Affinity Magazine

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

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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

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Food ServedTuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm

Dinner: 6pm - 9pmSunday Lunch: 12pm - 4pm

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01234 763 930

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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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Welcome...

Hi everyone

www.affinitymag.co.uk


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


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


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


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


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.


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]

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Guests must be over 18


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

[email protected]

07971 456636

www.susiebavister-permanentmakeup.co.uk

16


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.

[email protected]

07971 456636

www.susiebavister-permanentmakeup.co.uk

FREE consultation with a skin allergy test before any treatments are undergone


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.


19

For more hair tips from Kelly visit our Hair Clinic at www.affinitymag.co.uk

Kelly Gay www.klghairadvice.com


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


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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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


Julie Holl - Personal Trainer - Holl Fitness Studio

07808 739651 www.hollfitness.com23


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


NEW NEW NEWNEW NEW NEEW


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


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


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!


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!


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


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


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.


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!


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

[email protected]

“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

[email protected]

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

This is a great job and has provided our ‘

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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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perience.family with a valuable extra income as well as

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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 ‘

Lindsay

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[email protected]

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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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and half terms.

staff and volunteers to share this commitment.”

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


www.cruiseselect.co.uk

[email protected]

(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

elax and enjoy . Rlevel coachvice in the single Classic rail ser

ocky Mountaineer through the stunning Canadian RRide the R

vice in the single through the panoramic windows

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beyond comparey and comfort is simply The luxur

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. No wonder y and comfort is simply

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vicean impeccable serelax and enjoy . Rlevel coach

An ideal combination with a cruise or as a unique tailor made holdiayocky Mountaineer Rravel aboard theT

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of the single-level dome coachthrough the panoramic windows

An ideal combination with a cruise or as a unique tailor made holdiay surely the best way of exploring the Canadian R,ky Mountaineer r,

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’s the most popular seritbeyond compare

An ideal combination with a cruise or as a unique tailor made holdiay surely the best way of exploring the Canadian R

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Visitors welcome Bedford MK40 3NB

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peace of mind


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


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’


SPECIAL OFFER

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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

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Normally £75 -

v

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PECI OFFER

CIAL OF£20

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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


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Loving the Legstraps

The Legstraps

01234 854112

www.thelegstraps.co.uk


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


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


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


Chicken and Butternut

Squash Gratin


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


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


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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)

[email protected]


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?


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.


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


Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5.00pmSunday: 11am - 4pm

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FurnishersFor people who love choice, quality and value £50

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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



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£150OFF To qualify, add your email and



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Furniture made to your specifications in OAK, PINE,

MAHOGANY, CHERRY and YEW FINISHES.

Large collection of Mirrors, Clocks,

Accessories, Mattresses to go


















www.carlofurnishers.com127 Barkers Lane Bedford MK41 9RT01234 355 525


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

Pruning

Crown Lifting

Crown Reduction

Tree Removal

Crown Thinning

Sectional Dismantling

Stump Grinding

Hedge Work

Garden Clearance

100%

Recycle

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

[email protected]

www.simplytreeservices.co.uk

Simply Tree ServicesSimply Tree Services


All Papered Out

Dickens Jumble Books

Paper £129 Per Roll

digetexhome.com

53


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


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


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


��

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█ Over 23 years experience

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01234 327205

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The space above your head is the room you have always dreamed of

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G. ButlerLoft and Garage Conversion Specialist

Call Jane on:01234 21552307809 499669

[email protected]

Advertise your Business

be part of an

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For a friendly reliable service and a freequote give us a call on 07531 [email protected]


Easter StyleEaster Style

Chicken Baking Tray

Debenhams

Chicken Egg Cups £6 (pair)

Next

Chicken Teapot £25

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


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


Bedford Wheels for Vehicle Servicing & Tyres, Technology you can Lean on!

Bedford Wheels56 College St. Kempston Bedford MK42 8LU

T: 01234 216 662 F: 01234 400 [email protected]

Bedford Wheels for friendly professional advice with competitive prices The price we quote is the price you pay!

Vehicle Servicing - Cars and Commercial Vehicles

∙ Established 17 years ∙ Genuine Vehicle Service Parts Used (Maintaining Warranty)

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Mon - Fri 8am-5.30pmSat 8am-1pm


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


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


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



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


Audi A3 Cabriolet

Prepares for its Grand Finale

Harder, Better, Faster

66


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


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


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


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


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


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


[email protected] Road, MK43 7RBOakley

Phone 01234 824983

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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

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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


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


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.


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


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

[email protected]

76


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


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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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


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2 Church Arcade Bedford

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