pendant, used on its own, creates gloomy corners and offers no atmosphere. Instead, think about employing a more interesting combination of different types of lighting for flexibility, comfort and interest. For a quick upgrade on a budget, simply replace main light switches with dimmers, and plug in a selection of table or floor lamps at key points, to layer the lighting and emphasise special features.Step Four: Be flexible with furnitureWhen you have run out of space, it makes sense to take a long, hard look at your furniture and make sure that every single piece is worth its place in your home. Simple, slender styles have the least impact in a small space, while pale or

CREATInG SPACEBY KATHERINE SORELL

transparent pieces blend into the background, and anything raised on legs will make your room seem larger (because there is more visible floor area). In general, avoid deep upholstery, bulky outlines and fussy detailing. Special foldaway or compact furniture can help – but don’t sacrifice comfort or function – and with a touch of lateral thinking you can turn ordinary furnishings into dual-purpose ones, such as a chest of drawers that doubles as a bedside table or a coffee table that includes space to store magazines. Step Five: Add glass and mirrorsWith a little thought and not too much expense, simply hanging a mirror can create the illusion of space where it does not exist and double the apparent size of a room. One positioned opposite a window will distribute the maximum amount of natural light; near a light fitting, a mirror will reflect its brilliance around the room. Glass, too, provides vistas from room to room or from inside to out, really opening up a home. If you are having building work done, consider glass walls, floors or even stairs, but for quicker, cheaper solutions you could opt for glass doors, glass or acrylic furniture or see-through accessories such as lamp bases, door knobs and vases. Step Six: Use clever colourColour can manipulate our sense of space enormously. Pale colours seem to recede, enhancing a sense of spaciousness, while darker colours absorb light and therefore appear more enclosing. Colours on the ‘cool’ spectrum, such as blue and green, are more distancing than ‘warm’ colours such as red and yellow. Whites, off-whites and cool pastels are, therefore, perfect for making small spaces seem larger – and they look sophisticated and contemporary, too, especially when combined with the natural textures of materials such as timber and stone.


Across1 Cut short (4)3 Adversary (8)9 Error (7)10 Board game (5)11 Very eager (12)13 Informal (6)15 Small piece of food (6)17 Books giving meanings of words

(12)20 Relating to the moon (5)21 Absence of sound (7)22 Moving very fast (8)23 Spheres (4)

Down1 Business (8)2 Start of (5)4 Written in rhyme (6)5 Now and then (12)6 Protect the eyes (7)7 Throw (4)8 Produced (12)12 Small bunches or groups (8)14 Physics or chemistry (7)16 Untie (6)18 Lying within (5)19 Add to (4)

42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

sponsors of

THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD

Name:

Address:

Tel:

2nd Prize£15

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below

before 17th August 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

1st Prize£25

Last Month’s Crossword Winners

Congratulations to:1st - Mrs. C Stevens from St Neots

2nd - Ellie Jones from Wrestlingworth

The VillagerPrize Crossword


Qualified professional engineer25 years experience

I specialise in solving your plumbing problems

Tap washers to boilersAll work guaranteed

No job too smallYour local recommended engineer

Tel: 01234 772603 Mob: 07702 481 385

Gas Safe Reg No 112449 LPG approved

KPC Property Services• Kitchens&Bathrooms• Plumbing&Heating• Painting&Decorating• Carpentry• Tiling&Flooring• GeneralMaintenance

Highly recommended,well established,professional services.

Superior workmanship at a fair price

Kieron Chapple 07900 [email protected]

Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself?

parent company est. 1998

Contact James on: 01767 260188or Mobile: 07812 666081

email: [email protected] can also book at www.ovenmen.com

We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home.

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • ExtractorsAgas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept)

Single Oven (all racks/pans inc) .......................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) ....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) .....£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ...................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean) ............£12 Hob .................................................................£12 Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free


Parks in Bedford Borough have once again been named among the best in the country.Addison Howard Park, Bedford Park, Priory Country Park and Harrold-Odell Country Park have all retained their Green Flag status. This is the 11th year in a row that Priory Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status by The Conservation Volunteers, GreenSpace and Keep Britain Tidy.Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said; “It is fantastic news that the borough’s parks have again retained their Green Flag status. This is wonderful recognition of all the hard work which goes into looking after our parks and green spaces throughout the year and I would like to thank all the volunteers and the Council staff who contribute to this effort.“Local residents can be rightly proud of the parks and green spaces in the borough. We will continue to work hard to ensure they remain clean and attractive places to visit for people of all ages.”If you are interested in helping at one the borough

PARKS In BEDFoRD BoRouGH NAMED AMONG THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY

parks or open spaces as a volunteer with our park rangers, gardeners, litter pickers and other ground staff then contact Bedford Borough Council’s Pride in Bedford team on (01234) 718276 or visit www.bedford.gov.uk/volunteering.

For further details on our parks and green space attractions, events and volunteer opportunities,

please visit: http://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/

parks_and_open_spaces.aspx


DElIVERY PEoPlE

REQuIREDlocal people for

The Villager or people with transport

for additional contract delivery jobs.

Please email nigel for more details

[email protected]

TV AERIAL &SATELLITE SPECIALIST

See our website for acomprehensive list of our services

www.allbandaerials.co.uk

CALL FREE0800 7317988

To discuss your requirements or to make an appointment

ALLBAND AERIALS22 Bedford Road

Lower Stondon, Beds SG16 6EA

Before After

1. Who won eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics to add to the six he won in 2004, breaking the record for having won more career gold medals than any other Olympian?

2. Which country is due to host the 2016 Summer Olympics?3. After flying from Athens to RNAS Culdrose, in which English county did

the 2012 Summer Olympics torch relay begin?4. Which European country holds the record for winning more medals than

any other in total at the Winter Olympics?5. Which famous person declared the 1936 Summer Olympics officially

open?6. In 2007, after claims that his hairstyle looked like the 2012 Olympic logo,

which politician said “you can say what you like about my hairstyle, but it’s never caused epilepsy and cost significantly less than £400,000 to design”?

7. Which country’s four man bobsleigh team at the 1988 Winter Olympics was the inspiration for the 1993 film Cool Runnings?

8. The 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow were boycotted by a number of nations due to the Soviet Union’s invasion of which country?

9. In 2012, London became the first city to have hosted the Summer Olympics how many times?

10. The title of “world’s greatest athlete” is traditionally associated with the winner of which Olympic event, after King Gustav V of Sweden said “You, sir, are the world’s greatest athlete” to the winner of this event at the Olympics in 1912?

Fun Quiz - The Olympic Games

1. Michael Phelps 2. Brazil 3. Cornwall 4. Norway 5. Adolf Hitler 6. Boris Johnson 7. Jamaica’s 8. Afghanistan

9. Three 10. The decathlon


Advertising in The Villager is easy.To find out more call Christa on

07868 369257 or email [email protected]

Business gone a bit slow?

let us help!

C l a s s i f i e d sFull Service Washes

Commercial and Domestic LaundryIroning Service

Football KitsFree Collection and Delivery Service

19a Elstow Road, Bedford, MK42 9NU

Contact Rachel on 07889 516044

Laundrette Services

renewable solutions

To find out more about solar energy, and to book a free site visit/quotation from our Solar Advisor, call now on

01767 680912 www.bsgsolar.co.uk

With government incentives for consumers to install and use solar power systems, and the growing concerns on our environment, Solar PV systems are now more economically attractive

than ever before.A major benefi t of placing your PV panel requirements

with us, is that we employ our own experienced and qualifi ed technicians to fi t the panels on the roof, or

other structure. For any challenging installations our own fully accredited scaffolding and roofi ng companies will ensure your roof “is in safe hands”.

Offering Quality 4kw Systems from £6,500 !

Village NEW ad June 2012.indd 1 23/07/2012 09:53:46

villager bedford aug 12

Documents

rhythm festivals

local people

junction band atilla

alex brown

villagertheand town

adverts23 festivals

days of great entertainment

folkrhythm blues