Events & venues issue 1 volume 4

www.eventsandvenuesmagazines.co.uk

EVENTS & venues Magazine

Local to Leighton Buzzard, Linslade,Heath & Reach and surrounding villages

Issue 1. Volume 4. Mar/April 2015

The EVENTS & venues Magazine - the only true local publication for the area that is designed, written, printed and distributed using local professionals and companies.

3rd Birthday

edition

May Fayre - brought to you by the Rotary Club of Leighton Linslade

The 26th Annual May FayreBank Holiday Monday

May 4th 2015.Turn to page 5for full details!

A trulyentertaining day out

for all the family!

Just one of the many attractions... see the Royal Navy Field Gun Crew racing in the Recreation ground

EVENTS and venues 3 www.eventsandvenuesmagazines.co.uk

EVENTS and venues

Published byEVENTS and venues Magazines LtdBridge House, Bridge StreetLeighton Buzzard LU7 1EBTelephone: 01525 852762Mobile: 077 0220 7222email: [email protected]

Editor and Advertising SalesChristopher Green077 0220 72222email: [email protected]

Editorial CoordinatorAmanda Harrison07729 691105email: [email protected]

Graphic Design & PrintJulia Lond01525 384893email: [email protected]

Copyright EVENTS and venues Magazines Ltd

Published byEVENTS and venues Magazines LtdBridge House Bridge StreetLeighton Buzzard LU7 1EBTelephone 01525 852762Mobile: 077 0220 7222email: [email protected]

MD and EditorEVENTS and venues Magazine

Chris Green

Editorial CoordinatorAmanda Harrison 077 2969 1105email:[email protected]

Editor and Advertising SalesChristopher Green077 0220 7222email:[email protected]

Like us on Facebookwww.

facebook.com/Eventsandvenuesor follow us on

Twitter@ajh_events

All advertisements are printed in good faith, however Events and Venues Magazines Ltd cannot take responsibility for the contents of the adverts or the services provided by the advertisers. Reproduction in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

Graphic designJulia LondEagle Graphics Printersemail:[email protected]




Chris Green





Twitter@ajh_events






Chris Green





Twitter@ajh_events



Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/Eventsandvenues

or follow us on Twitter@ajh_events

Transform your home with beautiful new windowsfrom Cladwinds. A trusted local �rm with 29 years

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Dear Readers

Well here we are again with our bumper Spring issue of your Events and venues Magazine. As always we would like to thank all our readers, contributors and advertisers for helping put together this issue which is bursting at the seams with local news and events, including plans for this years’ May Day Fayre – and what a treat they have in store for everyone – the clue is on the front cover!

This issue also marks our third birthday and what a great three years it has been. We have met so many lovely residents and members of local clubs and societies here in Leighton-Linslade and we look forward to another great year ahead.

We are delighted to be able to bring you news of local Doreens School of Dancing 60th Anniversary celebrations page 13 and Rocci Yogas plans for Summer Solstace page 37 amongst many other editorials. We are also thrilled to introduce you to Merlin, the new Dog for the Disabled puppy who we will be following over the next year page 23.

We must also thank our printers, who work tirelessly and very patiently with us and our distribution team, who again never let us down and always deliver within a tight schedule. It has been a busy couple of months putting together this issue……. now time to get started on the next one (after we have finished the birthday cake!!!!)

Editorial CoordinatorEVENTS and venues Magazine

Issue 1. Vol 4. Mar/Apr 2015

All advertisements are printed in good faith, however EVENTS and venues Magazines Ltd cannot take responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or the services provided by the advertisers. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. © EVENTS and venues Magazines Ltd.

Come along and...Share information and build client andsupplier base Increase local business and build relationships Share goals, aspirations and projects Develop links within the communitySee what business support is available to you Meet local networking groups Raise the business awareness and encourage new businesses to our town.Open to all business sizes, sectors and trades. Please come and join us to support our growing business community in the town.

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Leighton-Linslade’s annual May Day Fayre is now the biggest charity event held in central Bedfordshire. Most of the town turns out for it and lots of charities, local clubs and societies are able to generate funds by participating.

The High Street will be lined with charity stalls and Tom Smith’s fairground rides will be at the Church Square end with a helter skelter at the Market Cross. There will also be the traditional entertainment, dance displays, etc all day long at the Market Cross.

In Parsons Close Recreation Ground there will be more rides including dodgems

May Day Fayre – Monday 4th May(a first for the May Fayre!), local groups demonstrating what they do and further charity stalls.

This year Leighton-Linslade is in for a treat as the Royal Navy Field Gun race have been booked, something that has not been widely seen since the Royal Tournament came to an end in 1999. It promises to be an exciting spectacle! We will also have James Cracknell’s boat ‘Tempest Two’, here - this is the boat in which he crossed the Atlantic and you will be able to take a seat on board and imagine what it would have been like to face those Atlantic ‘rollers’.

St George’s Day is celebrated in

England on 23 April, in honour

of St George, the patron saint of England.

Saint George is the patron saint of England. His emblem, a red cross on a white background, is the flag of England, and part of the British flag. St George’s emblem was adopted by Richard The Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12th century. The King’s soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.

Saint George is popularly identified with England and English ideals of honour, bravery and gallantry, but actually he wasn’t English at all.

Who was the real St George and what did he do to become England’s patron saint?St George was a brave Roman soldier who protested against the Romans’ torture of Christians and died for his beliefs. The popularity of St George in England stems from the time of the early Crusades when it is said that the Normans saw him in a vision and were victorious.

St. George is believed to have been born in Cappadocia (now Eastern Turkey) in the year A.D. 270. He was a Christian. At the age of seventeen he joined the Roman army and soon became renowned for his bravery. He served under a pagan Emperor but never forgot his Christian faith.

St George’s Day

We will also have OSCAR, an educational, interactive road safety car simulator in which you can safely experience the true sensation of driving while your friends can watch you on a screen outside.

We still have some stalls available in the High Street and on Parsons Close, so if you want to promote your club and raise funds, call Alan Layzell on 01525 754820.

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When the pagan Emperor Diocletian started persecuting Christians, St. George pleaded with the Emperor to spare their lives. However, St. George’s pleas fell on deaf ears and it is thought that the Emperor Diocletian tried to make St. George deny his faith in Christ, by torturing him. St George showed incredible courage and faith and was finally beheaded near Lydda in Palestine on 23 April, 303.

In 1222, the Council of Oxford declared April 23 to be St George’s Day and he replaced St Edmund the Martyr as England’s patron saint in the 14th century. In 1415, April 23 was made a national feast day.

St George is also patron saint of scouts, soldiers, archers, cavalry and chivalry, farmers and field workers, riders and saddlers, and he helps those suffering from leprosy, plague and syphilis.

Dragon-Slaying Patron Saint of England

One of the best-known stories about Saint George is his fight with a dragon. But it is highly unlikely that he ever fought a dragon, and even more unlikely that he ever actually visited England. Despite this, St George is known throughout the world as the dragon-slaying patron saint of England. In the Middle Ages the dragon was commonly used to represent the Devil. The slaying of the dragon by St George was first credited to him in the twelfth century, long after his death. It is therefore likely that the many stories connected with St George’s name are actually fictitious.


Amal� Tiles is a family run business who have been based in Leighton Buzzard for over ten years. We have an excellent reputation with our �tting services, and are able to supply a large range of bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles, wall tiles, and �oor tiles. We only supply top quality tiles including ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, stone tiles, granite tiles and marble tiles.We also supply grouts and adhesives for laying your own tiles, or alternatively, take a look at our Tiling Services, where we can provide a free quotation for any job, big or small.Whatever your needs, you can be sure of good personal service by the proprietor, Giuseppe Tudisco, who has been in the tiling business for many years and is a professional tiler himself. Giuseppe will only be too happy to answer any of your questions and queries.At Amal� Tiles you'll �nd a pleasantly laid out showroom, with our tiles shown �xed and grouted on large displays with prices marked on every tile in store. Tiles can also be ordered directly from our website and delivered straight to your door. We guarantee the quality of our products and assure you our very best attention at all times. Exclusive to us, our tiles are mainly sourced directly from manufactures in Italy, Spain and Greece cutting out the middleman and ensuring our prices are kept low.

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The Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway has announced that it is launching an urgent appeal to raise £50,000 in three months so that it can give the go-ahead to build a new station – a Museum Gateway – at Pages Park.

A railway supporter has offered to ‘match fund’ every pound that the Railway can raise within three months up to a maximum of £50,000. Chairman Terry Bendall commented ‘this is a hugely generous offer. If we can raise the full £50,000 we double our money and will have enough to demolish the existing dilapidated station and erect the new building’. The new building will echo the designs of the London & North Western Railway, the company which built the town’s original mainline station.

The existing station at Pages Park was already third-hand when erected many years ago. While it might charitably be said to be in keeping with the industrial roots of the railway which was built to carry sand, it is increasingly showing its age and presents a poor first impression of the railway. The new station will not only provide new facilities for the railway and its passengers, but it will also have space available for community use.

Announcing the appeal at the Railway’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7th March, Terry Bendall was pleased to note that a number of members had already offered significant amounts towards the appeal. So keen are the members to take full advantage of the ‘match funding’ that some £37,000 has already been pledged. ‘I’m both delighted and grateful’ said Terry, ‘this project comes at a crucial time for the Railway and marks the start of our comeback from the disappointment of being turned down by the Heritage Lottery Fund after three years of hard work. We decided to raise the money ourselves and the support has already been fantastic’.

But while just £13,000 is required to take full advantage of the match funding offer, a further £100,000 is expected to be required to complete the interior of the new station. ‘We will be raising funds for a while to come’ said Terry ‘so please help us give the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway a decent station!’

Donations can be made via the Railway’s website at www.buzzrail.co.uk or to the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway Society Limited, Pages Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4TN.

The Leighton Buzzard Railway is an accredited museum with a history linked with the sand quarrying industry around the town. In addition to equipment from that era, the Railway has built up

Leighton Buzzard Railway launches ‘Double The Money’ Appeal

a significant collection of Great War vintage narrow gauge equipment. The National Railway Museum has placed its ‘protected’ type Simplex No. 3098 (MR1377/1918) on loan to the railway, and LBR is

the base for the Greensand Railway Museum Trust’s Baldwin 4-6-0T WDLR No. 778.

The Leighton Buzzard Railway is based at Page’s Park, Leighton Buzzard, and the line runs to Stonehenge Works adjacent to the sand quarries which the original industrial railway was built to serve. For further information visit http://www.buzzrail.co.uk.

Right: the existing building. Above: artist’simpression of the new staion.


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Late night Friday until6.00pm

Last year Oxjam raised £6,575.56 over 39 events and at the time of printing this year’s festival is well under way.

Still to enjoy though are the following events - check out website for more details – www.oxjamleightonbuzzard.org.uk

Wednesday 25th MarchLeighton Linslade Concert Band at Sacred Heart Church Hall, Beaudesert at 7.30pm. Admission free, with retiring collection being split 50% to Oxfam and 50% to Sacred Heart, the latter going to the ‘Justice and Peace Group’. Refreshments available during the interval.

Acoustic Session at The Black Lion, High Street from 8.30pm. Free entry, with collection for Oxfam. All welcome to this fun, informal acoustic session. Bring your voice or instrument and join in, or just listen. For more info, contact Ash at [email protected]

Thursday 26th MarchOpen Mic Night at The Sun, Lake Street, run by David Bird. 8.30pm ‘til late. Free entry, with collection for Oxfam.

Friday 27th MarchChasm & Co. Acoustic Evening at The Green House, 7.30 – 10.30pm. Free entry, with collection and raffle for Oxfam. Chasm will be joined by friends including Emma Whittemore, The Progresseons, Karl Rushby and Gary Bass in an evening of acoustic music of all genres.

Paradox at The Crown, North Street, 9.00 – 11.30pm. Free entry, with collection for Oxfam. Paradox performs rock, pop, R&B and soul from the 1960s to the present day.

Saturday 28th MarchOnyx Party Night at The Crown, North Street, 8.00 – 11.00pm. Free entry, with collection for Oxfam. Onyx delivers a superb evening’s entertainment, whatever the occasion. Covering hits from Elvis to Bruno Mars, Snow Patrol, and Taylor Swift.

Oxjam Showcase presented by ‘The Peppermintstore’, at The Wheatsheaf, North Street, starting at 9.30pm. Free entry, with collection for Oxfam. Featuring The Rusty G’s, Charlie P Walker and Well Known Thief Family

Acoustic Session at The Green House, High Street, 7.00 - 10.30pm. Free admission with a collection for Oxfam. Informal evening of acoustic music; just come along and join in, or sit back and enjoy the songs and tunes.

Sunday 29th MarchThe Greensand Jazz Jam at The Black Lion, High Street at 1pm. Admission free but with a suggested minimum donation of £5, raising funds for Oxfam. Featuring Bruce Adams, Richard Busiakiewicz, Arnie Somogyi, Ronnie Fenn and special guests. Part of the Bedford and Milton Keynes Jazz Festival, fundraising for Leighton Buzzard Oxjam Festival. Liane Carroll at The Green House, High Street at 7pm. Tickets £18, with collection for Oxfam. One of the greatest living British jazz vocalists

Sunday 5th AprilNatasha Seale Trio at The Green House, High Street at 7pm. Tickets are £15 (from the Green House), with collection for Oxfam. West End singer Natasha Seale leads her Jazz Trio: vocals, piano and double-bass, on the first Sunday evening of each month as the resident band at The Green House.

Oxjam Leighton Buzzard


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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON GOLF MEMBERSHIP AT MENTMORE CALL THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM NOW ON 01296 662020 (OPTION 2)

Events&Venues FP Mar15.qxp_Layout 1 28/02/2015 11:20 Page 1


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Rugbytots started in 2006 to fill a gap in the child development sector by using Rugby specific skills to aid in the development of young children.

Our programme has been designed to develop your child’s physical, psychological and social attributes, as well as gently encouraging rugby specific skills such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching, scoring a try and much more.

The success, popularity and growth of Rugbytots across the UK demonstrates the quality of our programme and the coaches who work so hard to consistently deliver. It is therefore no surprise to find that we are the most established, fastest growing and most innovative Rugby play programme for children aged two to seven.

All Rugbytots lead coaches are paediatric first aiders, Rugby qualified coaches, CRB checked and trained to a very high standard to ensure your children enjoy their time at Rugbytots in a safe and organised environment.

Rugbytots in Leighton BuzzardGary Robertson used to play semi professionally for Melrose RFC in Scotland and played age group international and he now runs Rugbytots sessions on a Saturday morning at Greenleas Lower School, Derwent road, Linslade. To check times of classes and book etc you can go to their website at www.rugbytots.co.uk and go to the find your nearest class section for Leighton Buzzard. The sessions are £7 each.

NEW FOR MARCH - Tuesday morning classes for 2-4yrs age at Pages Park Pavillion. Indoors to start with but with

Rugbytots the pitches outside we will hold outdoor classes when the weather is better. Fresh air for the little ones!

Rugbytots are the UKs first rugby specific play programme. Gary runs energetic and dynamic weekly play sessions for girls and boys between the ages of 2 and 7yrs. The age groups are 2-3.5yrs, 3.5-5yrs and 5-7yrs.

The classes are designed to develop motor skills and build confidence whilst having fun in a team environment. Gary can also run afterschool Rugbytots sessions at schools based on tag rugby if local schools are interested then please do not hesitate to contact him.

[email protected] or call him on 01296 660409.


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CELEBRATION OF ST GEORGE’S DAY - Thursday 23rd April.

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Open lunchtime from 1st April with a new lunchtime menu.Easter Beer & Cider FestivalBook early for Easter Sunday RoastLive music from ‘Rick Chase’ Good FridayAnnual St George’s celebrations Thursday 23rd Golf dayBook early for Sunday 26th ‘Ceremony Of The Beef ’70th anniversary ‘VE Day’ May 9th and 10thArmed Forces weekend June 27th and 28th‘HareFest lll’ July 17th, 18th and 19th

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LINSLADE

This year local Doreen’s School of Dancing will be celebrating their 60th Anniversary in style with a show to be held on Friday 24th April at 7.15pm and two shows on Saturday 25th April at 2pm and 7pm. at the Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, Lake Street. The show will incorporate music from across the 60 years and promises to be a very entertaining performance.

Doreen’s School of Dancing is the longest running dancing school in Leighton Buzzard and was established in 1955 by principal Doreen Rolls. Doreen first started dancing as a small child which included Tap, Ballet and Modern which soon became a passion with her taking many exams. This finally led her to open her own school at the age of 18. The dancing school grew very quickly, becoming very popular in the town and making it the dance school it is today. Doreen now runs the school assisted

by her daughter Alison Taylor and class teacher Anne Bryans. Pupils take medal and grade exams each year gaining good results and for those pupils who take up dance as a GSCE subject they can use these exams to count towards their GCSE results.

Classes take place on a Monday and a Tuesday at Hockliffe Street Baptist Church, Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 1EZ. Children can join from the age of three and a half through to adult. Doreen’s School of Dancing are affiliated to the United Teachers of Dance Limited. Please contact for further information on 01525 237400 or via email [email protected]

Principal, Doreen Rolls “60 years is a long time and we wanted to do something special as a dancing school to mark the occasion. We have had a great time putting the show together and we are looking forward to welcoming current pupil’s friends and families and many

former pupils and friends of the dancing school in celebrating this fantastic milestone. I was born and bred in Leighton Buzzard and I can’t think of a better place to be celebrating than in the towns’ Library Theatre. “

Tickets for the 60th Anniversary Show are available from the Library Theatre box office on 0300 300 8125 or via their website www.leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk Adults £8.50 Concessions £6.

Above: Photo of me many years ago taking my first Grade 1 tap exam with Doreen’s School of Dancing – Amanda .

Doreen’s School of Dancing celebrates 60 years of dance


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Leighton Buzzard Canal Society

Tues 7 April Rushmere Park, Heath & Reach, 11am Join us to see the Heronry - this is the best time to spot the hatching herons.

Tues 12 May Woburn Safari Park, 11am Come and see one of our nationally acclaimed attractions (car share available).

Tues 9 June Noggin & Natter, The Globe, Linslade, 12noon Come along for a chat and a meal.

Tues 14 July Pitstone Country Museum, 11am A wealth of agricultural history, buildings and a canal exhibit and display.

Tues 11 Aug Pitstone Reservoir, Startops Marsworth, 11am Stroll round the reservoir, see the birdlife and have lunch at The Red Lion.

Sat 21 Sept Steam Traction Engine Rally, Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton A full day of railway exhibits, working miniature and model railways.

The LBCS was founded at a meeting held on 17th October 1984. The 30th Anniversary was celebrated at The Globe Inn on the exact date in 2014.

If you would like to join us in visiting breweries, having film shows, Christmas lunch, visiting places of local interest, walks, and once a year we charter a former working boat for a day’s cruise, then call John Toy on 01525 374498. Membership is just £5 per annum.


3 High Street Leighton Buzzard LU7 1DN Telephone 01525 372157

Jackie has run Leighton Buzzard Hedgehog Rehabilitation Centre for the past 10 years and we often feature advice from her here in the Events and venues Magazine. We are delighted to hear that our regular articles always generate donations from our very kind readers as well. Jackie has always had a passion for our wildlife and always had a dream to work with animals in some context. Jackie is a registered carer with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and her success rate is approximately 73%. So many hedgehogs are now being bought in that she has enlisted the help of some other local carers – between them they have approximately 60 hedgehogs in their care at the moment.

Jackie works tirelessly and is incredibly committed to the rehabilitation of all the hedgehogs that are bought into her care. This is what inspired her partner Ian to pen and illustrate a book about a typical day in Jackie’s life as a hog carer entitled ‘Jackie’s Hog Hut’!! So unbeknown to Jackie instead of catching up with his household chores Ian was busy writing this surprise book, in verse, for her and she is absolutely thrilled with the outcome. But why stop there? With the help of local publisher Diverze Print 100 books were printed and are now being sold for £6 each to raise much needed funds for the hedgehogs care. As Ian says the book is about “A hog carer’s day, written in verse, I’ve given it a ‘go’, and well…..it could have been worse!”

Hedgehogs are in rapid decline and we must try to save these beautiful iconic creatures. If you see a hog out in the day it is very likely to be poorly. The only exception to this would be a hog gathering nest material as this will be a female building a nest. If you see a hog out in the day walking wobbly or sunbathing (!) this is the sign of a weak and very poorly animal. Because the hog is unwell it will have a drop in temperature and this will attract flies, they will lay their eggs on the hog and these will hatch into maggots within 24 hours. They will then basically eat the hog alive so it is crucial that the hog is bought in and placed in a high sided box, place a towel in the box for it to snuggle into and a hot water bottle/empty drink bottle with screw lid filled with warm water. Once warmed up put down a plate of chicken cat or dog food and a bowl of water and then phone for advice. Contrary to popular belief do not give the hedgehogs milk as they are actually lactose intolerant! The reason hedgehogs are in danger is because of loss of habitat in the countryside which has pushed them into our

towns. This could be a perfect place for them if we just help them out in the way we live our lives. They can travel up to a mile per night so make sure there are gaps under fences for them to gain access. Don’t use slug pellets as these kill hogs and other wildlife. If you have a pond and it has slippery sides then place chicken wire around the sides to act as a ladder. Check long grass before mowing or strimming, many hogs are made orphans because mum was killed by a strimmer! Cover drains, don’t leave shed and garage doors open as a female may think it a perfect place to have her young until she finds she is shut in and always check bonfires before lighting them.

If you have a hedgehog visit your garden give it a helping hand, put out dried mealworms, peanuts (ones for birds) chicken cat food or biscuits or hedgehog biscuits. Jackie receives no funding and pays for all vets bills, euthanasia, food and running costs out of her own pocket so any help with cat food, dried mealworms etc would be greatly received. If you are worried about a hedgehog, would like to donate in any way or would like a copy of ‘Jackie’s Hog Hut’ please phone Jackie on 01525 759916.

Jackies Hog Hut

Below: Ian, Jackie and Sunshine the hedgehog.

The clocks officially go forward an hour on Sunday 29th March

2015 at 1am. British Summer Time always begins on the last weekend in March and ends on

the last weekend in October.

British Summertime is coming: Spring forward, Fall back...


Please call us free on 0800 810 0747 and we’ll help you find your perfect apartment or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk

Norton Court

1&2 Bedroom Retirement Living apartments for sale - Phase one priced from £191,950#

Leston Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 1FU

Call us today on 0800 810 0747 to register your interest and book your appointment with our Sales Executive.

Our new development is located in the charming town of Leighton Buzzard and features 30 one and two bedroom apartments. Over 40% reserved

Homeowners’ lounge House manager Landscaped gardens Lift to all floors

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Norton Court Advert.indd 1 06/03/2015 14:36

Please call us free on 0800 810 0747 and we’ll help you find your perfect apartment or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk

Norton Court

1&2 Bedroom Retirement Living apartments for sale - Phase one priced from £191,950#

Leston Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 1FU

Call us today on 0800 810 0747 to register your interest and book your appointment with our Sales Executive.

Our new development is located in the charming town of Leighton Buzzard and features 30 one and two bedroom apartments. Over 40% reserved

Homeowners’ lounge House manager Landscaped gardens Lift to all floors

Now selling off plan

The excitement is building at Norton Court

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Norton Court Advert.indd 1 06/03/2015 14:36

NHS Blood Donation Do Something Amazing... Give Blood

It’s easy to become a blood donor – just go to the website at www.blood.co.uk to find out more and to read some amazing stories of how blood donation has really helped to save lives.

Blood is something we all expect to be there for us when we need it, yet only 4% of us give blood. Many people would not be alive today if it wasn’t for the generosity of blood donors. Each blood donation can help as many as 3 people. 100 donations equates to 47 litres of blood.

Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.

The next donor sessions in our area are as follows :Thursday 26th March Leighton Buzzard Scout Association Hall, Grovebury Road, LU7 4SW

Wednesday 1st April Brooklands Club Hall, Garden Leys Off Brooklands Drive, LU7 3PQ

Sunday 19th April Mobile Unit at Tesco Store Vimy Road, LU7 1ER

Thursday 23rd April Leighton Buzzard Scout Association Hall Grovebury Road, LU7 4SW

Wednesday 13th May Leighton Buzzard Scout Association Hall Grovebury Road, LU7 4SW

For more information, to register as a donor or to find out where other local donor sessions are being held please take a look at the website www.blood.co.uk or alternatively you can call 0300 123 23 23. Please pass this information on if you know someone who would be prepared to do something amazing and give blood.

The Town Mayor of Leighton-Linslade is hosting a

Quiz NighTFriday 27th March 2015, 7.30pm

at Brooklands Social ClubTickets £11 to include hot buffet supperTickets available from Leighton-Linslade Town Council

Further details can be obtained from the Town Mayor’s Secretary on 01525 631921, email: [email protected]

Proceeds will benefit the Town Mayor’s Charity Fund: Supporting Macmillan Cancer Support – SSAFA Forces help Bedfordshire Branch – ATC (1003) Leighton Buzzard Squadron

Quiz Master:

The Digital DJ

Bar and Raffle

get your thinking caps on!

Proceeds to benefit the Town Mayors Charity

Fund


Sapphire Glass & Glazing

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A family run business with over 40 years experience

Model Farm Leighton Road Leighton Buzzard LU7 9NY

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Unit 1 Firbank Court | Leighton Buzzard | Beds | LU7 4YJ | t 01525 384893 | f 01525 852045 | e [email protected]

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We’ll keep your print looking as fresh as a daisy!

Inspired design & print

If you look good, we look goodWe believe that your print should be vibrant and beautiful, giving you the opportunity to stand out, and we can help you do just that.

We’ve been in the print industry a long time and our years of experience combined with modern equipment ensures that we can make your print work for you.

Whether you are looking for a couple of posters or a mass mailing, business cards, stationery, leaflets, brochures, folders or promotional signs, design solutions or just plain old print, we can help. And we’d like to.

Talk to us and see what we can do to keep your print looking good.

Call us on 01525 384893

Email on [email protected]

Have a look at our website www.egp.uk.com

EGP

We are delighted to be the official

distributors for the Events and venues Magazine

Let us help you reach your business targets by delivering to your potential customers. Using local delivery agents we can provide a

knowledgeable and reliable delivery service.

Delivering to Leighton Buzzard, Linslade and surrounding villages.

Please telephone 07809 295464 for a chat about your requirements or contact us via email: [email protected]

or Facebook: www.facebook.com/bullseyedistributionsolutions

Merlin is the Rourke families latest Dogs for the Disabled puppy who arrived a week before Christmas to join Zen, who you have been following for the past year. Originally Merlin was only staying as a temporary boarder over the holiday period but will now be with the family for all of 2015. Merlin is a male black Labrador who is now 17 weeks old.

Merlin’s first trip out was a visit to the vet for his final puppy inoculation, this proved to be uneventful as he was so interested in the unfamiliar surroundings that he hardly noticed the injection being done. He then had to wait for two weeks before he could go out for his first walk in a public place where he might meet other dogs.

In his short time here so far Merlin has been quite busy getting out visiting different places to introduce himself and promote Dogs for the Disabled. He spent an evening with 1st Linslade Guides to receive a donation of charity money which they had collected and has also visited The Globe pub to support their regular charity quiz night as they were also collecting for DfD.

Merlin has had a number of trips into town and has been into

several shops and also All Saints Church where he has been made very welcome. Merlin has been extremely well behaved on his shopping trips and has been a big hit with both staff and customers.

Zen is still with the family at the moment but is expected to be leaving to start the next phase of his assistance dog training sometime during March.

Introducing Merlin; the new recruit for Dogs for the Disabled

Leighton Buzzard Lions Club invite you to an evening with

singing group

Rock of Agesand covers group

onyxwith hit songs and music

from the 1950’s to now

Commencing at 7.30pm, Thursday 14th May

at Hockliffe Street Baptist Church, Leighton Buzzard

Free entry includes light refreshmentsA collection will be made on behalf of the Lions Club charities.


The Rye Eaton Bray Bedfordshire LU6 2BQ Telephone 01525 220104 Fax: 01525 22077

Now reopen for the new 2015 season

OPEN: Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm. Closed Wednesdays. Open throughout the Easter weekend including Good Friday and Easter Monday.

email: [email protected]

The Garden Scene Gardener’s Reward Card

See us for all your...Spring and SummerBedding plants,Composts, Hanging Baskets, Garden Tools,Weedkillers, Fertilisersand Shrubs

Collect points to receive vouchers and invites to our seasonal 10% o� days

18a Leighton Road Linslade Leighton Buzzard LU7 1LA Telephone 01525 374113/375671 FAX: 01525 851362

www.linsladetyres.com

SERVICING * REPAIRS * MOT’s * EXHAUSTS * DIAGNOSTICS * FAULT FINDING * AIR CON

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ATA Quali�ed technicians Up front and honest pricingYou will be kept informed from start to �nishDisplaced parts kept for inspectionOnly authorised work will be carried outYour vehicle will be kept clean - protective gloves and covers used

HELPING TO KEEP YOU ON THE ROAD IN 2015!

OPEN: Monday to Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 2.00pm

* Tracking Guages * Competitive Prices * Air con re-gassed* Diagnostic Checks * Electrics overhauled* Remapping/Fuel Saving * Complete/Part Exhaust Systems* NEW Hunter top-of- the-range Alignment Gauges, all types and ranges of vehicles

LAND ROVER

The first Bedford and Milton Keynes Jazz Festival is happening on the last weekend of March 2015, from the evening of the 27th of March to the evening of the 29th of March. It involves 7 events, at 7 totally different venues, with 10 high profile national and international acts, bringing together the good work regular events have done across the regions. The festival will spread awareness of Jazz in the area, and by putting on a huge variety of music, will bring new people in to the genre. Jazz is really broadening out and attracting new young audiences all the time, and interest is definitely growing locally. There are professional Jazz musicians moving to the area all the time, and there are an ever-increasing amount of regular events being put on, so please come and join the fun and get involved.

www.bedsmkjazzfest.wix.com/bedfordmkjazzfest

https://www.facebook.com/BedfordandMKJazzFest

https://twitter.com/BedsMkJazzFest

Friday 27 Marchl JT4 Support By The Tom Ridout Quintet

Jazz @ The Ent Shed Presents: 7.30pm, adults £15, students £10, under 18s free with a full paying adult (max 2 per adult)

Saturday 28 Marchl Charlie Wood

MK Gallery 12.30pm, FREE (suggested donation £5-£10)

l The Tori Freestone Trio The Pavilion Café in Bedford Park 3.30pm, FREE (suggested donation £5-£10)

l The Kit Downes Trio + Tricko The Stables Theatre Stage 2 8.45pm, adults £17, students £10

Sunday 29 Marchl The Arnie Somogyi Trio + Bruce Adams

The Black Lion in Leighton Buzzard 1pm, FREE (suggested donation £5-£10)

l The Neil Yates Trio The Bedford Arms 3.30pm, FREE (suggested donation £5-£10)

l Gareth Lockrane’s Grooveyard Support by The Petrichor Quintet The Place Theatre 7.30pm, adults £17, students £10

Thursday 2nd April – Maundy Thursday 8pm: EUCHARIST OF THE LAST SUPPER, followed

by Watch until Midnight.Friday 3rd April – Good Friday9:30am Simple Children’s Service followed by Hot

Cross Buns in the Hall.10:45am Procession leaves St Barnabas to join the

Collective Act of Witness in the High Street at 11:15am.

12:15pm Stations of the Cross in St Barnabas.1:30pm LITURGY OF GOOD FRIDAY in St Barnabas,

including the Passion Gospel from St John, Prayers, Veneration of the Cross and Communion from the reserved Sacrament.

Sunday 5th April – Easter Day5:45am at St Mary’s THE EASTER VIGIL This service begins with Bible readings in

darkness, then the lighting of the New Fire, symbolising Jesus rising from the tomb. We renew our own Baptism vows, and finally celebrate a joyful Eucharist as the sun rises.

Later on at St Barnabas we will celebrate8am said Eucharist. 10am PARISH EUCHARIST. 6pm Festal Evensong.

Church Services at St Barnabas, Linslade this Easter

Bedford & Milton Keynes Jazz FestivalAppledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels

Appledown Rescue & Rehoming Kennels Harling Road, Eaton Bray, Beds LU6 1QY Tel: 01525 220383 Registered Charity Number 1116848

FUN DOG SHOWSunday 10th May Come along to Appledown

for a great family day out! Lots of Fun Dog Show Classes Refreshments & Stalls Show opens at 11am Classes commence 12 noon All entries on the day


Plans are in place for a radical workshop redevelopment scheme to include additional ramps and brand new high tech equipment.

We are truly excited to be able to o�er our customers an even higher standard of service in the future and you will be able to read all it in the next edition of the

Events & Venues Magazine. Look out for our double page centre spread whichwill give details of a special ‘Open day’ event!

TOP SECRET!

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Meet the crew. From left to right back row: Mark, Graham,Stuart, Frazier, Neil, Aaron Funge and Andy HumphreyFront row: Ian, Aaron Phillips, Glen, Ron and Brian

Shirley - in charge of accounts (and the men!)

Open: Mon to Thur 8.00am - 5.30pmFri 8.00am - 4.30pm Sat 8.00am to 12.30pm

Jackson & Phillips are proud members of the Bosch Car Service network which is a national network of independent garages. Each garage is well established in its own right and aims to keep its premises neat and tidy with clear Bosch Car Service signage, uniforms and equipment. We are an independently owned business with friendly sta�, trained to �t or replace Bosch quality parts. To guarantee that we maintain the high standards that Bosch set, we are audited every year and, to ensure that our technicians are up to date with new

technologies, Bosch insist that our sta� attend training on a regular basis. With changes in European legislation it is possible to

have your car serviced at an independent garage without invalidating your manufacturer’s warranty. In recent years, the

advances in the technology in your car has been huge and Bosch is at the forefront of this.

Jackson & Phillips is a family run independent business and has been for over 40 years. Our highly trained, friendly sta� understand that keeping you on the road is the main objective. The space we have as well as being independant gives us the scope to be able to maintain and repair anything from a 3 wheeler to large vans and motorhomes. As part of the Bosch car service network we adhere to the TSI approved code of practice and this commitment to customer care is yet another reason to choose Jackson & Phillips for all your motoring needs.

Jackson & Phillips Automotive Services Ltd

Dealer level expertise atindependant garage pricesDiagnostics by highly trained techniciansFREE local collection and delivery (including surrounding villages)FREE wash and hoover with every serviceFREE courtesy car*Tyres and laser alignmentOnline and Facebook booking’sClass IV, V and VII MOT’s with space for most motorhomes


1 King Street Leighton Buzzard LU7 1BY Telephone 01525 372650 E-Mail: [email protected] www.jackson-phillips.co.uk

Flying the �ag for quality service to customers for over 40 years!

Meet the crew. From left to right back row: Mark, Graham,Stuart, Frazier, Neil, Aaron Funge and Andy HumphreyFront row: Ian, Aaron Phillips, Glen, Ron and Brian

Shirley - in charge of accounts (and the men!)

Open: Mon to Thur 8.00am - 5.30pmFri 8.00am - 4.30pm Sat 8.00am to 12.30pm

Jackson & Phillips are proud members of the Bosch Car Service network which is a national network of independent garages. Each garage is well established in its own right and aims to keep its premises neat and tidy with clear Bosch Car Service signage, uniforms and equipment. We are an independently owned business with friendly sta�, trained to �t or replace Bosch quality parts. To guarantee that we maintain the high standards that Bosch set, we are audited every year and, to ensure that our technicians are up to date with new

technologies, Bosch insist that our sta� attend training on a regular basis. With changes in European legislation it is possible to

have your car serviced at an independent garage without invalidating your manufacturer’s warranty. In recent years, the

advances in the technology in your car has been huge and Bosch is at the forefront of this.

Jackson & Phillips is a family run independent business and has been for over 40 years. Our highly trained, friendly sta� understand that keeping you on the road is the main objective. The space we have as well as being independant gives us the scope to be able to maintain and repair anything from a 3 wheeler to large vans and motorhomes. As part of the Bosch car service network we adhere to the TSI approved code of practice and this commitment to customer care is yet another reason to choose Jackson & Phillips for all your motoring needs.


Dealer level expertise atindependant garage pricesDiagnostics by highly trained techniciansFREE local collection and delivery (including surrounding villages)FREE wash and hoover with every serviceFREE courtesy car*Tyres and laser alignmentOnline and Facebook booking’sClass IV, V and VII MOT’s with space for most motorhomes


1 King Street Leighton Buzzard LU7 1BY Telephone 01525 372650 E-Mail: [email protected] www.jackson-phillips.co.uk


Fully qualified staff Annual ServicingRepairs and MaintenanceEngine Diagnostic EquipmentBrakes and TyresMOT’s ArrangedFREE wash with every full service Ashton’s Workshop

The Pumping StationWing Road Linslade LU7 2PG

CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS

01525 373736

25 years in Leighton BuzzardNHS Tests and Private ExaminationsFundus Photography/Contact LensesDiabetic Retinal ScreeningBudget and Designer FramesReady Readers/Prescription SunglassesSports Spectacles/Occupational Lenses

Telephone 01525 850312 email:[email protected]

D King OpticiansLimited

2 North StreetLeighton Buzzard

LU7 1EN

www.dkingopticians.co.uk

Open weekend25th and 26th May

D.H Redfern

copy to come

Unit 27 Acacia CloseCherrycourt Way

Leighton Buzzard LU7 4QE

* Servicing and Repairs* Spares and Accessories* MOT work undertaken* Breakdowns/Recovery* Tyres �tted and balanced

BUZZARD MOTORCYCLE ENGINEERING

01525 850659077 10 46 3597

email:[email protected]

Estover 20

years!

We are looking for local crafters who wish to display and sell their work in the Leighton Buzzard Stonehenge Craft Shop. Crafters who display their work run the shop on a voluntary basis and a percentage of their takings is donated to the railway.

Anyone interested especially if you have an unusual craft please contact: [email protected] Sorry no more card makers to apply.

Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway runs a train journey from Pages Park to Stonehenge from March to October. Details of train times and fares can be found at www.buzzrail.co.uk

When you arrive at Stonehenge you will find not only a museum but a large variety of high quality crafts which have been designed and handmade by local crafters. You will also be able to purchase snacks and drinks.

The items in the Craft Shop include: woodwork; jewellery; glassware; bags; machine embroidered gifts; felt crafts; cushions; pictures; walking sticks; knitted items and cards most of which are one-off pieces. Although these have been handcrafted they are sold at very affordable prices.

Calling local crafters


Bulletin BoardGet your local event advertised free on our bulletin board, For further details please contact

Amanda Harrison

[email protected]

Thursday 26th March, 7pm for 7.30pm

leiGHton

buZZard

society Greening the Town

- Victoria Harvey

The Gables,

132 Wing Road,

Linslade,

LU7 2NN

Wednesday 6th May, 7.30pm My ancestors Were tHaMes WaterMen and royal WaterMen Pat Hilbert’s talk relates to her father’s family, the Greens, 69 of whom were Thames Watermen operating on the upper reaches of the tidal stretch of the Thames from the late 1600s. They moved into the field of leisure pursuits and ran a boathouse at Chiswick from 1872. Four were winners of Doggett’s Coat and Badge, the oldest annually recurring event in the world’s sporting calendar, and nine have over 300 years combined service as Royal Watermen since the time of George II.

Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2HBFree; non-members are very welcome; a small donation will be appreciated.

www.bucksfhs.org.uk

Thursday April 23rd

leiGHton buZZard societyAGM with Mayor’s year in OfficeThe Gables, 132 Wing Road, Linslade, LU7 2NN

Advance notice - Thursday 25th JuneleiGHton buZZard societyAnnual walk with Tony Birch -

Southcott Village

sales opportunityEvents & venues is growing in strength with every issue and we now distribute to over 12,000 homes in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. We are looking for additional sales staff to help continue our expansion.

If you have a few hours a week to spare, a good knowledge of the local area and some experience of advertising sales we would be most interested to hear from you. This is a self-employed, commission only based position.

Contact Christopher Green, Editor of Events & venues on 07702 2072 222 for further details.

Thursday 23rd April , 5.30-8pm

free business

netWorKinG

eventAstral Park Sports &

Community Centre

Register your place online at

www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk


www.Facebook.com AstralPark@Astral_Park

4 - 6 High Street Leighton Buzzard LU7 1EATelephone 01525 854900

Ask about our pick-up and delivery service

Special discounts for senior citizens

All garments hand �nished

Ironing service

Specialists in the cleaning of wedding dresses, wedding shoes and wedding suits.

Duvets, curtainsand sofa covers

OPEN:8.30am to

6.00pmMonday to

Saturday

Est since 2006

All kinds ofdelicate cleaning

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ALTERATIONS and REPAIRSwww.Facebook.com AstralPark@Astral_Park

Danesborough chorus Spring ConcertAs Danesborough Chorus reaches its 40th anniversary, ‘celebration’ is the theme of the choir’s Spring concert, with a welcome return to the Grove Theatre in Dunstable at 7.30pm on Saturday 28 March. The concert, conducted by Ian Smith, will include Faure’s Requiem, Handel’s Four Coronation Anthems and Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate. The choir will be joined by the Milton Keynes City Orchestra, with soloists Bethany Seymour (soprano) and James Birchall (bass-baritone).

“There’s no better way to celebrate the joy of choral singing than to take a few of the finest works of renowned composers, add a couple of superb soloists and a splendid orchestra, and stir together with an outstanding choir” says conductor Ian Smith. “This concert will demonstrate how the Danesborough Chorus has earned its reputation for excellence, as a choir which enjoys and celebrates vocal harmony!”

First performed in 1888, Gabriel Faure’s Requiem is a well-loved classic in the choral repertoire, expressing penitence, serenity and hopefulness in haunting melodies. He composed it, he said, not for a specific occasion but ‘purely for the pleasure of it’. His music spans the divide between Romanticism and 20th century Modernism. When Faure was born, Chopin was still composing, and when Faure died in 1924, jazz was all the rage!

Nearly two centuries earlier, Handel composed four anthems for the coronation of King George” and Queen Caroline in October 1727. The splendidly-jubilant Zadok the Priest has been sung at every coronation since then. Mozart, a musical

Below: Danesborough Chorus at the Grove Theatre performing Handel’s Messiah.

prodigy, wrote his glorious soprano solo motet Exsultate, jubilate in 1773 when he was barely 17 years old. This wonderfully-joyful motet is probably the earliest of his works which is still regularly performed.

Tickets for this concert are £17, £14 and £10. Please telephone 01908 372192, or visit website www.danesborough.org.uk. Tickets are also available from the Grove Theatre Box Office, Dunstable, tel: 01582 602080.

Events & venues Magazine find us on facebook, follow us on twitter


Check the road side timetables, ask your driver orcontact us for more details or for a printed timetable.Adult fare is £2.00 single, £3.10 return, £12.50 for a week and £50 for a whole month.

We are a family business established in 1999. Our aim is to provide a modern and reliable bus service on routes

18 EVENTS and venues www.eventsandvenuesmagazines.co.uk

Family firm established 0ver 20 years

Your bathroom completely refurbished from just £3,995+vat

Ground Floor Units 3-5 Harmill Industrial EstateLeighton Buzzard LU7 4FF

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www.wrighttilecentre.co.uk

Open: Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.30pmSaturday 9.00am - 5.00pm

Closed Sundays

Lifelong support for ourForces and their families

The charity that helps all forces and ex-forces people and their families in Bedfordshire

Who are we?SSAFA was founded in 1885, primarily to relieve distress among the families of soldiers and sailors, and subsequently increased its scope to cover all forces people and their families. Helping 50,000 people across the country every year. SSAFA is organised and operated on a county basis. In Bedfordshire, all the members of our branch are highly trained volunteers who give their time freely to provide caseworker cover for the whole of the county.

Who do we help?Our purpose is to provide lifelong support to forces and ex-forces men or women and their wives, husbands, partners, families and other dependants, whenever they need friendship, advice or assistance, at any time from the day their service starts and for the rest of their lives. Any form of service qualities, including National Service and, subject to slightly di�erent qualifying lengths of service, the reserves. This lifetime eligibility for help continues for widows and widowers, after divorce, for people separated from established partnerships, and for children and other dependants.

Can we help you?We are avilable, at the end of the telephone, through email or by letter, to do everything possible to relieve distress or to solve a problem. Whether this is through practical help, advice or friendship, we will discuss the matter with you and agree with you the action to be taken. You can come to us with any problems or request - we don’t sit in judgement and we don’t limit either the type of problem that we deal with or the type of help that might be obtained. Having agreed with you the possible courses of action to resolve the situation, we will see it through with you to the end - we don’t abandon you during the process.

Our telephone number: 01525 875071

Our email address: [email protected]

Our postal address: SSAFA Bedfordshire BranchPO Box 4504, Dunstable LU6 9PS

Bedfordshire Branch

Over the past few months a number of articles in the national and local press have extolled the benefits to health, both physical and mental, of walking. A recent study by a group of eminent scientists from Cambridge University concluded that 20 minutes of walking per day leads to better health. Last week even one of the speakers on Radio 4’s Thought For The Day suggested that walking, especially in the company of others, is good for mental wellbeing. You only have to listen to the wonderful Claire Balding in her programme Ramblings to confirm that view. Now for the real bombshell: Ramblers have always known this! We at Leighton Buzzard Ramblers get out and walk in the countryside every Sunday. I know that I return from our walks often tired, but always relaxed and that after a day in the fresh air I sleep like a log.

If you would like to join us on a walk, whatever your walking ability, we would love to see you. On the second Sunday of the month we have a short fairly undemanding walk which would suit those wanting to take the next step after graduating from the local Health Walks as well as those who haven’t done much walking recently or indeed anyone who just wants a short walk. If you want more challenge, our regular programme of Sunday and mid-week walks consists of walks varying in length from 6 to 12 miles. You can come alone (lots of people do) or with a friend. You are welcome to “try before you buy” and to come along on a walk or two before deciding whether you want to become a member.

We also have a regular programme of social activities. The picture shows us on a visit to London last summer.

Details of our programme can be found on our website: w w w. l b - r a m b l e r s .org.uk and Facebook page, as well as being published in the local paper and displayed in the library. We look forward to seeing you.

Scientists discover what Ramblers have known for years!

www.lb-ramblers.org.uk


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book your very owncoach and your

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Write, phone, callor email for yourFREE copy of our

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Theobolds Coaches and Holidays LtdWatling Street Dunstable Beds LU6 3QP

Telephone 01582 600 000/01582 842101

The new 2015 brochure with over 200great day excursions and holidays for all the

family is out now. Please contact us for a FREE copy on 01582 600 000/01582 842101

email: [email protected] and bookings are available at

www.theobolds.com

Yoga is a wonderful way to stretch, strengthen and de-stress. RocciYoga and RocciByeBaby run 14 yoga classes a week, in 4 different venues around Leighton Buzzard/Linslade, so there is bound to be one that suits you. I started teaching one yoga class over 3 years ago and due to popular demand I now teach 6 Karuna yoga,

which has its roots in Iyengar yoga, I also teach Pregnancy yoga and Mum and Baby yoga classes. I’m also qualified to teach Kids Yoga but I’m searching for a time and venue to hold these classes. Go to www.RocciYoga.co.uk for a full class timetable

Each year we have held a Summer Solstice Yoga event and this year will be no different. We are holding a weekend of events over the weekend of the 20th and 21st of June. This will be a mix of adult yoga, Kids yoga, Family yoga, baby massage classes, and some beauty treatments will be offered as well. We are hoping to secure a campsite venue near to Leighton Buzzard which will give you the opportunity to stay overnight and wake up with yoga at sunrise on the longest day of the year.

If you are interested in offering something for the weekend (e.g a campsite, yoga or Pilate’s classes, beauty treatments, a sound bath, or maybe you’re a local band that might suit this occasion) or if you would like more information please get in touch with Rocci on [email protected].

MP Andrew Selous visited the TACTIC centre in Leighton Buzzard on Thursday 26th February to meet with young people and youth workers to find out more about what youth work takes place at the centre.

TACTIC Youth Forum members greeted the MP with a tour of the centre and explained the different project work that young people could get involved with.

TACTIC works with young people aged 12-19yrs old and offers advice and information on a number of issues that affect teenagers across the town such as health, education, work, training, apprenticeships, sexual health and relationships.

The centre also offers positive activities during the school holiday periods and has recently opened a new Wednesday club at the Mentmore Park Pavilion.

For more information please contact the TACTIC on 01525 373838 or visit our website www.tactic-centre.co.uk

MP Andrew Selous visits TACTIC RocciYoga

The Mentmore Arts Festival 2015 will be our seventh year of exhibiting local artistic talent. The Festival has become a firm favourite with artists and visitors alike, kept fresh with new exhibitors whilst ensuring that regular popular contributors are also represented. Included in the work on show this year will be paintings, textile pieces, portraiture, photography, ceramics and glass. Our artists range from traditional to experimental and trained to self-taught, offering a wide range of styles with prices to suit most budgets.

Since our inaugural Festival in 2008, £32,500 has been disbursed to local charities and, with continued public support, 2015 will enable further significant donations to be made.

We are also delighted this year to announce the appointment of Sue Scott as our first Patron. Sue was instrumental in setting up the Festival and has been a staunch supporter ever since, giving freely of her time and energy and she will continue to be a well known face at the Festival as it goes forward.

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF LOCAL ART

Saturday 23rd May, Sunday 24th May and Monday 25th May, 11am to 5pm l Village Hall and St Mary’s Church (LU7 0QF)

l £2 per adult (includes catalogue) children under 16 FREE

l Refreshments: light lunches, home baking, teas, coffees, PIMMS bar and local beer.

www.mentmore-arts-festival.co.uk

Events & venues Magazinefind us on facebook, follow us on twitter

Events & venues is growing in strength with every issue and we now distribute to over 12,000 homes in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. We are looking for additional sales staff to help continue our expansion. If you have a few hours a week to spare, a good knowledge of the local area and some experience of advertising sales we would be most interested to hear from you. This is a self-employed, commission only based position. Contact Christopher Green, Editor of Events & venues on 07702 2072 222 for further details.


Classes held at Cottesloe School Wing Mon/Wed/Thur 7.15pm to 8.15pm.To book a FREE trial or more information contact Greg 07841 753890

email: [email protected]

EASTER TRAIL on 5th and 6th of April 11am – 4pm Join us this Easter and take a trip around the Millennium Country Park, for our Easter Trail.

Just £2 per child and includes a chocolate prize! Get some fresh air and see the sights of the Park. No need to book!

Activity suitable for ages 4-10 and parental supervision is required.

EASTER ACTIVITIESat the Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PS

RABBITS AND HARES on 7th of April Kids Indoor Crafts. Can you tell the difference between a rabbit and a hare? Come and find out and make a rabbit or hare mask to wear when you hop home.

Sessions cost £3 per child and run for approximately 45 minutes at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. Booking essential!

Activities suitable for ages 4-10 and parental supervision is required.

Telephone 01234 767037 • www.marstonvale.org/events

It’s all go at the Leighton Buzzard Railway!

One of the most reliable signs that spring is in the air is the start of the 2015 season at the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. Mayor of Leighton-Linslade, Cllr Ray Berry and Mrs Berry joined Chairman Terry Bendall to flag off the first train today. ‘It has become something of a tradition for the Mayor to visit the Railway on the first day of the new season, so it is a pleasure to welcome Cllr Berry this year. Hopefully, by this time next year we will be able to welcome the Mayor to our new station’.

The 2015 season promises to be an exciting one, with a diary full of special events that will appeal to all members of the family. Look out for the biggest Bunny in Bedfordshire on Easter Sunday and Monday 5th & 6th April!

The Railway’s Museum Gateway ‘Double the Money’ Appeal, launched recently, has already recorded donations and pledges that total almost £40,000. This sum will be matched pound for pound by the Railway’s anonymous benefactor, so is worth nearly £80,000. ‘It’s been a fantastic week and I’m so grateful for

the support we’ve received. We are close to the point that we can give the go ahead for works to start in the Autumn’ said Terry ‘but we still have some way to go to raise what we need to complete the project’.

Commenting on the Railway’s plans for a new station, Cllr Berry said ‘the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway is a real asset to our town and deserves a proper station that we can all be proud of’. The Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway prides itself that it provides a focus for the community, not just for those who like trains but also for anyone keen to learn any of the many skills that are required to make it all happen – and have fun and make friends at the same time.

Donations to the ‘Double the Money’ appeal can be made via the Railway’s website at www.buzzrail.co.uk or to the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway Society Limited, Pages Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4TN.

2015 Carnival Court selectedAt the selection disco held at the Royal British Legion Club on Thursday 12th March, Holly Porter was chosen as Carnival Queen for 2015. She will be accompanied on Carnival day (11th July) by the two Princesses, Lottie James and Eva Patterson. The runners-up in the selection were Myabn Dixon and Georgia Miller.

Leighton-Linslade

Carnival 2015

FILMS & MOVIES

Saturday 11th July 2015

Parsons Close Recreation Ground

www.leightoncarnival.co.uk

[email protected]

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Events & venues issue 1 volume 4