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BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER 2016
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Ampthill Road traffic misery ONE of Bedford’s major roads is heading towards total gridlock according to a consultants report commissioned by the Borough Council. The report states that Ampthill Road does not have the capacity for the developments that are planned. Already a bottleneck the situation will only get worse clogging up the main route south. The report, conducted by JMP Consultants for the council on resolving traffic in the Ampthill Road area, states that the overall nature of the corridor means there is unlikely to be sufficient capacity on the road or surrounding roads to provide for the future demands , bearing in mind all the developments which have and are due to take place. Revealed after an FoI request the report also makes other damning statements on the traffic situation in the Ampthill Road area of Bedford and Kempston. It states that CCTV is not used to monitor traffic. However a spare desk has been reserved in the Community Safety Team’s office for traffic personnel. There is no proper coordination of traffic lights, and to make matters potentially worse, Highways England is considering some form of traffic signals for the roundabout just to the south of the Ampthill Road junction that gives access to the A421. Any potential schemes to enhance capacity would remove all existing verges and a significant number of existing trees. The report also says that cycle paths on the Ampthill Road would need to
go, although later on suggests a separate cycle path and a range of ‘soft’ options, such as car sharing, flexible working hours and walking. It also states that, at the Interchange Park, during peak Saturday periods, car parking capacity operates close to, or even exceeds, operational capacity, The costs for any schemes to help relieve the situation are put between a total of between £1.5m and £4m. Conservative Borough Cllr Roger Rigby said: “I have felt for a long time Ampthill road is an Achilles heel in the town's transport system. The borough council's failure to engage over many months on how to improve traffic whilst granting significant planning applications with others likely to follow is continuing to cause misery to residents and thousands of travellers everyday. “It is a classic case of failure by chasing business rates growth without putting the necessary transport infrastructure into place first and then struggling to find a viable scheme.” A Borough Council spokesperson said: “Our proposal is to implement a set of measures to ensure congestion is eased as much as is possible on this important gateway into Bedford.” At the moment the council seem to be ignoring the need to organise any public exhibition of their ideas or any form of public consultation with interested parties before making their bid to SEMLEP and the Government.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 3
Manton Lane dig set to reveal more Roman secrets
BOROuGH Council’s Environment Committee has agreed to review with archaeologists the exciting excavation of a Roman structure in Manton Lane, Bedford. Findings so far lead the experts to believe that this is the site of significant high-status Roman buildings. Cllr Roger Rigby, an enthusiast of all things Roman, was delighted that the cross-party committee agreed to his request to put it onto the work programme for the coming year. A target budget of £10,000 was set for the dig and this amount has nearly been reached, although further donations are welcomed to enable post-excavation, scientific work to be carried out. It is not known whether the structure discovered is a large villa or an impor-
tant administrative centre, but a professional dig this year hopes to uncover some answers. Whichever it is, the find is being hailed as internationally significant and is generating strong excitement in the archaeological world and amongst local people. Cllr Rigby said: “Bedford is a Borough rich in history and this intriguing and exciting discovery can paint an entirely new picture of the Roman occupation in Bedford. I would like to see if we can learn from and support the archaeologists in their future investigations. “I hope the committee will time its investigation with this year’s excavations in late September and we will have the opportunity visit the site.”
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The Bedford Bulletin is an independent magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. Published by © 2016 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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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 5
Five star family business Hospital’s major review
transparency questioned
THE transparency behind a major review of local health services, that could affect the future of Bedford Hospital, was questioned by the Mayor and councillors at Bedford Borough Council’s Full Council Meeting recently.
AWARD-WINNING George James Bridal has moved into new larger premises on Bromham Road, Bedford – just 18 months after opening. A lift-off within Michael Bailey’s well established womenswear shop in Harpur Street led to the celebrity style business attracting brides looking for top quality brands. Such has been the success of actress turned entrepreneur Nicola Weeks, that she moved her businesse into larger premises in August. The new shop is opposite the former Girls High School in Bromham Road, where Nicola was a pupil and where she recently opened The Grand Hall, a new wedding reception venue. At Nicola’s own event she had TV star Vicki Michelle to cut the ribbon. Nicola and Vicki have worked together in the past and were a great double act. Nicola paid tribute to her parents, who run a long established dancing school at Wrest Park, Silsoe, at her launch party, and to add to the celebration she has her own wedding coming up in September to Josh, who helped to refurbish her new shop.
Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STP) are being put together across the country to look at how local healthcare will delivered in the future. This is a separate process from the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Healthcare Review by the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups, which proposed a reduction in services at Bedford Hospital which would bring an end to obstetrics services, including maternity. The Healthcare Review is currently ‘paused’ with the future direction still unknown. At the Full Council meeting councillors questioned why those in charge of the Sustainability & Transformation Plan failed to consult with the Mayor and local councillors about what impact changes to healthcare in Bedford Borough will have on local residents. They also questioned NHS England’s decision to not invite representatives Bedford Borough Council to discuss these plans at a special meeting taking place this
Friday despite inviting Central Bedfordshire and Luton Borough councils. Additionally, Councillors asked whether the Bedford and Milton Keynes Healthcare Review, which proposes reducing services at Bedford Hospital, has been scrapped or will form the basis of the STP for Bedfordshire. Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson said: “The threat to services at Bedford Hospital has dragged on for years, causing uncertainty and anxiety for patients and staff. We have challenged this threat, and commissioned a report which showed that a sustainable model for Bedford Hospital can be achieved alongside the retention of vital services such as A & E, children’s care and maternity services. Across all parties on the council there is real concern that Bedford Borough is being excluded from much of the crucial STP process. This is denying input on local health and social care services from this community and from the Council as provider of social care.”
6 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
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Over £1,500 raised for the East Anglian Air Ambulance
FOR the 17th year running, Robinson & Hall held a charity clay shoot and this year’s was in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. East Anglian Air Ambulance is a helicopter emergency medical service covering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Their crews are called to an average of four life threatening incidents a day. They do not receive regular direct government funding so the £10.2 million they need to raise this year comes directly from charitable donations. Our annual clay shoot was held on 12th July at one of the uK’s largest clay shooting grounds, Sporting Targets in Riseley, Bedfordshire. 16 teams competed against each other, each determined to walk away with the many prizes
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on offer for Top Team, Top Gun, Top Lady and Best Farmer. There was also a sweepstake to guess the total number of clays hit in the competition. Following the shoot, a delicious buffet was served and winners were announced by Andrew Capel, Senior Partner and Head of Rural Property & Business at Robinson & Hall. A team representing The Three Compasses were crowned Top Team with 181/200 clays hit, Jim Munday and Andrew Buck shared the accolade of Top Gun with 37/40, Kate Coleman won Top Lady Gun with 27/40 and John Stanton won a cup for the most clays hit by a farmer with 33/40. Andrew comments: “Well done to all winners. Our annual clay shoot is always a huge success and a great way to raise money for such a worthy cause. Thanks to all those who attended for their support”. This year’s shoot raised over £1,500 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, bringing the total raised since the first shoot to over £28,600. If you would like to be kept informed about next year’s Clay Shoot, please email Susan August on saa@robinsonandhall.co.uk
email: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Sharp business practice
MASTER Butcher Adrian Trudgill is a man who knows his knives. As the tools of the trade of the meat and catering, sharp knives are essential. When Adrian signed up as an apprentice butcher at Canvins in the 1970s, he quickly realised the disadvantage of working with a blunt blade. He learned to sharpen his own knives, and soon developed a talent which his colleagues admired, and they paid him in chocolate bars to hone their knives. Now as Master Butcher at Franklins Farm of Thorncote, near Sandy, Adrian is still the sharpest tool in the shop. Customers visiting to buy
meat at Christmas, ask Adrian to sharpen their carving knives for the biggest meal of the year Adrian has launched his own business: Steel Sharpe aimed at professionals. To make the ‘point’ about the value of sharp knives, Adrian (left) called upon Bedford Swan Hotel chef Scott Liversedge (right), to have his utensils honed to perfection. “As a chef you are using your knives every day. They can become very particular to you - like an extension of your arm. I have had one knife for more than 20 years,” said Scott.
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Putnoe resident makes it a century A FORMER dressmaker and nurse Kathleen Lack celebrated her 100 birthday amongst friends at Kempston’s Senior Citizens’ Club last month. Kathleen’s 100th birthday was on August 7, a party was held in her honour at Kempston’s Memorial Hall. She cut her birthday cake with fellow club members singing happy birthday to her. Kathleen was born in Clapham and now lives in Putnoe. When she left school she became an apprentice dressmaker at E. P. Rose in Bedford’s High Street, now Debenhams. She married her husband ‘Joe’ and at the outbreak of WWII. She took up nursing and was based at the hospital in Clapham. Kathleen has one son and two grandsons, her son and one of her grandsons live locally with her other grandson living in Hampshire.
BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 7
Town’s got a vibrant visitor economy
VISITORS to Bedford are on the up year on year with a surge this summer following the Bedford River Festival.
Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) Director Christina Rowe said: “In the past the problem for businesses was that everyone went to the riverside and regular shoppers stayed away from the town centre This year the record numbers at the festival and promotional team work between the local authority, ourselves and businesses has meant that a wave of visitors swept into the High Street. “We positioned our Love Bedford Day right in the town centre and a week after the river festival to keep that tide coming in throughout the summer. It was a great day and a boost for businesses as Sunday is now one of the most popular retail days in the uK and we want people to think of coming into Bedford where the biggest and best are open and we have the advantage of all day free parking courtesy of the council.” The mission of the Business Improvement District is to attract new customers to town. A levy paid by those in the “BID zone” is managed by a board of businesses. The result has been: Bedford continues
to buck the trend with year on year increases in footfall compared to similar town centres. BID funds are not to finance projects otherwise provided by the local authority from council tax or Business Rates, but to support addition flag-waving and improvement activities. “It is a careful balancing act as town centre businesses already pay Business Rates and owners may live locally and so pay Council Tax to the local authority, police and fire services which all have a role to play in supporting the town centre. However the levy is managed by volunteers from those same businesses who take a strict ‘bottom line’ view of how the money is spent and how it adds value to the trading environment.”
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Biennial Bedford River Festival July 16th and 17th Saturday and Sunday growth on the 2014 River Festival weekend +20.6% Saturday + 80.3% vs. week on week Sunday +117.1% vs. week on wee
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8 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
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Charity Champion retires from MS Therapy Centre
VAL WOODS and her husband, Rex, who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), founded the Charity ‘MS Therapy Centre’ in Bedford 33 years ago. At that time, there was no provision of therapy for MS in Bedfordshire, and this unpredictable condition, which is the major cause of disability in One of the Patrons of the Charity, young adults, went largely untreatHM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, and Val ed. Woods, presenting a retirement Starting from a small industrial gift to John Chasey, one of the 50- unit providing Oxygen Therapy, the strong team of valued volunteers, MS Therapy Centre has grown into who has been involved with an organisation that, alongside oxydelivering Oxygen Therapy to gen therapy, provides a wide range people with MS for over 20 years. of services to people with MS based in a purpose-built, modern building housing a hydrotherapy pool, physiotherapy suite, gym with exercise machines that can be used by disabled people, and therapy rooms for our MS nurse, pain therapy (APS) and complementary therapies. These services are still not funded by any statutory bodies. As a result of Val’s drive and determination as manager of the Centre, the people with MS living in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire are able to find support, information and practical therapies to help them to self-manage their condition. Many of the members say “I would be lost without the MS Therapy Centre”.
Val has been bestowed with Charity Champion and MS Society Professional of the Year awards, and was instrumental in the Centre achieving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (for the Volunteers), and Big Society Award. Events to celebrate Val’s work included an afternoon tea attended by members of the Centre, and a lunch for staff, volunteers and supporters of the Charity. Val said: “I had such a wonderful 33 years running the MS Centre and met thousands of really inspirational people, both people with MS and professionals who were enabling people to live independent and useful lives. My retirement parties were both celebratory and sad, but I hope I have left the Centre in good and safe hands to continue for the next 33 years.” The Lord Lieutenant said: “On behalf of the people and their families who live successfully with an MS diagnosis because of the momentous work of Val Woods over many years, I would like to thank Val sincerely for her tenacity, dedication, compassion and creativity in establishing this important Centre in our midst. Her legacy will continue to help and motivate for generations to come, and I wish her my sincere best wishes for a happy and fulfilled retirement. Thank you Val.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 9
Club’s breaking new ground
Queen’s Park in the frame!
LAST month over 30 Queen’s Park children and young people took to their street in a new local filmmaking project to document what it’s like to live in their area. Over four weekends in July, residents of Chester and Carlisle Road in Queen’s Park joined artists Julie Myers and Maria Anastassiou for a series of film, animation and drawing workshops. These were held in a specially created outdoor filmmaking space, installed on the green at the corner of the two roads. All the local residents from each road were invited to stop by, chat to the artists about what it’s like to live in their part of Bedford and take part in the project, but it was the children who jumped at the chance to make recordings, photos and films about what they liked and what they’d like to see change. “We were interested in working with local residents to produce a more intimate reflection of their thoughts and ideas,” explains Julie Myers, one of the artists on the project. “The children have their own view about the place they live; they see the environment very differently to adults. The children took their storytelling and turned it into filmmaking, creating sound, images and some clever special effects.” Working from the artists’ circus style cinema tent the children used microphones, a 16mm film camera and a digital camera to interview their neighbours, collect stories, record snippets of songs they sang and noises they could hear around them and finally record clips of each other performing. Maria said: “The success of the project was so much about the enthusiasm with which the children embraced the film workshops and their willingness to look at their environment in a new way.” The two films created were showcased to friends and family on 31st July where the children got to show off their work and everyone bought food for a picnic afterwards. Queen’s Park Councillors Mohammad Yasin and Mohammed Masud attended the event.
TRAINEE footballers at Bedford College now have a promotion route into the two top teams in town. The Bedford College Football Academy/Kempston Town FC partnership has a new home at Bedford FC at Cardington. Young players will be competing for team places on Saturdays at Kempston Town FC, and could be talent-spotted for progression to the Bedford squads. “It’s a great new opportunity for our academy trainees to be on the same site with the best known names in local semi-professional football,” said Phil Newman Head of Sport at Bedford College, “We’ve had a good relationship with Kempston Town FC so when they moved to their new ground from September 2016 we wanted that to continue.” The Bedford College Academy will continue to play on Wednesdays at the AFC Kempston facilities in Hillgrounds, Kempston. Kempston Town Chairman Gary Ingerson said: “Kempston Town FC is broadening its horizons now with our Reserve and A Teams playing at the new Wixams Football Centre and renewing sponsorship opportunities with AL & G Abbott of Bedford Road, Kempston and Andreas Pizza of Tavistock Street, Bedford. We value our relationship with the college as is brings through the best local talent to our team.” Academy players combine football skills with gaining qualifica-
tions in a range of subjects to prepare them for employment Monday to Friday - regardless of which team
they are playing for at the weekend. If you would like to know more contact www.bedford.ac.uk
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Quick thinking saves life
A POTENTIAL tragic accident was avoided due to the quick action of passers-by and the help and support of a village community. On Sunday, July 3, around 4pm, a motorcyclist came off the road near Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire and went straight into a tree. Tom Bozek and his girlfriend Kamri Trewitt were driving past and witnessed the accident. At the same time a couple ran out of a nearby house and called emergency services. Tom, 30, said: “He was laying quite awkwardly in the ditch, unconscious. He had smashed his face and was breathing badly, with the strap of his helmet very tight.” They were in contact with the ambulance people via the neighbour’s phone and they said to try and turn him on his side. But soon his breathing grew more shallow and he was turning a nasty colour and it was obvious to Kamri that his airways were obstructed. So they decided he had to be turned on his side. Kamri, 28, said: “It was a risk but the risk of not doing it was greater. I still held his neck as we turned him and as we did so he woke up. I think his arm was broken and the pain of that when we turned him helped him wake up. He was now breathing better and we could wait for the ambulance.”
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What’s in Bunyan’s basement?
INTRODuCING the newest addition to Bedford’s Castle Quarter – The Basement at Bunyan is a flexible and community-orientated arts centre, its newly refurbished doors and windows opening out into Castle Lane. With craft-rooms, an exhibition and meeting space, as well as a quiet area and refreshment corner, The Basement at Bunyan channels the spirit of ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ and focuses on the creative world of ‘books’. Visiting professional tutors will It was an air ambulance that offer a variety of autumn workshops turned up in the next field and mem- ranging from print to book-binding; bers of the local community cleared a calligraphy to decorative typefaces; path for them to get to the injured illustration to magical map-making; motorcyclist, who was taken to and paper-folding to digital design. Come and visit us during three Addenbrookes. of the Heritage Open Days – Tom, who now lives in Wellingborough, said: “ I really thought he Thursday 8th, Friday 9th and was going to die and but for the help Saturday 10th of September – of the whole community I believe he when you can look around The would have. We all pulled together Basement at Bunyan, explore the and it was great to see. I understand history of print in our special exhibihe is a local man and I hope he makes tion, and learn more about the coursa full recovery. Kamri and I were cov- es and workshops that we are offerered in blood by the end but the locals ing. We will be open from 10.00am to invited us in to clean up.” The biker Ian Buxton, from 4.00pm on each of these days – with Sharnbrook said: “I would like to refreshments available. Our official opening takes place thank the people who helped me from on the first weekend of October, the bottom of my heart.”
coinciding with Bedford’s involvement in the national Fun Palaces events – an explosion of creativity with a fusion of art, science and culture in the heart of the Castle Quarter. The Basement at Bunyan will be open from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 1 October when everyone is invited to our free ‘drop in’ workshops – sharing in the joy of books by making your own paper and ink, illustrating manuscript lettering, learning simple bookbinding, and designing a bookmark. Chris Damp, the Minister of Bunyan Meeting, says: “We’re looking forward to seeing our Basement full of folk exploring the wonderful world of books and bookmaking!” The John Bunyan Museum will also be open that day – offering free ‘stained-glass window’ workshops. The Basement at Bunyan is part of the Bunyan Meeting complex – joining the church, museum and library in offering spirituality, heritage and creativity to the community in Bedford. Contact: The Basement at Bunyan, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3Eu. Telephone: 01234 213722; mobile: 07936 907981 email: davidwkr5@aol.com
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12 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
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Making charity ride add up
BEDFORD College Deputy Director of Finance Dave Roffey is handing over every penny raised on a super cycle run to the mental health charity MIND. On Thursday 22 September he will be setting off from the London Eye, and will arrive at the Eiffel Tower on Sunday 25 September, a full 323 kilometres by bicycle. “The two-wheeled campaign began in August 2015, my wife Rebecca half joking, asked me if I wanted to cycle from London to Paris with her. I assumed she was joking,” said Dave, who is the college representative on the BedfordBID Board, “Don’t get me wrong, I love sport, especially cycling, but generally that involves watching it as opposed to participating. “Towards the end of that month, we went to the Revolutions track cycling event at Derby velodrome. I was lucky enough to meet Laura Trott, a bit of a hero of mine. Laura Trott is a double Olympic Champion, seven time World Champion, ten time European Champion track cyclist. Trying to impress her a bit, I immediately blurted out ‘I’m cycling from London to Paris next year!’ “That was it, I was committed to do it. Rebecca said that she would tell Laura if I didn’t do it. “I made the first tentative steps on
a borrowed bike – just a few miles at first, in September 2015. To further motivate myself, I purchased a new road bike in March this year, and have managed to get out training most weekends, plus a few commutes in between. “As time draws closer, the more people I have told what I am doing, partly to explain the hobbling around the office every Monday. The most common response is ‘Are you doing it for charity?’. That was never the intention, it was just for ‘fun’, but it seems too good an opportunity to pass up to do something good, so here we are! “My JustGiving page is here and I appreciate any support that you can give.” https://www.justgiving.com/fund raising/DaveRoffey
email: pat@rosettapublishing.com
Tale of two town pubs
THE blot on the landscape of two derelict pubs which have been an eyesore for years could finally be resolved. The Crown and the Queens Head, both on Kempston Road, Bedford, either side of Bedford Hospital, have been empty for at least ten years. Planning applications have come and gone but nothing has yet materialised and the buildings have deteriorated. Matters began to look brighter as a planning application for the Crown to be a home for people with special needs was approved as was the intention to turn the Queens Head into eight flats. Yet both have stalled. The problem with the Crown, according to its planning consult-
ants, is that the contractor converting the pub has run into difficulties and could not carry on, so the owner, Mr Davies, has found a new contractor and work will continue soon. All is not quite so clear with the former Queens Head. Here the applicants now want to demolish the pub and build 12 flats, which is going forward to the borough council’s planning committee. Let us hope, for the sake of local residents and the look of Bedford, the situation with both sites is resolved soon.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 13
History brought to life in a play Still time learn new skills A SPECIAL play retelling the story of Bedford will be performed in early September at the town’s newest theatrical venue, The Quarry Theatre, St Luke’s. The play opens on Thursday 8th September with a gala performance (press night) on Friday 9th September. The play ‘Somewhere in England’ (The Bedford Play), was commissioned by The Harpur Trust as part of its 450th anniversary celebrations and uncovers the lives of key Bedfordians, famous people
connected to the town (even Nelson Mandela features in the play) and the stories behind some of the town’s landmarks, including the Cardington Hangars, The Bedford Swan Hotel and of course Bedford’s iconic bridges. Mark Burgess, writer and Director of the play explains: “The title reflects the fact that the BBC’s Music and Religious Departments were based in Bedford during WW2, broadcasting from Bedford venues (including the Corn Exchange and Bedford School’s Great Hall). The town’s true identity had to remain a secret to avoid being bombed by Hitler’s Luftwaffe and so the broadcasts were always announced as being live from somewhere in England.” The play features nine professional actors who are each experienced in a range of media from television and radio to stage performances and pantomime, whilst the two child roles will be performed by local pupils Josh Dogra and Charlotte Barnett, who both attend Bedford Modern School and are pictured left alongside Mark. Tickets for the play can be purchased through the Quarry Theatre via its website on www.quarry theatre.org.uk/ or by phone on 01234 362337 / 01234 362335.
AN exciting way of learning in a pleasant environment is expanding to meet the needs of people of all ages. The Rothsay Education Centre(REC) is a registered charity providing educational, social and recreational opportunities during the day to anyone over 50. It also offers weekend and summer courses to anyone over 18 plus a limited number of bursaries to those in receipt of Pension Credit living within the Bedford Borough. Courses range from languages to lip reading, from painting to guitar and wide range of political and moral issues. The centre is located in Rothsay Gardens, a ten minute walk from the
town centre and plans are afoot to refurbish and extend classroom space so even more courses can be offered. The REC is a unique institution offering much more than educational courses, with a restaurant which prepares hot and cold food, or a cup of coffee to anyone whow cares to drop in. There is also a tranquil garden and day trips to places of interest. The 2016/2017 course brochure is now available and bookings can be made via the website www.recbedford.co.uk, by phone on 01234302203 or in person at the centre. The centre is open Monday – Fridy 10am-4pm during normal school term time and on various days in the summer for short courses.
14 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
email: pat@rosettapublishing.com
‘Best’ time had by all in Belfast
CONGRATuLATIONS to Bedford Borough’s Adults’ Services football team, who have been out in Belfast competing in the ‘George Best Community Cup’ following a special invitation from the Northern Ireland Football Association. The team from the Centre of Independent Living, in Gadsby Street, were invited to compete at the Billy Neil Centre of Excellence back in June. Over 200 teams made up of players with a physical or learning disability took part, enabling them to engage in sports and play at a competitive level. Cllr Mohammad Yasin, Portfolio Holder for Adults’ Services at Bedford Borough Council said: “This exciting trip was underpinned by the Healthy Bedford strategy to promote adult social care services
by improving access, choice and advocacy for users, as well as providing healthier lifestyle opportunities for service users. Congratulations to those who took part, I hope that this match has given the players some fantastic memories for many years to come.” The team were invited by the Football Association (FA) as a result of their success at the county disability football league at the Beds FA in Dunstable, where they play each month. This trip was the first time that some of the team had been outside of England and the first time that some of them had stepped on a plane. The team stayed for three nights at Stranmillis university and were able to experience local culture and meet people from a number of different cultural backgrounds, gaining independence and travel skills. This is not the first time that the team’s efforts have been recognised, as they were nominated for an award at the Bedford Sports Awards last year. The team train once a week at the Bedford Athletic stadium. If you would like any further information on Bedford Borough’s Adults’ Services Football Team, contact Ryan Gale on 01234 718326.
Wheelchair race for all Sunday October 9th
WITH the paralympians showing able-bodied athletes the way ahead at Rio this summer, the legacy of London 2012 is still rolling on in Bedfordshire Launched after the uK Olympics, the Rotary Wheelchair Challenge is being held for the fifth time at the Bedford Athletic Stadium in Barker’s Lane and companies and organisations are being asked to take part. “The race is in wheelchairs and pits regular users against the ablebodied who find out just how much upper body strength is needed to complete a circuit at speed,” explained Rotary member Paul Hoare, “The event has raised vital money for charities related to disabled sports locally as well as increasing understanding among the community for those who use wheelchairs.”
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They would like to see schools, sports groups, joggers and others who enjoy fitness to get together to take part. Any sponsorship would be gratefully received.
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Keep safe in the kitchen
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l Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking. Keep saucepan handles and matches out of their reach to keep them safe. l Don’t be distracted while cooking, don’t use your mobile phone while cooking or leave the kitchen. l If you must leave the kitchen take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid the risk of fire. l Double check the hob is off when you’ve finished cooking. l Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob. l Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire.
BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 15
l Ensure electrical leads and appliances are kept away from water, curtains and kitchen rolls. l Keep your equipment clean and in good working order. l Keep your grill clean, a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire. l Don’t cook after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. l Hot oil can catch fire easily – if its smoking it’s too hot. l NEVER throw water on a chip pan fire. l If a pan catches fire, don’t take any risks – Get Out, Stay Out, and Call 999. l Don’t forget to get a smoke alarm and test it weekly.
For more advice visit www.bedsfire.com Follow us on Twitter: @Bedsfire or on Facebook: www.facebook/bedsfire for more safety tips. Get safety information & alerts direct from us via BedsAlert. Sign up at: www.bedsfirealert.co.uk
16 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
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School musical is a roaring success THE Disney and West End hit The Lion King was brought to Bedford recently in a show stopping production by Castle Newnham School. The cast of pupils, from all years, performed twice to sold out audiences, as well as numerous performances to lower schools. The whole school came together for this production. Castle Newnham will be building on this success with a new musical planned for the Spring of 2018, with the auditions starting Summer 2017. The name of the exciting musical is yet to be announced. The cast will include Year 9 for the first time and it will be the first production to be performed in the school’s brand-new performing arts area. NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, reviewed the performance and wrote:
“There was some serious potential talent on display... If this is the level of creativity from where you start; Hakuna Matata – you’ve got no worries.” Ruth Wilkes Headteacher said: “Watching The Lion King’ for me was an absolute treat. The staff and pupils had worked so hard to put together a show of this quality and the vision of the production team was so impressive. I’m already looking forward to the next spectacular which will also give us an opportunity to make use of our brand new performing arts facilities as well as including Year 9 pupils for the first time. “This production comes at an exciting time for Castle Newnham School as they look forward to developing all-through schooling in Bedford.”
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Absolutely fabulous at 60
TWO years ago Glynis found herself terrified as she was approaching 60, her weight was increasing and she was approaching the age when her mum died early, and with lots of grandchildren to think about she needed to take action. It was two years ago when Glynis first got worried about how her weight was increasing. “My mum died at the age of just 59, and when I think of how much she missed out on, I feel so sad. With seven grandchildren and another one of the way I felt I had to do something about it.” So Glynis decided to join a local Slimming World class and ‘it was the best thing I have ever decided to do for myself.’ Glynis didn’t tell her partner that she had joined straight away, but she started cooking the meals for them both from the website, magazines and books and he was really enjoying the food. “I loved the fact that I didn’t have to cook different meals, we were both eating the same meals, things like a full cooked breakfast, roast Sunday dinners including roast potatoes, and even things like curries, and spaghetti bolognaise, he didn’t really notice any difference at all, and in fact he was enjoying them more that what we were eating before. It took less than a year for Glynis to get to her target, and she was able to maintain her weight loss for over a year being crowned her groups Diamond member of the year. She was feeling absolutely fabulous reaching her target in loads of time for her 60th Birthday which was so important to her. So if you want to meet Glynis in person she will be re-launching the Slimming World group in Elstow on Thursday the 8th September at the Christian Fellowship Church, High Street, Elstow. Classes start at either 5:30pm or 7:30pm. Glynis says: “I can’t wait to welcome everyone when I start my group, For anyone who is a little nervous, they could always give me a call to talk things through before the opening on 07565 504395.”
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Developing inquiring minds
AS parents we often ask ourselves how can we help our children become happy and successful?
As educators we ask the same question, and at Bedford Girls’ School we believe the answer lies in preparing students not for the world of today but for the world of tomorrow. Today, exam results are not enough and employers often tell us that graduates are unable to think for themselves, communicate clearly or work cross-functionally. It is the role of educators to make sure students have the skills and selfassurance to face the challenges of a globalised world. Working in-line with the latest pedagogical thinking, and underpinned by the International Baccalaureate philosophy, Bedford Girls’ School focuses on providing a truly holistic education for girls from the ages of seven to 18. Central to the School’s ethos is delivering an excellent education, which is not solely determined by academic success but by developing wider learner attributes. Fundamental to this educational approach is teaching students to think for themselves, to question and inquire. We place great importance on developing growth mindsets, where students are willing to work independently, move out of their comfort zones, reflect on their decisions and learn from their mistakes. These valuable skills are the cornerstone to developing creative lifelong learners, who will be truly prepared for life after school. From Year 3 (age seven) Bedford Girls’ School offers students an exciting and innovative curriculum, which focuses on cross-curricular learning. With the learning roots deeply established in the Junior School, moving to the Senior School is a seamless transition in Year 7. Embedding deeper learning skills through a broad based curriculum ensures the demands of the GCSE years can be easily faced, and the girls continue to flourish as they enter Sixth Form, where they can either study the IB Diploma Programme or A Levels. For more information, please contact: 01234 361918 or admissions@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk
BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 17
18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
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BMS students gain outstanding A level results
WHILST across the uK top grades are down Bedford Modern School students are once again celebrating consistently high A Level results with an impressive 52% achieving A* - A and a fantastic 96% obtaining A*- C. Nearly one third of all the students who sat their A Levels this year obtained three A grades or better. Sam Butler received the highest grades in the School with four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. He will now go on to study Mathematics at the university of Cambridge along with four other BMS students who have successfully secured places at either Oxford or Cambridge. Sam said: “I had some idea of how well I had done this morning when I learned that I had been accepted at my chosen university. I’m incredibly happy and would not have been able to have achieved these grades were it not for the support I received at BMS.” Top performing female student Kiana Mostaghimi has secured a highly sought after place to study Medicine at the university of Southampton after obtaining A*s in Biology, French and Maths and an A in Chemistry. She also achieved an A* in her Extended Project
Qualification. As well as her academic achievements Kiana has made an outstanding contribution to the life of the school, working tirelessly on charity projects and being a positive role model for younger students. Bedford Modern School
Headmaster, Michael Hall, said: “Our students have once again done themselves proud. Despite concerns about grade variability nationally, our students continue to achieve consistently year on year with an impressive 52% of all grades at A* or A and 96% at A*-C.
“I am always delighted that those who go on to university often choose vocationally specific subjects securing them every best chance of success in the future. To have 11 students secure highly competitive places to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary science is tremendous.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 19
100% pass rates in key subjects at TBSF
STuDENTS taking A Levels (A2) at The Bedford Sixth Form have cleaned up with 100% pass rates in subjects like sciences, further mathematics, physics and politics. The Bedford Sixth Form (TBSF) offers the widest choice of more than 30 A-Level and BTEC subjects to full-time students compared to local school sixth forms, many of which have cut back on courses this year. Overall in 2016, TBSF had a 97% pass rate with 16% of those being at the top level A or A* .
Nathan Smalley of Upper Caldecote, left, gained an A Star in Law and A grades in History and Govt & Politics and is off to the University of Nottingham to study Law. Joel Beams, aged 19, of Bedford gained 2 Bs and C and a place at Leicester University.
Off to be an Aircraft Engineering with Thomson at Luton is James Stonebridge, aged 18 of Great Denham. James gained an A grade in Maths and a C in Physics to secure his career choice.
High performing students from local schools are encouraged to join TBSF and take a step towards the most sought after university places across the uK. This year an Academic Excellence Bursary Scheme has been launched offered £4,000 towards studying for A Levels at TBSF. “The Bedford Sixth Form recruits from a wide catchment and coming to a new college brings with it additional costs. We want more people to benefit from this first class sixth form experience, so in addition to our wide
Celebrating fantastic results
CELEBRATIONS are underway for many Biddenham upper School students today after receiving their A level results. As in previous years students have obtained places at places at top universities including Oxford, Warwick, and Birmingham. Students will be going on to study a range of subjects including Linguistics, Chemistry, History and Chinese. Head Teacher David Bailey is
delighted with the results and the achievements of the students. “Our A level results this year are outstanding with our students getting into top universities - including Oxford - and more importantly the university of their choice. We are exceptionally proud of the achievements of all our students and wish them well in the future - we will miss them. Many thanks to all our parents and teachers for all their hard work and support for our students.”
Ellen Thomas, aged 18 of Millbrook got an A Star in Geology, A grade in Maths and B in physics and is now off to study Civil Environmental Engineering at Cardiff University.
range of student support packages our charitable trust is generously supporting a new Academic Excellence Bursary Scheme. “The purpose of the scheme is to ensure our highest-performing students are not distracted by having to look for work to meet travel and other costs.” said the Head of The Bedford Sixth Form, Paul Clarkson. Ivan Morris Paxton is the fourth member of his family to be hometutored and then to take his A Levels. He has a place at Southampton to study Modern History and Politics.
Milly Clayton of Shortstown is off to study movie-making at Stirling Uni in Scotland after gaining an A Star grade in her Film A Level. She hopes to become a screenwriter and director.
20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
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Monthly update from the Police and Crime Commissioner by Kathryn Holloway
100 DAY REFLECTION
IN ANY new high profile public role the achievements of the first 100 days merit reflection. I am happy to comment on mine, given the particular importance to me of keeping my pre-election promises. The first priority in my Police and Crime Plan for Bedfordshire is the return of more visible community policing. The Deputy Chief Constable Mark Collins and I embarked on a series of monthly public meetings to announce the brand new recruits and other officers who are being tasked with delivering this through seven Community Policing Hubs which we are deploying throughout the county by the end of the year. The first was held in Leighton Buzzard where part of my new collaboration plan with the Fire Service – which is among the most extensive in the country – was also highlighted, since I have secured agreement with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for police to share its fire station there in future and building work is imminent to achieve this. The second was in Luton where we were joined by Insp. Mo Aziz who is heading up the Force’s bid to recruit officers from Black Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds so that our police both look and sound like all the communities they serve. I have succeeded in arranging for all the Force’s recruitment panels to have a BME member, for an independent recruitment expert to advise on questions and for the panel members to scrutinise these for any sub-conscious bias. In Bedford, a new enquiries office will open right on the High Street and before December we will hold meetings in Biggleswade, Dunstable and Houghton Regis to bring news of extra police and address the key crime and policing concerns in these areas. I am particularly proud of the grants I have been able to distribute investing £147,000 in refuge places for those fleeing domestic violence and to help rebuild lives. I am providing funds for a video-link to the courts so that victims of rape and sex abuse need not attend trials in person with all the trauma involved in seeing their attacker and their associates at close range. I hope you will see this progress as a positive change in policing.
BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 21
An Anthology of All Things… from Bedford to Bremen!
Composer Johnny Parry and Bedford Community Arts Choir are recruiting new members for an exciting international musical project. An Anthology of All Things’ was originally a project commissioned by Bedford Creative Arts (now ‘&co’), and staged a sell-out performance by the Bedford Community Arts choir and the Johnny Parry Chamber Orchestra at the Corn Exchange and St Cuthberts Hall, Bedford. Composer Johnny Parry was thrilled to discover that the work of the Bedford project somehow found its way to the Students of the Bremen university Orchestra and Choir who pitched the work to their faculty head and musical director Dr Susanne Glaess. For their main annual performance, the university traditionally performs popular classical repertoire such as Brahms / Beethoven etc. The work created in Bedford spoke to them in such a way that they felt inspired to commission Johnny to re-write and vastly upscale the piece for their full symphonic orchestra. They have arranged their concert in Bremen on the 29th January 2017 at the 1400 capacity ‘Glocke’ concert hall but have been inspired to work alongside Johnny and the original choir as part of
a music exchange whereby Bedford choir members have the opportunity to join the performance in Bremen but ultimately for them to visit the birthplace of ‘An Anthology of All Things’ and perform the new large-scale incarnation of the work the following weekend in February 2017. Bedford Community Arts Choir rehearsals for the work start on October 4th and run every Tuesday (term-time) from 7.30 to 9.30pm at Park Road Methodist Church, Roff Ave, Bedford, MK41 7TE. The non-auditioning choir is open to all and warmly welcomes new members. There will be an open evening on Tuesday 20th September at Park Road Methodist Church at 7.30pm for anyone is interested in hearing more about the music, project and German exchange ahead of rehearsals. Composer Johnny Parry will guide you through the repertoire and there will be an opportunity to listen to some of the music from ‘An Anthology of All Things’. Composer Johnny Parry said “The lyrics of this piece were donated by local people and community groups from Bedford, however the final product turned out to be far more universal, revealing simple truths of the human conditio.”
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22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
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View from
In Focus with
Bishop Richard
Dave
by Rt Revd Richard Atkinson Bishop of Bedford
STILL PRECIOUS
TODAY, as I write this, is my mother’s birthday. She will be 84 and at the weekend there will be a small family party to celebrate. There will be memories of all that has filled her life to date, not least a long marriage, three children and nine grandchildren. Sadly, what is less clear is whether my mother will remember much or any of that; it is unlikely that she will recognise many of those celebrating with her; and she may not even remember that it is her birthday that is the focus of the day. My mother, like so many others, has dementia. Over the last few years we have watched helpless as, like her mother before her, her memory has faded to the point, where at times, it is hard to discern whether there is any recall or recognition at all. It is desperate for her, and so hard for us and all who know her. As I have said so often in the funerals of those who have died after a period of dementia or Alzheimer’s the experience is, to a greater or lesser degree, that of an early bereavement – losing your loved one prematurely before the end of their physical life. A report in the last few days highlighted the needs of the 675,000 people with dementia in England. The report also indicated the varying standards of care across the country which was described as a ‘post-code lottery’. This will not do and we must endorse the comment of Caroline Abrahams of AGE uK who said: ‘We must continue efforts to improve access and quality of care for the growing number of us living with dementia’. Thankfully there are some good services in Bedfordshire but there is more to do. Visiting my mother this week was not easy – it is deeply painful not to be able to interact with someone you love and who loves you. But she is my mother; she still embodies all that nurture that brought me into being and enabled me to flourish. My mother is still precious in the sight of God – a unique and special human being – and however distressing things are now, I must never lose sight of that truth.
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
RAIL USERS DESERVE A BETTER SERVICE
I JOINED forces recently with leaders of other councils along the route of the Thameslink and Great Northern lines to demand a better service for local rail users. As a group of councils representing well over a million people, we called on the Government to work in the interests of beleaguered users of services on these routes. That means ensuring they are provided with levels of service they were promised and which they have a right to expect. Rail users in Bedford pay a lot of money for their train travel. Indeed, a comparison of the cost of Bedford commuters’ travel with journeys of similar length elsewhere shows it to be very high indeed. Worse, yet another rise has been announced by the government, with a 1.9% increase in regulated fares to be imposed in January. In return for these fares, the very least rail travelers should be able to expect is a timetable they can rely on, adequate capacity on the trains and cancellations kept to a minimum. Instead, sadly, Bedford commuters are being failed on each of these counts. National media coverage has focused on problems with Southern Rail services. Meanwhile, however, Thameslink travelers have also been enduring appalling overcrowding, excessive delays and late cancellations, and it is just not good enough. I recently met personally with Govia Thameslink representatives and made this clear to them. I received assurances over issues including increased capacity, more drivers to reduce the risk of cancellations and other issues. I will keep a close eye on these issues and will hold them to their pledges. It is now time for the government, which contracts Govia Thameslink to operate the route, receives the fares income and has considerable powers at its disposal, to start supporting long suffering Bedford rail users and ensuring better services are provided.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 23
In Focus with
In Focus with
Fuller
Alistair
Richard Fuller MP for Bedford & Kempston
WHAT IS OUR NEW PRIME MINISTER REALLY LIKE?
The image of the new Prime Minister in her ‘sensible’ shoes hiking in the Swiss Alps is a pretty good reflection of my impressions. Members of Parliament have regular interactions with Ministers and I often met with the then Home Secretary. These meetings are about policy issues, upcoming legislation, or specific constituent matters. For me and Mrs May, it covered all three at various times. So what impressions did I gather? Sensible, most certainly but first and foremost, Mrs May is a keen listener. She was never fussy or rushed and when it came to constituent issues she was always eager to know about the personal or family circumstances surrounding the issue. Her empathy was genuine. She is practical. If there had been a real failure in process, she would want to see it corrected. If I was overreaching in my demands, she would point out the flaws in my argument. As the longest serving Home Secretary for decades she really knew her brief. She can surprise. As a new MP I called a debate to change the way the police used their ‘stop and search’ powers which I believed were being used discriminately. The issue had been around for years and no Home Secretary had had the courage to tackle it – until Mrs May. As I sat listening to her, I was shocked and proud that it was a Conservative Home Secretary that was brave enough to look at the evidence and make changes. Will these qualities help her to make judgements in the best interests of the nation in her new role as Prime Minister? There are many challenges ahead but I believe so and talking to people in our town, I think ‘sensible’ is what most people like about Theresa May.
by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP
INSPIRED BY SPORT?
DESPITE all the negative issues surrounding the Olympics, we have just been entranced by the extraordinary spectacle that only this event provides. Its drama is magnified because unlike a regular league of football, or the world championships in many sports, the Olympics is for most athletes a ‘one off’, perhaps the only chance some get, after years of training, to achieve their goal. The elation or disappointment, which we see so graphically on television, is life changing, and we know it. We are silent witnesses to the most important moment in their careers. Meanwhile, back at our ranch, we wonder about ourselves and what we can do. Every study ever done, and our own common sense, tells us that taking some exercise improves our health, being good news for us, and our NHS – much more under pressure because of our longevity than any political issue. The good news is that for almost all of us there are opportunities, locally and nationally, to take up something or return to something beneficial for us all. Can I urge as many of you as possible to look into this? Many clubs and associations are always looking out for new members, whether athletics, football, swimming or virtually any pastime. The social contact also lessens the risks of loneliness and isolation and is mentally stimulating. Some people still think sport is only for those without disabilities, physically fit, or below a certain age. Not so. Sport for those with disabilities has blossomed in recent years, and many sports are adapting to age as well – such as ‘walking football’. Our local authorities are helpful - do check out their websites, or look in the library. And, frankly, being out in the local parks is a joy in itself. It may not lead to Olympic glory – but you are going to feel better!
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24 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
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HISTORICALLY SPEAKING – by David Fowler, Bedford Tour Guide
Bedford’s river bridges explained
B
EDFORD’S River bridges are currently a favourite subject, but their history goes back over 1000 years. There was originally a ford across the River in Saxon times, about where the town bridge is today, controlled by a chief called Beda and so Beda’s Ford became Bedford. By the time William the Conqueror advanced North, there would have been a timber bridge over the River Great Ouse that had become a stone bridge when Bedford Castle was laid to siege in 1224. It is said that stone from the demolished Castle was used to repair the bridge. A monk’s cell and prison had been built on the bridge, but by the 1760s it had become a restriction to traffic and
was removed. By 1811 the bridge was considered to be unsafe and need rebuilding, a lot of fuss in the Beds Times to say that it could take the horse and cart traffic and did not need demolition. Three times Mayor of Bedford, John Wing, the architect builder, carried out the task – giving us the bridge we see today, except that it was doubled in width in 1938/40, leading to the demolition of Barnards Bank. If you look up as you go under South side arch, on the downstream side are the stone blocks of Wing’s bridge while on the upstream side can be seen the ribbing to the 1939 concrete. Above the downstream centre arch is a plaque which reads “This Bridge was designed and executed
The Town Bridge and Barnard’s Bank
Newnham Bridge.
by John Wing of Bedford, it was begun on the 26th day of April 1811 completed and opened for Public use on the first day of November 1813.” In the early 1880s Prebend Street was considered as a town centre bypass with Mayor Joshua Hawkins advocating a new bridge over the River. Again there were dissenting cries that a new bridge was not required to relieve the town’s traffic but Hawkins’ view prevailed, designed by John Webster who was well known as a railway engineer and designer of seaside piers, achieving greater fame later as the designer of the 1908 Olympic Stadium at White City London. The Bridge was opened in 1884 being replaced a century later by the wider County Bridge in 1992. The Suspension Bridge, part of Mayor Joshua Hawkins idea for the Embankment, which had included the demolition of the two dozen houses of “Old Waterloo”, was opened by the Marquess of Tavistock in July 1888. It was designed by John Webster again. The ironwork was made in Bedford by E Page & Co, High Street Bedford. The Butterfly Bridge grew out of the Borough Council’s desire to
improve access for the disabled/ pushchairs, to relieve visitor pressure on the Embankment and draw them into Russell Park. It would offer improved access for the River Festival (but not be the total answer to Festival crowds) and also enhance the Riverside scene. An RIBA sponsored design competition was set up with the object of reinterpreting Webster’s 1888 Suspension Bridge, with a structure which similarly marked the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century. The competition drew a fantastic national and international 79 entries – all exhibited anonymously, with the unanimous judges’ verdict that the Wilkinson Eyre/Jan Bobrowski design was the winner – topline architects and engineers who have won many awards. Built in Sussex by the Littlehampton Welding Co, it was opened by Mayor Frank Garrick in November 1997 and officially by Prince Charles on 18th June 1998. The Newnham or White Bridge at the end of the Embankment was built in 1936 to replace a picturesque timber bridge that had been washed away in the floods. Looking at the photos of the footbridge, although pretty, it would not have passed todays Health and Safety brigade!
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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 25
out & about believable stories about life, love and brushes with the law” Guardian Pick of The Week “The very best story teller on the comedy circuit” Rhod Gilbert Opening the show is Mark Cram (pictured below left). He is a Castle Comedy favourite who has a killer set packed with jokes and hilarious tales! He was Bedford New Comedian of the Year 2013!
“Absolutely Smashed it!” Relentless Boardmasters Next up is Tamar Broadbent. She is the next musical comedy sensation on the uK comedy circuit with Michael Palin saying “I predict a great future”. She has sung her comedy songs on BBC Radio 4 and was a Finalist in the Amused Moose Laugh Off and Funny Women Awards 2015. ★★★★★ “Something really special” Female Arts ★★★★★ “Lightning-fast comedic strokes, side-splitting timing and an impressive set of pipes” Broadway Baby Your Mc for the show is Castle Comedy favourite, Paul Revill! The shows sell out quickly so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment! September 8th – Doors open 7.30pm, Show starts at 8.15pm and tickets are £8 (£6 NuS) or £16, 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.
theatre c
By Ben Elton An hilarious, razor-tongued, modern comedy satire
Silly Cow
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, Sharnbrook 7.30pm Monday 12th to Saturday 17th September
Doris Wallace is the bitch to end all bitches! A tough, vicious newspaper columnist with a talent for caustic insults and career assassination, the queen of the tabloid press is content with her toy boy and her pretty personal assistant and is on the verge of glorious success with her own television show. She’s not going to let anything, or anyone, get in her way, not even the ‘silly cow’ of an actress who is suing her for libel. Any potentially embarrassing
OFF
ON TAKE AWAY COLLECTIONS ON ORDERS OVER £12
Menus on-line: www.bengalbrasseriebedford.co.uk
The headline act is Nick Page. Nick is a former presenter of BBC1’s Escape to The Country turned uK comedy circuit legend! He recently came runner up in the prestigious English Comedian of the Year competition earning him a tour of Australia as a prize! His unique rapid fire delivery will leave you wondering how anyone can get through so many words so quickly, and how he’s escaped justice, or at least retribution, for so long! “Roguish comic Page is a bearlike man with a fund of barely
25%
Brasserie
Castle Comedy returns on Thursday September 8th at The Gordon Arms, Ent Shed in Bedford. The show will be packed full of comedy talent and the laughs are guaranteed!
£9.95
9 The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TJ 01234 340888/341444
Comedian escapes from the country
Wednesday 5 course meal
Finest Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine
comedy p
LOOK
skeletons she may have in her cupboard are securely locked away... or so she thinks! “Crude, clever and killingly funny.” DAILY MIRROR Tickets from £9 are available online from: www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk or in person from Twinkle Twinkle Boutique, High Street, Sharnbrook.
26 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
email: pat@rosettapublishing.com
The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of the Cardington Airships
An illustrated talk by Bedford Town Guide and local historian David Fowler
8pm Wednesday November 23, 2016 The Church of the Transfiguration Church Hall Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8DW Entrance £5 on the door For more information call: 07894 935952
PromoteD By: KemPstoN CAmerA CluB
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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 27
28 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
email: pat@rosettapublishing.com
exhibition m
Picasso and the Masters of Print The Higgins Bedford 15th October
Picasso & the Masters of Print opens at The Higgins Bedford on 15th October 2016; offering a unique opportunity to view some of the most important prints by one of the most highly regarded artists of the 20th century. Renowned for his paintings and sculptures, Picasso was also the twentieth century’s greatest printmaker and the seven prints by Picasso held at The Higgins Bedford spectacularly showcase the varied printmaking techniques that he mastered. The print Still Life under the Lamp, 1962 is a highlight of the exhibition and one of Picasso’s best known linocuts. By then in his 80s Picasso continued to innovate, using a complex new technique to create this colourful night-time scene. The Frugal Meal, 1904, is the earliest work in the exhibition and one of the last works of Picasso’s Blue Period. A haunting depiction of
an emaciated couple in a café in Montmarte, The Frugal Meal is considered to be one of the masterpieces of twentieth century graphic art. These stunning works will be accompanied by a wider exhibition of major artists’ original prints drawn from the Cecil Higgins Collection and further afield. Five centuries of printmaking will be on show, ranging from masterpieces by key figures in the history of European printmaking, such as Rembrandt, Picasso and Matisse. Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Councillor Sarah-Jayne Holland said:”The fact that you are able to see the work of one of the twentieth centuries’ most revered artists in Bedford Borough is truly fantastic and I would like to encourage everyone to visit the new exhibition when it opens this Autumn.” The prestigious collection of more than 400 prints housed at The Higgins Bedford spans all periods, styles and techniques of printmaking and includes the work of leading international artists, including Rembrandt, Warhol, Lichtenstein and Hockney.
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Come and join us for St John’s Starlight Walk
Would you like to take part in this year’s Starlight Walk and remember a loved one? Join us as we walk around the grounds and local countryside on the 24 September 2016, it’s also a great way to raise money for your local hospice. Get those walking shoes ready and book: www.sueryder.org/stjohns/starlight walk The starlight Walk will take place within the St John’s Hospice grounds and surrounding countryside, and will include a shorter 5km option as well as the usual 10km. The night kicks off with entertainment on the main stage including a clubbercise warm up inline with our Ibiza theme, so there is sure to be something to keep you motivated! If you would also like to volunteer on the night please call 01767 642412, alternatively you can make a donation by emailing stjohnsfundraising@suerydercare.org Last year’s event raised £65,000. This year St John’s Hospice requires £2.7 million to keep its doors open and continue to provide the care so many patients and their families need. Please accept our apologies – dogs may not be brought along.
Fun Palaces events
Bunyan Meeting will be joining in with the Fun Palaces events that promise to be a marvellous mash-up of art, science and culture in the heart of the Castle Quarter on the first weekend on October. The Basement at Bunyan will open its doors from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 1st October, when all ages and abilities are invited to ‘drop in’ to the free workshops where you can make your own paper and ink, colour an illuminated manuscript, engage in simple bookbinding techniques – and even create a bookmark for your favourite novel! Meanwhile John Bunyan Museum will be running free drop-in sessions inspired by the church’s stunning stained glass windows, where you can have a go at making stained glass window biscuits. On October 2nd the church at Bunyan Meeting will focus on the arts and sciences in its Sunday worship. All people are most welcome to the services at 11.00am and 6.30pm. Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3Eu. Telephone: 01234 213722. John Bunyan Museum Telephone: 01234 270303 email: curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk The Basement at Bunyan Telephone: 07936 907981
TOWNSEND PRODUCTIONS
DARE DEVIL RIDES TO JARAMA SATURDAY 24 SEPT (PREVIEW)
& WEDNESDAY 30 NOV theplacebedford.org.uk/tickets
01234 354321
BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 29
30 — BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE
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CAR BOOT SALE
Sunday 18th September £5 per car
WILD LIFE FAMILY FUN DAY
Sunday 11th September A great day for all the family with Wild Life Trust, Birds of Prey, Beekeepers Hedgehog Rescue, Butterfly Conservation, Woodland Trust, Bouncy Castle, Wildlife Photographer, Creative Competitions, Face Painting and RSPB
–––––––––––––––––––––––– IN AID OF MACMILLAN CANCER SuPPORT 4pm 17th September The Mulberry Bush Springfield Centre, Kempston BBQ, bouncy castle, cake stall and much more! Entertainer in the evening. For further information or to donate please contact Faith on 07535896977
FUN DAY
ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY
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BEDFORD MEMORY WALK
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
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94TH BEDFORD SEA SCOUTS
The 94th Bedford Sea Scout Group is 95 years old this year. There will be a day of reminiscence and activities for all Ex and Current members on Saturday 1st October. To receive an invitation, contact Maureen Sandiford, on 01234 852226, or Andy Culpin, a.culpin@ntlworld.com. Please convey this information to any ex 94th Members you know. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SILVER CELEBRATION CONCERT
BIDDENHAM HANDBELL RINGERS and guests Saturday, 29th October at 7.00 pm Biddenham Village Hall Tickets: £10, under 16s free includes buffet supper and a glass of wine/juice Proceeds to support Parkinson's uK and Motor Neurone Disease Assn. Tickets from Anthea Slark (01234 350644) or Paul Fricker (01234 342843) or jean.sargeant@hotmail.co.uk –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD ART SOCIETY Friday 9th September 2016 7.15 for 7.30 start, at Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK41 8EB
PETER KEEGAN, USING OILS, GIVES US A DYNAMIC PORTRAIT
Saturday 3rd September Entry is free for members, £5 for The walk route has changed visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 slightly and the date is earlier 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk this year. The route takes in the for information Embankment and the Priory Country Park this time and is still –––––––––––––––––––––––– ADDISON CENTRE KEMPSTON either 2km or 9km. All participants are asked to FUND RAISING register online TEA DANCE www.memorywalk.org.uk, before the day; there will be no 2-4.30pm MON 12th SEPT 2016 registration on the day this time. £2.50 (INCL CuPPA)
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Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
KEMPSTON SENIOR –––––––––––––––––––––––– ALL SAINTS CITIZENS’ CLUB NATTER 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
BIDDENHAM GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Tuesday 18th October at 7:30 Biddenham Village Hall
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COLOUR IN THE AUTUMN GARDEN by Roger Harvey
Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting includes raffle & refreshments Website: www.biddenhamgarden ersassociation.org.uk
SEPT 2016 Guest speaker is Jane Weaver demonstrating ‘Chair Aerobics’ On Thursday 15th , 2pm – 5pm in Church Hall Kempston Entry £1 including teas, coffees & cakes. Raffle tickets £1 Further information: Vikki Clarke 01234 843669 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ALL SAINTS PARISH CHuRCH KEMPSTON
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
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BEDFORDSHIRE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Friday 9th September 7.15pm Interested in Family History? then come along to the next monthly talk on
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ONE FAMILY’S EXPERIENCE OF THE HOLOCAUST
–––––––– Friday 7th October 2016 7.15 p.m.
Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk
THE FORGOTTEN SPY –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– This year the Scout Association is celebrating 100 years of Scouting. But in Bromham, 2016 sees the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Bromham Scout Group. From its inception in 1966 the Group has grown to include Beavers, Cubs and Scouts – both boys and girls – currently totalling 100+ members. To help keep their camping equipment up to date, our next fundraising event will be BROMHAM SCOuT GROuP
DO YOUR BEST!
JUMBLE SALE
Saturday, 8 October, from 2pm. Bromham Village Hall, Village Road, Bromham, MK43 8JP. We sell clothing, household textiles, shoes & bags; books, toys, games, jigsaws & bric-a-brac. Entry 50p. Refreshments available. Proceeds of the sale help fund the Bromham Beaver, Cub & Scout groups. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD NATIONAL TRuST ASSOCIATION The next meeting is on Tuesday, 20th September, 2016, at 7.30 The speaker will be Margaret Badley
‘ELEANOR, BY THE WRATH OF GOD, QUEEN OF ENGL AND’
The meeting is at the Addison Centre in Kempston Tea and biscuits will be served. If you decide to come you will have a warm welcome. For more information contact Betty Thomas on 01480 861 421 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BEDS AND HERTS HISTORIC CHuRCHES TRuST
25TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORED BIKE ‘N’ HIKE
email: pat@rosettapublishing.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
FUN DAY SEPTEMBER 17th 2.00pm til 4.30pm CARDINGTON VILLAGE HALL
Come and join us as we raise awareness & much needed funds for The Alzheimer’s Society. A fun packed afternoon for all the family with a variety of table-top sales of crafts, previously loved items also tombola’s, competitions & raffles. Refreshment’s including hot & cold drinks, cakes, biscuits & homemade Ice cream will be available. Plus a B-B-Q, mini Fairground & Bouncy Castle, weather dependent. Tickets £1 Adults, Children under 16 free. Tickets can then be placed into a draw for the DOOR PRIZE kindly donated by The Summerhill Farm Shop, Cardington. Contact Brenda 07761627621.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LONDON ROAD METHODIST CHuRCH
MESSY HARVEST
Saturday 24th September 11.00 until 1.00pm Corner of London Road/Barford Avenue, MK42 0NT
Contact: Hannah Mason for more information on hmason1990@msn.com Check out ‘London Road Methodist Church’ on FACEBOOK for more details. Crafts - lots of different free crafts to have a go at and messy play Celebration - A Harvest story and song Food - free hot dogs, chips and cake for all We shall also be creating some boxes of food for our Harvest Table to give to the food bank and Prebend Day Centre for the homeless after our Harvest Worship Service on the Sunday. So please feel free to bring a donation of something to go into the boxes, such as, a tin of soup, pasta, tea bags etc. Our Messy Harvest is for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD LOCAL GROuP OF THE WILDLIFE TRuST Wednesday 14th September 2016 Meeting 7-30pm
an illustrated talk by Graham Bellamy Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PEGSDON HILLS’
POSITIVE PARENTING Starting on Monday 12th
Saturday, 10 September, September, from 9.30 to 11.30am in 10.00am- 6.00pm. the Lounge at Project 229 Visit the 29 churches in Bedford Care for the Family’s Positive and Kempston or cycle out to the Parenting course is a six week opportunity to explore topics such as many village churches. To join parenting styles, love languages, in, please see a Church Organiser boundaries, discipline, family or contact the Area Organiser, traditions and much more in a Alan Colley 07761 supportive, mutually encouraging 545705 colley64@yahoo.co.uk , atmosphere alongside other parents. who will put you in touch with Everyone is welcome, but spaces are one close to you. limited, so booking is essential. www.b-n-h.co.uk/ Sue Forsdike www.bedshertshct.org.uk/ 07941 400984
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
The Osiligi Troupe of Maasai Warriors Bringing their mesmerising performance of Music and Dance to
St Owen’s Church, Bromham MK43 8LL 7.30pm Wednesday 19th October Adult £10 – Child £5 BOOKING ESSENTIAL! 01234 825454 (Mornings) 01234 826551 (Evenings) Proceeds in aid of Community projects in Southern Kenya & St Owen’s Building Fund
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ST PAUL’S CHURCH ST PAuL’S SQ, BEDFORD MK40 1SQ
SINGALONG AT ST. PAUL’S
Wednesday 14 September 10-10.45am for pre school children with their carers. Join us for playtime with songs and story telling in the safe surroundings of this town centre church. Meet on the second Wednesday monthly term time. Free.
MICHAELMAS FAIR
BEDFORD BRANCH OF THE MORRIS MINOR OWNERS’ CLuB
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Friday 16th September 8am until 3pm
CLASSIC MINOR EVENT
The Bedford Branch of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club (MMOC) will be hosting the national club’s 1962 4 door 1098cc saloon charity car in the Harpur Square, Bedford, as part of the 40th Anniversary Charity Marathon Drive from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Bedford MMOC members will also be displaying many of their own Classic Morris Minor Cars in the Square. A charity collection will take place at all locations the Charity Marathon Car is visiting to raise funds for Marie Curie to support their work in providing end of life nursing care.
RuTLAND WIND ENSEMBLE Leader - Victoria Worthington Performing works by
10-4pm Saturday 24 September FREE entry. Come and support this town centre annual fair or book yourself a stall to sell your own goods. Wide range of stalls from crafts, preserves, gifts, books, bric a brac, clothing and fun activities. The Moonlighters, sing and jazz choir, will entertain in this lovely setting. Refreshments and light lunches. To book a stall and further details www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk
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AGM
NEARLY NEW SALE
HANDEL, BEETHOVEN, MOZART WARLOCK AND JACOB
St Owen’s Church Bromham MK43 8LL 3.00pm on Sunday 2nd October Adults - £8 u16 - £4 Teas from £1 Reservations: 01234 825454 (mornings) 826551 (evenings)
BEDFORD ARCHITECTuRAL, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ARCHAEOLOGICAL, & LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY NCT NORTH BEDS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
followed by an illustrated talk: Wednesday 14th September 7:30pm
The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of the Cardington Airships David Fowler (Bedford Town Guide) Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre Bedford MK41 8EB Non-members welcome £2-00 entry Enquiries (01234) 365095 www.baalhs.org.uk
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Top quality baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices Saturday 8th October 2016 12 noon – 1:30pm (11.30am for NCT Members) £1 admission fee Bedford Athletic Stadium, Barker Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB https://www.nct.org.uk/branches/ north-beds-north-bedfordshirenct/events/nearly-new-saleautumn-north-beds
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BEDFORD BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2016 — 31