Welcome As 2011 draws to a close we will inevitably engage in a little self-reflection with around 45% of us making resolutions for the New Year. Sadly, according to statistics, about 25% of these are likely to be broken within the first week! Contact us ... General Enquiries [email protected] 01234 783159 At OVL we have discovered the answer. Resolutions should be achievable and fun with immediate benefits so that we don't want to give them up. In this edition you will find lots of suggestions that fit the bill. Why not see in the New Year with a new hairstyle? Try basketball or yoga if you're thinking of taking up a new sport? Or fulfil your West End dreams with theatre training from professional performers? We also have two fantastic prizes to give away. Start the New Year with a bang by learning to shoot at Sporting Targets or give your face a fresh, new appearance with a chemical peel at Enhance Cosmetic Solutions. Advertising Nikki Wilkinson [email protected] 07557 747744 Jacqui Hagen Features Editor [email protected] Michele Coombs Art Editor [email protected] Website www.ousevalleyliving.com Love magazines? We wish you a wonderful Christmas and a truly happy New Year. Love OVL Michele & Jacqui Ouse Valley Living Ltd, Barnholme Cottage, 7 High Street, Sharnbrook MK44 1PG www.ousevalleyliving.com All adverts are printed in good faith. However, Ouse Valley Living cannot take responsibility for the content of the adverts or the services provided by the advertisers. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. © Ouse Valley Living 2010 OVL is printed by The Manson Group (01727 848440) on paper sourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based. Front Cover With thanks to Adidas Inside DECEMBER/JANUARY 12 ISSUE 70 New Year, New You 14 18 21 22 YOGA Strictly come stretching HAIR New style for the New Year ADVENTURE Atlantic challenge SPORT Beds Lions Regulars 9 9 31 32 34 38 42 48 59 60 46 62 YOUR LETTERS OVL postbag WHAT’S HOT Must-have, must-do FOOD Spicy soup STYLE Baby, it’s cold outside NATURE Great outdoors GARDENS Rosemary’s tips COLMWORTH Take a walk MUSIC Album reviews SPEECH Chilhood communication BOOKS Maggie O’Farrell MOTORS Peugeot 508SW HOROSCOPES It’s in the stars Competitions & Quizzes 28 63 54 73 73 WIN! Clay shooting WIN! Chemical peel £50 WINNER! Announced WHOSE AD? Win 2 leisure passes SUDOKU Square numbers Other Stuff 66 DIARY DATES and useful info 68 CLASSIFIED Directory of small ads 14 18 8 www.ousevalleyliving.com Your letters Dear OVL Just a quick line to thank you and OVL for running the feature on Oakley Motorcycle Club in your October edition. It is greatly appreciated. Regards, Roger Bays Dear OVL RE: Race Room vouchers Thank you for informing me of my win. I have not won anything for years. Glenn Daniels Dear OVL I have just enjoyed your latest edition and I would like to be entered into the competition to win a Browns of Stagsden Turkey please. Many thanks! Ruth Patrickson Dear OVL We love OVL and look forward to receiving it every month. It is great because the A5 format means it fits snugly into my handbag-cum-backpack so I can take it away on our travels to read in the quieter moments. Dear OVL We received your November edition this morning and look forward to reading it as we find it informative and interesting. However, your competition 'Whose ad is it?' shows a closing date of 17 October?! Not much chance of winning this month although the answer is Commerce Windows. Regards, S Butler We apologise for the error and have submitted your entry to the competition. Dear OVL I came across Jacqui Wright's articles and advert in OVL and contacted her regarding my daughter's spoken language and hearing skills. Jacqui's expertise is helping diagnose my daughter's problems, with probable Auditory Processing Difficulties, for which I had not been able to access formal support through the NHS route. Here are some pics of my husband Dave reading his OVL. Hope you like them enough to publish them. Kind regards, Alison Barron We are totally relieved and thankful for Jacqui's support and guidance to enable our child to function to the best of her abilities at school. Thank you, C. Lincoln The 2011 winner is announced in this edition so look out for your photos in our February 2012 issue! We love to hear from you: Dear OVL Love your magazine and look forward to it dropping through the letter box. Thank you for your November edition another great read. Thank you, Helen Gadsden OVL Barnholme Cottage 7 High Street Sharnbrook Bedfordshire MK44 1PG Vans. Designed by Paul Van Doren in 1966, Vans have gone from strength to strength. Originally inspired by the skateboard culture, these shoes have recently been seen everywhere. The hottest casual wear. Come Fly With Me Series 2. After success last year, Little Britain duo David Walliams and Matt Lucas have made a second series of BBC's Come Fly With Me. Apparently our old favourites will be returning, with some new characters thrown in... Puss in Boots - Need to bribe your little darlings into being good this Christmas holiday? How about a trip to the cinema to see our favourite character from Shrek, Puss in Boots, star in his own film? To be released 9 December. Onesies. Yes it's true, we are taking fashion tips from babies. In our defence, they are very comfy and warm to get us through the chilly winter nights! [email protected] F&F at Tesco 10 www.ousevalleyliving.com Image with thanks to Adidas 12 www.ousevalleyliving.com A new era in personal training has arrived in Bedford - Universal Fitness is a purpose-designed studio run by the best personal trainers and sport scientists in the industry, providing one on one personal training, rehabilitation, sports performance enhancement as well as classes in Powerplate, TRX Suspension training and boot-camps. what works and what doesn't. I believe that I owe it to everyone who is lost in the jargon of quick fixes and empty promises to develop a company that actually delivers real training with real results and that is a sentiment shared by my partners, sports scientists Dave Sanders BSc (Hons) and Craig Worley BSc (Hons)." Sports Director Grant Mohle was fortunate to have played rugby, cricket and golf at a competitive level but his participation in weight training began to take its toll. Grant said, "At the age of 21, five years after starting training, I had lower back, shoulder, ankle and knee pain which I now know was caused by too much repetition and incorrect posture while lifting weights that I couldn't control with good form. The team at Universal Fitness starts by accurate assessment of physical condition and prepares a specific programme that gives the desired results using the latest techniques, knowledge and equipment. "Six years of studying every aspect of sports training has taught me Real Training - Real results Grant has made a remarkable difference to his clients' lives: "I've suffered with persistent hamstring problems from an early age. After countless hours of rehab and numerous professional opinions, I'd all but given up hope of playing competitive sport again. But Grant has got me there! After his initial assessment he quickly identified a number of weaknesses and imbalances previously undetected that gave me a fresh approach to preventing further problems. After only two months I'm back and feeling stronger than ever. Can't thank you enough mate!" Jack Nelly 25 "I've seen many Personal Trainers in my time but Grant Mohle is definitely up there with the best in the business. He's more than just a trainer. His versatility in his workouts and training programming keep you on your toes, make you learn and get you fit and healthier in a short space of time. You can really feel his passion in what he does, which reflects right through to the core of his customers." Giovanni Rizzo "Three days, three mountains, 20,000ft… I did it! Thanks Grant for getting me in the best shape physically, mentally and emotionally to not only complete the Wild Woman Snowdonia 3000 Challenge but enjoy it too. I could not have done it without you." Carolyn Dawson Contact the Universal Team on 07528 369771 and book in for a free assessment, free training and free classes for the rest of 2011. There are limited numbers so don't delay. Universal Fitness is conveniently located in the grounds of The University Of Bedfordshire in Sidney Road, Bedford, MK40 2BQ. Open seven days a week 8am 9pm with plenty of parking. Universal Fitness Ltd Body Hub, Alexandra Sports Centre, The University of Bedfordshire 07528 369771 Grant Mohle, Director Strictly Come… Stretching Image: The Dancer Pose Do you know your Waltz from your Cha-Cha-Cha… or your Bikram from your Ashtanga? The world of yoga can be confusing but as with dance there are various styles, some of which are faster or more physically challenging than others. You'll know you've found the right style when you leave your class feeling much better than when you arrived! Liz Truckle My Story When I was busy working in the travel industry in St Albans, I would head up the motorway every Wednesday to my evening yoga class, driving like a woman possessed. I would be stressing about arriving on time, worrying about the work I had rushed and generally be 'catastrophising'. Fortunately I would arrive safe (if not quite 'sound' in mind) and class would begin. We would lie down to focus on our breathing (what bliss!) before working through various yoga poses (asana) until we ended the class with a fabulous period of relaxation (savasana). By the time I left, it was as though someone else was emerging from the hall. I would serenely return to my car and drive like a different person on the way home. The practice of Yoga (meaning 'union') highlighted the lack of 'union' or 'harmony' in my life - and it wasn't long before I decided to train as a yoga teacher. That was a while ago. Now, when I teach yoga my aim is to pass on the benefits to others. Yoga is not all about stretching and putting your feet behind your ears (what a shame I hear you say!) but it is to work with a balance of strength AND flexibility… to be aware of the breath… and to allow people to find their own sense of 'union' and 'harmony'. Bit of an Overview 'Hatha' yoga is a generic term for the yoga that we practise in the west. It involves postures (asana), breathing practices (pranayama) and relaxation/meditation. Under the 'Hatha' yoga umbrella, one popular style is Iyengar yoga, named after BKS Iyengar who came to the west from his native India. His purpose was to educate people with a strict and very precise form of yoga which is still very popular over 50 years on www.bksiyengar.com Another popular yoga style is Ashtanga, as introduced by Pattabhi Jois (think Madonna and Sting) http://kpjayi.org/biographies/k-pattabhi-jois which can also be a strong practice but in a different way as it involves moving quite swiftly between the postures in set sequences - building heat in the body and using a specific breathing technique. Then there is 'Hot' yoga, which is often based around 'Bikram' yoga www.bikramyoga.com which involves holding 26 different static poses in a heated room (100+ degrees)! Think sweating and detoxifying from the inside out. Then there are different ways of practising yoga: in a swimming pool (Aqua Yoga), combined with Pilates (Yogalates) and there's even Laughter Yoga. But these are just a few of the many variations that have developed from this very ancient Indian practice. So if your teacher says you're practising 'Hatha' yoga, this indicates that it's not a specific style with a set approach. Yoga developed as part of Ayurveda - the traditional medicine of India - which recommends certain practices to bring the body to balance, based on your particular constitution. With no doctors or medicine to rely on when yoga first appeared over 4,000 years ago, people developed natural ways of keeping their bodies and minds healthy. An Individual Approach In yoga we practise according to our current focus, situation and ability; we take into consideration our flexibility, strength, stamina, age and the time of day and season of the year. With a morning practice the body may feel as though it has aged dramatically overnight in comparison to the same body during an evening practice. People's needs are unique so in a group class it's important to note that yoga is non-competitive and students are encouraged to practise to their own level. Having said that, I have seen a DVD of a yoga championship which, although very impressive, was slightly missing the point perhaps? During our practice we are encouraged to focus on the breath and on movements in the body. If we notice we have become distracted we are encouraged to guide our attention back… to the breath… to the pose… and to the union and harmony that is yoga. Improving Performance I am particularly interested in how yoga can help people in their day-to-day lives - whether as a desk-bound office worker, a mum looking after children, someone who drives extensively during their day, or an athlete looking for optimum performance. I am following this through with a Yoga Sport Science e-learning course to build on my current experience which will provide me with the expertise to work specifically with athletes, an athlete being defined as anyone with a regular training programme who wishes to improve their performance - from someone aiming to run their first 10k to a professional athlete. If you're interested in finding out more about improving your athletic performance visit www.yogasportscience.com or email [email protected] For local yoga classes go to www.bwy.org.uk For more information about Liz Truckle go to www.yogamoves.co.uk 16 www.ousevalleyliving.com www.ousevalleyliving.com 17 Images: with thanks to Paul Mitchell Hair: A New Style for the New Year? We all make resolutions for the New Year perhaps to lose weight or get fit but why not see in the New Year with a new hair style? A new colour or change of hair cut can transform your look and help you bring the New Year in with a bang. Kelly Gay or most of us, the salon brings back memories of an over-zealous stylist who got a little too scissorhappy or, sinking further into the salon chair, you were told how bad your ends were. It doesn't need to be like this though. So when you book your appointment for a new style, remember the following F It's not compulsory Just because the stylist thinks you'll suit a heavy blunt fringe doesn't mean you have to have one. Think of your lifestyle. That school run will be a nightmare if you need to fit in a blow dry before you leave the house. Know what you want Have in your mind the style and end result you want from your salon. Take pictures of inspiration, and don't mumble something about layers and say, "You know what I mean". Describe everything and make sure you have a clear idea of what you and the stylist have agreed at the end of the consultation. Ask advice - Ever watched the stylist work their magic with a hairdryer and wished you could recreate the same look at home? Ask them to show you! Most will be more than happy to show you some easy tips and tricks to give your new style the salon look at home. Research your face shape - You can find yours by looking in a mirror and pencilling around the reflection. Stand back and you will see your shape. Search online for styles that suit yours and you have a great starting point when you get to the salon. Some key trends seen on the catwalk for 2012 are shorter hairstyles; the pixie crop and the bob cut are the perfect update to your look. Working some colours through the hair will add depth and avoid the hair looking flat. Make the colour unique to you - go for semi-permanent colour for a boost without commitment. And if you aren't feeling brave why not work a shoulder length cut with the hair resting on your shoulders. This is a great look, and surprisingly low maintenance. A fringe can transform your look instantly, and there is one to suit everyone, whether it is a face-framing full fringe or effortless side-swept fringe. And if you don't fancy a complete change, make sure you give your hair a much needed pamper with a deep conditioning treatment. Start 2012 as you mean to go on, with great looking healthy hair! 20 www.ousevalleyliving.com ATLANTIC ROW E 3000 miles, 6 m en, 1 boat, n January 2012, the start of the Olympic year, local man Ian Rowe will be part of a six-man crew setting out to break the 30 day 'barrier' for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Current world record holder Matt Craughwell skippers the crew which includes round the world cyclist and BBC presenter Mark Beaumont. I Matt has made their goal clear: 'We are setting out to break the 30 day barrier which many people feel is impossible but, following a series of sea trails to select this crew, my belief is we have a great chance'. Backing the challenge are former Olympic rowing champions Martin Cross and Tim Foster who work with Bedford-based personal performance coaching company, Gold Fever. Martin commented, 'The sheer scale of this is hard to imagine. Rowing two hours on, two hours off for 3,000 miles is quite simply brutal'. Ian Rowe added, 'This is really exciting for me, not least because I've talked about it for ages and now it's going to happen! We hope people will use our attempt to inspire them to set their own challenges for the New Year and achieve them as we cross the ocean'. The logistics of the attempt are staggering. 3,100 miles from Tarfaya Morocco to Barbados rowing 2 hours on 2 hours off for 30 days will be immensely draining on the crew, both physically and mentally; it's a ruthless system designed for speed not comfort. Normal sleeping patterns are impossible to achieve particularly in a 1 ocean, 1 ody ssey communal cabin not much bigger than a single bed. The crew will contend with 20mph winds and 30ft waves and will be burning up to 12,000 calories per day just to keep the boat on track. With each day's food pack consisting of just 5,000 calories this will result in a 2-3 stone weight loss per man over the course of the journey. These aren't just speculative figures either. In Matt's world record-setting voyage he and his crew each lost between 20-25% of their body weight on arrival in Barbados. Ian's final words and the answer to a question he says many people ask him is a simple one: 'Bucket and chuck it'. Now try and guess the question! That's a suitable image to leave you with if you were still thinking this record attempt was a glamorous affair because in reality it will be a gruelling challenge in every respect. You can follow Ian's progress via a live race tracker at www.worldoceanrowing.com or if you want to find out about further Gold Fever projects please visit their website at www.gold-fever.net Crew picture: Back from left to right; Aodhan Kelly, Simon Brown, Matt Craughwell, Mark Beaumont. Front: Ian Rowe, Yaakov Mutnikas SPORT Beds Lions Basketball Club How do you channel all the energy your children have at the weekend, especially if it is raining? In the Lincroft Middle school gym on a Sunday afternoon, the sound of reverberating basketballs is the background to enthusiastic training by all ages and sizes of players. Warm up drills, ball-handling skills and fast-moving games take place to ensure that everyone is involved and keeping fit. The Beds Lions club aims to bring the game of basketball to children in Bedfordshire and it welcomes anyone who wants to learn the basics and have some fun. It is a change from the more common types of sport available to children and being indoors over the winter means that is doesn't often get cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Beds Lions can also be a route for the keener, more talented players to perform at county, regional or even National League level. If you are selected for the county teams you may be spotted by an England scout at the inter-county tournaments which take place in the early part of the year. However, some children just wish to play for fun and for fit- ness. Lance Haggith (club chairman, coach, England Basketball Rep and BBC Unsung Sports Personality of the Year) believes in finding ways to help as many children as possible enjoy the sport and to make it accessible.There are several other coaches in the club for the different age groups and they are particularly looking to build up the 9-11 year age group. Sometimes Duke of Edinburgh participants come along to assist with coaching, also facilitated by Lance. Parents are invited to watch and some become involved in the running of the club which is always welcome. Girls are encouraged to join at all levels. Erin Hunter, who is 15, joined the club when she moved to Bedford in 2007. She had learned the game in school when she lived for a time in France but found that it wasn't played to the same extent in schools here. Lance spotted Erin and brought her to the club where he coached her and helped her to develop her game. Erin has since played for the Beds girls' county team (under 15s and under 17s) and trained at the Eastern Region Area Performance Centre in Essex. Erin plays in the Sharnbrook Upper School 6th form team. played to a high standard and is thrilling to watch. The partnership means also that MK Lions players can visit the satellite clubs to inspire the upcoming generations. The Beds Lions basketball club is open to everyone from age 5 skills training. Last year, Conor Washington and Reiss Haggith, from the MK Lions, came regularly to coach and play with our older basketballers. It is usually a lot of fun, not only to play but for anyone watching the games. Ellis Haggith, aged 14, not only plays in the Sharnbrook 6th form team but also plays in the National League for MK Lions in their under 16s team. He travels all over the country for games. llis has played for Bedfordshire County under 15s and represented the East of England in an inter-regional tournament. Six other members of the Beds Lions team currently play in the National League under 16s and under 18s age groups. So there are plenty of opportunities to develop within the sport. Beds Lions has a partnership with the MK Lions Basketball Club which allows good players to move from the smaller satellite clubs (Luton, Bletchley and Stantonbury Lions Clubs) into the more established club in Milton Keynes if they wish. Other benefits of the partnership mean that the club members get discounted tickets to see the National League matches at the MK Arena. It is a great way for young players to see the game up to 18. The Sunday session is for children up to age 14 or 15, depending on their skill level. The youngest, up to age 8, only play for an hour from 14.30 to 15.30. Children aged 9 to 14 play from 14.30 to 17.00. The older players (ages 15-18) train on a Saturday afternoon in the Sharnbrook Leisure centre. Training here becomes much faster in pace, intensity and If you are interested in joining the club or just coming along to try it out, please have a look at our new website (www.bedslions.co.uk) or email [email protected] or Lance Haggith on [email protected] Photo (left): Erin Hunter, Harry Holt, Ellis Haggith, Skye Haggith 24 www.ousevalleyliving.com The New Year is fast approaching. Why not experience Bedford's new breed of Performing Arts? Learn from those who have lived the dream! Photography: Adrian Bullers at Innervisions 01234 765368 www.adrianbullersphotography.com West End Wendies is a new training and performance school aimed at children aged 8-18 years who have a passion for theatre be it drama, singing or dance. It is a unique opportunity to experience the wonderful world of theatre under the dedicated supervision of professional performers who have lived the dream and spent their careers on the West End stage. Musical theatre is a combination of all three disciplines and Wyn and Adelle strive to provide their students with the skills to succeed and the confidence to grow and have fun. They feel every child can perform! Collectively, their wealth of knowledge and experience will offer students a deeper insight into the workings of professional theatre as well as the entertainment business as a whole. Wyn Moss has West End credits including smash hit musicals We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Bat Boy as well as television including Holby City. Adelle Young has recently completed a five-year run in the West End smash hit Chicago while other musical credits include We Will Rock You and Cats. Recent credits include work with Kylie, X-Men: First Class and she has also recently been filming for the new Tim Burton film Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp. West End Wendies recently produced a 4-day Grease workshop over half term where lucky students were put through their paces by recent West End cast member Ben Harris. Individual students learnt script, choreography, lyrics and experienced a polished performance in a professional environment at the South Bank Arts Centre, Bedford. No one was left in the wings and each child reached milestones they never thought achievable whilst exploring individual talents. Prior to half term the students and parents were invited to see the UK touring company of Grease in Aylesbury and were shown the workings of backstage along with opportunities to speak to cast members and an amazing day was had by all. West End Wendies' enviable contacts of working professionals are at the students' disposal and the school is looking forward to their Easter Workshop based around the themes of the West End hit 'Wicked' which will be visited daily by the creative musical director of the actual show and a cast member! This truly is an amazing opportunity to work alongside West End royalty. After a highly successful 2011 summer programme, West End Wendies has branched out into a flourishing Saturday morning Theatre school where students experience a unique blend of singing, dancing and acting delivered at a professional level. Plans are already in motion for an exciting holiday programme covering 2012 including Mamma Mia, Film and Television skills and Street Dance. If this all sounds too good to miss visit their website at www.westendwendies.com for further information, times and prices. WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! Clay Shooting at Sporting Targets Looking to take up a new hobby in 2012 that can be enjoyed all year round? Why not learn to shoot? We are delighted to be able to offer two lucky winners clay shooting lessons at Sporting Targets. We have two vouchers to give away: One person for 2 x 1 hour lessons at clay shooting (individual to learn new hobby) Two people for 2 x 1 hour lessons at clay shooting (couples to learn new hobby together) One of the UK's largest clay shooting clubs, Sporting Targets combines professional instruction in clay shooting with unrivalled practice and tuition facilities. The clay shooting range will impress novice shooters and experienced shots alike. A great range of shooting vouchers are available for Christmas gifts. Sporting Targets Knotting Lane, Riseley MK44 1BX 01234 708893 [email protected] www.sportingtargets.co.uk Sporting Targets also offers a great range of fun-filled, adrenaline-pumping activities. On the Air-rifle range, traditional bulls-eye targets for competitive scoring and shoot 'em down targets offer just as much fun with a little less bang. Have a Robin Hood moment at the Archery Butts; draw the bow and "Strike the Gold". OVL brings you FANTASTIC prizes every month WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! A Chemical Peel Enhance Cosmetic Solutions Even out and improve the appearance of fine lines, active acne, sun damage, pigmentation, freckles and open pores with a Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel at Enhance Cosmetic Solutions. Glycolic Acid is derived from natural fruits and sugar cane and has been clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin and reverse the effects of sun damage and ageing. A glycolic peel is a superficial exfoliant that works well on the outlined skin conditions. It can be used on all skin types with no recovery time needed. Enhance Cosmetic Solutions offers a range of treatments including muscle relaxing injections (Botox), lip enhancement, derma fillers, chemical peels and Dermaroller. The clinic is conveniently situated between Milton Keynes and Bedford and home visits are also offered in the Beds, Herts and Bucks area. Enhance Cosmetic Solutions 01234 750454 07861 246727 www.enhancecosmeticsolutions.co.uk To enter simply send us an email to [email protected] quoting Chemical Peel or Clay Shooting for 1 or Clay Shooting for 2 in the subject box and we will enter you into the prize draw. The winner will be drawn at random and notified by Friday 16 December 2011. Closing date Monday 12 December 2011. LAST MONTH'S OVL COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations to: Alex Hoyle, who won tribute night tickets at The Sharnbrook Hotel and Jenny Quillen from Harrold, who won a Christmas turkey from Browns of Stagsden. Entrants’ contact details will only be given to the provider of the prize and will not be passed on to any third party. A winter warmer for chilly days Ingredients 2 tsp cumin seeds ½ tsp chilli flakes 2 tbsp olive oil 600g carrots, diced 1 large onion, chopped 150g split red lentils 1.2 litres (2 pints) vegetable stock 125ml milk plain yogurt to serve fresh coriander leaves (optional) Dry fry the cumin seeds and chilli flakes in a large pan for a minute or two until the seeds begin to pop. Scoop out half of the spices and set aside. Add the olive oil to the pan followed by the carrots and onion. Stir to coat in the oil and spices and cook until beginning to soften. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Cook for 5 minutes before adding the lentils and milk. Simmer for a further 15 minutes or until the lentils are soft. Taste and season if necessary. Transfer to an electric blender and blend until smooth. Spoon into warmed bowls and top with the reserved spices, a dollop of natural yogurt and a few coriander leaves. FOOD Spicy carrot and lentil soup Baby, it's cold outside... Model on left: Chinchilla Faux Trapper, £25; Chunky Twisted Snood, £18; Zig Zag Cobweb Lurex Snood, £20; Block Stripe Aztec Poncho, £35; Lattice and Cable Cut-Off Glove, £12 from Accessorize. Model on right: Twisted Cable Baggy Beanie, £18; Chunky Ikat Tassle Snood, £24; Pom Pom Scarf, £22; Chunky Cable Patchwork Scarf, £24; Twisted Cable Long Cut-Off Glove, £15 from Accessorize. 2 3 1 4 5 6 8 7 9 1. Faux Fur Tippet, £22 from Accessorize 2. Miso Frost Snood, £14.99 from Republic 3. Fur Stripe Knit Snood, £35 from Mint Velvet 4. Mantary Charcoal Earmuff, £10 from Debenhams 5. Kiss Me Quick Beanie, £17.50 from White Stuff 6. Soul Cal Cable Knit Mittens, £12.99 from Republic 7. Abbey Fairisle Scarf, £22 from Accessorize 8. Rubber Duck Reindeer Knit SnowJoggerBoot, £79.99 from Yogoego.com 9. Wax Trapper, £25 from White Stuff 10. Caitlin Knitted Headband £5.99, Long poncho £24.99, Socks £5.99 from New Look 10 NATURE The Great Outdoors Will Anthony on Winter’s flora and fauna Winter is now definitely upon us after the unseasonably mild November. Trees will have lost the last of their leaves which gave a beautiful colourful autumn show right up until very recently. It is now that the battle for survival starts in earnest because animals and birds find food stocks scarce as the temperatures fall. Photography Ant Hagen Animals employ a number of tactics to help them through the winter. One is to rely on previously hidden food reserves; squirrels were stocking up back in the autumn. Other creatures have already migrated to warmer climes; we saw off our summer visitors some time ago. Many of us would like to hibernate to pass the time until spring comes along. Dormice will have started their hibernation back in October in the base of a hedgerow or in a coppiced hazel. They are vulnerable to predators so build a nest-like structure which offers protection from harm and from the worst of the winter weather. The dormouse allows its body temperature to fall in line with the ambient air temperature but it must stay above freezing in order to survive. Bats prefer a more humid place to hibernate where there are fewer temperature fluctuations. You might find them in outbuildings, as we have in our Sharnbrook shed. Hedgehogs make hibernacula from leaves and like the temperature to stay between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. Toads, frogs and fish have no way of keeping warm so try to find a place where it won't freeze. Toads and frogs might find warmth under logs and leaves while fish head for deeper water. The breathing and heartbeat of all hibernating animals slows drastically in order to conserve energy. Birds will be looking for food so garden feeders might be well populated. Look for the usual species of tits, finches and sparrows as well as the more unusual warblers and buntings. You might see birds of prey too, like the sparrowhawk which terrorises the garden birds in Odell at this time of year. If you begin to feed the birds in your garden please keep on feeding right up until spring as they will come to rely on the source of food you supply. You will hear the classic 'tu-whit-tu-who' call of the tawny owl throughout the winter as they will be staking out their territory in woodlands across the Ouse valley. Although most plant growth has slowed to a near-standstill, you might see one or two flowering weeds like scented mayweed and shepherd's purse, which help lift the spirits in an otherwise bleak landscape. 36 www.ousevalleyliving.com www.ousevalleyliving.com 37 Rosemary's Garden Bring an image of renewal into your winter garden with the deceptive snowdrop In his famous poem "Snowdrop" Ted Hughes captured the essence of this seemingly fragile flower with the lines: "Brutal as the stars of this month, Her pale head heavy as metal." The frail appearance of the snowdrop, personified in the poem as female, contrasts with the flower's metallic strength to push through frozen soil. It is a powerful image of renewal. No wonder we delight in the first drift of snowdrops in January and their ability to lift our spirits and suggest that spring is not too far away. Snowdrops are amazingly hardy, especially the common species, and flower regardless of the weather. In fact, the colder it is, the longer the flowers last, their hard leaf tips enabling them to bloom in freezing conditions. In unseasonably sunny weather the flowers will not last long. You will find snowdrops in woodlands, churchyards, parks and gardens where they carpet the ground from January, into February and often later. They are ideal for naturalising in grass and moss under a tree and you can also grow them in a container. However, snowdrop bulbs for tubs and pots tend to be quite expensive and you will need to re-pot them each year. Snowdrops like a well-drained situation in light shade, similar to their natural woodland habitat. If you are planting your bulbs in heavy soil, add some sand or grit to the planting hole to improve drainage. Snowdrops transplant well when they are in leaf and even in flower and the bulbs can also be divided at the same time a method known as 'in the green'. You can then replant new clumps of snowdrops in other places in your garden. The reason they are most successfully transplanted while growing is that this helps them absorb moisture quickly after they have been planted. Dry bulbs often take a season to settle down before flowering as dry, rootless snowdrop bulbs do not re-establish well. Use a garden fork or spade to lift clumps of snowdrops. Dig deeply round the clump before lifting it to get down to the bulbs. Divide the clumps by tearing them apart and then pick off flower heads to conserve the energy in the bulbs. Use a hand trowel to replant small clumps of six to eight bulbs. Dig a hole10-15cm deep and place the bulbs at the base of the hole. Fill around the bulbs with soil taken from the hole, ensuring that some of the leaf is above the surface. Don't remove the leaves from your bulbs but leave them to die down naturally as this will allow next year's flower buds to form inside. There are several hundred cultivars of snowdrop, often only distinguishable by the markings on the inner three petals of each flower head. There are both single and double varieties. One of the first to flower is Galanthus retinae-olgae subsp. Vernalis. It has big grey leaves and can be in flower for Christmas. G.Hippolyta also flowers very early. G. nivalis is the common snowdrop with silvery green leaves and slim flowers. G. nivalis Flore Pleno is its double form and flowers earlier. Another early one is G. elwesii. G.Lavinia is a pretty double with very long stems. Or there is G. S.Arnott, a rare, expensive and larger snowdrop which has honey-scented flowers. Top Ten Jobs for December / January Prune tall bush roses to about half their height so that their roots are not loosened by winter winds. You can still plant bare-rooted rose bushes in December but, to avoid disease, not where old ones have been. Remove leaves from your lawn and mow with raised blades if December is mild and the grass is still growing. Re-cutting lawn edges now will improve the appearance of your lawn. Avoid walking on your grass if it is frosty. Climbers on the borderline of hardiness might need protection during cold, frosty periods. Don't remove any shoots or leaves with frost damage until early spring as they will protect the undamaged shoots below. If it snows, brush it away as the weight will damage some shrubs and trees. Check your variegated shrubs and trees and prune out any solid colours to keep the lovely contrasting shades. Enjoy the evergreen and winterflowering perennials that will flower at this time of the year, such as the Christmas rose (helleborus niger) and white, purple or pink bergenias. Plant some colourful dogwoods to give a bright winter display. Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch. When early bulbs such as snowdrops, scillas and muscari begin to shoot carefully clear away leaves and other debris from around them. Panels of wire secured at the corners with stones or bent wire will protect buried bulbs from mice and squirrels. Prune wisteria in January cutting back to within 8cms of old wood but avoid cutting off flower buds. You can also cut back Virginia creeper and Boston ivy. If it is still mild and dry continue to divide hardy perennials. By the end of January many perennials can be cut back hard to make way for new shoots in the spring. 40 www.ousevalleyliving.com CPRE APPLAUDS GREAT WORK IN THE OUSE VALLEY rojects in the Ouse valley again featured prominently in the winners' list for this year's Living Countryside Awards, presented by the Bedfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Now in its fourth year, the scheme aims to bring recognition to people or organisations making special efforts to preserve or improve the quality of the countryside, but whose work often goes unnoticed. A wide variety of projects from all over Bedfordshire were nominated for the non-competitive awards which were presented in October by Peter Kendall, President of the National Farmers Union and himself a Bedfordshire man. CPRE Marks, the highest awards, were given to: P Harrold Odell Country Park. The staff and an enthusiastic Friends group have developed the landscape in such a way as to cater for 200,000 visits each year whilst still preserving the tranquillity and habitats for a rich variety of wildlife. The judges were particularly impressed by the community involvement and access for the disabled, describing HOCP as a model for the management of country parks. Knotting Church. The tiny population of Knotting was no longer able to sustain the ancient church of St Margaret of Antioch, but the Churches Conservation Trust embarked on a delicate restoration of this lovely rustic building in 2009 which should guarantee its future. Roger Evans, Master Thatcher. Many examples of Roger's work can be seen in the Ouse valley villages and he has made a major contribution to preserving their attractive appearance over the last 40 years or so. A Riseley man, he holds the highest qualifications for his craft and generously teaches those skills to the next generation of thatchers. Rushmatters. A small team led by Felicity Irons run a highly successful and sustainable business producing rush matting, tableware and basketry for customers all over the world. The rushes are collected from the Great Ouse and other local rivers, dried and stored in ancient barns and woven into products at Colesden. Several other local projects received praise. A new community orchard next to the playing field at Turvey is rapidly establishing itself with traditional species and a beautiful memorial garden at Bromham Lower School now gives great pleasure to staff and pupils alike. In the built environment, a dilapidated cottage in the centre of Swineshead was renovated in an imaginative way, while at Little Staughton the top of the church spire has been replaced after being pulled down in an act of vandalism, restoring the landmark to its former glory. More details of the CPRE award can be found at www.cprebeds.org.uk A walk in Colmworth The Ouse Valley is rich in natural beauty and historical interest. Local historian Ann Hagen takes us on a walk through Colmworth highlighting points of interest along the way. This is a shorter walk for the short days of winter. The name probably comes from an Anglo-Saxon, Culma, who established an enclosure ('worth') here. Now Colmworth is a scattered village with numerous 'ends'. Park by the church. On the right are old barns in the course of restoration, with the manor house beyond. This was where the 'lord of the manor' lived, or stayed, and surrounding it would be farm, and other buildings which made the manor complex largely selfsufficient. The first Norman sheriff's daughter married a major landowner, Hugh de Beauchamp, whose land in Colmworth alone needed 10 ploughs for its cultivation and provided woodland for 200 swine. The Waldebofs succeeded the Beauchamps. Living in unsettled times, they 'threw up' a mound and surrounded the 42 www.ousevalleyliving.com manor site with a moat. The manor was later the home of Sir Gerald Braybrook, a very wealthy man: his will refers to 3 scarlet gowns, 1 of murrey (purple/red), one green and two black. His winter gowns were furred with marten, miniver, or squirrel. He had bedsteads hung with black or red silk with matching cushions. The present house was begun by the Dyers in 1609. Sir Ludovick Dyer supported the king in the Civil War but did not take up arms so he was not fined by parliament. By 1671 the house is recorded as having 20 hearths, and so very large. It was partly rebuilt at the end of the nineteenth century. Continue to the church. The tall spire was built between 1426-30 for Sir Gerald Braybook, who had a French wife, hence the dedication to a French saint, St Denys. A rebuild of about the same date would have let in more light. In his will Sir Gerald bequeaths a number of service books to the church together with an ironbound coffer to keep them in. The Archdeacon's Visitation of 1578 records a number of parishioners not taking communion, Nicholas Dicons 'receaved not these ij yeres'. The vicar had not taken the services he should, and would not let the parish see his licence. He 'had iiij children christened iiij wayes' which suggests he was not conversant with the procedure. The Newman family seemed to absent themselves from church and when Francis did turn up he did 'not use hymmeselfe reverently in the churche'. Various individuals would not pay towards repairs, one withheld his father's legacies to the poor, and the church warden seems to have taken 'the lead that was myssinge out of the steeple'. The church, not open when I visited, contains an alabaster monument to Sir William Dyer, erected by his wife in 1641. The inscription was perhaps written by his widow and addresses her late husband: ….. Mine eyes wax heavy, and the days grow old, The dew falls thick, my bloods grows cold. Draw, draw the loosened curtains and make the room, My dear, my dearest dust, I come, I come. The porch has bench seating for such ceremonies as weddings and the churching of women which did not take place in the church itself. On the north side of the church is the table top tomb of evangelist Timothy Matthews, a curate at Colmworth before he became an enthusiastic Wesleyan and moved to Bedford, where he called folk to worship by blowing a copper trumpet. Continue to the horse chestnut tree, white with blossom in spring, at the east end of the churchyard. This brings you to a choice of three ways in award-winning Colmworth Country Park. The right hand branch will take you to Mill End, where the mill mound still exists, and you can track back along the bridleway to Kennels Farm. No mill was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, but there was one here by 1227 since Robert de Waldebof moved it and built a house in its place, though as he was mortagee it was not his to move. There was a postmill working in Colmworth until 1896. It was pulled down in 1906 and the four sails removed to Bolnhurst. Otherwise continue straight on keeping the hedge on your left there are fine rural views to your right - to the road. Turning left onto the road there is a good view of the church on the left. Kennels Farm on the right is a rare breeds farm specialising in pork, and earlier in the year ginger-haired Tamworths and large blacks, both derived from native pigs, were grunting contentedly. Take the footpath to the right by the side of Kitium house across a field - where I put up a covey of partridges, and onto century and was limited to just the one field. The large yew on the left indicates the former site of the village forge. Opposite, appropriately, was 'The Four Horse Shoes'. Church Farm on the left is a substantial building of some age. Further on The Moat House also has a moat. Thought of as primarily defensive features, and the centuries after the Conquest were unsettled, moats could also be connected to fishponds, and take the drainage from the house. If the latter, one hopes they were not also used for the drinking water supply. Next to the church is the nineteenth century four-square former Rectory with cedar trees in the garden. Times were sometimes hard. In 1267 Old Sabina begged for bread in Colmworth and at twilight fell into a stream and was drowned. Legacies were the metalled track by City Farm. On the left is Rookery Cottage. The terms 'city' and 'rookery' often referred to an area crowded with small cottages. Now there are a number of relatively large, new houses. Turn left along the main road. This was presumably the street over which, together with adjoining fields, football was played before it became more orderly in the seventeenth sometimes withheld from the poor. Agricultural workers centuries later emigrated, some with parish help, mainly to Australia, but some to Canada, to avoid starvation. 'A Cyclist' writing c.1900 calls the village 'primitive'. It is still unspoiled, but with thankfully much improved conditions. www.ousevalleyliving.com 43 44 www.ousevalleyliving.com www.ousevalleyliving.com 45 MOTORS Fuzzy numberplates, mime artists and great hair. It's all in a day's work for our man McCann… Richard McCann A brand new gleaming luxury Peugeot and all was well with the world. 'Any chance of a lift?' said my neighbour. I was pleased to spread some of the happiness. 'Sure,' I said. 'Your hair looks great and the world's your oyster. Go for it!' My good deed done, I nestled into the ultra-supportive seat of which both my aching back and my chiropractor approved, and the latest road test began. In silence. Not since my best friend became a mime has my world been so quiet. I stopped to check the press pack. Yes, this really was a diesel. If there's a quieter, more refined car in this class I don't know of it. The hush doesn't end as speeds increase either. I won't reveal the mpg I saw on the digital display since I haven't yet found a place where I can buy those fuzzy numberplates you see on the TV cop shows. So let's just say the 508 on a German autobahn at 100+ would be a pleasant place to sit. Once off the motorway you probably wouldn't want to start throwing the 508 around a racetrack but this nation's potholed roads would feel like bowling greens, and in the real world that's more relevant. The clutch is featherlight and the gear shift is ideal - just as well because I used it a lot. Sure, six forward speeds allow engineers to achieve amazing economy, but those crazy-high cruiser gears simply won't pull below 50 mph so I found myself needing to swap between three and four and five and six more frequently than I wanted. I'd personally buy the auto version to have a transmission more suited to a luxury car. And that's what this is. A couple of years ago I wouldn't have even compared a Pug estate with rivals from VW/Audi, less so Mercedes. Now? Try one - it's remarkable! Fact box Peugeot 508SW Prices: Saloon from £18450, SW estate from £19475. Engines: 1.6 petrol, 2.0 diesel plus 2.2 diesel GT. Performance: (2.0 diesel version tested) 0-62 mph 10.1s, 130 mph, 6-speed manual, 140 bhp. Fuel economy: 56.4 combined. MUSIC Milky's Music Matters… SCENE : LIVE ock City Art - the UK's first dedicated music photography gallery - opens to the public on 3 December 2011 and it's in Bedford! With this exciting news it was imperative to find out more for OVL readers and after a quick chat with one of the snappers (Andy Willsher) about the whys and the wheres, I prised out a few sample images to proudly display for your pleasure. R The photographers' subjects have included everybody from Miles Davis to Metallica, The Smiths to the Sex Pistols and Marc Bolan to The Beatles. The photographers have captured some of the most iconic and well known music images of the last 50 years to the present day. In addition, Rock City Art specialises in discovering previously unseen classic imagery from the music industry archives. For the first time these classic prints are now available for you to own, authenticated, signed and dated by the legendary photographer himself. Is that a WOW I can hear out there? Let's start the Q'n'A… What's the concept behind Rock City Art? Rock City Art will be the UK'S only dedicated music photography gallery curated and run by music photographers. We have several affiliated galleries worldwide which enables our shows to go on tour after each showcase exhibition at the Bedford gallery. Our photography workshops will allow student photographers to meet, learn and share backstage stories with some of the world's leading music photographers. We created an online community through www.musicphotographers.co.uk and it became a natural progression to create a gallery which would provide an exhibition space dedicated to music photography. What is the background of the people behind the project/ business? The gallery is founded by a collective of UK music photographers with over 20 years photographing for the UK's leading music magazines such as Q, MOJO, Uncut, NME and Classic Rock. Mick Hutson, Andy Fallon and I have toured far and wide shooting amazing bands and concerts in the best rock 'n' roll cities in the world. What we've photographed along the way has become Rock City Art. In July 2010 we produced one of the biggest collections of music photography images at our Six Shooters exhibition in London. The exhibition also featured work by Roger Sargent, Andy Cotterill and Paul Harries so they'll have shots featured in the opening show along with some other names from the past like Steve Emberton, Ross Halfin and Jill Furmanovsky. 2012 will see our shows open in Los Angeles and Sydney. What services will be offered? We are bringing world class music photography exhibitions, guest lecturers and providing photography workshops for beginners through to advanced semi-pro photographers. Can you give us a hint on the price range? The gallery will be selling exclusive limited edition signed prints from some of the world's leading music photographers. Limited edition books and posters will also be available with prices starting at £40. Why set up base in Bedford? The gallery is in the heart of Bedford's cultural district on Castle Lane and only 40 minutes by train from London's Kings Cross. The community of Bedfordshire and surrounding counties will be able to experience world class music photography and Bedfordshire will provide a beautiful and interesting surrounding for our photographic workshops. Photography has changed so much in the last few years with the advent of decent camera phones etc - everyone thinks they can take a picture but what are the key areas that people miss when clicking away? It's important for photographers to embrace the change digital has brought to the industry. Composition, a keen eye and interesting content are the only things a digital camera can't provide. Who have been your favourite artists to photo? Personally my favourite artists to shoot have been the White Stripes; there's always been an air of mystery about them... as a live band there was nothing like them around and in person they always looked amazing and put so much effort into how they looked. They were the complete package really which is very rare in today's music industry. Amy Winehouse - 14 June 2007 Isle of Wight by Andy Willsher. Eminem - Dallas, Texas 1999 by Roger Sargent: "At the height of 'eminemania' we joined the bleached rapper on the Vans' warped tour. I'd shot his live show and set up lights and camera by the fence from the stage to the backstage area. It wasn't the greatest of backdrops till I shouted to passing fans to come and join in. Just after this shot some of the kids started to climb the fence and the shoot came to an abrupt end!" The Libertines - London 2003 by fifth of the pop machine known as Girls Aloud. Comprising spikey songs with attitude, slower reflective moments and the obligatory cover (although to be fair it is not an obvious choice - The Korgis!) endorses the view that this girl from the girl band has some damn fine taste after all. Pick of the tracks: Gladiator, Sticks & Stones, Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime Nicola Roberts - Cinderella's Eyes Oh Lord, another girl band escapee spreads her wings, but wait… she doesn't go for the default setting of formulaic gloopy R'n'B nonsense and is therefore deserving of a fair trial… I mean hearing. Collaborating with a whole herd of hip producers, Ms Roberts appears to have a plan to ensure a party is had along the way rather than appease her built-in fanbase. It's a brave effort and her lyrics do not stop short of offering opinions that would normally be stifled from being one Chris Corney - Airways Mansions This year has seen a slew of singer/songwriter albums land on the Music Matters desk with roughly 92% of these being so full of cornball sentimentality (my girlfriend left me… zzzz) and a basic lack of ingenuity that I shudder when the next one inevitably Roger Sargent.: "An 'outtake' from the now famous red military jacket shoot." Lilly Allen - Glastonbury 28 June 2009 by Mick Hutson: "Onstage with a very nervous Lilly Allen, she stole the show." arrives. Mr Corney thankfully sits in the 8% bracket and quite frankly half of the tunes on this, his fourth album no less, could adorn a 'Best Of' compilation if he ever gets round to selling out (ha ha). With the tempo-meter (we've got one, honest) set to sway mode and the lyrics set in a contemplative/reflective nature, he illuminates a series of tender songs with his plaintive vocal style. Simple songs = simply great - purchase from iTunes / Amazon. Pick of the tracks: America, Woke Up In The Sun, These Bones KEEP MUSIC LIVE Bedford Creative Arts Bedford Creative Arts has exisited in Bedford for 25 years and we are not your average art organisation. Rather than being 'gallery-bound' we work collaboratively with artists and the people of Bedfordshire to create new art with the people and communities around us. We make art in everyday places, exploring the links between art, places and people. Our recent programme has seen us host a number of artist-led walks around Bedford. One project, Echo Location, used sound recording as a way to encourage people to experience the town in a new way, with artist Kathy Hinde using professional sound recording equipment to capture the sounds of Bedford. 'When you listen through a 52 www.ousevalleyliving.com microphone even noise can become interesting,' says Kathy. This project can be found at www.echo-location.org where you can have a listen and make your contribution to our sound map. Can a website be art? We think so. We aim to provide adventurous opportunities and experiences for all kinds of people and to be a welcoming and engaging route into everything the visual arts has to offer. We work closely with partners in the voluntary and statutory sector to reach people who may not usually take part in creative activity. Last year we delivered over 63 creative projects, workshops and events with over 4000 people of all ages. We want to blur the line between artists and audiences by commissioning work that would not be possible without your participation. To find out more about what we have planned for our current programme and how you can make art with us please visit our website www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk or email [email protected] to join our mailing list. Ginny on project Echo Location www.ousevalleyliving.com 53 WHERE do y ou R E N N I W 2011 read y o u r s ? CONGRATULATIONS to Carlton & Chellington WI for sending in this picture at their 90th anniversary celebration. A cheque for £50 is on its way to you. Merry Christmas! and congratulations to all our runners up... Alan surfing in Cornwall George Cristian at the royal wedding Megan & Emily Crossland at the top of the tallest building in the world, Dubai The Fordhams at the 7th wonder of the world, Mexico Helen Semo with Mickey & Minnie in Florida Jasmine, Emily & Rosie at JLS concert Paul & Sylvia in the Sahara Roseanna Liptrot skiing in Italy Keep those pictures coming in. The search for the 2012 winner begins in February. Next year it could be you! Graduating with the Connolly Foundation By Mike Marquiss Bedfordshire charity The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation provides grants to students to support them entering further education and vocational training. With some of the first recipients graduating from university this summer we asked them to share their experiences on what the support has meant to them and the importance of the Connolly Foundation's continued support for young people within the area. When we asked Sophie O'Dell, former Sharnbrook School student, about her "chaotic" last term she said that "knowing that The Foundation was supporting me throughout my uni experience was a great feeling. I was able to focus on getting good grades without money getting in the way. Even in the third year there are courses you need to attend and still more books to buy which all add up! 56 www.ousevalleyliving.com I have loved my time at Lancaster uni and really appreciate all of The Foundation's support". The grants offer a means for buying books, funding travel expenses and paying bills as well as providing a greater level of autonomy for all recipients. Lucy Stell, another exSharnbrook student, is a perfect example of this, setting up her own landlord comparison website on top of her studies. Lucy described herself as "most grateful" for The Foundation's assistance which helps finance her new business as well as covering university expenses. This term the number of students to receive financial assistance from Connolly has risen to 354 with a total to be paid out this year of £207,600 and the significance of The Connolly Foundation will only increase as tuition fees continue to rise. At present The Foundation partners are Sharnbrook Upper, St Thomas More, Stratton Upper, Cardinal Newman, Redbourne Upper and Biddenham. If you attend any of these schools and wish to apply for a grant please speak to your Head of Year or School Vocational Co-ordinator. For more information on The Foundation visit www.connollyfoundation.org.uk Have you some free time? Could you save a life? Magpas, the emergency medical charity, are looking for volunteer Community First Responders to provide life-saving treatment to those in need in the community of Sharnbrook. Community First Responders are managed by the East of England Ambulance Service to provide basic life support, defibrillation and airway management to patients suffering from lifethreatening conditions within the community in response to a 999 call to the ambulance service. Volunteer Community First Responders attend patients, over the age of eight, who may be suffering from chest pains, breathing problems, may be fitting or found unconscious or in cardiac arrest. Using the skills they have been taught, and the equipment that they carry, they provide life-saving treatment while the ambulance is on the way. This vital care can and does save lives, but we now need your help. We are trying to set up a local group in Sharnbrook and need a minimum of five people to make it viable within the community. Volunteers offer as much or as little as they can to assist in the community and a local co-ordinator manages a rota that fits around volunteer's availability. Without you we are unable to provide for the people of Sharnbrook, offering much needed care and treatment while the ambulance is on the way. Can you help us? For more information on how to become a Community First Responder or how to offer your help please email [email protected] or phone 01284 731802 to receive an application and information pack. Without you we cannot set up this much needed support for our village. Childhood Communication A series of articles written exclusively for OVL by Jacqui Wright Independent Speech and Language therapist Jacqui Wright has over 22 years experience in South Africa, the USA and the UK. She is author of 'Cracking the Literacy Puzzle', RCSLT Bulletin, March 2006. Here, Jacqui from Childhood Communication Consultancy, based in Carlton, discusses Sensory processing and Sensory circuits for children. Childhood Communication Consultancy (CCC) specialises in assessing and treating children ages 0-19 years old with speech, language, listening, literacy, learning and social communication difficulties. The aim of the assessment is to discover where the breakdown is occurring, to what extent: mild-moderate-severe, to treat this and also advise on strategies to support the child. There is an overlap of difficulties between language, literacy and sensory disorders: ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), APD (auditory processing disorder), language and semantic disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, pragmatic language disorder (how language is used in context), autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and Asperger's syndrome. All these disorders can have sensory processing disorders (SPD)/sensory integration dysfunction but it is commonly linked with ADHD, semantic pragmatic language disorders, APD (& dyslexia), dyspraxia , ASD and Asperger's syndrome. What is Sensory processing and Sensory integration? Sensory integration (SI) is the coming together of all the sensory processes from the body (hearing, sight, touch, smell, taste, body position and movement, balance, gravity, and internal body workings) in the brain in an integrated way in order to make sense of the world. This enables the child to act appropriately with motor movements and his/her behaviour in a purposeful way. Whether riding a bike, biting into a bagel or reading a book, successful completion of these tasks requires sensory integration. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) or as it was formerly known: sensory integration dysfunction, exists when sensory processes or signals don't get organised into appropriate responses. The child receives confused and imprecise information about their body and the world around them. This results in the brain being unable to direct the behaviour effectively. Dr Jean Ayres, Occupational therapist and neuroscientist, described this as a neurological 'traffic jam' in the brain stem that prevents particular parts of the brain receiving the signals to interpret the sensory information correctly. Children with SPD will find it difficult to process and act on their sensory information making functional daily activities a challenge. These difficulties can be mild to severe. One in six children experience sensory symptoms that are significant to disrupt their daily lives. They may present with: " Motor clumsiness " Behavioural problems " Anxiety " Depression " School failure The exact cause of SPD is unknown but research indicates there are some genetic and environmental factors that are linked. What does Sensory processing disorder look like? " One sense may be affected i.e. auditory or visual or movement, or multiple senses may be affected " A child can be over-responsive i.e. a clothing label is unbearably itchy, or under-responsive i.e. does not feel pain in the usual way, to stimuli or a combination of both " If motor skills are affected, the child looks like a 'floppy baby' and later a 'clumsy' child " A child may be a sensory seeker i.e. louder, faster, brighter sensations, or a sensory avoider i.e. quieter, slower, dimmer sensations " It produces behaviours that occur with frequency, intensity and duration that are not in line with a child's chronological age or developmental level " It is unique to each child " It can be variable " A child may: have poor concentration; be 'shut down'; have poor regulation of emotions i.e. explode and/or cry; be fussy and controlling; be highly anxious; tire easily; be a poor communicator " A child may appear clumsy, uncooperative, belligerent, disruptive or out of control. An SPD child is at risk for emotional, social and educational problems due to motor difficulties, social communication difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and aggression. SPD can persist into adulthood and affect an individual's ability to succeed in marriage, work and social environments. How is Sensory processing disorder treated? Intervention and management for SPD will depend on the child's particular level of need. Many of these children have normal or above average intelligence. Their brains are simply wired differently. They need to be taught in ways that they process information and to do sports or activities that challenge and develop their sensory processing needs. A child with suspected SPD will require an initial assessment by a Sensory integration (SI) trained therapist, usually an Occupational therapist (OT). Following the assessment, strategies for home and school will be recommended by the SI OT, and also incorporated into speech and language therapy sessions if required. This can take the form of a Sensory circuit in any of these environments. The child may need a course of individual SI therapy sessions with the OT. The aim of the treatment and strategies is to develop appropriate responses to sensation in an active, meaningful and fun way so that the child can behave in a more functional manner. This will generalise across home, school and social settings. A Sensory circuit is a form of SI treatment that involves: Alerting, Organising and Calming the child or group of children. It takes up to 15 minutes and can be done before school and after lunch time in school. It is effective in helping children with their sensory motor development and to be attentive learners in the classroom. Often, a listening programme will be recommended with the SI treatment. If you would like to know more about SPD relating to your child or any aspect of communication, please contact Jacqui. Jacqui is an Authorised Provider of The Listening Program www.thelisteningprogram.com and she is trained in Talk Tools www.talktools.net Do you have a question for Jacqui about Speech-Language-Communication or related topics that have been covered in her articles? If so please email [email protected] and Jacqui will answer your question in the next edition of OVL. Jacqui Wright Chief Consultant, Childhood Communication Consultancy Highly Specialist Speech and Language therapist BSc (Log) Hons: Speech Pathology/Audiology MRCSLT, Cert.HPC, MASLTIP [email protected] Tel: 01234 721 775 Mob: 079 566 855 81 www.childhoodcommunication.co.uk BOOKS The theme of motherhood is explored in this absorbing novel which is set in two different times. It opens as Lexie Sinclair, a young graduate, runs away from her home in Devon to 1950s Soho where she falls in love with magazine editor, Innes Kent, and enters a world of art, sex, gin and working late into the night as a journalist. The omniscient author warns us: "She has no idea she will die young, that she does not have as much time as she thinks. For now, she has just discovered the love of her life, and death couldn't be further from her mind." In present-day London, Finnish artist, Elina, is recovering from the emergency Caesarean birth of her son, Jonah, during which she nearly died. At first, she can't remember the birth but memories start to resurface. Then her partner, Ted, has some blackouts from which he suffered as a child. We know that the two storylines are connected but for a while it is not clear how. The reader is taken on a journey of discovery in the same way as the characters. Ted realises there are things he must remember about his past and both Elina and Ted have to reconstruct what has happened. Similarly, as readers, we are aware of gaps in our knowledge. Lexie and Elina are both involved in the art world, love clothes and experience what it means to be a mother. The theme of time and change pervades the tale with Soho offices becoming latte and panini cafes, houses become flats and then family homes. Gradually, the links between Lexie, Innes, Ted and Elina become clear as the author weaves the stories together. As Ted and Elina live their modern life we sense another life lying beneath, that of Lexie and Innes. I loved this novel from an accomplished storyteller who keeps us guessing until the end. Reviewed by Roz Masters DID YOU KNOW you can view OVL online? Visit our website to experience the full page turning facility with links to our advertisers’ websites. Visit www.ousevalleyliving.com Make the Right Choice Advertise in OVL Now in its 7th year of business, OVL is loved and trusted by advertisers and readers What our advertisers say: What our readers say: "Advertising with OVL has really worked for me - it's the only form of advertising I've needed to promote my business." Alison Wallbank, The Lady Gardener “By far the best publication that comes through my letter box.” "I advertise three of my businesses in OVL and each one constantly sees an outstanding return from each edition. This is a result of the great look and content of OVL which makes it a 'durable' type of advertising - many of our customers tell us that they keep it next to the phone - as we do." Daniel Lewis, LWS, Ouse Valley Arborists, Beds Party Tents "Just to let you know I have signed yet another four clients from the latest issue. Every client has said what a great magazine!" Val Swonnell, Time for You Domestic Cleaning "Such a brilliant magazine." 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Reliable, professional, competitive and effective - OVL is the market leader for local advertising For all your advertising needs call Nikki on 07557 747744 HOROSCOPES 23Dec - 20Jan 21Jan - 19Feb 20Feb - 20Mar Ah now THIS looks like Christmas! It has everything a Capricorn loves: rich with tradition, log fires, holly and mistletoe. Savour it all this year: the carol singing, the cold crispy mornings and nature's barren sleep. This whole month brings love, success and abundance. Merry Christmas Capricorn! It's no secret that you prefer your friends and the parties in the run up to Christmas rather than the actual day. But this year, round about the 21st, a shift in the atmosphere brings the rarest of love and harmony just in time to give you a kindly, loving and welcome day. Although it is usually such a wonderfully sentimental time of the year for you, this year you would prefer to be alone with your thoughts, so you can love and dream in peace. Be gentle with yourself and be assured that next year starts the best period of your life. 21Mar- 20Apr 21Apr - 21May 22May - 21Jun This month it's going to seem like you are always in the kitchen at parties. You are bogged down with fitness issues and perhaps having to deal with someone's health problems as well as a full work load. Doesn't sound like much fun huh? Okay, go for a run or hit the sherry… You may have to be a bit more frugal than you'd like, but you can get useful and practical things that will last, rather than frippery. With regard to the issues around the 18th, you may have to do something you didn't want to, but it will all have blown over by the day. The first ten days of December are weird in a `floating above the Earth` sort of way. The events are simply unpredictable and anything could happen. You may get déjà vu or the most astonishing coincidences happening. Make the most of all opportunity for magic is at hand. 22Jun - 23Jul The full moon on the 10th December is all about `service to others` which sounds about right as you prepare for the big family get together. This then changes into the new moon on Christmas Eve when all your Christmases come at once - a truly wonderful time for you! 24Jul - 23Aug There is an energetic start to the month with maybe some irritation, but you are in the driving seat so stay in control. There could also be a hiccup with a parent or child around the 11th, but apart from that you are set to have a traditional Christmas with a small surprise. 24Aug - 23Sep Deep within the heart of every Virgo is the sense that everything on the domestic scene could unravel imminently - that at any moment the home could collapse into disarray. This is particularly so at Christmas and this year is no exception. However, it all WILL be fine. 24Sep - 23Oct Make a list of the presents you want to buy and stick to it. Get home and immediately wrap and label them so that you can't forget what you bought for whom. In this way you won't have the stress of endlessly swapping presents and people over in your mind. There - Christmas made easy! 23Nov - 22Dec I can't think of another star sign that enjoys Christmas more than you, but this year things might also feel hemmed in as well. The mood isn't quite so carefree, possibly because of work or other restraints. But just in the nick of time the cosmos grants you a richly fruitful festive period. 24Oct - 22Nov December starts really well and is probably the best week of the month. This is unsurprising since Christmas has never been a favourite time of the year - your sensitive nervous system dislikes the invasion. You will enjoy it more if you take time out for some quiet moments. Sociable Sagittarians never know where the day will take them. This capacious bag will ensure they have everything they need for any eventuality. Purple 'Miami' tote £225 from Pied a Terre at House of Fraser. 64 www.ousevalleyliving.com diary dates Wed 30 Nov to Sun 4 December The Bedford Hospitals Charity Christmas Tree Festival St Paul's Church, Bedford 10-5pm Wed to Sat and 2-4pm Sun. Entry £2.50, children under 16 free. Concert by The Ensemble of London on Saturday night. Trees available to buy 11am-12pm on Monday 5 December for £10. Friday 2 December Sharnbrook Christmas Fayre 3.30pm FREE children's entertainer (in marquee on the green) 4.30pm Santa Claus in his Grotto 6pm Switch On Christmas Lights Sharnbrook Methodist Church, open from 5 to 9pm Soup and hot drinks served during the Sharnbrook Christmas Fayre. Traidcraft cards and gifts. Children's table - make a card. Exhibition of art and photos. Collection for Bedford Foodbank help for people in crisis. Bedfordshire Family History Society Drama Hall at Mark Rutherford School, 7.30pm Researching Family History - The Nightmare of Census Returns. Bookstall, library and refreshments available. Members and non-members welcome. www.bfhs.org.uk for more info. dings, mincemeat, chutneys, plants, wreaths, crafts, tombola, raffle and fun and games for children. Refreshments. In aid of All Saints Turvey. Enquiries Celia Hanbury 01234 881621. Christmas Fair Pinchmill Lower School, Felmersham, 2 - 4.30pm Cards, jewellery, flowers and more. Games for the young and old plus Santa's Grotto. Refreshments available. For stalls call Sam on 01234 782869 or email [email protected] Bedford Gallery Quire Blunham Village Hall, 7.30pm Concert of the music of country people around 1700 to 1850. In costume with period instruments. www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk Tickets £10 include mince pies & mulled wine from Pauline 01767 640503 or Sue 01767 641433. Tree Dressing and Music at Twilight, Maulden Woods Meet at A6 layby 1 mile north of Clophill. Free Faith Woodlands Communities event with candle-lit art, music and nature walks. Open to all. Bring warm clothes and a torch. Call 07787 774167 for details. Holly Heart Fashion Show Oakley Village Hall, 7.30pm Grand raffle in aid of Macmillan. Stalls selling Christmas gifts. Tickets £5, includes a glass of wine and entry into draw. For more information contact Tabitha on 07957 580331 or [email protected] Sat 3 & 10 / Sun 4 & 11 Dec Rushden Historical Transport Society Santa Specials Rushden Station, 10am to 4pm Adults £6, Children £8 (under 1yr £2) includes train ride, refreshments, entertainments, post a letter to Santa and present from Santa for children. Advance booking only - 01933 353111. www.rhts.co.uk for more info. Saturday 3 December Church Bazaar and Christmas Market in Turvey Village Hall, 10.30am - 12.30pm Homemade cakes, Xmas pud- Sunday 4 December Advent and Christmas Music by Ouse ValleySingers, 3pm St. Peter's Church, Sharnbrook To conclude the Christmas Tree Festival Weekend. Tickets £5 from 01234 781159. Proceeds to The Children's Society. Souldrop Christmas Fayre Village Hall, Souldrop, 3pm Cakes, raffle, gifts, hot dogs, mulled wine, mince pies, Santa's Grotto and much more. Monday 5 December Turvey Pre-school Playgroup Christmas Shopping Evening Turvey Village Hall, 8pm Christmas shopping & pampering. Lots of stalls plus mini-massage and manicures. Free glass of mulled wine and mince pie. For more details 01234 888970 or [email protected] Thursday 8 December Bedford Town Band Christmas Concert, 7.30pm Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Tickets £8 and £6 concessions. Friday 9 December Christmas Presents Riseley Community Theatre Riseley Village Hall A seasonal mixture of comedy and music. 'Pythonesque' comedy from our Youth Theatre and a 'live' recording of a radio play "A Christmas Party" by Martyn Wady, loosely based on something that Charles Dickens wrote! More info from Clive Whittall on 01234 708832. Pavenham Table Tennis Club Pavenham Village Hall, 7.30 to 9.30pm Every Thursday. £4 a session. More info from Roger on 07809 731124. Saturday 10 December Willington Christmas Village Market, Village Hall, 10 - 2pm Fresh produce, gifts, refreshments and a visit from Father Christmas. More info from Julia Buckroyd 01234 831316. diary dates Saturday 10 December cntd Coffee Morning, 10.30 - 12pm Sharnbrook Methodist Church Traidcraft Christmas cards and gifts. Seasonal stall. Collection point for Bedford Foodbank help for people in crisis e.g biscuits, tinned produce, cereals, sugar, teabags. Collection of winter clothing for Prebend Day Centre. Christmas Fayre Margaret Beaufort Middle School, 12 - 2pm High Street, Riseley Cantamus St. Leonard's Church, Stagsden, 7.30pm £8 (concessions £6) including light refreshments. Sunday 11 December Christmas for Kids, 10.30am John Gibbard Lower School, Sharnbrook Special service for children & families, including carols, presents, cakes and Bible talk. Wed 14 to Sat 24 December George's Marvellous Medicine The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford Roald Dahl's classic adapted for the stage by David Wood. No Loss Productions teaming up with Dumbstruck! Productions, Tickets £10 adults, £6 concessions, under 5s go free. Tickets are on sale now at www.theplacebedford.org Group bookings are also available. Please ring 01234 354321. Sunday 25 December Christmas Day Service, 10.30am, The Science Centre, Sharnbrook Upper School Come and join us to celebrate and children bring your favourite presents! Thursday 15 December Bedford RSPB Local Group meeting, 7.30pm A.R.A. Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford. 3rd Thursday of each month. All very welcome. 01234 822035 or www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford Wednesday 11 January 2011 The Artists of London and London Artists - A 10 week course. 10.15 - 11.45am Riseley Village Hall Tutor Terry Sladden. Course fee £45.00. For further information ring Hermione Harrison 01480 861231 or Mike Knight 01234 708518. Enrolment at first meeting from 9.45am. Saturday 17 December White Christmas Flitwick Village Hall, 2.30pm Popular songs sung by Andy Collier. Tickets just £5 full and £4 concessions from box office 01525 383783. Come and have a 'Wonderful Christmas Time!' Sunday 18 December Traditional Carol Service, 10.30am, The Science Centre, Sharnbrook Upper School Everyone welcome. Stay for tea & coffee. Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols Candlelit Service, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford, 6.30pm Saturday 14 January Coffee Morning, 10.30 - 12pm Sharnbrook Methodist Church Traidcraft selling fairly traded goods. Bring & Buy books, jigsaws, DVDs, CDs, videos. Collection of winter clothing and waterproof footwear for Prebend Day Centre. Charity and Fundraising events for the February issue to be supplied by 10 January 2012 to [email protected] Useful Info... Useful Info... Useful Info... 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Do you know whose ad it is? TWO day passes for BODYFLIGHT Leisure Centre Email your answer to [email protected] or write to OVL, Barnholme Cottage, 7 High Street, Sharnbrook, Beds MK44 1PG. The winner will be drawn at random and notified by Friday 16 December 2011. Closing date Monday 12 December 2011. Bodyflight Bedford Answer to last month’s Whose Ad is it? Twinwoods Business Park Clapham Commerce Windows. Congratulations to Jaz Saggu who won a 45 minute golf lesson at Bedford Golf Club. 0845 200 2960 www.bodyflight.co.uk Sudoku Whose Ad is it? This image is part of an Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits from 1 to 9, with no repetition! Answers in next month’s OVL Last month’s answers www.ousevalleyliving.com 73 74 www.ousevalleyliving.com
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