In & around Bedford 2016

GUIDE 2016

In

Around

BEDFORD Special Anniversary Edition

Celebrating Bedford

Bedford Borough

Royal Charter 850th Anniversary

450 years of The Harpur Trust

20 yrs of Proms The 2016 River in Bedford Festival

Santa Pod 50 year Anniversary

There are plenty of ways to get in touch with us or follow what’s happening in Bedford.

info@lovebedford.co.uk @lovebedford www.facebook.com/lovebedford Or visit the new, improved BedfordBID website

www.lovebedford.co.uk

for all the latest events and full town centre directory

Love Bedford Day FREE fun and entertainment on Sunday 24th July Artists impression of event.

www.noel.photography

H

ere in the town of one of England’s smallest counties, flanked East and West by tourist hotspots like Oxford and Cambridge and just a 35 minute train ride from central London, Bedford offers a unique visitor experience. We hope this guide provides you with all the information that you need to enjoy your visit and make some wonderful memories and, of course, to return again.

Contents

Welcome to Bedford...........................................4

Surrounding Villages.........................................33

History of Bedford............................................... 5

Food & Drink Guide.........................................35

Bedford Royal Charter – 850 years...............6

2016 Festivals.......................................................40

Walks in Bedford...................................................8

River Festival, Kite Festival & Regatta...... 42

River, Parks & Green Spaces.........................10

Shopping & Markets........................................46

A welcome from the Tourist Guides of the town

Read about the town’s fascinating history

Marking 850 years since King Henry II signed the Royal Charter

A wealth of stunning parks and spaces to enjoy including the beautiful Victorian Embankment while further afield offers wonderful parks, meadows and nature reserves.

Museums & Galleries........................................14 Visit our local galleries and museums full of interesting displays

450 years of The Harpur Trust ....................18

A wide variety of local eateries, cafes and restaurants

Bedford hosts some incredible annual festivals – don’t miss them!

The famous River Festival along with the the Kite Festival and Regatta are the go-to festivals of the 2016

Discover a haven of shops to enjoy – plus thriving independents and the famous market culture

Multicultural Bedford......................................49 Discover the history of immigration which led to our multicultural and diverse town.

21 years of Marston Vale.................................. 51

Celebrating 450 years of one of the UK’s largest charities

Celebrating 21 years, the Vale have a year of wonderful events booked.

Education in Bedford.......................................20

Stately Homes & Historic Buildings..........54

Theatre, Music & Arts......................................22

Events Diary 2016...............................................57

Excellent education choices offered in the town from Nursery to University

Whether theatre, comedy or music, there is something for everyone

Unmissable days out at some of Bedfordshire’s most popular tourist attractions

Get Active!.............................................................28 Outdoor activities for lovers of adrenaline and the open air

Travel & Transport & Bedford Map ......... 31

Visit some of the oldest and most interesting buildings and homes in and around Bedford

A guide to What’s On during 2016

Sports in Bedford...............................................62

www.noel.photography

Visitor Attractions.............................................26

Courtesy of Keith Mayhew

Enjoy a choice of guided walks and discover Bedford’s best kept secrets

Visit picturesque villages just a stone’s throw from the town

Our local Sports clubs and their history in Bedford

Accommodation.................................................65 Places to stay during your visit

Bedfordshire Business ....................................66 The Chamber of Commerce helps businesses in our county with advice, information and networking

Get about in town and travel easily further afield

This publication was compiled and produced by Community Publishing Ltd Printed by Manson Group www.manson-grp.co.uk Design by Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk Advertising and Enquiries Tel: 07827 015170 | 01234 962929 Email christa@inanadaroundbedford.co.uk Tel: 07429 136815 | 01234 310521 Email teresa@inanadaroundbedford.co.uk

www.inandaround.co.uk

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Keith Mayhew

Front Cover Photograph Bedford Town Bridge by Noel Lees Credit www.noel.photography

Disclaimer @2016Community Publishing Ltd. All adverts and articles are printed in good faith and correct at time of going to press. While every effort is made to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the material, we accept no responsibility for the veracity of any claims made by advertisers or contributors. No part of the publication may be reproduced or copied in any form without the written Permission of the publisher.

A Very Warm Welcome to

Bedford...

The Bedford Association of Tour Guides is delighted to be associated with this new 2016 publication and warmly welcomes you to our town.

Whatever your reason for visiting Bedford, you will be sure to find something to enjoy.

Bedford has a proud heritage and a vibrant town centre, offering a range of high-quality shops alongside many varied and unique independent retailers. The original market tradition is still strong in the town with Wednesday and Saturday food markets offering a wide range of vegetables and fruits from around the world. Not found in many other towns, the markets still prove an enormous attraction to visitors.

The leisure and entertainment scene offers a good variety of restaurants to choose from as well as plenty of theatre, music, arts and comedy. If you love the great outdoors, Bedford boasts stunning parks and open spaces, many of which are rated as Green Flag. Take a stroll along the wonderful riverside Embankment for

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a leisurely walk or join one of the popular guided town walks or maybe enjoy a seasonal trip on the John Bunyan Community Boat.

The Higgins Museum and Art Gallery collections are not to be missed, not only for their retelling of the story of the development of Bedford but also for their world-famous exhibitions of watercolour paintings and ceramics.

Within a short distance of the town, there are a number of famous country houses managed by either English Heritage, the National Trust or still their original families. Surrounding areas of the town offer pretty Bedfordshire villages such as Bromham, Harrold, Sharnbrook, Olney and Turvey; all well worth a visit and often with Open Gardens in the summer.

Should you require any further information about Bedford or its wealth of attractions and services during your visit, please do call in at our Travel and Tourism Centre located at the Bus Station.

We do hope that you enjoy your visit and will want to return soon!

A Brief History

of Bedford…

B

edford probably takes its name from a Saxon chief who settled with his followers some 13 centuries ago.

King Edward the Elder, son and successor of Alfred the Great, came to Bedford in 919 during the wars with the Danes when he ordered the digging of the King’s Ditch to defend the town south of the river. The Danes attacked Bedford unsuccessfully two years later and returned to do more damage in 1010.

The Norman Conquest after 1066 led to the building of Bedford Castle on a site to the north-east of the town bridge which belonged for most of its history to the de Beauchamp family. A royal army came to smoke Falkes’ men out in 1224 and, after a 6 week siege, the keep and walls were destroyed but the castle mound remained.

A school was provided by Newnham Priory on School Lane (now Mill Street) from the late 12th Century until the Priory was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1541.

Bedford Corporation obtained letters patent from Edward VI in 1552 permitting them to accept an endowment for a grammar school. In 1566, Sir William Harpur, a Bedford-born merchant tailor and former Lord Mayor of London, conveyed land for its support and two centuries later in 1764 the Harpur Trust was created by Act of Parliament to administer the endowment.

Bedford was well within the parliamentary sphere of influence during the Civil War of the 1640s.

John Bunyan, after possible military service at Newport Pagnell, returned to ply his trade as a tinker in Elstow, joining the Bedford Independent Church meeting at St John’s in the 1650s. After the Restoration in 1660 he was imprisoned for illegal preaching and held in the County Gaol for 12 years until 1672. Here he probably began composing The Pilgrim’s Progress, published in 1678.

John Howard, a wealthy landowner in Cardington, inspected the county gaol as High Sheriff of the county in 1773 and devoted his life to prison reform and published The State of the Prisons in 1777.

The Embankment Gardens were linked to Mill Meadows by the Suspension Bridge in 1888, and Bedford Park was inaugurated on the same day as the opening of the bridge: a Victorian ensemble with café, bandstand and lodges.

Airship production at Cardington began in 1918 but ended with the R101’s disastrous flight in 1930.

During the Second World War, Bedford was host to the BBC Music Department and in 1945 Glenn Miller was stationed at Clapham, from where he made his last known flight whilst travelling to France.

In 1974 the Borough of Bedford became part of North Bedfordshire District Council, which was granted Borough status in 1975. In 1992 the Council restored the ancient title of Bedford Borough and redeveloped the original site and castle coat of arms.

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Royal Charter Anniversary Bedford has a special anniversary in 2016, marking 850 years since King Henry II signed the Royal Charter granting new rights and powers to local people.

O

ne of the lasting legacies of Henry II’s reign was the creation of about 150 chartered boroughs throughout the country.

The Charter provided certain liberties and independence for Bedford in exchange for annual taxes.

Bedford’s Charter is believed to be the second oldest and as part of the celebrations it is hoped a range of exhibitions and events will give people a flavour of life back in 1166 and the 850 years following.

About the Charter After the Norman Conquest in 1066 the town of Bedford

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The result was the creation of about 150 Boroughs all with a Charter setting out their rights and responsibilities to the monarch. expanded rapidly, new or enlarged churches were constructed and the castle was rebuilt in stone.

Norman soldiers were regularly seen in the town’s streets and

intermarriage began. All was not sweetness and light however as the Norman Lords were hard task masters and made the native population, few of whom spoke French the language of their masters, work hard for little reward.

After the siege of Bedford Castle by Henry of Anjou (Henry 11) in 1153 during the first Civil War (Stephen and Mathilda), the town’s leaders agreed that the situation needed to be regulated and so they approached the King setting out the problems and explaining the written and unwritten privileges that had previously existed in the town but which had now been lost.

Henry heard the appeal and ordered justices to tour the country and attempt to address some of the problems. The result was the creation of about 150 Boroughs all with a Charter setting out their rights and responsibilities to the monarch.

The Charter granted to Bedford at Rouen Castle (that later of Joan of Arc fame) in 1166, was almost certainly not the first such document that had existed for this town as it clearly refers ‘’to the confirmation of earlier privileges granted in the days of Henry 1’’ but this together with a similar one for Oxford are thought to have led to the formation of the two earliest chartered Borough’s in the country.

These Charters contained three main elements; a) the right to set up courts of law for townspeople (rather than be judged by the Barons), b) a freedom from dues or taxes to be paid to the local manorial Lord together with the free passage of goods and the establishment of trade guilds (i.e. no taxes, duties needed to be paid on trade by Bedford tradesmen) and c) an annual rent would have to be paid by the town to the Kings Treasury. The first annual rent mentioned for Bedford was £40.00.

The first annual rent mentioned for Bedford was £40.00. have met weekly in order to collect the taxes due from non local tradesman and to ensure that the terms of the Charter were upheld.

This early Council did not appear to have kept any Minutes of its proceedings and it was not until 1647 that formal records were kept.

The earlier Charter has long been lost but the Henry 11 edition with its seal is one of the most treasured possessions in the Bedford and Luton Archives.

Celebration Events

Highlights include an 850 trail at The Higgins Bedford, a twelfth century village at Bedford River Festival and a special play ‘Somewhere in England’

(The Bedford Play) about the history of Bedford, commissioned

by The Harpur Trust. A special anniversary calendar has also been produced including images taken around Bedford Borough by local photographers and is available from The Higgins, Number 13 Café and the travel and tourism centre at the Bus Station.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson said, “Bedford has one of the oldest Royal Charters in the country and really is something to celebrate. The charter is a proud feature of Bedford’s rich history.

It granted the people of Bedford special rights and powers which helped to create and to shape the borough we know today.”

The town at this time had a population of around 3000, still within the north and south boundaries of the Saxon burh, but conjoined by a wooden bridge across the river and totally dominated by the huge castle rising almost out of the banks of the river. There was to be a regular market and the Council and Burgesses would almost certainly

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Guided Walks with The Bedford Association of Tour Guides

Proud to be the only group appointed by the Council to lead walks and tours of the Town and its surrounds, we now have over 25 years of experience in leading groups and regularly recruit and train new Guides to assist with the work.

As well as special themed group tours, a weekly programme of walks is offered on Sundays throughout the summer. Their popularity means pre-booking is essential but this can easily be done by telephoning the Travel and Tourism Centre, now located at the Bus Station, on 01234 718112 to reserve a place.

Perhaps the most popular walk every year is one entitled ‘’I Never Knew That’’ a title deliberately chosen , for this was the comment most often heard on completion of that particular route – ‘’Well I have lived here for forty years and I Never Knew That.’’

So if you would like to know more about some of the features in the town, and ones which perhaps you pass every day without really noticing – this is the walk for you!

Hear about the mystery surrounding the statue of Sir William Harpur on the Old Town Hall in St. Paul’s Square – is it really him? Your Guide will then transport you back to wartime Bedford to remind you of the many famous entertainers who lived here from 1941 – 1944, especially while the B.B.C. were locally based. You may not know that as well as Glenn Miller, Bedford provided a home to Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, the Andrews Sisters and David Niven as well as many famous classical performers.

You will then be introduced to yet another worldfamous Bedfordian, John Howard, standing thoughtfully on his plinth on the Market Square.

There is a very important connection between this

David Payne

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The Bedford Chronicle Town Tours

Town Centre, Bedford Tours aimed at families and those wanting a fun overview of Bedford’s history. statue and the famous figure of Eros on Piccadilly Circus. The bronze also has some unusual figures that actually illustrate the personal belief of Howard that no man was entirely bad. If you look carefully at even the most wicked, you will surely find some good in them somewhere! One way of learning more about these features is to join the ‘’I Never Knew That’’ walk.

Running for two weeks from Monday 25th July to Friday 5th August Three tours per day

The route of this walk is along the Embankment and onto the site of the Castle where you will hear briefly about the lay out of Saxon Bedford and the fall of the Castle in 1224. (On this particular stroll these stories will only be covered in brief as a more full explanation is given in yet another of our regular walks one entitled ‘’The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle’’.)

The colourful characters of Bedford’s fascinating history will be brought to life by actors, who will share the town’s story with you.

The tour will then proceed past the Higgins buildings and the unique Panacea Museum and back towards the High Street, stopping off to see the wonderful bronze doors to the Bunyan Meeting Church.

We do hope that whether a local resident or a visitor to our town you will have read enough to whet your appetite and that we may see you on a walk during the coming summer.

Linked to The Bedford Chronicles, the new history book for children, these interactive Town Tours will visit both well and lesser known sites of interest in the town.

As well as the walk itself, each tour will work in partnership with either The Swan Hotel, The John Bunyan Boat, The Panacea Museum, The John Bunyan Museum or The Quarry Theatre. Choose your tour and after your interactive walk, will you enjoy a Cruise on the Ouse, go on a tour of the John Bunyan Museum led by the man himself or relax with tea and cake? The choice is yours.

A fantastic way to discover the history right here on your doorstep.

More information at www.bedfordchronicles.co.uk

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Bedford’s beautiful

www.noel.photography

River, Parks & Green Spaces

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The Embankment www.castlelanephotography.co.uk

the heart of rUSSeLL park Bedford’s stunning Embankment is one of the most beautiful places in the centre of town. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, you can get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a countryside walk. The recently restored Victorian bandstand is a stunning landmark in the middle of the beautiful tree lined walk along the riverbank.

Until quite recently, open air concerts were held in the bandstand most afternoons and some Summer Events still take place there.

HIddEN IN THE cORNER Of RuSSELL PaRK IS a LITTLE GEM Of a cafE. BREaTHING NEw LIfE INTO THE cOMMuNITy wITH THE HELP Of GREaT cOffEE aNd caKES, SPORTING facILITIES aNd PLENTy Of fRESH aIR!

facEBOOK.cOM/KIOSKaTTHEPaRK @KIOSKaTTHEPaRK www.KIOSK.aTTHEPaRKBEdfORd.cO.uK

faMILY aND DoG frIeNDLY!

O P E N IN G T IME S

9:ooam - 6:oopm Hig h Season 9:ooam - 4:oopm Low Season

PINTEREST.cOM/BEdfORdPaRKLIfE aTTHEPaRKBEdfORd

The Kiosk, Russell Park The Embankment, Bedford MK4o 3RH

T e l : O 1 2 3 4 27 1877

The River Ouse has many iconic bridges, the Suspension bridge probably being the most famous. Opened in 1888, it links the Embankment and Mill Meadows.

The Bedford River Festival is held every two years, with the bandstand in constant use, and there is also an annual regatta on the river. The Embankment is a very popular part of the town, enjoyed by all.

Relaxed Remarkable Refreshing Open 9am-6pm every day for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Tea. Little Free Library, Magic Wand Cookies Picnic Packs (and more trees to climb than you could wish for!)

#notjustforgrownups See our website for more information.

t 01234 351104 e bedfordpavilion@gmail.com w www.attheparkbedford.co.uk PavilionatthePark @BedfordPavilion The Pavilion, Bedford Park Bedford MK41 7SS

pavilion b e d f o r d

p a r k

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Courtesy of Angelo Marin

Bedford Park

Each year since 2007 Bedford Park has been awarded green flag status, an award given to those parks that reflect the highest standards. Football, Cricket, Rounders and Bowls are all played here. The expansion of Bedford’s café culture means coffee and cake lovers can also enjoy a variety of independent cafes, great food, and home-made cakes in a great environment.

The recently restored old Pavilion building now houses The Pavilion in Bedford Park Café. Set in stunning surroundings, you can enjoy coffee and cake, hot food and homemade soups while the kids play and the dogs socialise.

Addison Howard Park

Addison Howard Park in Kempston sits in the grounds of Grange House, which was donated to the people of Kempston by the Howard family. The park has superb sports facilities including tennis courts and basketball courts.

There are also activities in the park throughout the year such as fun fairs, Kempston Fun Day and Chill in the Park.

Mowsbury Park

Mowsbury Park has more outdoor sports pitches than any other park in the borough as well as a neighbouring municipal golf course and squash centre. There are also dedicated age specific play areas and BMX biking

facilities. For the more peaceful minded, Putnoe Wood is accessible from the rear of the park and wonderful for strolls and dog walking.

Harrold-Odell Country Park

Harrold Country Park is on Carlton Road between Harrold and Odell. There are 144 acres of fabulous Green Flag award winning parkland to explore, including two lakes and a nature reserve. The reserve has clear paths and a hide for bird watching.

The River Ouse also runs through the park.

The park is served by Tea-Zels Café, which is open 9am – 4pm every day (except Christmas & New Year) for breakfast, coffee or lunch. There are also picnic areas (no barbecues).

Priory Marina Country Park

The Kiosk in Russell Park is a little oasis on a cold rainy day – beautiful coffee, fabulous cakes and even a blanket for your knees.

The Priory Marina offers many riverside walks, cycle path routes, boating facilities, bird watching huts and much more. In addition to wildlife, there is beautiful flora and fauna and in the summer it is a favourite spot for the whole family.

Russell Park on the Embankment provides sports pitches, open space for play and beautiful herbaceous gardens. It was opened as a recreation ground at the end of the 19th century about 10 years after the widening of the river and opening of the Suspension Bridge.

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Priory Marina Country Park is a Green Flag Park offering 300 acres of beautiful country park within walking distance from the Embankment and Town Centre. This gorgeous country park features a marina with a gift shop situated alongside a bar, restaurant and Travel Lodge.

Daniel Fellman

Russell Park

Winter Weddings at THE BEDFORD SWAN HOTEL Celebrate your special day in style this winter at the beautiful and historic surroundings of The Bedford Swan Hotel

January / February 2017 dates available on our ‘Winter bride’ package from just £3,300 Contact our Wedding Co-ordinator to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs and the details of this exclusive package.

01234 346565 weddings@bedfordswanhotel.co.uk The Bedford Swan Hotel The Embankment Bedford MK40 1RW www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

Galleries museums

306th Bombardment Group Museum

Offers a collection of memorabilia, photographs, and displays from the World War II airfield based in Thurleigh, Bedford. To help recapture the sights, sounds and the atmosphere of the war years, audio and visual systems have been installed resembling those sounds of 60 years ago. Unique to this type of Museum, there is a small area set aside for quiet reflection, containing a Remembrance Book to all the young men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice Thurleigh, Bedford MK44 1QU Tel 01234 708715 www.306bg.co.uk

Bunyan Meeting

Bunyan Meeting church was built in 1850, and stands on the site of Bunyan’s original church where he was minister from 1671 to 1688. Scenes from The Pilgrim’s Progress can be found on the bronze entrance doors and stunning stained glass windows.

Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk

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&

Cowper & Newton Museum

Relive Georgian life through the eyes of poet William Cowper and slave-trade abolitionist, John Newton.

Home of the world famous hymn ‘Amazing Grace’.

Orchard Side, Market Place, Olney MK46 4AJ Tel: 01234 711516 www.cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

Eagle Gallery

Situated in the vibrant Castle Road quarter of Bedford, a short walk from the town centre. With the initial idea and the continuous support of the Eagle Bookshop owner Peter Budek the gallery celebrated its 10th birthday last year. The gallery is unique in the region, being run by a non-profit making collective of artists from Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties who are directly involved in all aspects of the gallery.

We exhibit and sell only original artworks covering a wide range of work: paintings, printmaking, collage, ceramics, textiles, stone carving, jewellery, sculpture and photography. A new exhibition is put up every month with eight solo or small group one-week shows during the year.

101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel 01234 346995 www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk

&

Elstow Moot Hall Museum

Step into the world of John Bunyan when you visit this delightful 15th century timber-framed market hall, set on the village green, in the centre of the delightful village of Elstow. The Moot Hall was originally built to serve Elstow Abbey as a market house but is now a museum.

209 Church End, Elstow MK42 9XT Tel 01234 266889 www.bedford.gov.uk/moothall

Glenn Miller Museum

Twinwood Airfield was a WWII training airfield. During the war many famous entertainers of the era used RAF Twinwood to fly from, because it was the closest airfield to Bedford – the secret headquarters of the BBC during WWII. It was from RAF Twinwood, that Glenn Miller, the legendary WWII bandleader boarded the plane that mysteriously disappeared, sparking a mystery that has fascinated the world ever since. The old airfield lay dormant for decades until the present owners decided to restore crumbling buildings and create a lasting memory to Glenn Miller and those RAF personnel who served at RAF Twinwood.

The Glenn Miller Museum, Twinwood Events Ltd, Twinwood Road, Clapham, Bedfordshire, MK41 6AB www.twinwoodevents.com

The Higgins

The Higgins Bedford unites on one site three previous cultural venues : Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford Museum and Bedford Gallery. The buildings themselves date back 200 years and have their own rich history of occupation and use, even before they became used for their more recent cultural past. The Gallery showcases wonderful and varied collections including the Cecil Higgins Collection of fine and decorative arts, with its world-class watercolour and print collections and unique groups of work by the designers William Burges and Edward Bawden.

Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD Tel 01234 718618 www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Twinwood Aviation Museum

The Twinwood Aviation Museum holds a large collection of RAF and USAAF uniforms and equipment, along with artefacts recovered from German and Allied aircraft crash sites. The museum also has exhibits dedicated to fighter groups such as the “Night Fighter” training unit that was based here, and the 339th Fighter Group, 8th USAAF. RAF Twinwood Farm Airfield Bedford MK41 6AB Tel: 07914 093552 or 07914 093553 www.twinwoodevents.com

John Bunyan Museum & Library

John Bunyan Museum tells the story of the Bedford man who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the greatest novels in the English language. During his remarkable life Bunyan was a soldier, tinker, preacher and dissenter, spending 12 years in Bedford prison for illegal preaching. Museum visitors walk through Bunyan’s life and times; see 17th Century Bedford, hear Bunyan tell his story, and visit him in prison.

Family friendly trails are available to help children explore the museum.

Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel 01234 270303 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum

Panacea Museum

Set in beautiful gardens and housed in a large Victorian building within Bedford’s Cultural Quarter, reopens on February 18th, 2016. The museum tells the story of the Panacea Society, a religious community that came into existence in Bedford in 1919 and continued until 2012.

9 Newnham Road, Bedford MK40 3NX Tel 01234 353178 www.panaceatrust.org

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THURLEIGH AIRFIELD 306th Bombardment Group

Housed in an original building, the collection of period artefacts will transport you back in time to WW11, with many fascinating themed displays re-creating the activities and atmosphere of the airfield and surrounding countryside.

More than 50 costumed mannequins portray accurate representations of wartime life which include the R.A.F 160 squadron. The 306th are commemorated along with a large collection of memorabilia, including the famous Norden Bomb Site and the first Medal of Honour awarded in the 8th Air force to an enlisted man. Home Front exhibits include the home Guard, Civil Defence, wartime home and village pub. A large collection of photographs supplement the displays.

There is a NAAFI bar and small shop with a pleasant picnic area affording great views of this historic airfield.

Open every weekend and Bank Holiday from March 1st – October 31st 10-30am – 4pm.

Other times by prior appointment.

Telephone: 01234 708715

Mobile: 07715 853553

JBG16/01

Email: 306museum@nscmh.fsnet.co.uk www.306bg.co.uk

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You will probably know that The Harpur Trust operates 4 independent schools in Bedford; you may also be aware that they sponsor the Bedford Academy; but would it surprise you to discover that this local organisation is also one of the UK’s largest charities and that it has existed for 450 years?

Operating purely within the boundaries of Bedford Borough, the Trust supports a whole host of local groups from pre-schools and community centres to organisations which help people who are sick, elderly, vulnerable or in distress. And with an endowment fund valued at nearly £75 million, the Trust could possibly be described as Bedford’s own ‘Fairy Godmother’, giving away around £1.5 million last year alone in grants to local charities, community groups and on occasion, to individuals. An extra-ordinary gift for a town of just 164,000 residents.

The Trust has three charitable objectives, the first being to promote and support education. Chief Executive David Russell explains “One of our aims is to support local maintained schools and we do this primarily through our grantmaking and through our sponsorship of Bedford Academy. We also award around £2.6million in bursaries to enable disadvantaged children to attend our own independent schools. And every year we offer

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two sixth form pupils from each of the Borough’s senior schools, a bursary which gives them the means to go on to Higher Education”.

The Trust’s second charitable objective is to offer help and relief to anyone who is sick, in need, hardship or distress and an example of this is the fact that the Trust has operated Almshouses for more than 200 years, providing a safe, caring but independent living environment for older people.

Thirdly, it provides recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose, awarding grants to provide a range of community arts, cultural and sporting facilities.

Recipients range from Priory Sailing Club and Bedford & District Skateboard and wheels association (for the rebuilding of Jubilee Skate Park) to Africa Beats Club and Bedford Creative Arts.

2016, a year to remember

In 2016, the Trust celebrates its 450th year, and to commemorate this key anniversary there will be a year-long programme of events and projects to benefit the community, which embrace the arts, sports and education as well as exploring the history of the town. The first of these events to be launched is an art competition for school children which will culminate in a 2 month exhibition at The Higgins Bedford, as well as an art trail across the Borough. A team of visiting artists have been commissioned to deliver workshops to the 37 participating maintained schools.

The Trust has also commissioned a play to celebrate the town and its long, rich (and relatively little-known history). The play’s script spans 850 years, because this year also sees the 850th Anniversary of the Town’s Royal Charter.

A Run and Fun Day will take place in May at Priory Country Park. As well as offering a host of taster activities from climbing to sailing and kayaking to a 5k fun run, people will be able to get free health checks and advice plus free bike safety checks. There really will be something for everyone, and all activities will be heavily subsidised or free to ensure that families can enjoy a fun day out with minimal or no expense!

The Trust is also supporting the Bedford Chronicles and will give away 6000 copies to local school children. It has also joined forces with the John Bunyan Museum to offer a writing competition and is working with the Philharmonia to put on a concert and workshop for children.

These events plus a £45,000 small grants giveaway programme are all a part of the Trust’s gift back to the people of Bedford in what promises to be a year to remember for the town.

2016 Anniversary Celebrations Diary April

FRI 22ND Happy 450th Birthday!

Our pupils and staff will be celebrating with a Thanksgiving Service FRI 29TH Deadline for Art Competition Entries Harpur Trust Office

May SUN 22ND Harpur Run & Fun Day Priory Country Park

June

WED 1ST Deadline for WritingCompetition Entries John Bunyan Museum

July and August

SAT 2ND JUL – SUN 28TH AUG TUE-SAT: 11AM-5PM SUN/BANK HOL: 2-5PM Harpur 450th ArtCompetition Exhibition The Higgins Bedford & other venues

September

THU 8TH TO WED 14TH 7.30PM (MATINEES ON SUN & TUE) Somewhere in England (The Bedford Play) The Quarry Theatre at St Lukes

December

WED 7TH Orchestra Unwrapped Schools perform with thePhilharmonia The Bedford Corn Exchange

Find out more about all our events: www.harpurtrust.org.uk/450 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter #herefor450

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High quality education in Bedford Borough

P

arental choice in Bedford Borough is key.

From the double Outstanding Ofsted family-run Haven nursery in Clapham Road to the nearby co-ed Bedford Modern School, the famous Bedford School for boys and the Bedford Girls’ School, the borough offers an unrivalled standard of education and choices parents can invest in for their children’s future right here in Bedford. Other options include St. Andrews, Polam and Rushmoor and one of the country’s top performing Free Schools is situated right in the centre. Bedford Free School is a secondary school

With students staying in education or employment between the ages of 16 and 18 then A Levels or Apprenticeships are the new choice.

taking students from Year 7 upwards.

Within three years of opening it posted the second highest GCSE results in the Borough.

The successful Sharnbrook Academy Federation (SAF) has also consistently produced the best GCSE results and is served by a range of “feeder” schools in various North Bedfordshire villages. Houses for sale are given added value by being billed as in the “Sharnbrook catchment” area.

With students staying in education or employment between the ages of 16 and 18 then A Levels or Apprenticeships are the new choice.

There are various 6th forms attached to schools and also The Bedford Sixth Form, a 16+ only environment where A levels and other advanced AM2082_BedMod_Qtr 4/2/16 13:02 Page 1 courses are taken.

Rated

excellent in all areas

A SCHOOL DESIGNED FOR

LITTLE PEOPLE

For further details please visit our website or call 01234 369555 Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7QZ

www.pilgrims-school.info THE HARPUR TRUST PRE PREP

20

Independent Schools Inspectorate

Be part of the story.

Bedford Modern School is part of The Harpur Trust

GCSE grades

98% A*-C

A Level grades

A*-C 96%

www.bedmod.co.uk

Bedford is fortunate to have one of the best FE Colleges in the country, linked to international employers and offering a wide choice of apprenticeships, professional training and higher level certificates, diplomas and foundation degrees.

Students can start their journey to a degree at the Cauldwell Street setting and complete the final year at a number of associated universities.

Parts of the original Bedford College of Higher Education included an internationally renowned sports establishment and a teacher training facility, now known as the University of Bedfordshire with a shining new campus on Polhill Avenue.

Bold Imaginative Reflective Three words to define your daughter’s future.

Add three more:

Telephone: 01234 361918 | www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

Find the perfect f it for your child at Polam

NURSERY 1-3 YEARS

KEY STAGE 1 5-7 YEARS

EARLY YEARS 3-5 YEARS

KEY STAGE 2 7-9 YEARS

Swimming | Music | Languages | PE See website for Open Days www.polamschool.co.uk Polam School is part of the Cognita Schools Group www.cognitaschools.com

Telephone: 01234 261864 admissions@polamschool.co.uk 43-45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford MK40 2BU

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Theatre, Music Theatre

&

The Quarry Theatre The Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s is a brand new venue for theatre, dance, art and photography exhibitions, music, comedy, literary arts and much more. www.quarrytheatre.org.uk or call 01234 362337.

26 St Peters St, Bedford MK40 2NN

The Place Bedford Volunteer-run theatre for drama, opera and comedy performed by local and visiting groups.

Bedford Players Trust was established in 1984 and for the next 15 years focussed on the provision of rehearsal premises for local theatre groups and on the promotion of professional touring theatre in Bedford. www.theplacebedford.org.uk Bradgate Rd, Bedford MK40 3DE

Sharnbrook Mill Theatre The Mill Theatre produces around four shows a year, the theatre offers a a mixture of drama, musicals and variety.

Details of the latest productions at www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk Mill Rd, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP

Trinity Theatre Open to the public on evenings and weekends, the theatre at Trinity Arts & Leisure plays host to a variety of dramatic productions as well as regular film screenings

by The Bedford Film Society with seating for up to 156 people. www.trinityleisure.co.uk Bromham Rd, Bedford MK40 2QD

University of Bedford Theatre The University of Bedfordshire Theatre is situated on the Polhill Campus and offers a 280 seat arena stage theatre; one of the largest in Bedfordshire hosting a variety of plays and performances from groups such as the ‘Full House Theatre Company’.

More Information www.beds.ac.uk Bedford Campus, Polhill Avenue MK41 9EA

22

Arts in Bedford

Entertainment

Bedford Corn Exchange The Bedford Corn Exchange, Bedford’s premier entertainment venue, offers a wide variety of live events featuring performers from the worlds of comedy, theatre and music.

Full events listings and details on how to book www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/whats-on St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL

Bedford Comedy Club The Bedford Corn Exchange proudly presents the laugh-a-minute Bedford Comedy Club! Enjoy three hilarious comedy acts on the last Friday of every month. Over 18s only. Season tickets available, if you buy for three comedy clubs in the same season you get the fourth one FREE! For more information please call the Central Box Office on 01234 718044.

St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL

Castle Comedy The monthly comedy club bringing you fabulous entertainment. A great night out in a friendly environment with some of the UK’s finest comedians on the bill. Second Thursday of each month! More at www.castlecomedy.co.uk The Ents Shed, Gordon Arms, 118 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QY

Film & Cinema

Bedford Film Festival – Monthly screenings of cult classics and forgotten favourites at The Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s. Tickets and info: www.BedfordFilmFestival.org

Bedford Film Society Since 1949, the society has offered the people of Bedford the chance to see some of the finer films of world cinema in a relaxing and appreciative atmosphere. Season runs from September – March at Trinity Arts & Leisure, Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2BS www.bedfordfilmsociety.org.uk

Cinema

A six screen Cineworld close to Bedford International Athletics Stadium. For cinema ticket bookings visit www.cineworld.co.uk or call 0871 200 2000.

Newnham Avenue, Aspects Leisure Centre, Bedford, MK41 9LW

Music & Gigs The Ents Shed

A unique live music venue. All shows are limited to just 100 tickets and all shows have a support slot of the very highest standard as well. – a music venue for real music lovers. Information and shows at www.entshed.co.uk The Ents Shed, Gordon Arms, 118 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QY

FAMILY THEATRE FOLK EVENTS NEW WRITING FILM SCREENINGS TRADITIONAL THEATRE

The Pad Nightclub Since opening in June 2002, The Pad hosts the best ‘n’ busiest ‘Indie’ based nights every Saturday and a more eclectic dance based programme on a Friday with various special guests. Run by and for music lovers, the club represents most forms of underground music. www.thepadpresents.com 2 Lurke St Bedford, MK40 3HY

theplacebedford.org.uk 01234 354321

Esquires One of the UK’s most loved independent music venues. Whether you want to catch the hottest new band on the Main Stage, dance the night away in Holy Moly’s or grab a drink in Danny’s Bar, you’ll find all you need here. www.bedfordesquires.co.uk 60A Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2QG

TP 85x127mm Venue Advert.indd 1

15/02/2016 10:30

The Philharmonia Orchestra The Orchestra presents around 7 concerts a season at the Bedford Corn Exchange since its residency started in 1995, bringing to Bedford many of its successful London projects.

More at www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/ residencies/bedford

Arts & Community Bedford Creative Arts

Bedford Creative Arts is a contemporary arts charity.

Originally established in 1985 as Community Arts in Bedford, it grew out of project work by Bedfordshire County Council then Bedford Borough Council’s Arts Development department. Work included dance, drama, carnival, circus skills, textiles, community murals, and crafts and evolved into a series of community plays, projects and arts festivals. www.bedfordcreativearts.org.uk 104 Midland Road, Bedford MK40 1QE

A BRAND NEW VENUE FOR ARTS & CULTURE

Box office 01234 362337 ENQUIRIES 01234 362335

For the latest shows, tickets, news and more, visit

quarrytheatre.org.uk 26 ST. PETER’S STREET | BEDFORD | MK40 2NN The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s is part of Bedford School, which is part of The Harpur Trust

23

Rural Heritage Sites Bromham Mill

Moot Hall

Stevington Windmill

The present mill is a late 18th or early 19th century rebuilding in brick, timber and stone on the site of earlier mills. It had two waterwheels. however, only one remains and was restored in 1980.

Step into the world of John Bunyan when you visit this delightful 15th century timber-framed market hall, set on the village green, in the centre of the delightful village of Elstow.

Constructed around a central post so that it can be turned to face into the wind, this impressive postmill was built in the 18th century and is the only complete windmill left in the county.

From the 1930s, due to low water flow, an oil engine was needed to give power with electricity supplying the other machinery. Much of the machinery is still visible inside the mill. On the outside an eel trap was fitted into the sluice gate.

Moot Hall was originally built to serve Elstow Abbey as a market house but is now a museum. It contains beautiful period furniture and has exhibits illustrating the life and traditions of 17th century England.

The mill operated commercially, mostly grinding cattle feed, until 1939. It was purchased and restored in 1951 by Bedfordshire Council, as part of the County’s contribution to the Festival of Britain.

Moot Hall is open every Saturday 1pm until 4pm from April through to September. There is a small charge for admission; groups are welcome to visit by appointment, at any time of the year.

Stevington Mill was probably the last windmill in Britain working with four common (cloth covered) sails, which were replaced in 1958 and again in 2004, the latter after a seven year absence. The sails are turned periodically and the machinery, though requiring constant maintenance, is in rough working order.

Bromham Mill is open Friday, Saturday & Sunday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm, from April to December.

Group visits can be arranged by appointment. A number of public events and exhibitions take place throughout the year including National Apple Day in October.

Moot Hall holds a number of special events during the year including the Elstow May Festival.

Bromham Mill & Moot Hall can be hired for private functions including birthday parties, weddings and exhibitions. Weddings can be accommodated in the buildings themselves or in a beautiful marquee within their picturesque grounds.

From all enquires or further information please do not hesitate to contact us by phone on 01234 718044, by email cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk or look at our website www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

Discover the splendour and history of the Abbey and its treasures • Stroll through 28 acres of award-winning beautiful gardens, full of spring flowers • Treat yourself at the Duchess’ Tea Room • Less than 30 minutes from Bedford Tel: 01525 290333 Email: admissions@woburn.co.uk www.woburnabbey.co.uk Find us on

Visitor

attractions Moggerhanger Park

Moggerhanger Park is a Grade 1 listed Georgian Historic House set in 33 acres of parkland and woodland, a prestigious venue for weddings, conferences and corporate events.

Public events take place in the house and park throughout the year.

House Tours available from March – October 2016 www.moggerhangerpark.com Tel: 01767 641007 enquiries@moggerhangerpark.com Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Bedford MK44 3RW

Shuttleworth, Old Warden

The Shuttleworth Collection

The Collection at Old Warden in Bedfordshire displays aircraft and cars and contains some of the last airworthy aircraft of their type remaining anywhere in the world. Events that encompass flying displays and vehicle parades draw crowds worldwide. www.shuttleworth.org/the-collection

The Swiss Garden Adjacent to the aerodrome, the Swiss Garden is an outstanding example of the Regency fashion for creating landscapes in a picturesque alpine style. Within the garden are 13 listed structures, an adjacent woodland sculpture trail and three resident peacocks. Holidays workshops and

26

activity trails for children are available with outdoor theatre events and music during the year. www.shuttleworth.org/the-swissgarden

The Mansion House

The House was built in 1875 and is situated in 500 acres of beautiful parkland. There are several magnificent examples of 19th century paintings on the walls. A popular venue for weddings, events and conferences, also a filming location for period dramas. www.shuttleworth.org/the-house The Shuttleworth Collection Old Warden Aerodrome Nr Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 9EP Tel 01767 627 927

Wrest Park & Gardens

A country estate near Silsoe comprising Wrest Park, a Grade I listed country house, and the stunning Wrest Park Gardens, also Grade I listed. Explore the evolution of the English garden through three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park. Children’s play area, café and archaeological stores. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/wrest-park Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR

Manor Gardens

The Manor House Garden offers four and a half acres of different areas of interest as roses and clematis vie for space on the arches, pergolas and walls, with peonies, foxgloves and poppies bursting out of the borders.

Ornamental grass gardens and a wonderful wild flower meadow give other areas of interest throughout the summer months.

The Manor House, Church Road, Stevington, Nr Bedford MK43 7QB Tel. 01234 822064 www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead. com E: info@kathybrownsgarden.com

Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa

Behind the imposing grandeur of Luton Hoo is a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of a 5 star hotel. Enjoy the Finest Spa Experience at Luton Hoo and the impressive 7,107 yard long and par 73 golf course offers a harmonious blend of inland links and mature parkland. Twilight, Four-ball, weekend, and midweek rates available.

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, The Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3TQ Tel: 01582 734437 www.lutonhoo.co.uk

Woburn Abbey

Woburn Abbey is a country house occupying the east of the village of Woburn. Open on specified days to visitors, the historic landscape gardens and deer park are worth visiting. Recently added attractions include Woburn Safari Park, a miniature railway and a garden/visitor centre.

Events throughout the year, including classic car shows, open air theatre, charity triathlon and the annual Woburn Abbey Garden Show. www.woburnabbey.co.uk

The Gardens are being redesigned as envisaged by Humphry Repton, Sir Jeffry Wyattville, Percy Cane and Henry Holland. Come to visit and explore the gardens and watch them grow. www.woburnabbey.co.uk/gardens The Deer Park covers 3,000 acres and is home to nine species of deer making it one of the largest private conservation parks in Europe. Take in the scenery and drive through the Abbey and Gardens or enjoy a walk on one of the public footpaths. www.woburnabbey.co.uk/deer-park Woburn Abbey and Gardens, Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA E: admissions@woburn.co.uk T: 01525 290 333

Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park is a drive through Animal Park, set in 300 acres of parkland, where you can enjoy large animal exhibits such as white rhino, elephants, tigers and black bears. www.woburnsafari.co.uk Woburn Park, Crawley Rd, Milton Keynes MK17 9QN

Whipsnade Zoo

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is a zoo and safari park located at Whipsnade, near Dunstable and is the UK’s biggest zoo where you can meet some of the world’s most exotic animals.

www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 2LF Tel: 0344 225 1826

Danish Camp Riverside Visitor Centre

A Norwegian log cabin surrounded by woodland on the banks of The River Great Ouse in Willington, just east of Bedford. Enjoy the countryside with cycling, walks or a hire a self-drive boat. Freshly cooked food, full menu and teas. www.danishcamp.co.uk Chapel Lane, Willington, Bedford, MK44 3QG Tel: 01234 838709

Forest of Marston Vale

Creation of the Forest of Marston Vale is the largest environmental regeneration project in Bedfordshire, covering 61 square miles between Milton Keynes and Bedford. This is ‘forest’ in a traditional sense; woodland and green space, mixed with farmland, villages and industry.

Trees and woodlands create a living, vibrant and dynamic area where people want to live, work and enjoy leisure time. www.marstonvale.org The Forest Centre, Station Rd, Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR Tel: 01234 767037

Stotfold Watermill

Stotfold Watermill is set in an idyllic setting on the River Ivel.

Having burnt down in 1992, it is now a completely rebuilt Grade II listed watermill with three fully accessible floors to view. The Steam Fair and Country Show and other events run throughout the year.

Mill Lane, Stotfold, Bedfordshire SG5 4NU Tel: 01462 734541

Bromham Mill

Bromham Mill open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10am to 4pm from April to autumn.

Free admission. Available for group guided tours, baking lessons and craft

activities. Meadow and picnic area, cycling and walking routes. The café sells fresh coffee and home-made cakes.

Bromham Mill and Gallery, Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8LP www.friendsofbromhammill.org.uk Tel 01234 824330

Jordans Mill

Jordans Mill is a unique food heritage attraction in rural Bedfordshire. Tour the historic flour mill, explore the gardens, meadow and woodland, relax in our Riverside Café and browse the Mill Store.

Jordans Mill – not just your run of the mill day out! www.jordansmill.com Jordans Mill, Holme Mills, Langford Road, Broom, Bedfordshire, SG18 9JY Tel: 01767 603940

The Falconry Centre

One of the largest Birds of Prey Centres in the UK with over 300 birds to see. Action packed, fun filled family summer days with lots of new activities.

The English School of Falconry, Herrings Green Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Beds. MK45 3DT Tel: 01234 742362 or 01234 742766 www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk

Stockwood Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre is one of two free admission museums in Luton.

Beautiful Gardens, an award winning display of carriages, extensive local collection and an ever changing exhibition. Children’s playground and Garden Café.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton, LU1 4LX Tel: 01582 548600 www.lutonculture.com/stockwooddiscovery-centre Tel: 01582 548600 www.lutonculture.com/stockwooddiscovery-centre

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Getive

t c A

d r o f d e B d n u o r a In &

Box End Park

Set in 100 acres of landscaped grounds and centred around two purpose built water-sports lakes, offering safe and exciting activities to all ages and abilities.

Children 6yrs can enjoy our amazing floating aqua park playground.

for functions. Our facilities also include Hotel Accommodation, Restaurant, Licensed Bar Leisure Spa with Pool, Gym, Sauna, Steam and Children’s Softplay area.

Building 37, Twinwoods Business Park, Thurleigh Rd, Milton Ernest, Bedford MK44 1FD Tel 0845 200 2960 www.twinwoodsadventure.com

Water-ski, wake-board on our cable tow lake and behind our speed boats, or train during dedicated open water swim sessions.

Kempston Outdoor Centre

Enjoy a walk around the lake or a drink or meal in our award winning ‘Corner5’ lakeside bar and restaurant.

Box End, Kempston MK43 8RW Tel 01234 846222 www.boxendpark.com

Twinwoods Adventure

Fly, Surf, Race, Shoot, Climb and Archery. Located just north of Bedford, Twinwoods Adventure is a multi activity adventure site with thrills, activities and facilities for all ages.

Justine Lemm

Perfect for family days out, groups, parties, company days out, team building or a large event space

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Situated by the River Great Ouse in Kempston and housing a high ropes course, indoor and outdoor climbing walls and an archery range. There are adventurous activity sessions for all ages and groups including schools, youth groups, families, adults and companies. There are also a number of watersports activities on offer.

Hillgrounds Road, Kempston, Bedfordshire MK42 8QP Tel 01234 843204 www. kempstonoutdoorcentre.co.uk

Palmer Sport

PalmerSport’s guests drive an unrivalled collection of high performance sports cars and open-top racing cars on four purpose-built circuits at Bedford

Autodrome. The unique PalmerSport philosophy is to not just permit, but actively encourage, guests to push right to the limit on every circuit in every car. These tracks have more spacious run-off areas than conventional motor racing venues, so the freedom to drive harder and faster than anywhere else in the world comes with outstanding safety too.

PalmerSport guests will experience one of the most exhilarating and memorable days of their lives.

Bedford Autodrome, Thurleigh Airfield Business Park, Bedford MK44 2YP Tel 01234 332400 www.palmersport.com

Skirmish Paintball

Skirmish Central is only 20 mins from Northampton, Bedford and Milton Keynes and is your gateway to an action-packed paintball day! Skirmish Paintball Bedford, provide the No1 paintball venue in Bedfordshire. Paintball Northampton provides Junior paintball, Corporate paintball & Stag & Hen Parties.

Our Paintball venue in Bedford has been providing paintball for over 25 Years in Bedfordshire. Visit our professional site in Granary Farm Woods, Dungee Road, Odell, Bedfordshire MK43 7AE Tel 01234 510012 www.skirmishcentral.com

Sporting Targets

Learn to master the art of Clay Shooting on this challenging and exciting day out. If you are already experienced we have practice of all kinds available to test you. We also offer Archery, Air Rifles, Quads, Dunes and 4x4 experiences. The complex, Gun shop, Clubhouse, Restaurant and Bar are open 7 days a week.

Knotting Lane, Riseley, Bedfordshire MK44 1BX Tel 01234 708893 www.sportingtargets.co.uk

Santa Pod Raceway

Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2016, Santa Pod is home of the FIA European Drag Racing Championships, the fastest & loudest motorsport on earth!

Santa Pod hosts over 50 events including: National drag race meetings, modified car shows, VW Beetle & Camper festivals, Japanese performance car events, retro & classic car events, Run What Ya Brung (RWYB) and Drift What Ya Brung (DWYB) public track days.Enjoy VIP / corporate hospitality and fantastic family days out in the heart of England (on the border of Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire) and see Top Fuel Dragsters, Jet Cars, Rocket Bikes, Monster Trucks, Drifting, Stunt Displays and much more.

Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northants NN29 7XA Tel 01234 782828 www.santapod.com

Oasis Beach Pool

A great family day out! Two Wild Water Flumes, Wave Pool, Lazy River float ride, Beach area, Mushroom Fountain and more. There is also an onsite gym with sauna and the Beachcomber cafe which serves a selection of hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks.

Cardington Road, Bedford, MK42 0BZ Tel 01234 272100 www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/ Oasis_Pool

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eagle gallery affordable original art by local artists paintings prints sculpture textiles mixed media photography ceramics

visit our website for information on exhibitions, artists’ galleries and special events.

101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm wheelchair access

www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk tel: 01234 346995

follow us on: www.facebook.com/TheEagleGallery

Love cinema?

Join the club.

Only our Unlimited card gives you all the films you can handle from £16.90 a month.

Join today in Cineworld Bedford or at cineworld.com Minimum 12 month subscription. 3D, IMAX and D-Box uplifts payable. 3D glasses, VIP, Delux/premium/VIP seating and special screenings excluded although discounts for Event Cinema may be available. Full terms available at cineworld.com/unlimited/ terms. Captain America Civil War: © 2015 MARVEL. Deadpool: © 2015 MARVEL. Zoolander No. 2: © 2016 Par. Pics. Grimsby: © 2016 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Getting to Bedford parking and transport Bedford benefits from excellent transport links and is easy to reach by car or public transport.

The town is conveniently located between the A1 and M1 and is well served by the A421 dual carriageway which links the two major roads as well as the A6 and A428.

There are regular rail services to Bedford from St Pancras via First Capital Connect, with trains arriving and departing every 30 minutes.

The journey time is approximately 40 minutes from St Pancras.

Bedford also has a Park and Ride service, with a site in Elstow. This facility has a spacious car park,

CCTV on site and a waiting room with toilet facilities. The buses operate seven days a week on a high frequency from approximately 6:30am until 11pm (please refer to timetables).

Visitors have the ability to pay for their parking using their mobile phone – making it easier to park in and around the town. Payment can even be made via an iPhone app (other smartphones are available!).

Parking in Bedford couldn’t be easier with plenty of spaces at multi-storey and surface car parks in the town centre.

Many of the car parks have been awarded the nationally recognised Park Mark. This is recognition that a car park has been approved by the Police and measures are in place to ensure the safety of visitors and their vehicles.

All Council-run town centre car parks are free to park in every Saturday for the first two hours, after which normal charges apply.

So, essentially, the clock starts after two hours, and however long you stay for, those first two hours are free.

In addition, parking is free onstreet and in a number of councilrun car parks after 6pm Monday to Saturday and all Sunday.

For further information on parking, including prices and a location map of all council car parks, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/parking Timetables of all buses which serve Bedford Borough are also available on the Council website: www.bedford.gov.uk/businfo Full train timetables are available at www.nationalrail.co.uk

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Around Bedford Bedford Modern School

BEDFOR REGISTE OFFICE (BRICKH

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Bedford Health Village

Bedford School

Wyvern House

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Rugby Ground

The Quarry Theatre at St. Luke’s

The Bedford Sixth Form

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John Bunyan Boat Mooring

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Borough Hall

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Kids World Wells & Young Brewery

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Bedford Girls School

The Bedford Sixth Form

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The Place Theatre

CEMETERY & CREMATORIUM

Bedford Health Village

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TheRugby Place Ground

Theatre TO ELSTOW

PARK & RIDE N EWN H A M AV E N U E

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TO A6 LUTON, MILTON KEYNES & M1 VIA A421

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Eagle Gallery

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Bedford Girls School

Eagle Gallery

Castle Mound

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Panacea Museum

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Bandstand

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Suspension Bridge

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Bedford War Memorial

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Butterfly Bridge

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Putting Green Kiosk

Toilets & Kiosk

Key Key

Travel and Tourism Centre Pedestrianised street

Archbishop Trevor Huddleston 2 Reflections of Bedford

Pedestrianised shopping area

Archbishop Harpur Centre

Parking

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John Bunyan Statue

Harpur Suite

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Corn 4 Exchange Harpur

Trevor Huddleston 24

Suite

BPHA Customer Services

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Bedford Magistrates Court & County Court

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6 Corn Exchange John Howard Statue War7 Memorial (South African War)Services BPHA Customer

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Swan Hotel (Formerly

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John Bunyan Museum

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Castle Quay & Medieval Lime Kiln

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The9Higgins Bedford John Howard

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Coach parking

Harpur Centre

5 (Formerly Tourist Information Centre/Old Town Hall)

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Local facilities Evening parking available

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Toilets & Kiosk

The Higgins Bedford

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Castle Quay & Medieval Lime Kiln

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Reflections of Bedford

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John Bunyan Museum

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Tourist Information

Coach bay Cycle/foot path (Traffic free) One way road Toilets are located in the Harpur Centre Centre/Old Town Hall) and Mayes Yard (off St Paul's Square by the Corn Exchange)

TO A1 SOUTH > Bedford Magistrates Court & County Court

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Castle Mound

Memorial PanaceaWar Museum 10

Bandstand 11 Swan

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Suspension Bridge

12 Bunyan Bedford John War Memorial Butterfly Bridge 13 Castle

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Putting Green Kiosk

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The Higgins Bedford

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16 Panacea Museum Travel and Tourism Centre Bandstand 17 Pedestrianised street Pedestrianised shoppingBridge area 18 Suspension Local facilities 19 Bedford War Memorial Parking

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ACE CARSLTD

Evening parking available 20 Butterfly Bridge Coach parking 21 Putting Coach bay

Green Kiosk

Cycle/foot path (Traffic free)

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(01234) 26 1234

One way road

Toilets & Kiosk TO A1 SOUTH

>

Toilets are located in the Harpur Centre and Mayes Yard (off St Paul's Square by the Corn Exchange)

PRIVATE HIRE

Travel and Tourism Centre EXECUTIVE TRAVEL

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CARS street & MINIBUS Pedestrianised NATIONAL SAME DAY Pedestrianised shopping areaCOURIER Local facilities 24

Parking Evening parking available

AIRPORT TRANSFER & GREET COMFORTABLE Coach bay POLITE & RELIABLE Cycle/foot path (Traffic free) ‘PEACE OF MIND One way road TRANSPORT’ Coach parking MEET

TO A1 SOUTH

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Toilets are located in the Harpur Centre and Mayes Yard (off St Paul's Square acecarsbedford@yahoo.co.uk by the Corn Exchange)

www.acecarsbedford.co.uk 33

Spring Events At The Barns With Live Comedy, Live Music, River Cruises, a spectacular May Ball and more, discover what’s on at The Barns this season.

Mothering Sunday with Live Music Sunday 6th March Treat Mum to a lavish three-course lunch in our WineGlass restaurant from 12pm to 2.30pm, accompanied by our resident pianist. Or choose our Afternoon Tea including glass of Prosecco, from 3pm to 6pm.

Riverside Comedy at The Barns 11th March 2016; 7pm to 11pm Join the newest venue on the Comedy Circuit, introducing some of the latest talents in the UK. Join just for a laugh, add on traditional fish and chips in a basket or even stay overnight to complete the ultimate comedy experience.

John Bunyan Jazz Cruise Thursday 19th May; from 6pm Arrive at The Barns at leisure, make use of the facilities before heading aboard the iconic John Bunyan Boat for an evening of Jazz.

May Ball - Back To The 80’s Friday 27th May; 7.30pm to 12am Enjoy the tasty delights of our decadent three-course meal whilst the live band get under way and ‘strike a chord’ to take you back to the 80’s.

For more information and to book please call us on 01234 270044 or email events@barnshotelbedford.co.uk

Hotel • Dining • Events

Food&Drink

Directory CAFE & COFFEE SHOPS Browns Coffee House 133 Castle Rd, Bedford MK40 3RF Tel 01234 965265 Café Virtuoso 7 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1LA Tel 01234 354707 Caffé Crema Restaurant 59 High Street, Bedford MK40 1RZ Tel 01234 330518 Coffee House 10 St Pauls Square, Bedford MK40 1SL 01234 359200 Coffee Republic 68 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NT 01234 364530 Coffee With Art 82 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NN Tel 07805 217955 Costa Coffee 20 Silver Street, Bedford MK40 1SU 01234 346722 Elevenses 3 Lime Street, Bedford MK40 1LD Tel 01234 350098

Gallone’s 1-2 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS Tel 01234 342850

Seventh Heaven 17 The Arcade, Bedford MK40 1NS 01234 589013

Man Do Chinese 155 Midland Rd, Bedford MK40 1DW Tel 01234 350182

Harpur Coffee Co. 16B Harpur Centre, Bedford MK40 1TP Tel 01234 358222

Star Cafe 14 Allhallows, Bedford MK40 1LJ Tel 01234 910262

Peking Palace Chinese 9 St John’s St, Bedford MK42 0AH Tel 01234 272727

Howard Café & Restaurant 7 Howard Centre, Horne Lane Bedford MK40 1UH

The Kiln 87 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NE Tel 01234 216799

La Piazza St Pauls Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ Tel 01234 328433

The Puddin Club 120A Castle Rd, Bedford MK40 3RG Tel 07773 943586

The Elephant 118-120 Bedford Rd, Kempston Bedford MK42 8BG Tel 01234 843210

GRILLS & STEAK HOUSE

Limes of Bedford 21 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1LA Tel 01234 266912

Wendover Caffe 8 Wendover Drive, Bedford MK41 9QD Tel 01234 302222

Herd 25 St Cuthbert’s Street Bedford MK40 3JG Tel 01234 300193

Longholme Cafe The Boating Lake, The Embankment Bedford MK40 3PB

CHINESE RESTAURANTS

Mimo’s Steak & Grill 33 St Cuthbert’s St, Bedford MK40 3JG Tel 01234 330555

Love Coffee 60A Harpur Centre, Bedford MK40 1TJ Tel 01234 328883 Mill Yard Caffé 1 Mill Yard, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3HD Tel 01234 273115 No 10 Café 10 St Marys Street, Bedford MK42 0AS Tel 01234 217796

Foods of Italy 75 Bower St, Bedford Pauls Café MK40 3RB Hotel • Dining • Events 11 Church Arcade, Bedford Tel 01234 213500 MK40 1LQ 01234 358921 Frescoes Coffee House 20 Mill Street, Bedford Pensieri MK40 3HD Castle Lane, Castle Quay Tel 01234 325747 01234 363152 Hotel • Dining • Events

Chef Beijing 52-54 Ram Yard, Bedford MK40 3NU Tel 01234 273883 China Potts 5 Greyfriars, Bedford MK40 1HJ Tel 01234 330036 Dragon Unit E, Howard Centre River St, Bedford MK40 1PX Tel 01234 328866 Harko Oriental Buffet 12 Lime Street, Bedford MK40 1LG Tel 01234 330888

Riverside Grill 19 Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3NT Tel 01234 359599

HOTEL RESTAURANTS d’Parys 45 De Pary’s Ave, Bedford, MK40 2UA Tel 01234 340248 Millhouse Hotel & Riverside Restaurant Mill Rd, Sharnbrook MK44 1NP Tel 01234 781678

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RBG Bar & Grill Park Inn 2 St Mary’s St, Bedford MK42 0AR Tel 01234 799988 River Room Restaurant The Bedford Swan Hotel The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3PD Tel 01234 346565 The Embankment 6 The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3PD Tel 01234 261332 VesuviO Restaurant and Bar The Sharnbrook Hotel Park Ln, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1LX Tel 01234 783142 Wine Glass Restaurant The Barns Cardington Road, Bedford MK44 3SA Tel 01234 270044 Woodlands Manor Green Lane, Bedford MK Tel 01234 363281

INDIAN RESTAURANTS Alamin 51 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RF Tel 01234 330066 Bengal Brasserie 9 The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TJ Tel 01234 340888 Blue Ginger 116 Bedford Road, Kempston Bedford MK42 8BG Tel 01234 856800 Choudhury 32 The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TH Tel 01234 356162 Deshi Spice 60 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RD Tel 01234 327755 Grand Indian 39 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RB Tel 01234 359566

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Indian Summer 69 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RR Tel 01234 351251

Eatalia 72 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NN Tel 01234 910147

Indiya Broadway House, 1-3 The Broadway Bedford MK40 2TE Tel 01234 352978

Figaro 67 Commercial Road, Bedford MK40 1QS Tel 01234 211411

Magna Tandoori 50 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RD Tel 01234 360709 Three Rooms 4 Kimbolton Rd, Bedford MK40 2NR Tel 01234 344440 New Bombay 53B Harpur St, Bedford MK40 2SR Tel 01234 218218 Radhuni 38 The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3TP Tel 01234 272227 Saffron Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RP Tel 01234 328388 Thali & Tandoori 28 Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3US Tel 01234 341414 The Cochin 76 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RP Tel 01234 328388

ITALIAN RESTAURANTS Amici Bedford 27 St Peter’s St, Bedford MK40 2PN Tel 01234 340734 Bella Italia 28-30 High St, Kempston Bedford, MK42 7AR Tel 01234 840180 Bellini’s 44 High Street, Clapham Bedford MK41 6EG Tel 01234 219888 Don Graziano 46-48 Tavistock Street Bedford MK40 2RD Tel 01234 347877

Frankie & Benny’s 498 Goldington Road, Bedford MK41 0DX 01234 333850 La Fontana 2A Ram Yard, Bedford MK40 1AL Tel 01234 352577 Mamma Mia’s 36 St Peter St, Bedford MK40 2NN Tel 01234 353470 Pizza Express 22 St Peter’s St, Bedford, MK40 2PN Tel 01234 271124 Pizzeria Santaniello 9-11 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel 01234 353742 Riobello 6 St Mary’s St, Bedford MK42 0AS Tel 01234 364430 Spaghetti John’s 15 Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3NT Tel 01234 327323 That’s Amore 4-14 Dame Alice St, Bedford MK40 1BP Tel 01234 348365 The Cappuccino Bar 36 Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel 01234 352991 The Higgins Pantry Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD Tel 01234 276340 Tre Fratelli 2 Wood End Lane, Kempston Bedford MK43 9BE Tel 01234 855550

JAPANESE Hoku Hoku 5 Peel Street, Bedford MK40 2HX Tel 01234 217031

LEBANESE Reem 89 High Street, Bedford MK40 1NE 01234 211200

MEXICAN Baja 17 Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3NX Tel 01234 325707

MONGOLIAN Sizzling Wok 3A, The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TJ Tel 01234 212888

NIGHTCLUBS Hi-Fi 30-32 High St, Bedford MK40 1SP Tel 01234 327222

The Pad 2 Lurke St, Bedford MK40 3HY Tel 01234 212161

The Flute Wine Bar Ram Yard Bedford MK40 1AL Tel 07842 469072

Vibe 28 St Peters Street,Bedford MK40 2PN

The Kings Arms St Mary’s St Bedford MK42 0AS Tel 01234 354494

Vogue 55 High St, Bedford MK40 1RZ Tel 01234 353296

PORTUGUESE Nando’s 3 High St, Bedford MK40 1RN Tel 01234 273298

PUBS & BARS Artisan Tap Craft Beer Venue 92 High St, Bedford MK40 1NN Tel 07495 318436 Auction Room 1 Duke St, Bedford MK40 3HD Tel 01234 330902

The Lane Wine Bar Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3HD Tel 01234 325640 The Mill Hotel 32-34, Mill St Bedford MK40 3HD Tel 01234 359922 The Rose 45 High Street Bedford MK40 1RY Tel 01234 353749 The Ship 7 St Cuthbert’s St Bedford MK40 3JB Tel 01234 267126 The Standard 26-28 High St Bedford MK40 1SP Tel 01234 269285

Bar Citrus 29 Harpur St, Bedford MK40 1LA Tel 01234 273843

SURROUNDING RESTAURANTS

George & Dragon 39 Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel 01234 345061

Bedford Arms 57 High St Oakley Bedford MK43 7RH Tel 01234 822280

Lost & Found Wine Bar 4 Lime Street, Bedford MK40 1NH Tel 07860 454530

Coach House 12 Market Square Potton SG19 2NP Tel 01767 260221

Noble Rot 56 Tavistock St, Bedford MK40 2RD Tel 01234 307700

Corner 5 Restaurant Box End Park Box End Rd Bedford MK43 8RQ Tel 01234 846223

Number 13 St Pauls Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Tel 01234 718044 Saint Peter’s Ale House Micropub 38 St Peter’s St Bedford MK40 2NN Tel 07511 649795 The Barley Mow 72 St Loyes St Bedford MK40 1EZ Tel 01234 302295

Millhouse Hotel & Riverside Restaurant Mill Road Sharnbrook MK44 1NP Tel 01234 781678 St Helena High St Elstow MK42 9XP Tel 01234 344848 The Falcon Rushden Rd Bletsoe MK44 1QN Tel 01234 781222 The Horse & Jockey Church End Ravensden MK44 2RR Tel 01234 772319 The Legstraps 20 Keeley Lane Wootton MK43 9HR Tel 01234 854112 The Park 98 Kimbolton Rd Bedford MK40 2PF Tel 01234 273929

The Plough Kimbolton Rd Bolnhurst MK44 2EX Tel 01234 376274 The Swan Bridge End Bromham MK43 8LS Tel 01234 823284

THAI RICE 41 St Cuthbert’s St Bedford MK40 3JG Tel 01234 272053 THAI LAGOON 36 The Broadway Bedford MK40 2TH Tel 01234 363300 The Elephant 118-120 Bedford Rd Kempston Bedford MK42 8BG Tel 01234 843210

TURKISH Nazar 17 High Street Bedford MK40 1RN Tel 01234 954147

Cornfields Hotel & Restaurant Wilden Rd Bedford MK44 2NJ Tel 01234 378990 Cross Keys 2 Tithe Rd Bedford MK43 8TH Tel 01234 853939

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13 er b m u

N

LICENSED CAFÉ BAR

BEDFORD CORN EXCHANGE - NUMBER 13

Dining...

Theatre...

Drinks...

WHY NOT ADD A FABULOUS PRE THEATRE DINING EXPERIENCE TO YOUR EVENING WITH OUR 2 OR 3 COURSE SET MENU FROM £13.50 TO BOOK SIMPLY CALL 01234 718044 OR EMAIL CORNEXCHANGE@BEDFORD.GOV.UK ADVANCED BOOKING IS ADVISED Bedford Corn Exchange & Number 13 13 St. Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Phone: (01234) 718044 Email: cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk

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Web: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

OPEN TO ALL serving food

Open 7 days a week

Good food, good

company and a good night’s sleep are at the heart of what we do.

Our 11 bedrooms have been redesigned in keeping with this eighteenth-century coaching inn, and our lunch and dinner menus are created around distinctive dishes using the best regional produce.

You’re welcome any day of the week and we look forward to meeting you…

Market Square Potton, Beds, SG19 2NP 01767 260221 | mail@coachhousepotton.co.uk

www.coachhousepotton.co.uk

Bedford

s l a v i t s e F

2016 Bedford Bamberg Spring Fest Beer Festival – April

Friday 29th – Saturday 30th April The Annual Bedford Bamberg Beer Festival started in 2008 and is run by Bedford Corn Exchange to celebrate Bedford’s twinning with Bamberg. Spring Fest attracts hundreds of people over the weekend.

The 7th annual Bedford Bamberg Spring Fest 2016 runs from midday – midnight on both days. The portfolio of beers on offer is extensive plus German barbecue and live music. Free Entry.

More information to be confirmed at www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

Bedford’s Big High Street Showcase – June

On 4th June – 9.30am – 4.30pm The Big High Street Showcase offers the opportunity for over 50 local independent businesses, community groups and entertainers to come together on Bedford High Street and Mill Street to demonstrate their products and services. Children’s entertainment; craft activities and funfair rides, live music and dance stage – from choirs and bands to soloists and street dancing, swing and classical Indian dance.

More information at www.bedford.gov.uk/ highstreetshowcase

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Love Bedford Food Festival – July

On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July, Bedford welcomes the Love Bedford Food Festival on the grounds in front of Castle mound. Celebrity Chef demo and cookery theatre plus children’s cooking theatre and number of food stalls. www.lovebedford.co.uk

10th Bedford Festival Fringe – July

Thursday 21st to Saturday 30th July Bedford hosts the 10th Anniversary International Festival Fringe with a selected programme of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance & physical theatre brought from as far as the USA and China; all held exclusively at The Quarry Theatre. For 10 days, a dynamic range of acts ranging from percussion groups from South Africa and stand-up comedy from Australia to our very own home grown talent will perform with over 20 performances from groups based in Bedford, Northampton and Cambridge.

Keep posted to the website for developments! www.bedfringe.com Twitter Tag #itsinthecan Twitter@Bedfringe

Love Bedford Day – July

A FREE Love Bedford Day on Sunday 24th July 2016, organised By BedfordBID. A celebration day dedicated to the rich history and heritage of Bedford through the ages: learning, interactive art workshops, stalls, local produce and crafts and a variety of street entertainers and music celebrating the diverse culture of the town.

More details of this and other events available at www.lovebedford.co.uk

The Bedford Proms in the Park – August

Bedford Park in Bedford Saturday 6th August 2016 1pm – 11pm Bedford Park Proms celebrate their 20th Anniversary in 2016 in beautiful Bedford Park, on Saturday August 6th 2016 for an evening of pomp and patriotism for the whole family to enjoy. The concert will feature special guest soloists ‘Blake’ and soprano Rebecca Newman. The renowned London gala orchestra

and the Bedford Choral society will perform popular classics and film scores. The evening concludes with a spectacular laser show and firework finale. Family event – no age restrictions.

Tickets and more information at www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

Twinwood FestivalAugust

27th 28th and 29th August, Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire.

Over 60 fabulous vintage music acts, spread over 11 themed on-site venues. Decadent music of the 1920s and 1930s, swinging sounds of the 1940s, rock and roll of the 1950s, upbeat Northern Soul tracks of the 1960s or even the fast paced tempo of Gypsy Jazz and Electro-Swing, there is something for all!

But it’s not just music! 2016 will see the biggest selection of original vintage, retro and reproductions traders. Over 100 different stalls including several vintage beauty salons, a men’s barbers, museums, dance lessons, bars, clubs, food vendors and of course plenty of places to dance.

Visit www.twinwoodevents.com for more information and full line up

Bedford Film Festival – September

Bedford Film Festival is an annual, cultural highlight with a mission to make film more accessible to people of all ages and tastes. Bedford film lovers also benefit from links with Cambridge Film Trust, Into Film and BAFTA. The annual film festival is in September with individual screenings throughout the year. For films, dates and times visit www.BedfordFilmFestival.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter by searching for Bedford Film Festival.

Bedfordshire Walking Festival – September

10th to 18th September inclusive 2016 fest includes the popular Greensand Challenge (40 miles over the weekend). Interesting and unusual walks in and around Bedford. Programmes available in July for the Bedford River Festival and also on the website www.bedswalkfest.co.uk

Castle Quarter Summer Festival – September

Castle Road, Bedford, Free entry Sunday 4th September 11am Castle Festival returns for the 5th year. The festival attracts thousands of visitors and has become an anticipated annual fixture. Lots of stalls, food, music, entertainment and fun for all the family.

Diwali – Festival of Lights – October

29th October 3-8pm at the Corn exchange, Free entrance.

Bedford Indian Community (BIC) brings together the many Indian community organisations of Bedford to celebrate the Festival of Light. A procession begins at 3pm outside the Tesco Express in Midland Road, travels through the town centre to the Corn Exchange where cultural performances are on display.

Jewellery & clothes, Face painting, henna and nail art stall plus authentic cuisines from North and South India. More information on 01234314464 or 07787 774167

The Bedford Hospitals Charity Christmas Tree Festival,

Wednesday 30th November (10am5pm) to Sunday 4th December (2pm-4.30pm) The Festival features up to 62 trees, decorated by voluntary services, organisations, local businesses and schools. 2 Trees of Remembrance are also extremely popular since they were initiated in 2008.

Entry £2.50 children under the age of 16yrs FREE, Group discount of 6 or more for £1.50 per head For more information call David Walker on 01234 340163

Castle Quarter Christmas Festival – December

Sunday 4th December – Free Festive Fun for all the Family Christmas Light Switch on, stalls, crafts, music, carol singing, arts & crafts Castle Road, Bedford

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Keith Mayhew

Saturday July 16th & Sunday 17th 2016

The award winning Bedford River Festival!

Enjoy a fun-filled weekend at the second biggest outdoor event in the country!

local community and professional groups in the arts and sporting worlds.

The Bedford River Festival is held biennially in Bedford on the banks of the River Great Ouse. It was founded in 1978 to celebrate the completion of a navigable route, by water, between Bedford and the coast and is held over aJuly weekend. It is the main touristattracting event in the town.

The 2014 festival saw over 350,000 spectators and participants and this year, even larger crowds are expected as the festival continues to build on previous successes with its’ colourful milieu of live entertainment and exciting events including a wide variety of food and drink stalls.

Keith Mayhew

The festival boats several events and attractions, including bands on the main stage, 2 community stages and an acoustic stage, a road parade, boat shows and races, a raft race for local teams and a fabulous firework display.

Along with the normal attractions of the fun fair, the River Festival also hosts the sports village, creating space for displays from

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Free to the public, the festival offers numerous opportunities to participate or just to relax and enjoy a vast array of activities and entertainment.

Festival Parade

As the traditional opening of the Festival, the Parade is a great fun packed way to kick off Bedford’s premiere event. With decorated

vehicles, bands and a procession on foot, the parade begins on De Pary’s Avenue, progresses down the High Street, around St. Paul’s Square to its’ final destination on The Embankment.

Raft Races are always a highlight of the festival and it’s interesting to see how many rafts cross the finish line!

Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition and is emerging as a highly popular water activity; always a highlight for participants and spectators alike. The event takes place from 10.30am. Over 20 crews will battle it out over a 350 metre course which runs along the picturesque Embankment. After a full day of racing, the final will be held at approximately 5pm.

THE 12th ANNUAL KITE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO RUSSELL PARK in JUNE! The much anticipated International Kite Festival returns on Saturday 11th June 10-6pm and Sunday 12th June 10-5pm

“Anyone can fly a kite.”

The free festival attracts a large family audience and has the unique ability to engage and enable all ages to take part; anyone can fly a kite. A special arena for members of the public to fly their own or made in the workshop kites will also be onsite. Based on the 2015 festival, approximately 40,000 spectators are expected to attend over the weekend. Alongside the various demonstrations in the arena will be a whole host of other attractions, food and drink, entertainment, music and kite stalls specialising in kite equipment, clothes and other accessories.

Opening times for the festival are from 10am on both days, to 6pm on Saturday, and 5pm on Sunday.

The fun will spill over into the Bank Holiday Monday – with, the Battle of the Bands taking place in Russell Park on 27th May, from 11a.m – 5pm.

This will see local bands play on the stage, and a great way to end the Bank Holiday weekend!

For more information on these events visit www.bedfordevents.co.uk

yhew Keith Ma

The 152nd Bedford Amateur Regatta 7th May 2016 Bedford Amateur Regatta was founded in 1853 and brings competitive rowing to the picturesque River Great Ouse in Bedford, maintaining its position as one of the largest single day river regatta in the country. Racing takes place through the heart of the town over a 1,200 metre course with races every two minutes and competitors coming from far and wide representing Schools, Colleges and Clubs. Events are offered for fours and eights across all categories from J14 upwards including Novice and Elite.

The event continues to be one of the key social events in the town’s calendar with everyone enjoying the atmosphere of the Regatta enclosure close to the Suspension Bridge.

Over the years the event has played host to many of the country’s up and coming top rowing athletes with many going on to win Olympic and World Championship medals.

More information at www.bedfordregatta.co.uk

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A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage TWINWOOD FESTIVAL • BEDFORDSHIRE • AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY 2016

• OVER 60 LIVE ACTS PLAYING MUSIC FROM THE 1920S TO THE 1960S • ELEVEN GREAT VENUES • ACRES OF DANCE FLOORS • OVER 150 TRADERS • HAIR & BEAUTY • COMEDY & CABARET • DANCE WORKSHOPS • INTERESTING MUSEUMS

TICKETS

ON SALE NOW PLUS GLAMPING AVAILABLE

• GREAT BARS & FOOD INCL. CARVERY • LARGE CAMPSITE W/ GOOD FACILITIES

BOOTLEG BEATLES • COUNTERFEIT STONES • PUPPINI SIS

TERS • MIKE SANCHEZ • TRIBUTE TO ELVIS OVERTURES • ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS • REV OLUTIONAIRES • CAEZARS • ALEX MENDHAM • JACKSON SLOAN BENOIT VIELLEFON • ALABAMA SLAMMERS • STIC KY WICKET • LOUNGE CAT IDEALS • BO WALTON • VIENNA DITTO JOEY & THE JIVERS • ZOOT SERIOUS • ROB HERON • MEZ & THE FEZZES • SWING NINJAS • DING DONG DADDIOS • HOTSIE TOTSIES PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA • DAISY CHAINS • TOOTSIE ROLLERS • OO-BOP-SH’BAM • STROLLERS • MEMPHIS LEE & THE CREEPERS GREGGI G • JUKE JOINT JUMP • FIREBIRDS • RUS TI STEEL • CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE • LAMOURS • DOW LIPSTICK & BEATNIKS N FOR THE COUNT • BEVIN BOYS • BEAT CATS • LOLA LAMOUR • HEY LAS • GYPFUNK • RED HOT • COCO BOHEME • + MORE!

RE U H C O R B E E R F D N A O F IN E R FOR MO OR CLICK 3 7 7 4 2 8 4 3 2 1 CALL 0

al.com iv t s e f d o o w in w .t www

THREE AND A HALF DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FROM FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST

“Tuesday Afternoons” in Kathy Brown’s Garden’ JUNE, JULY, AUGUST & SEPT. The Manor House Garden, Church Rd., Stevington, Bedford MK43 7QB Four and a half Acres of Wonderful Gardens

HISTORIC WORKING WATERMILL TEA ROOM AND NATURE RESERVE

Mill Lane Stotfold Bedfordshire SG5 4NU

Entrance £5 Children free Open 1-5pm 1pm Bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden 2pm Free Tour with Kathy (arrive before) 3.15pm + Tea on the Lawn £3.50

For information on open dates and events visit:

T: 01234 822 064 www.kathybrownsgarden.com

FREE ADMISSION (Except major fundraising events when admission charges apply)

01462 734541

WWW.STOTFOLDMILL.COM Registered Charity No. 1086392

, The Collection Th e Swiss Garden, The House

Shuttleworth is home to the Co llection of histo ric aircraft, vin tage vehicles an d motorcycles, and a 19th-Cen tury Swiss Gard en

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP l enquiries@shuttleworth.org l 01767 627927

Open daily except Christmas. Events throughout the year, free parking and no landing fees.

On-site restaurant with free wifi, gift shop and play area for children - great fun for the whole family!

www.shuttleworth.org/plan-your-visit In and around guide 2016.indd 1

Reg Charity No. 307534

03/03/2016 13:41:25

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Shopping B

edford has a vibrant town centre offering shoppers a range of high quality shops, from large department stores and major chains like Debenhams and Marks and Spencer to niche retailers and designer boutiques.

The Harpur Centre, the town’s premier shopping centre, is open seven days a week with more than 30 stores trading over two levels. Shoppers will be able to find a number of well-known names including Primark, Pandora, New Look, Boots and WH Smith all under the same roof.

If you’re looking for something a bit different away from the major high street chains, you can find plenty of independent shops and boutiques around the town centre that offer great customer service and unique products of which many are handmade or locally sourced.

The historic Arcade and Church Arcade boast a wide selection of independent shops, selling everything from designer fashion labels and bespoke jewellery to vintage gifts and healthy organic food and supplements.

The Arcade, off the historic High Street, is packed full of boutiques and cafés all offering something special to the town, within the attractive façade of the indoor street. One of the shops – the Arcadia Sweet Shop – has been trading since 1905.

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Church Arcade has a more modern feel and, in a nice touch, the canopy over the arcade entrance from Harpur Street has the names of a number of Bedford sporting icons.

Bedford’s twice-weekly Charter Market put the town on the map in 1166. Now, Bedford hosts a range of speciality markets including a weekly Gourmet Food Market, Farmers Markets twice a month, a weekly Home and Garden Market and the unique Handmade in Bedford Market.

When you need to take a break from shopping, there are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can recharge your batteries. The cultural diversity of Bedford ensures that you’re never far from a fabulous Italian coffee, Polish delicacies, a Turkish meze or traditional afternoon tea. Shoppers can also look forward to a number of new restaurants opening in the town in 2017, as well as new public space and the return of town centre cinema, as part of the multimillion pound Riverside North development.

With extended free parking available in town centre car parks and a vibrant mix of independent shops, major chain stores, cafes and restaurants, Bedford really does have something for everyone.

Bedford – a town of markets Bedford – A thriving market town with its original Charter Market dating back more than 800 years.

with traders offering food delicacies from all over the world, such as breads, olives, coffee beans and sweets.

The Charter Market is the town’s busiest weekly market, regularly attracting in excess of 60 traders at two locations on both Wednesday and Saturday.

The Home and Garden Market is held every Friday and is a rainbow of colour with traders selling an impressive range of cut flowers, plants and shrubs as well as general household goods.

Goods on offer in Harpur Square range from handbags to key cutting, clothing and pet accessories to Country and Western music with almost everything in between!

On St Paul’s Square you’ll find a huge range of fruits and vegetables from around the world, complimented with speciality goods such as fresh fish, meats and Italian breads.

For speciality food the Gourmet Market is the one to visit. Held every Thursday in Midland Road this is a gourmet’s delight,

The Farmers’ Market is held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Supplying not only fresh food but also a selection of hand-made craft, free range eggs, and plants for the garden from late spring to early autumn.

The Handmade in Bedford Market takes place in Midland Road on the second Saturday of April through to December (excluding July). Local traders display goods they themselves have made or produced.

SPECIALITY MARKETS IN BEDFORD

GENERAL MARKETS

Gourmet Every Thursday Farmers Every 2nd & 4th Thursday Home & Garden Every Friday Handmade in Bedford Every 2nd Saturday

Bedford Every Wednesday & Saturday Kempston Every Thursday

For more information 01234 718066

markets@bedford.gov.uk

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Welcome to a traditional, family run Italian delicatessen in the heart of Bedford.

Foods of Italy

Fresh and Delicious Italian Deli Food Bread and baked goods

These arrive daily! All our baked goods are produced by a local Italian bakery who use the finest authentic ingredients for total taste satisfaction. Flavours are locked in with all products baked to perfection in a traditional oven. We stock a delicious range of biscuits and confectionery items.

Cheese Please!

For tempting cheeses to satisfy your taste buds, pay a visit to our fully stocked cheese counter.

Our carefully selected cheeses come to us direct from our London-based supplier, well-known for high quality Italian imports. You’ll be spoilt for choice with our extensive cheese selection, our friendly team are knowledgeable of each product and can happily offer recommendations if you’re looking for something specific.

A meaty treat…

Our large choice of meats and salami provide something to suit all tastes! We only stock truly original Parma ham sourced direct from suppliers in Parma, Italy. We take pride in working with other Italian supply companies to source the best traditional ingredients and high quality meats and salamis. Our house speciality is Mortadella, cured sausage made with herbs and pepper. A strong favourite with Italians.

Pick up some pasta!

If you’re planning on making an authentic Mediterranean meal, stock up with our supplies. From fresh pasta sauces, to speciality oils, we have all you’ll need for a tasty treat. Our fresh pasta dishes are handmade in-house.

Foods of Italy also stock good quality dried pasta and Gluten free pasta. Our risotto rice is available as arborio or carnaroli (which has a finer consistency).

We also stock gnocchi and a variety of Italian cous cous.

Olives and Oils

Our range of fresh olives include Boscaiola, Rustica, Paesana, Green olives and Bella di cerignola as well as homemade appetisers such as Sundried tomatoes, Aubergines, Artichokes, Capers, Peppers, Marinated peppers and Spicy mushrooms. A range of speciality oils and vinegars are also stocked.

Time for wine?

We are fully licensed to sell wines, beers and spirits.

Whatever your taste, our extensive selection will have something to suit you. Pay us a visit to view our full range of red, whites and sparkling and ask our team for advice on which wine to choose for your meal or occasion.

Coffee

And last but certainly not least - Rich, delicious coffee…Enjoy our freshly made coffee in true Italian style.

75 Bower Street, Bedford, MK40 3RB Phone: 01234 213 500 Opening times: Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm | Saturday: 8.30am - 6pm

www.foodsofitalybedford.co.uk

Multicultural Bedford Bedford is the UK’s most racially diverse town, with up to 100 different ethnic groups living within its boundaries.

It has more people of different races and cultures represented than anywhere else in the UK and Bedford also has the largest Sikh Gurdwara in the UK outside London. The temple is located in Queens Park, a very multicultural area with a varied number of places of worship, including an Anglican church and two mosques.

The land in Queens Park was farmed as early as the 11th century, and occupied by tenant farmers.

In 1890 W.H.Allen from London brought twenty acres of land west of Bedford town centre to establish his ‘Queens Engineering Works’, and housing for his employees. The works (opened in 1894) and the new community were named in honour of the queen of the day, Queen Victoria.

Bedford has a large Southern Asian population as immigration from India, in particular the Punjab area, increased significantly in the late 1950s, with many taking jobs at The London Brick Company.

Italy too plays a major role in Bedford’s culture and history with the early 1950s seeing many Italians coming to the UK to find work, again as a result of The London Brick Company’s recruitment drive. By 1960, some 7,500 Italian men were

employed by the LBC, many originally from regions of Southern Italy such as Campania and Puglia.

Today, Bedford boasts a population of around 20,000 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation Italians. Consequently, Bedford is a fantastic place to come to enjoy excellent Italian food with traditional and authentic restaurants and Café’s dotted in and around Bedford.

In fact, foodies can enjoy a whole range of different cuisines without venturing out of the town. The tempting array includes food from Bangladesh, China, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, Thailand, and even Vietnam.

Since 2001 there has also been a significant migration to Bedford from countries joining the European Union, namely: Poland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, increasing Bedford’s standing as proportionally the most ethnically and linguistically diverse town in the United Kingdom.

David Bailey

Queens Park has hosted many communities migrating to the Bedford area over the 20th century, firstly Irish and Italian families, followed

by Asians, Africans, and most recently, people from Eastern Europe. The engineering works survived in Queens Park for over 100

years, but over that time a great number of other businesses and shops have established themselves in the area. Today, Queens Park is one of the most established and centrally located areas in Bedford.

49

Great Days Out on the Marston Vale Line!

(Bedford – Bletchley)

Take the Marston Vale Line to visit:

Bletchley Park

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre: a scenic journey form Bedford on the Marston Vale Line

Bletchley Park; a scenic journey from Bedford on the Marston Vale Line

For further information please contact: Stephen Sleight Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Tel: 01234 832645 E-mail: stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk marstonvalecrp @marstonvalecrp

Group & school visits welcome all year by prior arrangement.

Millbrook - Gateway to the spectacular Millennium Country Tea Room open daily except Mondays Park at the heart of the Forest of & Bank Holidays. Booking recommended. Call 01525 287120 Marston Vale. Pleasant walk or Fenny Stratford – walks along the cycle ride on surfaced paths to Grand Union Canal and the home of the Forest Centre. Bring your MK Dons FC. bike on the train – no charge!

Bletchley - wide range of Ridgmont - Home of Ridgmont shops, cafes and restaurants Station Heritage Centre. Enjoy BEDFORD afternoon tea in the original Ladies PLUS Bletchley Park just a BEDFORD few minutes walk from the St Johns Waiting Room, a guided visit of the station.

Victorian Booking Office & browse in the Gift Shop! PLUS circular & linear walks to suit all abilities!

GroupSave Free entry!

Rail Tickets: Open Tues – Sat 10:00 – 4:00 Great rail fares from 22nd March until 10th for families!

Dec (10:30 – 3:00 from 1st Third off for adults in Nov). groups of 3-9, children half price, under 5’s free! ley Bletch hire

ffer!

Park O try for 1 en gers!

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7

KEEPING OUR FOOD HERITAGE ALIVE

NOT JUST A RUN OF THE MILL DAY OUT!

Tucked away on the banks of the River Ivel near Biggleswade, Jordans Mill is in the heart of rural Bedfordshire

SEE HISTORY IN ACTION Enjoy a guided tour of our lovingly restored historic mill and learn about the heritage of flour milling in Britain and the unique story of the Jordan family.

FREE ENTRY TO OUR MILL GARDENS

TAKE A BREAK WITH A FRESHLY-MADE TREAT!

Take a stroll through our unique and tranquil Mill Gardens where flowers and plants grow alongside fruits, vegetables and cereals in a stunning ornamental setting.

Visit the Riverside Café for delicious, seasonal locally-sourced meals, snacks and cakes and sit on our outdoor decking with its incredible views. Open daily from 9am-5pm

WWW.JORDANSMILL.COM

For more information please call 01767 603940

Jordans Mill, Holme Mills, Langford Road, Broom, Nr Biggleswade, SG18 9JY The Rural Developement Programme for England (RDPE) is funded by Defra and the EU

Jordans In & around Beds half.indd 1

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10/02/2016 14:09

Celebrating 21 years At Marston Vale – A beautiful place to visit

W

hat would you expect to find in a forest? Trees of course, but at the Forest of Marston Vale you’ll find so much more. We started 21 years ago, with an area ravaged by clay extraction for the brickmaking industry and land-fill sites and now as we celebrate our 21st Anniversary we’re proud of the green, vibrant place we’ve created – a traditional forest which is a patchwork of villages, farmland and industry all sewn together by woodlands and green space making it an outstanding place to live, work and have fun.

To mark our 21st Anniversary we are hosting a range of events and activities at the Forest Centre throughout the year.

Fun Day on 4th September, with appearances at intervals from Peppa Pig, a funfair, stalls, a huge raffle and a lot more.

Looking back at why the work we have achieved has been so important, we have a talk from David Syzmanski and exhibition about the Brickworks on 13th/14th May (times and prices tbc ) with many local artefacts, and possibly even vehicles, from the heyday of Stewartby Brickworks. Keep an eye out for more information about this on the website nearer the time, as it will most likely be very popular.

Finishing off the 21st Anniversary calendar will be the Enchanted Forest Ball on 19th November, which is set to be very special.

This prestigious event will see the Forest Centre transformed into an Enchanted Forest for the evening.

Leading the creation of The Forest of Marston Vale is a charity, The Forest of Marston Vale Trust (registered charity no. 1069229) and so far we have planted over 1 million trees and created over 660 hectares of new woodland, all of which are open to the public and can be visited at any time, totally free of charge.

On 5th June, something a bit different – a fundraising Skydive, organised through Skyline in Oxfordshire. If you think you’re up to the challenge of taking a 10,000 feet tandem freefall, then sign up alongside members of our very own Forest Team and help raise funds for the creation of the Forest.

Full details on the website.

To mark the end of the summer, there is a massive Forest Family

For more information about The Forest of Marston Vale contact Robina Ballard-Davis, Fundraising Officer, The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PR. Tel: 01234 762605.

Email robina.b-d@marstonvale.org or visit www.marstonvale.org

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Surrounding Villages Harrold

Bromham

Situated on the River Great Ouse, Bromham bridge has 26 arches spanning the river leading to the 17th century mill which has been restored to full working order.

Bromham heritage trail gives an interesting insight into early village life. Home of the annual Bromham Show.

Turvey

Turvey is a beautiful example of limestone dwellings on the border of Buckinghamshire. At All Saints Church – which has been described as ‘one of the finest and oldest churches in the Diocese of St Albans’ – you will find some of the most marvellous surviving alabastar monuments in the country.

Cardington

The Cardington sheds, celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, are a poignant reminder of Great Britain’s race for supremacy of the skies; these magnificent structures were built to house the R100 and the ill-fated R101 airships.The R100 was destined for America and was dismantled after the R101 destined for India crashed on its maiden flight on 5th October 1930 in Beauvaise, France. Of the 54 passengers and crew aboard only six survived. The mass grave and memorial to the victims can be found in the village church cemetery. Cardington was also the home of the 18th century prison reformer John Howard.

On the village green stands the circular lockup, a miniature provisional prison. These were used from the late middle ages until the 19th century; the lock-up still retains its original padlock. The Harrold bridge, originally a 13th century pack-horse bridge, has 6 arches spanning the main river with a further twenty covering the flood plain.

Harrold is also home to a wonderful country park with a cafe onsite.

Stevington

Stevington is know for its 200 year old post mill and Kathy Browns wonderful gardens. In the heart of the village is a 14th century cross; it is thought that John Bunyan may have been referring to the cross when he wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress. The Holy Well situated under the churchyard wall has never been known to freeze or dry up.

Elstow

The birthplace of John Bunyan is a beautiful village with a row of Tudor cottages from the 17th century. The Abbey, the Green and Moot Hall museum are all well worth a visit.

Oakley

Formerly an estate village surrounded on three sides by the river Great Ouse – an ideal spot to join the Ouse Valley Way walk. Oakely bridge is of particular interest as it dates from 1852. There is a bi-yearly carnival which alternates with the River Festival.

Great Barford

The last lock to be opened was at Great Barford to enable Bedford to once again be open to the sea. Bedford River Festival began in commemoration of this. Mentioned in the Doomsday book, Great Barford was an important site, probably as a means of crossing the river, the area of the original ford was dug up in 1973 and a bridge has been here since at least the 15th century. Today the bridge, with its 17 arches, spans the Great Ouse and acts as a gateway to this lovely village.

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&

Stately homes Bromham Mill & Gallery

A working mill dating from the 17th century, housing a contemporary art gallery and craft outlet alongside working machinery and milling exhibition. There is an onsite cafe, a picnic site and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoor play area.

Bridge End, Bromham MK43 8LP Tel 01234 824330 www.bedford.gov.uk

Bushmead Priory

The Priory Church of St Mary commonly called Bushmead Priory. Built in 1195 a rare survival of the complete refrectory of an Augustinian priory, with fine timber roof and notable 14th century wall paintings. Please call to find out opening times, entry by prebooked guided tours only.

Located off B660, 2 miles South of Bolnhurst, Bedfordshire MK44 2LD Tel 01234 860000 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Castle Mound

Bedford Castle is an 11th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress. Today only part of the motte still stands, forming part

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historic buildings

of an archaeological park built on the site between 2007 and 2009. The site is owned by Central Bedfordshire Council and is freely accessible. The mound is located in Bedford town centre, off The Embankment

Eltow Abbey

Elstow Abbey was founded in 1078 by the Countess Judith, niece of William the Conqueror. It became the eighth richest of the 106 Benedictine nunneries existing at the time. In its hey-day, in the fourteenth century, the building was twice its recent size. John Bunyan was also baptised in the font to be found in the abbey.

Church End, Elstow, Beds MK42 9XT Tel 01234 261477 abbeyelstow@gmail.com www.elstow-abbey.org.uk

Stevington Mill

A postmill originally built around 1770, it was still in use until then 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Constructed around a

central post so that it can be turned to face the wind, this impressive postmill is the only complete windmill left in the county. For an inside view of the postmill, visitors can obtain a key from the Royal George pub in Silver Street, Stevington. A small returnable deposit is required.

2 Windmill Lane, Stevington MK43 7QZ

Willington Dovecote and Stables

16th-century stone dovecote and stable building belonging to the National Trust. Commissioned

by Sir John Gostwick, they were completed around 1541 woth the dovecote boasting an impressive 1,500 nesting boxes lining the walls. Opening hours are limited and by appointment only.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details. Church End, Willington MK44 3PX

MOGGERHANGER PARK - A HIDDEN GEM -

Explore, experience and enjoy all that Moggerhanger Park has to offer from its stylish accommodation, informative House Tours and exclusive use events.

www.moggerhangerpark.com - 01767 641 007 - reception@moggerhangerpark.com

50 Years of Drag Racing at Santa Pod Raceway In 2016, Santa Pod Raceway celebrates 50 years since it welcomed its first cars to the track.

On Easter Monday 1966, Europe’s first permanent dragstrip opened for the first time and 50 years on the raceway now offers a diverse weekly programme of events running from February to November.

wartime bomber base in the small Bedfordshire village of Podington.

Drag racing arrived in Britain in the early 1960s with American all-star teams touring in 1964 and 1965, racing on airfield sites around the country including the US Air Force base at Chelveston.

The founders chose a name with links to drag racing’s Southern California heartland, as Santa Ana aerodrome was the site of the first commercial drag race in 1950, and the village which gave the airfield its identity, Podington.

Airfield sites and their perimeter roads provided locations for several postwar racetracks, including Silverstone, but the difference was that this new track would occupy the main runway.

Inspired by their success, a group of enthusiasts decided the sport For the first two seasons, the track needed a permanent British began where the finish line now home andAdvert:FIA settled on a redundant stands today’s 300mph speeds FIA Teaser Teaser Advert 17/02/2016 16:36 –Page 1

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would not have been possible with the shorter ‘shutdown’ area.

But the raceway has had to move with the times and its premises and facilities have been updated over the years.

These include the paved paddock which can accommodate more than 300 international racing teams and their transporters, as well as hosting its own motoring and entertainment events, the live action arena, the hospitality facilities, the medical centre, the high-tech, millisecondprecise timing system and the stringent safety features.

To keep up-to-date with events at the raceway go to www.santapod.com

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  Adult day tickets from £32, 4 day weekend tickets from £75 *Kids under 16 go FREE! (max 3 per adult). Hospitality Packages available from £109 +VAT Advance price available until 5pm Fri 20th May – standard price thereafter – booking fee applies Main attractions Sat/ Sun/ Mon. Racing from 9.30am each day. See website for full T & C’s

 SANTA POD RACEWAY, AIRFIELD ROAD, PODINGTON, NR. WELLINGBOROUGH NORTHANTS NN29 7XA. SIGNPOSTED FROM J14/15 M1. TEL: 01234 782 828

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Adult day tickets from £32, 4 day weekend tickets from £75 *Kids under 16 go FREE! (max 3 per adult). Hospitality Packages available from £109 +VAT Advance price available until 5pm Fri 2nd Sept – standard price thereafter – booking fee applies Main attractions Sat & Sun. Racing from 9.30am each day. See website for full T & C’s

 SANTA POD RACEWAY, AIRFIELD ROAD, PODINGTON, NR. WELLINGBOROUGH NORTHANTS NN29 7XA. SIGNPOSTED FROM J14/15 M1. TEL: 01234 782 828

Events 2016

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday 26 March to Saturday 9 April Free Easter Quiz, where children can hunt for the letters on Easter eggs hidden around the Museum.

Re-arrange the letters to reveal a mystery word and win a chocolate egg prize! www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/ museum

Poetry at the Eagle Gallery – Shakespeare and Friends Sunday 3rd 7pm Members of the Swan Theatre Company present an evening of poetry, with some prose and drama. Tickets £5.00 More info contact The Place Theatre 01234 354321 www.theplacebedford.org.uk

APRIL

Albion Choir Saturday 23rd April St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford – 7.30pm. Tickets £10/£8/£4. Full details www.standrewsbedford.org

The Love Bedford Easter Egg Trail Fri 25th March – Sat 16th April Match the Easter eggs around businesses in Bedford. Forms available from Bedford Library, the Bluecaps and participating businesses.

Visit www.lovebedford.co.uk for a full list to to download an entry form.

Western Bypass Challenge Sunday 10th The Rotary Club of Bedford will stage a sponsored FUN RUN/ WALK on Bedford’s new Western Bypass before it is officially opened. Full details to take part on the Bedford Rotary Club website at www. bedfordrotary.org.uk/funrun.html A great day out as well as a one off historic occasion

Bedford Bamberg Spring Fest Beer Festival Friday 29th – Saturday 30th from midday – midnight both days.

MAY

Guided walks May – August Entertaining and fascinating stories of Bedford past and present. Every Sunday 11a.m. £3.00 adults, £1.50 children Bedford Travel and Tourism Centre, The Bus Station, Thurlow Street, 01234 718112 E:touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk

The 152nd Bedford Amateur Regatta 7th May 2016 one of the largest single day river regatta in the country. Racing takes place through the heart of the town over a 1,200 metre course with races every two minutes and competitors coming from far and wide representing Schools, Colleges and Clubs.

Harpur Run and Fun Day – Priory Country Park, Bedford Sunday 22nd at 10am Anniversary event to promote and celebrate sport, fitness, health and well-being. In conjunction with Priory Sailing Club, offering taster sessions in windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Two fun runs- a 5k lake race and a 1km paddock race ( shorter race appeals to children, families, first-time runners and buggy runners). Climbing wall and inflatable assault course, orienteering, food and drink stalls, stage with dance and martial arts demonstrations, live music, maypole dancing, sports day style races, face painting, water rescue demonstration by the fire service and free health checks. More at www.harpurtrust.org.uk

Free Entry. More information to be confirmed at www. bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

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Kimbolton Country Fayre and Classic Car show Sunday 10th 11am

Woburn Abbey Gardens Tour and Lunch Wednesday 11th Enjoy the splendour of the Woburn Abbey Gardens through the seasons with our 2016 private garden tours and lunches at The Sculpture Gallery. www.woburnabbey.co.uk

Tim Thornton Quartet Saturday 4th June St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford – 7.30pm. Tickets £10/£8/£4. Full details www.standrewsbedford.org

International Kite Festival Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th

Santa Pod Raceway www.racerockride.co.uk

This popular annual event is held in Russell Park and hosts Kite Demonstrations & Workshops, Kite stalls plus food & drink, entertainment, music and more!

FIA Main Event 27th – 30th May

Woburn Abbey Garden Show Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th

Santa Pod Raceway www.santapod.com

All are welcome at ‘The Gardener’s Garden Show’, back for its seventh year. www.woburnabbey.co.uk

Race, Rock ‘n’ Ride 21st – 22nd May

JUNE

“Tuesday Afternoons” in Kathy Brown’s Garden’ JUNE, JULY, AUGUST & SEPT. Four and a half Acres of Wonderful Gardens The Manor House Garden, Church Rd., Stevington, Bedford MK43 7QB www.kathybrownsgarden.com

Bedford’s Big High Street Showcase Saturday 4th 9.30am – 4.30pm The Showcase offers a chance for local businesses, community groups and entertainers to all come together on Bedford High Street.

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Summer Nationals 25th – 26th June Santa Pod Raceway www.santapod.com

JULY

Love Bedford Food Festival Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd On the grounds in front of Castle mound. Celebrity Chef demo and cookery theatre plus children’s cooking theatre and food stalls.

Enjoy a weekend of culinary delights. www.lovebedford.co.uk

Bromham Show Sunday 10th One of the county’s longest running annual shows. www.bromhamshow.com

A spectacular 25 year charity event for the family organised by volunteers from The Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle and The Sporting Bears Motor Club. Held in the beautiful grounds of Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire, home of Kimbolton School, supporters of this event for many years. Show ring events, stalls and entertainment, tea tent, real ale bar, classic car display.

Attractions and activities for the whole family. www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com

Dragstalgia 15th – 17th July Santa Pod Raceway www.dragstalgia.co.uk

Bedford River Festival, Embankment Saturday 16th to Sunday 17th The main tourist-attracting event in the town. The weekend kicks off with a parade starting at Bedford Park, raft races, Dragon Boat races, stalls, fair rides, bouncy castles and much more.

Featuring a sports village for local sports clubs to demonstrate their skills.

10th Bedford Festival Fringe Thursday 21st to Saturday 30th July 10th Anniversary International Festival Fringe bringing to Bedford a selected programme of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance & physical theatre www.bedfringe.com

Bug Jam 30 22nd – 24th July Santa Pod Raceway www.bugjam.com

Love Bedford Day Sunday 24th A day dedicated to the rich history and heritage of the town, celebrating Bedford through the ages: More details of this and other events will be At www.lovebedford.co.uk

AUGUST

Proms – Bedford Park – Celebrating 20 Years Saturday 6th Gates open at 6pm Spectacular classical concert with fireworks and laser finale The London Gala Orchestra, Bedford Choral Society Brit award winners Blake and Rebecca Newman www.Bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

Kempston Fun Day Saturday 27th 12 noon till 5pm Charity and Trade stalls, Arena Events, Fairground Rides and Refreshments. Addison Howard Park, Bedford Road, Kempston Tel 01234 824958 www.bedfordlions.org.uk

Twinwood Festival Saturday 27th to Monday 29th Over 60 fabulous vintage music acts, spread over eleven themed onsite venues plus the biggest selection of original vintage, retro and reproductions traders, Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire. www.twinwoodevents.com

Junior Drag Racing Fun Day 31st August Santa Pod Raceway www.santapod.com

SEPTEMBER

Castle Quarter Summer Festival Sunday 4th 11am A fantastic fun day for all the family.

Stalls, food, music, entertainment.

FIA European Finals 8th – 11th September Santa Pod Raceway www.santapod.com

Bedfordshire Walking Festival Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th

National Finals 24th – 25th September

NOVEMBER

www.santapod.com

Felicity Gibson Sunday 6th November

Bedfordshire GirlGuiding – Bringing Us to You Fun Day Sunday 25th 11am

St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford – 2.45pm.

Full details www.standrewsbedford.org

Girlguiding Bedfordshire host a day of sporting fun themed family activities.Bringing Us to You is a great opportunity to see what sport or activity could work for you.

Entry is free so come along and get involved in a great day out.

More details website at www.bedsguiding.org.uk/

OCTOBER

Bring & Sing Brahms’ A German Requiem Saturday 15th October St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford – 7.30pm. Tickets £10/£8/£4. Full details www.standrewsbedford.org

Diwali – Festival of Lights Saturday 29th 3-8pm FREE Corn exchange, Bedford Indian Community (BIC) brings together the Indian community organisations of Bedford to celebrate the Festival of Light.

Halloween at the Hall Sunday 30th 11am -3pm It’s the 5th Year of Spooky Family Fun! FREE ENTRY Halloween fun including, creepy crawlies, trick or treat, pumpkin carving, spooky cake decorating, face painting and much more.

St Cuthberts Hall, Newnham Street, Bedford, MK40 3JR

Bedford Town Christmas Light Switch On Thursday 24th 7pm Family Christmas Extravaganza and Fireworks www.lovebedford.co.uk

The Bedford Hospitals Charity Christmas Tree Festival, Wednesday 30th 10am-5pm to Sunday 4th December 2pm-4.30pm St Pauls Church, St Pauls Square, Bedford For more information call David Walker on 01234 340163

DECEMBER

Julian Bliss (Clarinet) & Joseph Middleton (Piano) Saturday 3rd December St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford – 7.30pm. Tickets £10/£8/£4. Full details www.standrewsbedford.org

Castle Quarter Christmas Festival Sunday 4th Free Festive Fun for all the Family Christmas Light Switch on Castle Road, Bedford.

Flame & Thunder 29th October Santa Pod Raceway www.santapod.com

Some interesting and unusual walks in and around Bedford www.bedswalkfest.co.uk

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WOODLAND MANOR WOODLAND MANOR Hotel & Restaurant HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Weddings

Private Functions Conferences Woodland Manor Hotel is secluded manor house in the heart of Bedfordshire enjoying considerable reputation as a traditional English country house hotel.

For further information please visit our website or contact the Events Department Green Lane, Clapham Bedford, MK41 6EP Tel: 01234 363281

www.woodlandmanorhotel.co.ukconference@woodlandmanorhotel.co.uk

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To advertise, list your event or be included in the In and Around Bedford Guide 2017

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Please contact Christa@inandaroundbedford.co.uk or Teresa@inandaoundbedford.co.uk

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Bedford Bedford Star Club and Rugby Club Town Bedford Football Club Rowing Club Bedford RUFC was founded in 1886 after an amalgamation between Bedford Rovers (1876) and Bedford Swifts (1882). The Bedford colours of dark and light blue are believed to be a reflection of the schoolmasters association with Oxbridge and the full badge colours are based on the strip of Swifts (black) and Rovers (cerise).

The history of rugby in Bedford has had its ups and downs. However when the town was at risk of losing the club in 1999, a group of Bedford businesses stepped in to fund and support the club. As a result the Blues have gone from strength to strength to become a wellrespected team in the Greene King IPA Championship and reaching the play-off finals in 2013 only to miss out to Newcastle Falcons. Bedford have been playing on virtually the same pitch for over 100 years and 32 players have gained International honours while they were actually playing for the club at the time of being honoured.

Discounted ticket prices available in advance online. Visit www.bedfordrugby.co.uk for more details or call the club on 0871 871 1886.

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Bedford was once portrayed as the biggest town in England without a football league team. Well, a lot of research will have to go into that claim,but one thing is for certain, the history of Bedford Town FC is a proud one. Formed in 1908, The Eagles, as they are affectionately known, had a relatively quiet start to life, to become one of the most respected sides in non-league; just ask Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle United and Norwich City about the exploits of Bedford Town in the FA Cup. Forced to disband in 1982, the Eagles came back 8 years later when a band of passionate supporters finally succeeded in bringing back Bedford Town FC. Ten years and a lot of hard work later, Bedford dipped their toe in the waters of FA Cup glory with a 1st round tie at home to Peterborough United, in front of the Match Of The Day cameras.

Today, the Eaglesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Eyrie is a couple of miles outside the town, in a small but tidy ground, packed with great facilities, and the side play in the EvoStik Southern Football League.

For the latest information, including up to date fixtures visit www.bedfordeagles.net

Despite Bedford Regatta having been founded in 1853, there is no record of any rowing clubs in Bedford until 1886. Bedford Rowing Club was founded in 1886 and then Star Club was founded in 1960, by demobilised National Servicemen from RAF Cardington Rowing Club.

Today, both Bedford Rowing Club and Star Club provide excellence in the provision of top level racing, training and recreational facilities for all year round rowing. Both clubs regularly compete at Henley Royal Regatta and other major events in the UK. In the recent past Star Club and Bedford RC crews have combined to win the Britannia Cup at Henley and to become the National Champions, rowing in Eights. Over the years both clubs have produced Olympic oarsmen, most notably Tim Foster of Star Club, who won Gold at the 2000 Games in Sydney with Steve Redgraveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GB crew.

More information at www.bedfordrowing.co.uk Bedford Rowing Club, The Boathouse, Duckmill Lane, Bedford, MK42 0AX Tel 01234 353183 www.starclubrowing.org.uk Star Club, Poynters Boathouse, Batts Ford, Commercial Road, Bedford, MK40 1QS Tel 01234 212070

BEDFORD & COUNTY GOLF CLUB

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A GolfMark ‘High Achiever’ club and runner up in the 2015 National ‘Club of the Year’ competition, Bedford & County is a friendly and progressive club.

We are committed to the development of golf for all ages and abilities and to offering great value for all members and guests.

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Bedford & County was formed in 1912 and is a classic parkland course set in the quiet countryside of North Bedfordshire. Located in the village of Clapham, the course has wide ranging views of the surrounding area and is always beautifully presented, offering a spectacular experience for all golfers.

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You will be very welcome to visit our club and can arrange a suitable time by calling Cara or Steve in the office. We look forward to showing you around our course and facilities.

Membership Packages

For information on: Society Bookings Golf Tuition

Please contact Steve or Cara on 01234

office@bandcgc.co.uk Green Lane

Clapham

Green Fees

352617 and quote AB1 www.bandcgc.co.uk Bedford

MK41 6ET

Places to stay during your visit to Bedford...

Bedford Park Guest House

Rachael and Andy assure all guests of a very warm welcome. Situated in an ideal position in a tree lined avenue with the Town Centre at one end of the avenue (4 minutes walk away) and the lovely Bedford Park at the other end of the avenue (2 minutes walk away). Our large detached Victorian mansion has been restored with great pride and boasts modern, clean and very comfortable contemporary accommodation. We have a mixture of en suite family, triple, twin or double rooms (all with a full bathroom) and standard rooms single, double, twin, triple or quad which all have hand basins and access to 3 w/c’s.

All rooms have a large, modern flat screen TV with free view and free wifi is available. Breakfasts range from a Full English Breakfast to Scrambled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Continental Breakfast and Porridge and Fresh Fruit for the more health conscious!

Free Parking on site.

Room prices are all inclusive and inc breakfast: Single Standard £40.00, Twin or Double Standard £60.00. Triple Standard £75.00 Quad Standard £100.00. En Suite Rooms are: Single ES £50.00 (all of our Single ES rooms are large rooms with double beds) Double or Twin ES £70.00, Triple ES £90.00, Family ES from £90.00 – £120.00 depending on the size of the family.

Contact Andy or Rachael on 01234 215100 or 07906243278 or email rachaelclarewhittle@hotmail.com

Short Term Rental Self Contained Luxury Apartments in De Parys Avenue, Bedford

We offer self contained accommodation in our Self Contained Apartments on a short term rental basis (anything from 4 days upwards) that sleep up to 3 people in each Apartment. The Apartments are fully serviced and totally self contained and the rental includes everything: Gas, Electric, Water, Council Tax, TV License, Free Parking and of course fully equipped Apartments that include: Bedrooms, Lounge, Kitchen and Bathroom, All bed linen and towels are supplied and beds are already made up and ready to sleep. Breakfast can also be supplied by negotiation. Just bring your toothbrush!

Our Housekeeper will visit once a week to clean, tidy and polish and to change bed linen and towels.

For 3 persons the cost is £25.00 each per night all inclusive, for 2 persons the cost is £30.00 per night all inclusive. The kitchen is fully equipped so you can do your own cooking and save yourself a fortune in Restaurant expenses.

Contact Andy or Rachael on 01234 215100 or 07906243278 or e mail rachaelclarewhittle@hotmail.com

Top End Farm Caravan & Camping Site

A family run site in a picturesque village on the Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire border surrounded by footpaths, cycle rides, golf and fishing venues. Further afield explore old market towns and a wide variety of local attractions or just stay, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Our large shop supplies daily bread, papers, groceries, off license, gas, farm produce, pet food and garden centre.

11 acre well maintained level site, 64 elec hook ups, heated amenities block, glamping pod, excellent stocked shop , wi-fi, kids play area, secure gated entrance, fish & chip van (sat) www.topendfarm.co.uk | tel.01234 376426

The Barns Hotel

The Barns Hotel, Bedford is situated in a beautiful riverside location, within three and a half acres of landscaped gardens, yet it is just a short distance from motorway links. The tranquil setting with views of the River Great Ouse and the local country park offers 49 comfortable bedrooms and suites traditionally furnished including Egyptian cotton duvets, spacious bathroom, wi-fi internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests at The Barns Hotel Bedford enjoy free parking and also have complimentary access to the nearby Oasis Beach Pool and fitness facility.

Samuel Whitbread, founder of the brewing business, was born in the main house in 1720 and it remained within the Whitbread family until 1890s, becoming a hotel in 1987. www.barnshotelbedford.co.uk Cardington Rd, Bedford MK44 3SA Tel:01234 270044

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The Chamber of Commerce helps businesses in the county Bedfordshire Chamber is the independent voice of Bedfordshire business, representing the interests of members across the county from all sectors of industry and all sizes of organisation.

new business. The large events programme offers opportunities for making new business connections and the means to promote your business through a number of its marketing and media channels.

The Chamber has given help Offering strong links with127mm key 25.06.15 180mm 3035883 to countless new and existing 2nd business support organisations Full Colourit is BED_308252throughout its history,AP/AP locally, regional and nationally, businesses opening the door to new business instrumental in enabling members and vast networking opportunities, to share business experience essential advice, information and best practice. It also has a and expertise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all aimed to range of discounted products and help local businesses grow and services to help reduce business prosper. Networking is one of the overheads. most effective ways of winning

Membership of the Chamber is corporate so it is the company that is the member rather than an individual selected to represent them.

To find out more about how the Chamber of Commerce ROP please Illustrator CS2 visit www.chamber-business.com Yes

BEDFORDSHIRE CHAMBER

GOOD FOR BUSINESS Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, is the leading business organisation in the area.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s networking, lobbying or making big savings on essential businesses services, the Chamber is the place to be.

Call 01582 522448 and ask to speak to a membership adviser or visit www.chamber-business.com

Grow

Connect

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Go Global

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Celebrating 450 years of inspiring, supporting & enriching the lives of people in Bedford Borough.

We will be celebrating our special anniversary with a range of public events and projects which are focussed around the arts, sports and education.

Plus we are giving away 45 grants of up to ÂŁ1000 for local community groups.

Our gift to the people of Bedford.

Join in the fun & help us celebrate our heritage at various events during 2016. www.harpurtrust.org.uk/450

ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

Edward Bawden (1903 – 1989) Poster for the London Passenger Transport Board: Kew Gardens, 1936 © The Edward Bawden Estate

BE INSPIRED - EXPLORE THE HIGGINS BEDFORD

The Higgins Bedford Castle Lane Bedford, MK40 3XD

01234 718618 e : thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk w : www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk t: