BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
JUNE 2017
l Scouting on parade for St George l See inside for many business success stories l What’s On starts on page 22 l Win tickets to see T*Rextasy
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 3
Borough hosts Chinese Economic Delegation
The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave hodgson, hosted a delegation from the Chinese embassy recently, who met with Bedford based companies to discuss investment opportunities and encourage expansion into the Chinese market. The delegation, headed by Mr. Xu Jin, Minister Counsellor of the economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese embassy in the UK, met with Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave hodgson, Councillor Colleen Atkins, and the Council’s economic Development team. Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave hodgson, said: “We used this opportunity to promote Bedford Borough’s rich history and culture and vibrant economy to the Chinese representatives. We took the chance to get major local employers across a range of industries in front of the delegation to enable them to share ideas and information directly. There was very much a two-way focus to the visit, promoting opportunities both for inward investment from China and for local businesses to export.” Mr. Jin and his team of represen-
A
tatives visited the Mayor’s Parlour to learn about the history and culture of Bedford Borough before receiving a presentation on the local economy; sector company strengths; and infrastructure investment including Bedford’s role at the centre of the Oxford to Cambridge Innovation Corridor. Afterwards, Bedford based companies hoping to enter and expand into the Chinese Market presented to
the delegation with the aim of encouraging investment, and also to seek advice and guidance regarding opportunities on expanding their businesses overseas. Local businesses Map Sciences, Charles Wells and hybrid Air Vehicles all presented to Mr Jin and his team who were able to offer opinions and ideas on how they could best grasp opportunities within the vast Chinese market place.
Following discussions the delegation visited hybrid Air Vehicles in Shed Number 1 of the Cardington hangars to have a tour of the impressive site and see the largest flying aircraft – the Airlander 10 outside before taking a tour of Charles Wells Brewery and seeing their manufacturing process in action. The Bedford visit was finished with a tour along the River Great Ouse on the John Bunyan Boat.
(l-r) Patrick Lyons, Inward Investment Manager at Bedford Borough Council, Anton Rudgalvis, International Trade Adviser at the Department for International Trade, Xu Jin, Minister Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Dave Hodgson, Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, David Song, Vice Chairman at the UK Chinese Business Association, Cllr Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services at Bedford Borough Council.
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The Bedford Bulletin is an independent magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. Published by © 2017 Rosetta Publishing Ltd. 30 Radwell Road, Milton ernest, Bedford MK44 1Sh. Tel: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email all departments:pat@rosettapublishing.com. Printed by: Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper house, Morton Way, Boston Road, horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR.
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Have you asked yourself: ‘Could you be a Foster Carer?’ ‘Could you make that difference to a Childs life?’ Would like to find out more? Children First could be the right agency for you! ‘Children First’ are an independent and well established fostering agency. Our aim is to provide quality care and achieve the best outcomes for the children and young people entrusted to us. We do so by working in consultation and partnership with our foster carers, local authorities, our experienced and professional social workers, and of course the children and young people we look after. There are many reasons why children come into care. Each child is unique and so are the families who support and look after them, you can make that vital difference and help turn their life around! Some families for instance, have periods of instability due to life issues such as medical conditions, family breakdown, learning difficulties and substance misuse. Some children unfortunately also experience significant harm from family members, including being exposed to inappropriate behaviour or risk.
You might ask would I be suitable? You can be single, married or divorced. Our carers come from wide ranging cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Some of our carers choose to work part time, while others may be unemployed or studying, they might be home owners or tenants. Each foster child however, will need to have his or her own bedroom. Children and young people need space around them for their own possessions and to allow them to study, play and relax. The most important thing is that your home is welcoming and safe. As a foster carer you will need to have the time and energy to invest in a child or young person. You must also be flexible, patient, resilient and understanding. Foster Carers receive a weekly allowance and have the support of our
professional team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition we offer continual training and development. Our main office is based in Basildon but we support locally carers and children in and around the Bedford area. We have a local supervising social worker in the area and a training and support group venue which is easily accessible. If you are interested in finding out more information about how you can make a difference to a child’s life, then contact us through our website www.cffa.co.uk or call 0808 178 1144. For a more personal chat call Kim on 01268 567330
For more information please go to www.cffa.co.uk or call Kim on 01268 567330
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It’s just magic for Lewis
FORMeR Bedford College performing arts student Lewis Joss is now a fully fledged member of the prestigious Magic Circle and fulltime magician, An equity card-holding professional, Lewis has appeared on TV with the late Paul Daniels and now has his own website with a professional show reel. “I am moving into corporate entertainment and family and official functions with close-up work,” said Lewis who can demonstrate sleight of hand tricks at the drop of,
well, a magician’s hat. he also has a stage act broadly based on “cutting the lady in half” which is staple of all great magic acts. Still living in his home town of Kempston, Lewis can be seen locally at various events, Lewis recently won the Northamptonshire close-up Magician of the Year award. Want to find your way into a performing arts career? See bedford.ac.uk for a whole range of courses, links to employers and progression routes.
BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 5
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 7
Instagram success for Brook’s show
The hair and beauty highlight of the year attracted an audience of 500 and 1,500 fans on Instagram bringing young talent and businesses together to show how they “Love Bedford”. The show staged by Bedford College Brook’s hair and Beauty salon at the Bedford Corn exchange was packed with families and friends of the fashionistas who took to the stage to demonstrate the latest techniques in style. “every year the show goes up a gear in some way and this year more employers and businesses than ever were involved,” said Kerry Attfield head of hair and Beauty at Bedford College. held on May 4th with a Star Wars “May the 4th be with you” theme, the show was promoted via Instagram @lovebedford1 to link up with a new young audience on-line. SUPPORT FROM THE BID The show was sponsored by the Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) which promotes the interests of over 500 town centre businesses under the brand of Love Bedford. “Supporting the hair & Beauty show makes complete sense as the students of the college’s Brooks high Street training salon go on to work for businesses across the area. In turn, they and their families are customers of the many hair, beauty and fashion outlets we have in the town centre,” said BID Director Christina Rowe. BedfordBID has sponsored the show for several years and Chair of the BID Samantha Laycock presented Love Bedford gift vouchers to some of the most successful students. Samantha is General Manager of the harpur Centre which helped to promote the show with posters in advance. For the first time this year, high Street giant Debenhams backed the show by giving away
goodie bags to add to the glamour of the red carpet occasion. Center Parcs of Bedfordshire, sponsored special awards for Level 3 hair and Beauty. The beauty winner was Chloe Field and hair winner was Kimberly Cox – both are apprentices showing the links between college and employers. “We added some glitz to the show this year to show young people just how creative a career in hair and beauty can be,” explained Kerry Attfield, “An on-going link with Debenhams and its team has given our students an insight into how the beauty business is billion pound global opportunity with all sorts of careers within that sphere. “We would also to like to Pegalicious ballons in The Arcade for their fabulous decorative skills.” Brooks hair and Beauty would like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors with a special mention to our long standing supporters: Kryolan UK who gave a voucher as 1st Prize for the hair and Media Make-up student.
TRAINING LINKS In addition to sponsorship of the show, BedfordBID had engaged young social media star Ross Testa to promote the event on Instagram. Ross is best know for his work with the now national brand Jagged edge, which has a high Street outlet. Jagged edge has close training links with Bedford College and their star barbers were included at the event. A Love Bedford voucher of £50 was given to the best photo shared with @lovebedford1 from the event.” lovebedford.co.uk is the The go to what’s on website for the town centre and carries information on more than 500 businesses in the BID zone.
Making a difference
STUDeNTS from Biddenham School have been tackling social issues by supporting local charities as part of a programme provided by the educational charity First Give. The programme has seen students in Year 7 exploring their ‘Belonging’ topic by getting out into the community and finding out what they can do to make a difference. This has involved researching charities in the local area, visiting these charities to learn about the work they do and producing presentations, which include a creative performance, budgeting and a wide variety of knowledge about them. head teacher David Bailey said: “This is a tremendous scheme and a key part of our innovative transitional curriculum allowing our students to learn new key skills.” The top teams in the year group recently competed for first, second and third prizes of £1,000, £250 and £250 for their charities and to see who demonstrated the most dedication to their charity. The winners of the grants were: YMCA £1,000, Faces £250, Bedford Day Care hospice £250, Other local charities represented in the final were: Aquarius, Prebend Day Care and Chums.
Adrienne Jessop U. Bristol Alison Brokenshire U. Bristol Uma Madhav U. Cardiff Hema Mistry U. London
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Praise in the Park
A fAnTAsTIc family event is lined up for Kempston on saturday July 22 from 2pm8pm. There will be music, face painting, singing, DJs and delicious food as part of the Praise in the Park event. People of all ages are welcome at the event organised by the Miracle church of God in christ of Alexander Road, Bedford. Businesses interested in getting involved should contact organiser: lloyd.allison30@gmail.com
Talking to the animals
The younger pupils of Priory Lower School were able to get up close and personal with a range of animals when Ark Farm visited the school. Amongst the animals that Ark Farm brought along were chickens, goats and even a donkey. The children were allowed to stroke and hold the animals. “The children had a wonderful time,” said head Teacher Mrs Youngman. “They really loved being able to get close to all the different animals and learn about them. It is always a wonderful day for the school when Ark Farm came to visit.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 9
Lion King is regional winner Great Denham shop opening
LAST summer’s school musical at Castle Newnham has scooped a top award. The production won the Best Youth Production Award in the region at the National Operatic and Drama Association (NODA) awards recently. Ruth Wilkes Principal of Castle Newnham said: “We are so proud to have won this prestigious award for our performance of The Lion King. Our pupils and the staff worked really hard to create such a memorable production. The Lion King stunned its audiences over two nights and a matinee for younger children in our federation. “Our director Luke Skeel and our musical director Sheridan Carlile are incredibly talented and it was their vision, along with that of the artistic direction of Louise haddon as well as the superb acting and singing of the pupils which made this one of the best school musical productions I have seen in nearly 30 years of working in schools.”
The May Day weekend saw the opening of a new games, craft and toy shop in Great Denham by the Mayor of Bedford Dave hodgson. The shop was also visited by Richard Fuller MP and the high Sheriff Vinod Tailor. Saxon Games and Crafts is a family run, small business owned by Michael and Becky Anstead. They held a full weekend of activities including ‘have a go’ crafting and gaming sessions. This term, they are holding lots of games and craft sessions – suitable for all ages – Mad Science Club, Drama Club, homework Club, Gaming Club, Lego Club, Stitch and Natter and many more For details call 07877 951630 or saxongamesandcrafts@hotmail.com
Luke Skeel pictured with cast and winning certificate.
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Rutherford Racers show promise in the National Season Opener
The 2017 Greenpower electric car Racing season opened with two pre-season races at Rockingham speedway in May. Mark Rutherford School’s ‘Rutherford Racers’ achieved excellent results of fifth and sixth against national competition. Blaze and Inferno, designed and built in extra-curricular time by the pupils themselves were driven round the 1.47 mile track for 90 minutes achieving a total distance of 30.9 miles at speeds exceeding 30 mph. Our cars are based on a monocoque wooden body with aluminium sub frames and are powered by two 12 volt batteries driving a 24 volt DC motor. There are strict technical regulations and race rules which require that pupils build and drive the cars as well as working as a team managing the race and pit stops. We now approach the 2017 season following five really successful years when the team have progressed through heats to race in the International Final event each season. With a cabinet full of trophies, at local, regional and national level, this season our aim is to be in the top ten teams internationally. each year we recruit new designers, engineers, pit crew and drivers, as race rules dictate the maximum age of participants. Running the team can be expensive, each event requires entry fees and travel costs, car build costs can be kept down but tyres, batteries and team kit need replacing each year. We are hoping to find sponsors, preferably local organisations. Greenpower is a charitable, educational organisation which promotes engineering excellence in schools, colleges and industry through electric car design and racing. –––––––––––––
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Scouts parade for St George
SUNDAY 23rd April saw hundreds of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and explorers from across Bedford join in a parade to mark St George’s Day in Bedford. Scouting’s Founding Father Robert Baden-Powell chose Saint George to be the patron Saint of Scouting. he felt that the Saint George legend set a good example of faith, courage and perseverance for future generations. St George’s Day is an opportunity to bring Scouting together and celebrate Scouting’s national day with a collective Promise renewal. Starting at harpur Square there was a short ceremony presided over by Mayor Dave hodgson then members of the Bedford Scouting movement paraded along the embankment to the Bandstand. here, there was a ‘Scouting TakeOver’ with lots of games, events and fun activities to take part in.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 11
3,830,074 People use Bedford Midland Train Station a year How does that affect the Bedford Property Market? by Nigel Bywater Director of Sales/Finance Belvoir Bedford T: 01234 290685
It might surprise you that it isn’t always the poshest villages around Bedford or the swankiest Bedford streets where properties sell and let the quickest. Quite often, it’s the ones that have the best transport links. I mean, there is a reason why one of the most popular property programmes on television is called Location, Location, Location! As an agent in Bedford, I am frequently confronted with queries about the Bedford property market, and most days I am asked, “What is the best part of Bedford and its villages to live in these days?”, chiefly from new-comers. Now the answer is different for each person – a lot depends on the demographics of their family, their age, schooling requirements and interests etc. Nonetheless, one of the principal necessities for most tenants and buyers is ease of access to transport links, including public transport – of which the railways are very important. Official figures recently released state that, in total, 5,261 people jump on a train each and every day from Bedford Midland Train station. Of those, 3,035 are season ticket holders. That’s a lot of money being spent when a season ticket, standard class, to London is £5,536 a year. So, if up to £16.8m is being spent on rail season tickets each year from Bedford, those commuters must have some impressive jobs and incomes to allow them to afford that season ticket in the first place. That means demand for middle to upper market properties remains strong in Bedford and the surrounding area and so, in turn, these are the type of people whom are happy to invest in the Bedford buy to let market – providing homes for the tenants of Bedford…
The bottom line is that property values in Bedford would be much lower, by at least 3% to 4%, if it wasn’t for the proximity of the railway station and the people it serves in the town
And this isn’t a flash in the pan. Rail is becoming increasingly important as the costs associated with car travel continue to rise and roads are becoming more and more congested. This has resulted in a huge surge in rail travel. Overall usage of the station at Bedford has increased over the last 20 years. In 1997, a total of 1,789,520 people went through the barriers or connected with another train at the station in that 12-month period. However, in 2016, that figure had risen to 3,830,074 people using the station (that’s 10,522 people a day).
Data from Denton House Research
The juxtaposition of the property and the train station has an important effect on the value and saleability of a Bedford property. It is also significant for tenants - so if you are a Bedford buy to let investor looking for a property - the distance to and from the railway station can be extremely significant. One of the first things house buyers and tenants do when surfing the web for somewhere to live is find out the proximity of a property to the train station. That is why Rightmove displays the distance to the railway station alongside each and every property on their website. For more thoughts on the Bedford Property market – please visit the Bedford Property Blog www.bedfordpropertyblog.com
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Training builds beauty business Cartridge Depot makes it through to the final of Business Awards 2017!
BeAUTY is the business of Kel’s Belles in Clair Court, off Lime Street, Bedford. The salon attracts clients from major companies keeping founder Kelly, aged 26, and her apprentice Chloe Field, 19 busy all year round. Both have benefited from training at Bedford College - demonstrating how on-going education can keep a business on its ‘painted’ toes. Kelly was a student in the hair and Beauty department of the college, worked on cruise ships and at 5 star salons before setting up her own business in 2014. She then returned to Bedford College to take a PTLLS course to improve her skills in training others. She found the techniques
she learned on the “petals” course have meant she has enabled Chloe to blossom into a valuable employee. It is no wonder then that Chloe won the best beauty therapist award, sponsored by spa giant Center Parcs, at the Bedford College Brooks’s hair and Beauty show. “The PTLLS course meant I learned to see things from the perspective of the person I was training and to be able to manage the relationship to help Chloe. It has helped to me to make the most of the apprenticeship relationship.” A PTLLS course is one evening for 12 weeks available at Bedford College for all supervisors, managers and business owners.
CARTRIDGe Depot are delighted and proud to announce that they have been successful in reaching the finals of the SMe Bedfordshire Business Awards! They are finalists in TWO categories which are the Bedford Business of the Year & Green Award! Cartridge Depot specialise in printer consumables including compatible, remanufactured and original ink and toner printer cartridges supplying to both business and domestic customers alike. Alongside this they also stock various paper types and printers. Above all they pride themselves in offering a second to none service locally within the industry.
Cartridge Depot began trading in March 2012 from a shop in Bedford’s Town Centre and have since increasingly offered their unique products range and upmost services to the public, schools, charities and businesses in the local and surrounding areas of Bedford. Reaching the finals of the awards reflects the hard work they, their customers and the local community have put into helping a local independently run business grow and run successfully. The Cartridge Depot team look forward to attending this year ’s Bedfordshire Business awards ceremony which takes place on Wednesday the 12th July
Barns Hotel raises £1400
BARNS hotel in Bedford raised £1400 at their Family Fun Day held on Bank holiday Monday 1st May 2017, in support of The Barns hotel’s new year-long partnership with Sue Ryder. Richard Kidner, General Manager of the Barns hotel, said: “We are delighted at the success of our Family Fun Day, the team made huge efforts both in the lead up and on the day itself.” Andrea hammond, events Coordinator stated how she was overwhelmed at the public response and
was thrilled at the turnout: “We could not have done so well without the support from local companies and the community. Our customers really enjoyed it and to raise this amount of money for Sue Ryder is fantastic. St John’s hospice provides a vital service here in the Bedford area and we hope to raise more money for this worthy cause.” Jo Smith, fundraiser at St John’s hospice, said: “The £1,400 that Barns hotel have raised at their Fun Day will enable us to run one of our family support teams for four days.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 13
New head for Castle Newnham school
CASTLe Newnham School has welcomed its new head of Primary, Jim Balmbra who joined the school recently. Jim is a very experienced head and Primary teacher. he came to Castle Newnham from the headship of a primary school
in Burton Latimer, nr Kettering. “I am so looking forward to being a part of the team at Castle Newnham,” he said: “I know that this is an amalgam of two much loved and established schools that have been very much at the heart of the local
community, both Primary and Middle for many years. It is really exciting to have arrived just as the school begins the first year of offering children an allthrough education from 4-16 and I am delighted to play my part at the start of their journey.”
Music to ears of families
CASh Converters is a shop window for all those gadgets, jewellery and collectables which have fallen from favour as the teenage son and daughter has moved on to the ‘next best thing’. “Clearing out the room when children move out or go to university is one of those times when we end up with guitars and other technology at our store,”said franchisee Steve McBrearty. “We have expert staff who can test and restore something
like a guitar and give it a second life as someone else’s Jimi hendrix style experience. When we reach the limit of our expertise, we have a network of local specialists that can help. “Buying pre-loved or previously owned items is now fashionable – a form of recycling if you like. And people can recoup some of the hundreds they have spent on gadgets by selling through us.” Cash Converters in Bedford moved to the Bus Station from the high Street last year and is reporting a rise in visitors and business. “The council’s investment in the Bus Station combined with our investment in store standards has definitely led to improved business levels. “People can sell us items, use the Buy Back service or Pawn items to raise cash. Because pawns are basically a secured loan – e.g. we hold an item of value – interest rates are less than you think. We live in a society where people have grown used to borrowing money on credit cards and so pawning an item is now acceptable.” Pictured with Steve is musical equipment expert Paul who can give advice to those selling or buying instruments and other sound equipment.
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Have a go with Harpur this September
FOLLOWING the success of The harpur Trust’s 450th Anniversary celebrations last year, the Bedford based charity is back with another free, fun community event. have a go with harpur will take place in Bedford Park on sunday 10th september between 11am and 4pm, and will provide people of all ages with an opportunity to have a go at a new sport or activity, find a local group or a new hobby. The Trust will be joined by dozens of local charities, community
groups, clubs and organisations who will be offering tasters, demonstrations, advice and competitions throughout the day, all for free! The Trust itself will be funding a climbing wall, zorbing (picture a human hamster ball), archery, a penalty shoot-out goal, potholing (via a portable cave) and an inflatable assault course. And there will be an opportunity to have a go at gentle exercise and relaxation, martial arts, cycling, forest school activities, arts and crafts workshops, and
a host of sessions led by educational and cultural groups. A stage will provide the forum for performances and demonstrations by community choirs and dance groups with everything from classical to cultural dance. event organiser Sarah elam said: “One of our objectives as a charity is to provide recreational opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. We do this predominantly through our grantmaking but this event and other initiatives like this
New pitch is a game changer
As the heavens opened – indoor courts made a lot of sense Former British number one tennis star Greg Rusedski did the honours at the official opening of the Towers Health and Racquets Club in Clapham Road, Bedford. He played on one of the three indoor courts against members and juniors and then made a speech and unveiled a plaque. Greg, BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1997, congratulated Matthew Towers, whose dream it was, and his wife Ann for creating the high quality venue that he believed would be a great asset to the area. The couple who lived in Milton Ernest until recently and now live in Bromham with their guest of honour.
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enable us to connect directly with our local community whilst helping to profile many of the organisations that we work with and fund. “There will be a number of food stalls with good quality but reasonably priced food but people can of course bring their own picnic. We are also offering free parking for over 400 cars at our own premises at the Pilgrim’s Centre on Brickhill Drive, a stone’s throw from all the action. So come along and have a go!”
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CASTLe Newnham School is hoping that the local community will be on the ball to help them to raise the funds for a new 3G astro-turf. The Football Association has identified the Newnham site as their preferred venue and are willing to make a considerable contribution to the cost, but the remaining funds, in the region of £100,000 needs to be raised by the school. The school has planned events to help raise funds, including an upcoming five-a-side tournament for both junior and adult teams, on June 24th to coincide with the school’s Open Day. The school would use this stateof-the-art facility during normal school hours, with the remaining availability hired out to local clubs, events and individuals. It would also be suitable for both junior and adult football, with pitch markings for 5, 7, 9 and 11 a-side footballs. Principal Ruth Wilkes said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bedfordshire FA has chosen the Castle Newnham, Polhill Avenue site for a brand-new community 3G AstroTurf pitch. The full-sized floodlit pitch will add tremendously to opportunities for children and families in our area as well as local adult and student football clubs. Football is incredibly popular with our pupils from the very youngest to our older teenage players and our existing grass pitches are in use throughout the week and on Saturdays when ‘football fun’ takes place. “The FA will provide a very large chunk of the funding we need but the more we can manage to raise ourselves through partnerships with local clubs and the university the sooner we can get started on installing the pitch. We hope that our crowdfunding initiative through Just Giving will get us off to a really good start.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 15
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(l-r) Richard Fuller, Conservative Party candidate for Bedford and Kempston with Mark Lehain Principal of Bedford Free School, Education Secretary Justine Greening and Chair of Governors Nigel Syson.
Icing on cake for Bedford and Kempston Free School
The opening of the skyline sports and drama halls on top of the Bedford free school building in was the ‘icing on the cake’ of the cauldwell street project, said Principal Mark Lehain. he welcomed Richard Fuller, who as MP for Bedford and Kempston supported families who wanted a new type of school for their children back in 2012. Bedford Free School opened then in the face of controversy generated by those politically opposed to the new choice of secondary school. It has confounded those critics by quickly going on to become the ‘top of the town’ for GCSes. At the official opening of the £2 million roof extension there was a surprise guest appearance by Secretary of State for education Justine Greening who heard a musical concert by students. She was welcomed by the Chair of Governors Nigel Syson. Justine is not the first education Secretary to visit the school. Michael Gove and others from the Government have heaped praise on the families and staff who worked together to make a success of this community project.
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16 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
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Bishop’s book launch
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in Alexander Road, Bedford. Against all the odds, after much determination, sacrifice and prayer, Pastor Vaughan; now Overseer (Bishop) Vaughan; together with a group of close knit brethren, built the Miracle Church of God in Christ. Today the congregation, averages about 140 members; which is a far cry from the original seven. Overseer Vaughan said, “I don’t know what God has planned for me. I have seen the demise of so many of the founder members and many of the original congregation. Therefore, I decided that it was important for me to record our history for the future generations.” Nearly 140 people turned up to witness the event which included a special service of thanksgiving,
SATURDAY the May 13 saw the Bishop of the Miracle Church of God in Christ, Francis Vaughan, launch his book of memoirs to local dignitaries which included the MP Richard Fuller and other specially invited guests. The book tells the history of the origins of the church which starts when the young Francis Vaughan came to Bedford some 60 years ago, to minister to one woman and 4 children, at the request of the incumbent Pastor. It also details the struggles he and the brethren faced in establishing the church against fierce opposition. Few people could have imagined what the future held as the “church” which was orginally founded by sevenindividuals; in a room located in Midland Road, then to its present site
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 17
Verve Hotel opens Thai restaurant
A RecenTLy refurbished hotel Popular local singer sophia soul, has completed its renaissance with burlesque dancer Talulah Blue opening of its Blue Orchid Thai and a traditional Thai dance trio all provided first-class entertainrestaurant. On saturday May 13, a fabu- ment. lous party took place to celebrate A large celebration cake was the opening of Amir and faysal cut by Richard fuller (Prospective Khan’s fourth restaurant. MP) who said: “It’s enormously The former shakespeare hotel encouraging to see another sucnow boasts the Jax Bar and cessful business showing the confiRestaurant, the 23-roomed Verve dence to invest in Bedford.” boutique hotel and the Amir and faysal opened their Impressions event venue. first Award winning Blue Orchid Party-goers enjoyed an abun- in 2006 and have plans to open dance of traditional Thai food. another by the end of 2017.
June at the John Bunyan Museum
Two very popular and successful projects are running again, with a different twist. So that everyone can be part of the fun, the museum will also open on Sunday 11th June. Following in the Footsteps of John Bunyan involves schools enjoying a guided tour of the museum and Bunyan Meeting church followed by a tour of the town led by John and elizabeth Bunyan. The project is being run in partnership with Impact (Bedford schools’ network Christian Support Trust). Sessions run on 9th and 30th June and 7th and 14th July. For June Arts Jam this year the museum will host The Tales of Bribal by the Mashi Company, who are based in Leicester. These age-old stories from the Indian sub-continent are similar to Aesop’s fables. Schools will visit on 12th and 13th June for sessions which include the play and tours of the museum, church and basement. On Sunday June 11 Mashi will run public sessions at 1.00pm and 3.00pm. To book: www.fullhouse. org.uk/june-arts-jam or call 01525 630783, £4 per person. John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm until the end of October
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18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
A BRACE OF POPES
As a Church of england Bishop it is unusual for me to be in the presence of a Pope. It is all the more remarkable, therefore, that within a period of five days I encountered two Popes! Two remarkable men, who in their distinctive ways witness to depths of the Christian Gospel. Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandra and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, is the spiritual leader of the egyptian Coptic Church; one of the most ancient of Christian Churches in the world which dates its beginnings back to St Mark. Last month Pope Tawadros came to this country. It was a great privilege to join many others at one his first events, Vespers at the Coptic Cathedral of St George in Stevenage. In particular, to be in the presence of someone who leads a Church that in recent years has
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View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
suffered several extremist attacks. Most recently, on Palm Sunday, ISIL suicide bombers attacked churches in Tanta, and in Alexandria where Pope Tawadros had only just left the building. As the Archbishop of Canterbury said: “The suffering of Christians in egypt has been acute in recent weeks. I am grateful for the witness of steadfast bravery and hope that you have shown”. It is a witness to the God who sustains us in times of darkness, as well as light.
UPS AND DOWNS In Focus with OF BEING A FAN
Regular readers of this column will know that I have attended the odd football match over the years. To be strictly honest, that rather underplays the matter. I have been a regular twenty games a season fan throughout my life, occasionally more or a few less, ever since I was a small boy. My father was a keen supporter of Bury FC, and as tradition dictates, I follow very happily in his footsteps, though now from afar.
This time of year is usually spent recovering from the anxieties of the end of season thrills. The system of play offs for promotion ensures that the season stays alive for many more clubs than in the past, though that does little for blood pressure! At the other end of the league tables the struggles against
CRISIS ON THE HIGH STREET
The UK high Street is in crisis. In recent years, shop closures have accelerated across the country in the face of growing trends towards out-of-town and, in particular, online shopping. In Bedford, however, a string of recent developments and announcements suggest we can and will continue to buck the wider trends. Riverside North is now weeks away from opening. This exciting £36 million development is bringing town centre cinema back to Bedford, alongside new public space, riverside restaurants, a hotel and much more. Crucially, it is also creating 200 new jobs, and will bring new visitors to Bedford, benefitting our existing traders.
Alistair
by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP relegation, which for some begin shortly after the season starts, finally resolves itself into either gloom or elation. For Bury FC supporters, relief only came on the last day of the season, one in which Bury had been both second in the table and bottom, but had spent most of it perilously close to a drop from League One to Two. My feelings will be understood by thousands of others, old and young. every
In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
Riverside North is key to our vision of a town centre which is attractive for retail but also for leisure, culture, food and drink and more. This has also been supported by £6 million redevelopment of The higgins Bedford and the heritage based regeneration scheme for the high Street, with its impressive restorations of historic buildings. Another boost for the town centre has
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Five days later, I was in Rome and attended a General Audience with Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. As he addressed the thousands of pilgrims gathered in front of St Peter’s I was deeply aware of the humble impact this Pope has made. In particular, it is those images of Pope Francis washing the feet of prisoners, the disabled, and the homeless on Maundy Thursday that speak so powerfully for me of his witness to our Lord’s love for the outcast and marginalised.
Two men who through their bravery and their loving service point beyond themselves and their office to the one who inspires them, Jesus Christ. Two holy men, who when they met recently in egypt after the bomb attacks there, called on us all to oppose violence by “preaching and sowing goodness, fostering concord and preserving unity”. It may be unusual, but I am glad I was in the presence of these two Popes.
game for the fan becomes an agony of bitten fingernails, following every kick of the ball live, on radio or over the internet. Tension? Tell me about it! North and east Bedfordshire does not have a football league team in the top four divisions, but a whole clutch of very respectable sides throughout what is known as the National League Pyramid, from Step 3 to Step 6. Bedford Town has perhaps the best known history, Biggleswade itself boasts three clubs – Town, United and FC, while Arlesey Town, Stotfold, Langford and Potton United fly the local flag too. Non-League is gaining increased interest, with clubs close to their communities, providing facilities and coaching to boys and girls and offering a great and friendly welcome. While fans catch their breath, we are truly only waiting for it all to start again. Longstanding fan or new, do make a date, with yours!
arrived in the form of the announcement of a major investment in the harpur Centre, with its owners releasing plans for a significant upgrade of the site. In addition, a large new clothing-based department store is planned for the former BhS unit. All of these developments come as Bedford town centre is on course for a fourth successive year of footfall growth. This rise has coincided with our ongoing Free Parking Deal, which gives you your first two hours free in the council’s town centre car parks on Saturdays, amongst other offers. There’s no reason for complacency in the face of the difficult wider trends for the country’s town centres. There are a growing number of reasons to visit and enjoy Bedford, however, and that will stand it in good stead in the coming years.
19 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
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Jade Uko elected Speaker of Borough Council
BeDFORD Borough’s newest female Councillor, Jade Uko, was elected Speaker of Bedford Borough Council at the Annual Meeting recently. At the meeting, Cllr Doug McMurdo was elected as Deputy Speaker. Serving her first term as a councillor, Jade was elected in May 2015 to represent Goldington Ward. In the
two years since her election, as well as helping residents with local issues, Jade has served on the Planning Committee, environment & Sustainable Communities Overview & Scrutiny Committee and is presently the Labour Group Spokesperson on the Adult Services & health Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
Jade said: “I carefully considered whether to put myself forward as I wanted to feel sure that I had something to offer. “I also want to reach out to a group that often feels marginalised by politicians – young women with families and demonstrate to them something that I feel passionately about.”
Women who changed the world A DeSCeNDeNT of leading suffragette, emmeline Pankhurst visited Castle Newnham School in Bedford to talk about her new book and sign copies for children. Kate Pankhurst has created a wildly wonderful book about women who really changed the world. It is the perfect introduction to learning about some incredible women and their achievements and is bursting with facts and information on a variety of women who followed their hearts, talents and dreams. ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World’ is the perfect introduction to just a few of the most incredible women who helped shaped the world we live in. The book tells readers about Jane Austen, Gertrude ederle, Coco Chanel, Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, Mary Anning, Mary Seacole, Amelia earhart, Agent Fifi, Sacagawea, emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks and Anne Frank.
Children at Castle Newnham first listened to a talk by Kate, full of information, live sketches and participation by the children themselves. “We had a wonderful morning with Kate”, said Principal Ruth Wilkes. “The children were fascinated by the women in her book and that she is a descendent of one of the most important women in our country’s history, emmeline Pankhurst. It was a fantastic experience for our pupils.” She illustrates and writes from her studio in Leeds with her spotty dog, Olive. Kate loves a good story and gets her best ideas by doodling in her sketchbook; because even quick wonky drawings can spark ideas for amazing plots. As a child Kate spent most of her time drawing silly characters and thinking up funny things for them to do, she feels very lucky that this is now her job.
The omnipresent ‘Hatters’ reporter
20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
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BRIAn swAIn
BRIAN SWAIN, who has died aged 78, was a legendary Luton Town reporter who once drove an old banger through the snow to Liverpool only to arrive and be confronted by an angry Kenny Dalglish who wanted to know how he’d managed to get there whereas the club had rung through to say that conditions were impossible and the game was off. ‘Swainey’ was sports editor of the Luton News for 25 years and worked at Kenilworth Road for a further seven years as a freelance and programme editor. he was born in Luton on May 9, 1938, and died in Falmouth on April 30, 2017. Brian attended Dunstable Grammar School from 1949 until 1954, and his love affair with the hatters began during the Second World War when, aged five, he drifted into Kenilworth Road for a reserve match and was hooked. Later, he even joined the St John Ambulance so that he could sit by the touchline at matches. he wanted to be a journalist right from the outset. There were no vacancies at the Luton News at that time, so he joined Whitbread Brewery in Luton for a few months until one arose. At that point he became a copy holder in the readers’ department (proof checking). he became a reporter and after his indentures moved to a Manchester evening newspaper based in Bolton. he did his National Service in the Intelligence Corps while based in Cyprus. The Bolton paper closed and Brian returned to the Luton News as deputy chief reporter before becoming industrial correspondent. In 1972 the then sports editor of the Luton News, eric Pugh (bylined as Chiltern) died and at Christmas of the same year Brian was appointed in his place. he said: “It was my dream job and the best Christmas present I ever had.” he also became the first LN sports editor to write under his own name. For 25 years, Brian drove the highways of the country to report on the hatters, and after leaving the Luton News in 1997, he spent a further seven years as a freelance. his last home game before retirement was Luton’s 3-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday and the following week, he brought down the curtain on 1,629 domestic matches at Chesterfield, where the hosts acknowledged his service and presented him with a bottle of champagne. Brian and his wife, Rosemary, left for Falmouth, the Cornish town that Brian had fallen in love with as a youngster on family holidays, to fulfil a plan to settle there. Not long after the move, Brian received a payment out of the blue from the pension fund of his old northern paper – he’d forgotten that he’d even joined the fund and joyfully treated himself to a Yamaha motorbike and rode around the Cornish lanes, recalling the pre-M1/M6 days when he’d driven up and down from Luton to Manchester.
Kenilworth Road – the dark days when the sale of midfielder Peter Anderson staved off bankruptcy, the acrimony over the proposed move to Milton Keynes, the plastic pitch and the ban on away fans, as well as promotion and relegation. During this time Brian had also became the voice of Luton Town on Chiltern Radio and his most memorable moment came in 1983 when Luton had to beat Manchester City to remain in the First Division. In those pre-internet days, Brian’s bulletins were the only way those who couldn’t attend knew what was happening. With five minutes to go Mike Vince, the studio presenter, said: “Well, we’re hearing that a goal has been scored at Maine Road and we’ll go over to Brian Swain after this record”, at which point Brian could be heard shouting in the background: “Put me on! Put me on! Put me on NOW! Luton have scored!” A later innovation with which Brian was connected was Club Call, a premium-rate line on which Brian would update callers on Luton developments. he cunningly spun out his introductions to make sure that subscribers paid a good sum to find out the latest. Dennis O’Donoghue, who helped Brian in the press box for nearly 30 years, said: “he was an absolute professional. In all the years I worked with him while he was broadcasting and filing reports, I didn’t see him actually write down a single word of copy! he dictated everything off the top of his head. And it was all totally accurate, beautifully constructed and a pleasure to read and hear. he was a remarkable journalist who would have been a great asset to any ‘Fleet Street’ newspaper, but who chose to stay with the life and club he loved. On top of that, he had a heart as big as a house.” Brian was a sociable man who loved his football and the company of football fans, delighting in spending what he called “the housekeeping” at the bar. Once settled in Cornwall, he would walk up to Falmouth Town’s ground and smoke a cigar, drink a scotch and get to know the people – so much so that he was asked to become the club secretary. he accepted and for a few years ran the club, reuniting with Luton Town legend Bruce Rioch, who had moved to the area, and who came in to help with the training just to keep his hand in. Brian had been a respected local league referee in Luton, who was often told to “take your glasses off, ref!”, and was a founder member and later vice-president of the Luton Town Supporters Club. For many years, he was also secretary of the Luton Midweek Cricket League. he was a keen trade unionist and held positions at regional level in the National Union of Journalists. his health declined over a number of years but Brian was still determined to make one more day trip to Kenilworth Road. Sadly, it was not to be, but he was proud to be able to make the drive to Plymouth last year to see his beloved hatters one more time. Dennis O’Donoghue
Photograph courtesty of Gareth Owen.
May 5, 1938 – April 30, 2017
Many of our readers are avid supporters of the ‘Hatters’ and it was with great sadness we learnt of the recent passing of Brian Swain who had reported on the team’s performances for over 32 years. We share the thoughts of one his journalistic colleagues with you.
even in retirement, and ever the long-distance traveller, Brian would set off early from Falmouth a couple of times a year, present himself at the Rising Sun in Slip end or the now-defunct harrow at Woodside (both near Luton) at opening time, have a few drinks with old friends, go down to Kenilworth Road for the match, return to the pub for one final drink, set off for Cornwall and be home in time for Match of the Day. Brian’s travels were legendary. he would use the train but mainly it would be a series of heavy-duty Fords that took the strain. his most memorable journey was when he battled through the snow to Anfield in 1987 only to find that the game was off because the hatters’ flight from heathrow had been grounded. An incandescent Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager at the time, kept pointing at Brian and shouting: “he managed to get here!” The boredom of the travelling was enlivened by the company Brian kept. If the match was in the North, Brian would often meet up with the late Roger Duckworth, formerly of the Luton evening Post and The Sun. But his constant companion was the late Roy Bentley, former sports news editor of The Sun and a Luton Town “nut”. Over the years, he would be joined by any combination of Luton News photographer Mark Richards, deputy sports editor the late eric Norris, evening Post reporter the late eric harris, former Luton News deputy editor Den O’Donoghue, club photographer Gareth Owen, Northampton Chronicle sports reporter Andy Roberts and press box assistant Danny Fallon. Over the course of 25 years Brian reported faithfully and honestly on the highs and lows at
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 21
JUNE IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre
N June two of my favourite plants are at their zenith Roses and hybrid Clematis. Within roses we find varieties with attributes that make them suitable to grow in many different ways and locations. There are rampant Ramblers that will grow to 40ft like Treasure Trove, soft pink, for decorating large walls or hiding unsightly areas to repeat flowering more discreet varieties like Snow Goose, white. Climbing Roses will flower all summer and are less vigorous. Lady of Shallot, soft orange, and Strawberry hill, soft pink, are two good highly perfumed types. You can even grow them through an obelisk in tubs on the patio. Cumberland is dark red with a delicate scent while Bridge of Sighs is apricot orange with a stronger perfume both compact enough for large tubs.
I
Bush and Shrub Roses are excellent when planted alone or with herbaceous plants in our garden borders. If you also plant spring flowering daffodils or crocus between the roses it extends the colour interest to another season of the year. This combination is also good because the bulb foliage is hidden after the bulbs flower by the roses coming into their spring
June is bustin’ out all over
growth. There are so many good varieties to choose now but always select not just for colour and perfume but also resistance to fungus problems and being damaged by rain. Two lovely examples are Buttercup, golden yellow with a strong orange blossom fragrance, and Brother Cadfael, bright pink with an old fashioned rose fragrance. And there are also small bush roses to grow in patio tubs. These are perfectly formed but compact in growth and give colour all summer making a welcome change from bedding plants. When planting in tubs use Multipurpose with JI compost and feed with rose food throughout the growing season. Some varieties to look out for are happy Times, deep pink, Raspberry Royal, red, Violet Cloud, lilac, Yellow Dream, lemon, and Sweet Wonder, apricot. Roses can also be grown as small upright or weeping trees called Standards. They should be supported by a wooden or metal stake to prevent the stem being damaged by wind otherwise grow in exactly the same way as bush
roses. They provide good specimen feature plants in the garden or height in herbaceous borders. Canary Bird is an excellent weeping standard forming a mushroom shape covered in single soft yellow flowers. Patio standards are suitable to grow in containers and can be under planted with summer bedding plants to give a riot of summer colour. Some good varieties to try are Belle of the Ball, apricot, Sheer Silk, pure white, Golden Patio, yellow, Red Romance, red, and Teenage Spirit, pink. Clematis however are largely climbing plants but will if unsupported make wonderful ground cover, scramble over eyesores or grow into and decorate trees. These types tend to flower at other times of the year however. In June we see the best of the hybrid clematis. Although not the easiest group to grow they are well worth persevering with. here are some cultural tips to help. When you plant hybrid Clematis be brave and cut the top growth back by half before planting. Dig a hole three times the
volume of the container in which it is growing and twice the depth. Remove the pot and place the clematis in the hole. Fill with a planting compost containing lots of peat. This will bury the lower part of the stem and protect it from surface damage which can cause the plant to wilt. Clematis like lots of water about 5 litres every few days and feed with liquid tomato food to promote flowering. Check the pruning regime on the label provided with your plant. hybrid Clematis are available in a vast range of colours with flowers the size and shape of dinner plates to discreet small stars. There are varieties suitable for sunny and shady situations and even patio tubs. When Clematis are grown as climbers they need support to scramble on wires, trellis or other plants. If you are growing a patio variety in a tub use a metal or willow obelisk which is more decorative. Varieties that do well in containers are Cezanne, blue, Chantilly, white, Ohh La La, pink with a darker pink stripe, and Rebecca, red.
22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
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out & about comedy p
Top French comedian Ent Shed Gordon Arms, Bedford 7.30pm Thursday June 8
Castle Comedy will be bringing comic relief on Thursday June 8th at The Gordon Arms, ent Shed in Bedford. So cast your vote in the General election, then forget about politics and have a fun filled evening. The headline act is Marcel Lucont. Marcel is a flâneur, raconteur, bon-viveur, and easily the greatest UK-based French comedian around. he is a regular on television. he has appeared on The John Bishop Show (BBC1), Live at the electric (BBC3), Sky Atlantic’s Set List and starred on Russell howards Good News! he has toured the world and won numerous awards, including the 2012 Amused Moose Award for the Best Comedy Show of the edinburgh Fringe and the 2013 Fringe World Award for Best Comedy at the Perth Comedy Festival. “Fresh, accessible and hilarious” The Guardian
“Wonderful French wit… superb stuff… His elegant, sardonic turns of phrase are an utter joy” Time Out Jimmy James Jones will also appear, considered by those in the know as the future of UK comedy. his mega watt charm, fresh delivery style and hilarious material mean he is in demand at the top comedy clubs in the UK. he starred on ‘Sorry, I didn’t know’ ITV2’s hit comedy panel show with Paul Chowdhry. “It is rare you see someone with real knockyou-down charisma and star potential which screams through your eyeballs and your ears. Jimmy James Jones was that last night” Beyond A Joke The show will feature full support from top UK comics. Doors open 7.30pm, Show starts at 8.30pm and tickets are £10 (£8 NUS) or eat for only £18, which includes a pre-show meal and glass of wine at the Gordon Arms. To book call 07736 060541 or online at www.castlecomedy.co.uk Castle Comedy – Bringing Comedy Royalty to Bedford.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 23
24 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
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BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 25
AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO Coming soon
VINTAGE AFTERNOON TEA details See website for
ONLY £14.95 SELECTION OF SANDWICHES SCONES WITH JAM & CLOTTED CREAM SELECTION OF HOMEMADE CAKES TWO POTS OF TEA
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Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE
Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
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KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY
every Monday 7.30 to 10.00 At the Church of the Transfiguration rear church hall New members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com BeDFORD RSPB Thursday 15th June
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Broom Gravel Pits – meet at 7 pm in the car park SG18 9NL OS Reference TL172 433
EVENING WALK
BIDDeNhAM GARDeNeRS ASSOCIATION Biddenham Village hall Tuesday 20th June at 7.30
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CLEMATIS – QUEEN OF CLIMBERS
By Carole Adams Visitors very welcome. Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & Refreshment www.biddenhamgardenersassociati on.org.uk ––––––––––– Tuesday 18th July at 7.30 Admission £5 includes raffle & refreshments
AGM
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ALL SAINTS PARISh ChURCh KeMPSTON
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FULL AFTERNOON TEA & A GUIDED TOUR
of this historic church to visiting groups of 10 or above at a cost per head of £7.95. Contacts are Janet Fardell on 01234 855158 email:martinandjanet1@btinternet. com or Frances Leonard on 01234 852480 email: francesmleonard@gmail.com BRITISh ReD CROSS BeDFORDShIRe Sunday 11th June
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Dragon’s Glen, Clophill, Beds, MK45 4BQ 1.30 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.00 pay on entry. –––––––––– Sunday 25th June,
OPEN GARDENS
The Secret Garden, Wymington, NN10 9LS, 1.30 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.00 pay on entry. –––––––––– Friday 30th June
OPEN GARDENS
West end, Cheddington, LU7 0RP 2 – 5pm, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £3.50 pay on entry.
OPEN GARDENS
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saturday 17th June
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BEDFORD GALLERY QUIRE
TABLE TOP SALE
First, Third and Fifth Thursdays of every month 7:30 to 10:00 pm Priory Methodist Church We rehearse and perform church and social music from the West Gallery period (1700 to 1850). New singers and particularly instrumentalists (string, woodwind or brass) always welcome. have a look at our website or give our Musical Director a call. Ken Baddley 01234 310018 www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk
christ the King church hall, harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0sP 9am to Noon, entry 50p Refreshments available For information call 01234 965497 friday 23rd June
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA
2pm to 4pm Admission £3 - Tea, cake and dancing For Information call 01234 404563
————————————————————— SAVE THE CHILDREN
Thanks to all of you who supported SAVe The ChILDReN at the last ————————————————————— QUINGO you helped raise £534 and the eASTeR TRAIL/COFFee BeDFORD NATIONAL TRUST MORNING where you helped raise ASSOCIATION £623. Tuesday June 27th. The next QUInGOs are september 21st, October 19th and november 16th. cAROLs By cAnDLeLIGhT Doors open 4.00. Meeting starts are December 5th/7th 4.30. Speaker 5.30 BReAKAwAy are holding a Addison Centre, Kempston, TReAsURe TRAIL round a local village the evening of June 15th Bedford are interested in any of these Speaker Helen Ghosh – Director If youevents please email Susan General of the National Trust superduch5@gmail.com or ring 07773962347 For more information ring Betty
AGM
Thomas on 01480 860 421 ADDISON CeNTRe KeMPSTON fUnD RAIsInG
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MOn 12th JUne 2017 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (INCL CUPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
TEA DANCE
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————————————————————— KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB
DANCING, WhIST, BINGO Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm at the CeNTeNARY hALL, behind Kempston Town hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone:
01234 857011
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26 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
Woburn Safari Park
This summer, meet some of the newest safari stars and get closer than ever to the amazing wildlife at Woburn Safari Park. Adventure by car in the Road Safari parkland animal reserves; then explore the Foot Safari and watch educational keeper talks and demonstrations. You’ll see three mischievous black bear cubs – Alabama, Sekani and Kaska – all born last year and
living in the Kingdom of Carnivores, alongside a family of Canadian timber wolves and seven other black bears. Animal encounters in the Foot Safari is home to the newest walkthrough enclosure, giving you chance to meet the lovely group of donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs and ponies. ‘Farmyard Friends’ takes you face to face with these friendly
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
animals…don’t forget to bring your camera for that perfect selfie! Meet new arrivals Vinnie and Viv the bush dogs, at ‘Cachorro Range’. A South American canid species that will hopefully breed a future of adorable bush pups! You’ll also see new species agouti (large rodents) and spiny-tailed iguana, and later this year keepers will be welcoming red panda and tawny frogmouths to the park! summer events listing: 4th June – Dinosaurs on Safari: meet the huge T-rex, baby Triceratops and Brontosaurus and their safari keepers. 25th June – meet Owlette and Catboy from PJ Masks, appearing at intervals throughout the day. 29-30th July – Tiger charity weekend with tiger games and mini VIP trips, in aid of the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance 30th July – Meet Marshall from Paw Patrol, appearing at intervals throughout the day. 21-28th August – Charity fundraising fun in aid of TUSK, with games and mini VIP trips to meet the animals 28th August - Meet everyone’s favourite cheeky friend - Peppa Pig, appearing at intervals throughout the day.
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Knights of Arkley Return to Battle Knebworth House 18th June Fathers’ Day
Dads are in for a treat this Father’s Day as on 18th June Knebworth house is hosting its annual Medieval Jousting event with two scheduled jousting displays at about 12.30 and 2.30 pm, depending on the weather. The Knights of Arkley demonstrate their skills in hand-tohand combat to the delight of the crowds who are encouraged to cheer and jeer their favourites. The turrets and towers of Knebworth house provide a spectacular backdrop to the costumed knights on majestic warhorses galloping at full tilt. Come dressed for the occasion,
T*REXTASY
Bedford Corn Exchange 7.30pm Friday June 9
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS Q: What was the name of the lead singer in the original T.Rex? Q: How old was he when he died? email your answers to: sally@thepadpresents.com
The Green Dragon Bowmen Archery Club, who are based at Knebworth Park, will be offering visitors the chance to try some archery, £2 for six arrows.
This event is included with a 2017 Season Ticket or with a Park & Gardens admission ticket. It’s a fantastic value day out – for just £9.50pp (under 3s go free), families can enjoy a day at the gardens, park, adventure playground and fantastic trail of 72 life-sized dinosaurs.
Best of Bedford’s local businesses
The 40th Commemorative Anniversary Tour Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the original glam rock era. It’s hard to believe that 40 years have now passed since Marc’s tragic fatal car accident and fans have mourned the loss of a truly individual, inspirational talent ever since. Bolan’s special ingredient of Rock-a-Boogie songs including ‘20th Century Boy’, ‘Get in On’ and ‘I Love to Boogie’ have insured that Marc Bolan and T.Rex have become one of the most memorable and enduring bands of the 70s. T*Rextasy have now been performing around the world for
or look at the wide range of children’s jousting gear for sale in the lovely shop. And why not follow your visit with a cup of tea and some delicious home-made cakes in the Garden Terrace Tea Room? Season ticket holders qualify for 10% off in both!
over 20 years, a career that ironically outlives Marc’s very own T.Rex. They have become widely accepted as the world’s only official tribute show dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc’s family, estate and catalogue management, not to mention original members of T.Rex. The band has been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’. This year T*Rextasy are celebrating Marc’s life and works
with a very special commemorative tour. Truly a rock’n’roll concert for all ages. If you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this show is for you! Tickets are £19.50 in advance. This is a fully seated show. Tickets available from www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk or in person from the box office in Bedford harpur Suite 01234 718044.
Bedford high Street is set to be taken over by a very special summer festival of fun on saturday 3 June. The annual event will feature entertainment and activities provided by a large number of volunteers, community groups and businesses. It’s intended that the day will help to promote Bedford's town centre retailers, particularly the fantastic wealth of independent businesses. Over 30 businesses will be trading outside on the day, demonstrating their products and services, with many at special event prices alongside the handmade in Bedfordshire Craft Market. Further attractions include children’s entertainment; face painting, craft and cultural activities and funfair rides; the Owls from The Raptor Foundation will be back and the live Lady K music and dance stage will be showcasing local talent. The event will take place on the high Street and Mill Street from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Bedford high Street will be closed to traffic from the junction with St. Peter’s Street to the north of St. Paul’s Square and from Duke Street on Mill Street, from 6am to 7pm, on 3 June. www.bedford.gov.uk/highstreetshow case or 01234 276 918.
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
the place p The Odyssey
www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ 01234 354321
7:30pm Thursday 1 June
Just an Ordinary Lawyer
Mozart & Salieri / A Night in Vienna
Nigerian Tunji Sowande quietly breaks through multiple barriers to become Britain’s first Black judge in 1978. Also a fine concert singer and keen cricket lover, he muses on international politics and history as they affect the Black world from Africa to the USA and Britain, from the point of view of one who would rather watch sports, and spread love and peace through the medium of song.
From the makers of ‘Great expectations’ and ‘Dracula’ comes a tale more exciting than excitement itself: The ODYSSeY. The journey of all journeys. To hell. And back again. Gods, Monsters, Sirens, Derring-Dos and Derring-Don’ts! A love story that lasts decades. It’s Greek stuff... with all the boring bits removed!
The opera follows the apocryphal legend that Salieri poisoned his rival Mozart out of jealousy over his talent. Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) used the short story Mozart and Salieri by Alexander Pushkin as libretto, which also inspired Peter Shaffer’s famous film Amadeus. After the performance of Mozart & Salieri, you are invited to A Night in Vienna with famous arias and duets from Mozart’s best-known operas Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute and others.
BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 27
The Scar Test
7:30pm Wed 21 June 4pm Monday 19 December Untold Arts presents the world
7:30pm Friday 2 June,
Welcome Bilal (Firat Ayverdi), a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee, has spent the last three months of his life travelling across europe in an attempt to reunite with his girlfriend who recently emigrated to england. The journey has been difficult, but the end is in sight when Bilal finally reaches the far north coast of France, where he can literally see the white cliffs of Dover across the english Channel.
7:30pm Tuesday 20 June
premiere of The Scar Test, a new play by award-winning writer hannah Khalil, which opens on 21 June during Refugee Week 2017 and a offers a powerful and disturbing snapshot of life inside the infamous Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre.
The Elves and the Shoemaker In this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff, a lovable retired shoemaker. Now in his twilight years Geoff struggles with his memory and the patchwork of his past. One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop, reliving the hard times, the good times and the magic! The elves help Geoff to remember his glorious past and eventually he realises that a little bit of elf magic is all he needs to give his wife the only thing she’s ever wanted, just in time for her 90th Birthday.
7:30pm Saturday 24 June
Macbeth: A Tale of Sound & Fury A riotous and playful reinvention of Macbeth that puts the witches at the centre of this dark and bloody tragedy. Three gnarly fortune tellers live amongst the rats in an old junk yard, apart from decent society. eager to teach the selfish world of man a lesson, they prepare a fortune reading that will destroy a throne and everything around it.
7:30pm Wed 28 June
My world has exploded a little bit Bella heesom’s debut play is part true story, part farcical performance lecture. It tells a deeply personal story of loss and love, through a darkly comic 17-step guide to bereavement. Mixing tender intimacy and unflinching honesty with hard-hitting philosophy, clownish silliness and an enchanting live piano score, it takes the audience on a powerful emotional journey, shot through with jet black comedy.
7:30pm Friday 30 June
MILL RACE FOLK PRESENT
JOHN KIRKPATRICK (WITH MARISAJACK&DAVY) SATURDAY 08 JULY / 8PM
theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets
01234 354321
28 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
theatre c
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
Cloud: A New Musical Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Beds, MK44 1NP 7.30pm Monday to Saturday June 5-10 nightly
In a future time, the human race has left a dying earth. Small colonies tried to survive on other planets, but only one tribe remains, on the
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tempestuous Cloud. Join the survivors at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust from 5th – 10th June 2017. Cloud is a story of power, forbidden love and endurance, but above all, it brings a message of hope. This is a tale of human resilience and the will to survive. hannah, a passenger aboard the final ship to leave earth, falls alone into the colony on Cloud. her arrival sparks tensions, but she might be the Sand Tribe’s last chance of survival. Cloud boasts a stunning score,
thrilling plot and a 40-strong company featuring some of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire’s finest talent. From the imagination of Kaye Vincent and Kaye Tompkins, the creative team behind Chase Dark and Wired… this is not a postapocalyptic future you’ve seen before… this is Cloud. Tickets from £8 to £13 (student discount on Tuesday and Wednesday night only) available online from: www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk
food f Blue Orchid – a blooming star by Martin Howard
HEN you are opening a new restaurant in to Bedford’s already crowded dining out scene you have to be confident of your ability to meet the challenges. The Blue Orchid Thai restaurant part of the recently refurbished Verve Hotel (formerly The Shakespeare) in Shakespeare Road invited me to dine with them – I was not disappointed. The restaurant is decorated in a Thai themed style – comfy armchairs in a reception area – where you can study the menu, whilst enjoying an aperitif (gin and tonic for me) from the well stocked bar. One thing that often makes my eating out experience less than pleasurable is the closeness of other tables and being over six-foot-three, the amount of leg room available to me. No problems with any of this – this dining room is big! My party of four not familiar the menu opted for the set meal which allowed us to sample some of the signature dishes. The various courses arrived promptly without feeling we were being hurried – although the restaurant was nearly full (one table remained stubbornly empty!) Our ladies enjoyed a bottle Pinot Grigio whilst the men sampled the Thai beers – be careful – they are deceptively strong. The mixed starters were a good selection of fish and meat items which
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were eagerly consumed – nothing left. After a decent interval the main course dishes arrived – I personally am not an enthusiast of extremely hot curries, so I was really happy that there was nothing here to blow my head off. In fact the sea bass was an absolute joy, served on a banana leaf (I think), it was beautifully cooked. The other dishes were all extremely good in our multiple selection. For our desserts my other three weren’t very adventurous and chose from the typical ice cream dishes but I chose the traditional Thai sweet pancakes – they were green which was
unusual but surprisingly tasty. We were all in agreement the Blue Orchid will be a shining star and a ‘must go’ to restaurant in Bedford’s eating out scene – you’ll need to book! BLUE ORCHID MIXED STARTERS or PED RON (duck with pancakes ) MAIN COURSE Famous thai chicken green curry, with herbs & coconut milk. Roasted duck breast, topped with smooth tamarind sauce. Crispy whole sea bass topped with wok fried peppers, chillies & thai basil. Wok fried selected mixed vegetables in soya sauce. Steamed fragrant jasmine rice.
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 29
30 — BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
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What’s your best bit? Quarry Theatre, Bedford July 21-23
From Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July Bedford will host the 11th International Bedford Festival Fringe bringing to the town a carefully selected programme of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance and physical theatre to your doorstep. All these events will be held exclusively at The Quarry Theatre. So this year we are going small. Why you ask? Well, frankly because I (James… Pride of Bedford Award Winner 2016!) now have a baby and on top of this, am also planning a wedding for 4th August. I thought organising a tenday festival as well might be pushing it a little. Good things can come in small packages so they say! even over three days the team have crammed in some 40+ events. Directors Picks this year are Daniel Simonsen’s: I’m Working On It (a unique chance to catch him whilst he is in the UK) and Goodbear (two hand sketch comedy). One to watch shows are Murder She Didn’t Write and Will Seaward Discovers el Dorado.
Two-day kite festival Russell Park, Bedford June 10-11
Some of the world’s most incredible kites will take to the skies above Bedford on 10th and 11th June for the annual International Kite Festival. Kites of all descriptions, sizes and colours will be back in the air for two days of aerial displays over Russell Park. Thousands of spectators gathered to see the 2016 Festival, and once again this year a number of internationally renowned experts will be back to provide spectacular displays for the crowds.
As it was such a success last year, LCh Production Services and Remedy Sound have put a stage in the garden once again so please do enjoy the free fringe events that have been programmed (dance / theatre and live music!) but we do ask you to perhaps pay what you think (the artists need to eat!). The brochure is now live and all events are on sale so please visit www.bedfringe.com to start your fringe journey! Website: www.bedfringe.com Box office: 01234 362337
Representatives from kite organisations as far afield as America, Canada, Japan and China will be attendance as well as kite fliers from countries across europe. Visitors will have the chance to make their own kites throughout the event and exhibitors and experts will be on hand to give demonstrations and provide tips and advice on building the perfect kite. Alongside the kite events there’ll be a host of other activities for visitors to get involved in, including music, entertainment, food and drink and stalls specialising in kite equipment, clothes and other accessories. The kite festival, which is organised by Bedford Borough Council, will be free to spectate and open 10am to 5pm both days.
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORD BULLETIN JUNE 2017 — 31
A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage Following last year’s amazing sell-out success, we are excited to announce...
TWINWOOD FESTIVAL • BEDFORDSHIRE • 25, 26, 27, 28 AUGUST 2017
• OVER 100 LIVE PERFORMANCES OF MUSIC FROM THE 1920S TO THE 1960S • THIRTEEN GREAT VENUES • ACRES OF DANCE FLOORS • 150 VINTAGE TRADERS • HAIR & BEAUTY • COMEDY & CABARET • DANCE WORKSHOPS • INTERESTING MUSEUMS • CLASSIC CAR DISPLAYS • GREAT BARS & FOOD INCL. CARVERY • LARGE CAMPSITE W/ GENEROUS PITCHES • GLAMPING & LUXURY CAMPING AVAILABLE • LATE NIGHT CLUBS & DJ SESSIONS
2017
TICKETS
ON SALE NOW
THE MANFREDS • SI CRANSTOUN • ROY G HEMMI NGS
• THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA THE REVOLUTIONAIRES • THE CHICAGO STOMPERS • DOWN FOR THE COUNT • ZOOT SERIOUS • JIVE ACES • MIKE SANCHEZ ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS • FLEUR DE PARIS • STICKY
WICKET • BASIN STREET BRAWLERS • THREE BELLES J J KING • THE ZOOTS • LAURA B • BENOIT & THE BEVIN BOYS VIELLEFON • THE DAISY CHAINS • CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE • BAMBOOZLE • BO WALTON & THE
THUNDERBRIDGE BLUEGRASS • KING PLEASURE
BISCUIT BOYS • MUDIBU & THE JEZEBEL SEXTET DUSTY LIMITS • GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT • MAT • LOLA LAMOUR • MOSCOW DRUG CLUB WALKLATE & PAOLO FUSCHI • THE BOBCATS • KIERAN TOWERS & CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK • THE THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND • LOUNGE CAT KING CATS • GREGGI G • COUNTRY CATTIN’ • IDEALS JOHNNY & THE JAILBIRDS • COCO BOHÈME • STILL-MOVING DJS • SWING NOIR
...PLUS MANY MORE - STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED!
ts this year, it is advised to Due to high demand for ticke price. advantage of our “Early Bird” book early, and also to take
824773 OR CLICK: FOR INFO CALL 01234
stival.com www.twinwoodfe
THREE AND A HALF DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FROM FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST