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NHS TRUST ANNOUNCES THREE YEAR INVESTMENT BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
Shorter stays in hospital, revolutionary digital transformation and significant investment into the South Wing site are all among a list of aims included in the new three Year Plan launched by Bedford hospital.
The Trustβs vision is to provide excellent hospital and integrated care services to the people of Bedfordshire β the Plan sets out a comprehensive summary of our strategy to meet this vision.
There are a number of noticeable ambitions within the Three Year Plan some of which include: n Significant investment into the South Wing site so more patients receive the care they need in the right place in modernised settings l upgrading two theatres and day surgery (subject to Capital Funding) l Development to childrenβs A&E l Brand new Learning and Education Centre n undertake the single largest digitisation in the history of the Trust with the global Digital Exemplar (gDE) Fast Follower Programme. This will move the Trust towards a digitally enabled and quality assured future, aligned with providing safe, effective and personalised care for every patient, every time. n Develop more ambulatory services, such as same day emergency care, to maintain and increase the number of patients we can appropriately treat and support to go home
n investment and increased focus on strengthening and developing our workforce β making Bedford Hospital the employer of choice l Focus on recruitment as service growth and develop A&E, Maternity and Paediatrics l Developing new staff roles and a strong leadership culture l Create a modernised learning and education environment for our staff, students and volunteers n improving services and patient experiences to get a βgoodβ
CQC rating upon the next inspection. Stephen Conroy, Chief Executive of Bedford Hospital said, βThe demand for care locally is increasing as the population grows with patientβs needs becoming more complex to manage. Our Plan outlines how we will address the significant challenges and improve our local health serviceβ. Stephen added, βWe have a fantastic workforce, have a strong track record in patient safety and quality and are a well led Trust; we want to maintain and build upon this. Our Three Year Plan outlines our commitment to invest in our high skilled and caring staff and students so that we are consistently attracting and retaining the best workforce and harnessing the talent of future healthcare leaders. Our collaborative working with partners, including the Luton and Dunstable nHS Hospital will continue with plans to move to an integrated pathology service in 2020 further strengthening our ability to provide sustainable, quality and efficient healthcare services to our patients.β
Green Flags for another year
During this yearβs Love Parks Week, four of Bedford Boroughβs parks have once again won a green Flag Award recognising them as being among the uKβs very best green spaces. Addison Howard Park, Bedford Park, HarroldOdell Country Park and Priory Country Park have all once again been awarded the prestigious green Flag, the mark of quality parks and open space. it has been an exceptionally successful year for our
wonderful country parks with Priory Country Park winning the award for its 18th year in a row, and Harrold-Odell Country Park achieving scores in the highest categories β its best year yet! Two of the Councilβs volunteer-managed sites have also been recognised, winning the green Flag Community Award again following their success last year: Mowsbury Hillfort and the Hill rise nature reserve.
AUGUST 2019
Dancing her way to 100 years old IT WAS big celebrations all round at Oak Way House recently when resident Hilda Stevenson celebrated her 100th birthday. She puts her longevity down to her lifelong love of dancing, which she still does every Friday evening in Kempston with her two close friends aged 102 and 105: βI could dance before I could walkβ, she said: βIf I had to name my favourite dance it would be a slow Foxtrot or a nice romantic waltz.β Hilda was born Hilda Millard in 1919 in Pattershall Street Bedford, near where todayβs bus station is located. She married her husband Leslie Stevenson in 1942 and spend much of the war working in a munitionβs factory in Elstow having previously worked at Meltis, chocolate and confectionery manufacturers in Bedford. Marie Taylor, Chief Executive of Bedford Citizenβs Housing Association said, βIt was a privilege and pleasure to be a part of Hildaβs special day. She looks twenty years younger than her age and is the best advert for dancing that I have ever seen.β Hilda is pictured here with her son Graham at her 100th birthday party.
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AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Big hearted Flitwick residents raise Β£1,550
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THE customers of Tescoβs Flitwick and members of the choir and congregation of St Peter & St Paulβs Church Flitwick combined together to raise over Β£1,565 for Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice in Moggerhanger. A collection at Tescoβs Flitwick raised Β£950 and a Pimmβs & Hymns event at St Peter & St Paulβs Church raised a further Β£610. Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice is one of the local charities being supported during 2019 by St Peter & St Paulβs Church. Hayley Webb (Senior Community Fundraiser at St Johnβs Hospice) told us: βWe are so grateful to the customers of Tescoβs and the Choir and Congregation of St Peter & St Paulβs Church for their combined donation. βThe fantastic amount raised from both events could fund a Hospice nurse for eleven days, which is remarkable. Here at St Johnβs weβre there when it matters for people locally at the most difficult time
of their lives. We provide expert palliative care, advice and support for people across Bedfordshire who are living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. βWithout the tireless fundraising of our supporters, we would not be able to continue to provide the care that we are so well known for. βOur care is free, but it costs us Β£3.7m per year to provide it, which equates to Β£10,000 per day. βWe urgently need more supporters to organise events and take part in fundraising challenges, to ensure that we can continue to provide care to local families when they need us the most.β if you would like to become involved in supporting St Johnβs, please contact Hayley on 01767 642 422 or email stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org, to see how you can get involved.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
Ellieβs cut out for success ellie Mackinnon of Marston Moretaine has completed a hat trick for Bedford College by winning Β£1,000 in a national clothing design contest. For the third year in a row, students from the Fashion & textiles BA degree course have taken first prize in the Professional Clothing international Awards (PCiA). in 2017 and 2018 the hND Fashion & textiles team claimed glittering prizes at the national PCiA. As well as top prize, other shortlisted students included Aimee hawes and Jade Dore. Famed designer Vivienne Westwood was once again a judge. last year Bedford College student Summer Gill won a work experience opportunity of a lifetime at the interna-
tional iconβs fashion house, together with the Β£1,000 in prize money. Students from the Bedford College Group benefit from training which combines creativity with practicality β as witnessed by the collegeβs success in the PCiA where protective clothing has to combine βindustrial strengthβ with wearability. this success, for the third year running, to get to such highly competitive national finals shows how well the collegeβs courses prepares young people for work within the fashion and design industry. For more information about the courses leading to careers in fashion or textile design visit: www.bedford.ac.uk
Peopleβs Post Code Lottery delivers Β£15k funding THE Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park in Marston Moretaine has received the vital funding it needs to build a Forest Shelter, for visiting schools and other groups, like brownies and cubs. Thanks to Β£9k funding from the Postcode Local Trust and the players of the Peopleβs Postcode Lottery, Β£4k from Tesco Bags of help and a lot of fundraising activity by their Forest Volunteers,
theyβve achieved the total Β£15k required and building work starts in early July. βWeβre so excited about the new Forest Shelter β it not only gives groups somewhere to shelter from the rain but also means their visits arenβt broken as much as they can stay out in the Millennium Country Park for longer!β says Senior ranger nicola Ceconi.
Bedford Radio teaching media, marketing, and communications fantastic community venue, we had a great group of learners and its been a pleasure to teach them, i wish them the best in the future and hope a few will also volunteer for Bedford radio once we fully launchβ. The Kempston course saw 10 people attend the sessions which are on a variety of topics including marketing and design, video and vlogging and even how to write a press release, the learners ranged in ages and abilities, unemployed, single mothers and those who are self employed or starting their own business. Justine Kelly said βThe course was invalu-
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able for information, help and guidance, itβs been a great opportunity to gain knowledge. iβve setup a website as a direct result of the project and also had business cards and flyers made.β This is the second of three community learning courses that the station has been running, with the other two being delivered in Bedford town centre. The course is funded by a community learning grant by The Learning Partnership, part of the Bedford College group, supported by the Education & Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund.
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BEDFOrD and Kempston residents having been taking advantage of a free course in media, marketing and communications over the last two months. The one day a week course has been organised by the new community radio station for the borough, Bedford radio, and has run for eight weeks. it was completely free for those on benefits, unemployed or on low incomes, to help develop career skills and improve employment prospects. Martin Steers, tutor and managing director of Bedford radio, said: βitβs been great to run the course in Kempston and Project 229 if a
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AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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County lines dealer behind the βNino Lineβ jailed 50,000 cigarettes seized
Officers from Bedford Borough Councilβs Trading Standards and Environmental Health Teams, supported by Bedfordshire Police, carried out an operation investigating the sale and supply of illicit tobacco focusing upon several suspected shops in the Midland road area of Bedford. Large quantities of illicit tobacco were found stored in two vehicles associated to the premises, and Β£4,500 seized from the premises, with three individuals also being arrested as part of the operation.
A county lines drug dealer has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after an extensive investigation by Bedfordshire Police. Last month at Luton Crown Court, Abdirizak Alassow, 21, of Pemdevon road, Croydon, received a sentence of four years
and six months, after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs cocaine and heroin. Officers from Bedfordshire Policeβs specialist Operation nola team, tackling county lines, were able to prove that Alassow was the mastermind behind the socalled nino line running drugs into Bedford. He was arrested multiple times in Bedford over the past 10 months, including after a drugs warrant in January. On some occasions he was found in possession of drugs and cash. in April he was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle without the ownerβs consent, after Alassow was spotted by a PCSO.
23-year jail sentence
A man has been jailed for 23 years for the horrific sexual abuse of a young girl, which began when she was just 12 years old. Kevin Langford, 54, of no fixed address, was handed a prison sentence on July 5, 2019, after he was convicted of 29 different charges at an earlier court hearing in May. The abuse spanned a six-year period when he was living in a village outside of Bedford. He had already pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and was found guilty of the other indictments, which included possessing and distributing indecent images of children, causing/inciting a child into prostitution/pornography and trafficking a person out of the uK for sexual exploitation
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Did you witness burglary?
Police are seeking witnesses to an early morning burglary at a Flitwick newsagent. On Monday, July15, at around 4am, offenders gained access by breaking a pane of glass in the front door of the shop on Station Square. A quantity of alcohol and scratchcards were taken, the offenders left the scene in a small white van in the direction of Ampthill.
Appeal for witnesses
The Police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary at a property in Staploe on Wednesday, June 19, where firearms and ammunition were stolen. Just before 4pm, four men broke into the property via the back door and conducted a messy search of the house before leaving with four shotguns, a rifle and a quantity of ammunition. They left the scene in a white Volkswagen golf.
Witness appeal after fatal collision
Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist died in a road traffic collision last night. At around 7.05pm on Tuesday (26 June) a black Yamaha motorcycle travelling southbound on the A6 Ampthill road in Bedford left the road. A man in his 30s from Biggleswade suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. While the man has not been formally identified, his next of kin have been informed.
Teens targeted in Bedford
Officers investigating two incidents where teenage victims were threatened with a knife in Bedford last month are appealing for information. Between 4.50pm and 5pm two boys were walking along rothsay gardens towards goldington road when they were approach by a man in his 30s who produced a knife and demanded they hand over their personal belongings. The offender was described as bald, with a beard
and was wearing baggy jeans and a hooded top. Around an hour later a 14-year-old boy was threatened by a man with a knife as he withdrew money from a natwest cashpoint in High Street, Bedford.
Man charged after three incidents
A man has been charged with a number of offences including robbery and kidnap. Anthony Bolden, 55, of no fixed address, has been charged with six offences after a series of incidents in Bedfordshire. Bolden has been charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article in connection to an incident in Clapham on June 8. He was charged with assault with intent to rob and possession of a bladed article in connection to an incident in Bedford on 23 June. Bolden was also charged with kidnap and possession of a bladed article after an incident which began in Sandy on 2 July.
Tavistock Street robbery
Bedfordshire Police is appealing for witnesses after a man was robbed in Tavistock Street, Bedford. At around 1:20am on Friday, June 28, the victim was approached by three men. They claimed to have a knife, before they took cash and his watch from him and headed off towards Manton Lane. The suspects were described as three black men in their early 20s and were all wearing dark clothing.
Man assaulted in Saxon Drive
Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Biggleswade last week. On Thursday, July 4, the victim was walking along Saxon Drive, between 5.30pm and 6.10pm when he was assaulted. He sustained serious injuries from the assault, and required hospital treatment. Police believe a number of members of the public stopped to help the victim, and would like to speak to them, as well as any witnesses to the incident.
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Swan song for littering
BEDFOrD Swan Hotel is signalling its support for sustainability and recycling by putting on display a very apt piece of art by a Bedford College student. Emily Crowley, aged 18, was looking for a home for her work of art linking a Bedford Swan to
the world-wide message about how plastic is polluting the planet. The artwork, made of waste materials, had been part of the Foundation Diploma Art and Design exhibition at the collegeβs South Bank Art Centre but
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somewhere was needed for it to be shown to keep the message afloat. general Manager of the Bedford Swan Hotel, Malcolm Wyse stepped up to accept the artwork as it perfectly summed up the work being undertaken by his team to support sustainability. βAs a team we are trying to help out with examples throughout the property, nonplastic straws for cocktails and biodegradable bathroom products are obvious ones. βWe have installed advanced processing equipment to dramatically improve our waste recycling, our exciting hotel refurbishment also introduces building energy efficiencies whilst recycling good quality furniture to local charities. βSmall details such as planting 80 bee-friendly lavender plants demonstrates our contribution towards conserving, protecting and enjoying our beautiful riverside location. βWe are proud to receive Emilyβs special artwork as a reminder of our commitment.β Emily added: βi didnβt want the artwork to go to waste and to have it put on show at the Bedford Swan Hotel is just perfect.β Emily, from rushden, is now off to Southampton Solent university to study Advertising. For more information about the creative arts courses at The Bedford College group visit www.bedford.ac.uk
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
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Royal approval for Regionβs No 1 College
Bedford College has joined the ranks of membership of the Chartered Institution for Further Education, under Royal Charter. Principal and Chief Executive of Bedford College, Ian Pryce CBE joined the Admissions Ceremony at the Apothecaries Hall, London. Said Ian Pryce:βWe are delighted and proud to to take our place among so many exceptional organisations. We want to work with others to raise the profile of the further education sector, promote its professionalism and raise standards further to give everyone in our community a better future and help individuals and employers achieve their
ambition. The Royal Charter and the creation of the Institution is the most visible signal of the national importance of further education since incorporation in 1993. We look forward to helping increase the awareness of the force for good that is further education.β Dan Wright, CEO and Secretary of the Chartered Institution for Further Education said: βBedford College is a shining example of excellence in further education and we are delighted to welcome the College as a new Member of the Chartered Institution for Further Education. We look forward to working together to promote and elevate the sector as a whole.β
Bigger and better A celebration of the success of the merger of Bedford College with Tresham College in August 2017 to become one of the largest and successful further education providers in the South East Midlands region, was held at Kettering, Northants. Guests were welcomed by Principal and Chief Executive Ian Pryce CBE before hearing from two student speakers. VIPs included representatives of councils in
Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, SEMLEP and the Royal Academy of Engineering. According to the latest Department for Education national achievement rate tables published in 2019 The Bedford College Group had the highest student achievement in the Eastern Region. For more information visit www.bedford.ac.uk/2018 to see the latest Annual Review.
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AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Festival to raise funds for hospice
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A COMMiTTEE of ten dedicated volunteers are hosting a special summer charity event to raise vital funds for Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice. Following months of hard work and planning, the volunteers are inviting local people to put the date in their diaries and come to The Country Fayre and Summer Festival in support of Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice on Saturday 10th August. Held in the grounds of Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice in Moggerhanger near Bedford, the fayre will be packed full of family fun. There will be a variety of stalls, games, competitions such as Tug of War, Wellbeing Marquee offering therapies, glitter bar, vintage afternoon teas, auction and a raffle. The crowds will be kept entertained by local bands playing live music until late. There will also be an exciting arena for events such as a Companion Dog Show, which has been registered by the Kennel Club. Four-legged furry friends will be able to enter pedigree and novelty classes, with a number of prizes and rosettes to be won. All proceeds from the fayre will go to Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice, which provides expert
palliative care for people living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. Eileen Emmett, the secretary of the volunteer organising committee, said: βAs volunteers at Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice, we know just how valuable the compassionate care and support given to patients and families is. The hospice supports people going through the most difficult times of their lives. While this care provided is free of charge to those who need it, it costs Β£3.7 million every year β and Β£1.9 million of that has to be fundraised, through events such as The Country Fayre and Summer Festival.
βMany people in the local area have been touched by St Johnβs. not only will the fayre raise funds to help the hospice continue its work β but it will also be a chance for the local community to come together and enjoy a fantastic day out. We have been working hard and planning it since January and are determined to make the day a great success.β Entrance tickets are Β£5 per adult and Β£1 per child. Tickets can be bought online in advance from: thecountryfayreandfestival.eventbrite.co.uk gates open 1pm until late at Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice, Moggerhanger, Bedford, MK44 3rJ.
Council plans for new country park and burial ground FLiTWiCK Town Council has submitted plans for a new country park and burial ground on open grassland to the west of Maulden road, Flitwick. Currently unused agricultural land, the 27.7 hectare site will be transformed with a 23.5 hectare country park and 4.2 hectare burial ground. The creation of a new country park for Flitwick has been a major aspiration of the Town Council for many years. it will create new opportunities for informal recreation for residents of Flitwick and the surrounding areas, as well contributing to wildlife conservation and encouraging bio-diversity. The design of the burial ground, which will be developed in three phases, is predicted to have capacity for over 100 years. initially only the first phase of the burial ground will be laid out and landscaped. The land in the remaining two phases will be maintained as a wildflower meadow until the need for further burial plots arises. it is predicted that 25-30 burials will take place per year. Town Mayor, Councillor Phillip Thompson said: βThe country park will provide a tranquil, natural space for visitors to explore at their leisure. Once initial landscaping and footpaths are in place, the site will be left to evolve over time, enhancing its character and ecological diversity. βWe would envisage further development within the country park in the future, for example, a Visitors Centre with a cafΓ© and toilet facilities. βA new burial ground is also extremely important for the town. The existing cemetery on Church road, Flitwick is nearing capacity and has no scope to extend. This land was acquired by Flitwick Town Council specifically for the purpose of providing a new burial ground and country park and
many residents will already be familiar with proposals for this site.β As part of the proposal, the existing footway on Maulden road will be extended in order to provide a continuous pedestrian footway between Flitwick and the proposed site. The cost of delivering the new country park is being met in part
through funding provided by Central Bedfordshire Council from the green infrastructure fund; monies secured from new housing developments, to benefit the community. if planning permission is granted, work is expected to start later this year with a view of the country park and burial ground opening in Summer 2020.
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βState-of-the-artβ accommodation and amenities lodge for Bedfordshire Scouts MEMBErS of the Bromham Scouts group with David Heard (Cubs Leader) and Anthony Henderson (Head of Bedfordshire Freemasons) Celebrating the Start of the Building Works Scott roberts (County Chairman of Bedfordshire Scouts) is pleased to announce, βThat thanks to a generous donation of Β£500,000 from Bedfordshire Freemasons, work has commenced on a new Accommodation and Amenities Lodge for Bedfordshire Scouts. The new Lodge will sleep 40 Scouts and eight Leaders, and has abled and disabled facilities, as well as a kitchen, a drying room and a large activities area. The new Lodge will be used by thousands of Scouts from across Bedfordshire and the wider Country every yearβ. Anthony Henderson (The Head of Bedfordshire Freemasons) told us βin 2017
Freemasonry celebrated its 300th Birthday. To mark the occasion, we wanted to create a lasting legacy that would benefit the Scouts of our County for many years to come. Over the years we have supported a large number of Bedfordshire based Charities and we decided to work in partnership with Bedfordshire Scouts, to design and create a building for the 21st Century that would last for over a hundred years. βWe choose the Scouts, because we felt both organisations encourage their members to observe high standards of honesty and integrity and to help those members of our community who are in need. βThe building, which is of a log cabin style, was designed to blend into the Ancient Woodland of the Leslie Sell Activity Centre in Bromhamβ.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
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AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Local family-owned stationery company, Colemans, achieved the fantastic milestone of 50 years in business this year FOUNDED by John Coleman in 1969 in response to the needs of local businesses who were automating their offices with typewriters, adding machines and photocopiers, Colemans has gone from strength to strength, opening branches in 14 towns, selling stationery, office supplies, fine art and craft materials.
just off the main Rushden Lakes roundabout below the newly refurbished Lidl store. It is sited next to their hugely successful Colemans Craft Warehouse, which has occupied since 2005 a 5500 square foot warehouse next door, selling everything relating to craft, cardmaking, art, die cutting, haberdashery, sewing and quilting β and much more! The new store will sell stationery and office supplies β so customers will get the full Colemans offering in one place β with excellent parking, disabled access and even a lovely cafΓ©. The legendary Colemans delivery service (same day or next day with no minimum order) is also available β so if
Colemans has survived and thrived in the face of recessions, competition from large chains and the internet. Sadly, they have had to close two branches this year (Wellingborough and Peterborough), but not wishing to rest on their laurels, they have opened a new concept store at the front of their Central Warehouse in Rushden. This is located at Unit 5, Brindley Close,
you are bulk buying, just leave it behind and they will deliver it to our premises. Colemans still have their excellent store in Higham Ferrers High Street β which caters for business customers, hobbyists and students β as well as younger children β which is where the business started in 1969. Existing account customers from any Colemans branch can purchase items on account at the new store β and of course, new accounts are very welcome! The new store opens on Monday July 29th. It will be open 7 days a week (MonFri 8.30 β 5.30), Saturday (9.00 -5.00) and Sunday (10.00 β 4.00).
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
12-hour Dancevybz Danceathon YouNG street dancers from Beds, Bucks and Northants took part in a gruelling 12-hour βdanceathonβ recently to raise money for their world championship teams. From tots to teenagers, the youngsters from Dancevybz Dance Academy, were sponsored to keep dancing from 9am β 9pm at Pavenham Village hall. in total they raised an amazing Β£4,615. βit was a very hot and humid day so they all did brilliantly to keep going! the money they have raised will be used to support our teams which are competing at the World Street Dance Championships in August this year,β
Inspiring creativity at museum THE prize giving for the John Bunyan Museumβs creative competition βA Day in the Life of a Prison Mouseβ took place on Monday 9th July in the stunning Bunyan Meeting church, and the winning entries will be on display in the museum over the summer. Entrants were asked to draw a comic strip showing a day in the life of our 17th century mouse, meeting John Bunyan, and showing some of the conditions in prison at that time. We had entries from 175 children from two schools and two independent entries. A big βThank Youβ to the three judges; John Bunyan Museumβs Education Volunteer Alison King, Basement at Bunyanβs artist-in-residence AnneMarie Stijelja, and Prison Chaplin of HMP Bedford; nacer Amraoui. They awarded the following prizes: SCHOOL YEArS 1-2 1ST Prize Mary Farquhar β from Somerset, 2nd Prize Amelia newbury-Thornley β Wilstead Primary,
3rd Prize Evie raubery- Wilstead Primary, and Highly Commended Daniel green β Wilstead Primary YEArS 3-4 1st Prize Sophie Walton-Kale β Putnoe Primary, 2nd Prize Freya Hodges β Wilstead Primary, 3rd Prize Eabha Sweeny β Wilstead Primary, and Highly Commended Lillie- Wilstead Primary YEArS 5-7 1st Prize Alaia Walton-Kale β Putnoe Primary, 2nd Prize Hanna Wegner β Putnoe Primary, 3rd Prize Olivia Stone β Wilstead Primary, and Highly Commended Alyssa MH Carthy β Wilstead Primary Also this summer donβt forget to visit our wonderful free exhibition; βgaol! Banged-up in Bedfordβ, which was opened on Monday 1st July by PJ Butler, the new governor of HMP Bedford. The exhibition runs until Sat 27th October at the museum. This August children can be inspired every Thursday.
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said Dancevybz Director Sarah Massey. Dancevybz Dance Academy holds classes for students of all ages in Bedford, rushden and olney. this year seven of their awardwinning teams β execute, Alpha, DVK, Frenzy, Switch, lilvybz and Auriga - will be competing at uDo Street Dance Championships in Blackpool. uDo is the worldβs largest international street dance organisation and Dancevybz students will be competing against teams from across the globe. if you are interested in joining Dancevybz please go to www.dancevybz.co.uk
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AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Just a short swim around the island! On Saturday, August 31, 2019, a group of six teenage swimmers from Flitwick Dolphins Swim Club will brave the elements and take part in the Jersey round island Challenge. Supported by Dolphins coach and masters swimmer ian Murray, Emma Boost (17), isaac Moon (15), Charlotte Joyce (16), Adam Holmes (15), Lauren Young (16) and Tyler Watson (15) will take on the epic adventure as part of a swim relay team circumnavigating the 45 miles around the entire island of Jersey between them. Making the challenge even more exceptional is the fact they have to contend with one of the highest tidal ranges in the world and are not even allowed to wear wetsuits! This super challenge raises awareness and valuable funds for the grace Crocker Family Support Foundation, a charity that supports families in Jersey with sick children needing treatment in the uK. in addition to this, the Flitwick Dolphins team are also raising money for 3 charities close to their hearts: YoungMinds β the uKβs leading campaigning charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. rnLi β The royal national Lifeboat institutionβs
volunteer lifeboat crews rescue an average of 22 people every day around the coasts and waterways of Britain and ireland. Solving Kids Cancer β supporting families affected by high-risk childhood cancers in the areas of neroblastoma, brain tumours and sarcomas. The swimmers chose Solving Kids Cancer in particular in order to raise money for local girl Lulu and her fight against neuroblastoma in order to fund the treatment she requires at The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in new York, hopefully resulting in the reduction in the likelihood of a relapse. This treatment is not available on the nHS. The swimmers have undertaken rigorous training in order to be fully prepared for this challenge. This has including up to six training sessions per week in the pool with coaches nigel Halford and ian Murray and local open water training at Box End Waterpark. They have also completed some gruelling sea training Dover Harbour with the support of the coaching team including Dolphins team managers Suzanne ryall and Alistair Shaw, and with help from the Dover Channel Training group. The sea training included a two hour continuous qualifying swim for every team member in temperatures of under 15Β°C.
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A decade of awards FOr the tenth year in row, Bedford Collegeβs graphic Design Degree students have been ranked among the best in the uK in an important forum for future talent. The You Can now (YCn) programme was formed in 2001 to bring together creativelydriven organisations. Part of the programme is to showcase work by the designers of tomorrow and The Bedford College group is once again in the front line. Eight students were selected
as winners in three teams across various categories. Hannah underwood, Chloe Miller and Alina Sazonova were working together on a brief to find a re-use for 35,000 diesel vehicles for the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC). Harry Osmond and Bethany riddel-Whitlock teamed up to also work on the brief for the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC). Alex Wong, Oliver Judd and Kimberley France worked on a brief for Energy Trust which required them to develop a social media campaign to persuade 1824 year olds to save energy. The highlight will be the Awards Ceremony at the Barbican London on September 19th. Advanced Practitioner Jeffrey Tribe who has overseen the entries to this competition since the start said: βWeβre extremely proud of our students and the ability of our course to consistently reach the highest standards in this most competitive of arenasβ Toby Clark, Director of the Arts added: βThis is an outstanding achievement for students, staff and the college group. Many thanks to all for all their extra hard work which pays off for students in terms of the best career opportunities with some of the biggest names in the uK.β Photo above shows six of the eight at the Private View in London, L-R: Kimberley France, Alina Sazanova, Harry Osmond, Chloe Miller (see link to Millerβs Crossing story www.bedford.ac.uk) Hannah Underwood and Beth RiddellWhitlock.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
slimmingworld.co.uk
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We have groups all over Bedford and the surrounding villages to suit β to find your closest go to www.Slimmingworld.co.uk and search with your postcode 0344 897 8000
Weight loss success leads to charity sky dive SuSAn Phillips from Bedford completed a charity skydive after losing over nine stones, raising over Β£650 for local charity Darcieβs Wish, a charity that raises funds to support bereaved families and the maternity unit at Lister hospital. Susan had always fancied doing a skydive but was unable to due to weight restrictions. βit was one of those things i always saw, and thought one day i would love to do that, but i didnβt think i would be able to because of my weight and total lack of selfconfidence. The upper weight for a skydive is 15 stones, and i had spent most of my life being well above that weight so i didnβt think it would be possible.β Following the Slimming World weight loss plan, Susan went on to lose nine stones, going from over 19 stones to under 11 stones. βi found Food Optimising so easy to follow, i could eat all of my favourite meals, including things like a chicken curry, chilli con carne and even a nice roast dinner.β Following the successful weight loss, Susan became a consultant running her own weight loss class, and this put her in touch with Kylie of Darcieβs wish. βOne of my fellow consultants from Stevenage, Kylie spoke at one of our District meetings about her Charity Darcieβs wish. She set up this charity to support bereaved families and the maternity unit at Lister hospital following the loss of her own baby who is called Darcie. Her experience really hit home with me, and she was looking for volunteers to help her raise money doing a skydive β it suddenly clicked, now i had lost weight, now i had self-confidence, i could do that, and straight away i signed up!β On June 23, 2019 the day had arrived. βThere was four of use doing the charity skydive for Darcieβs wish, and between us we raised over Β£3000
which is just amazingβ says Susan. The skydive took place at the north London Skydiving Centre, starting with some training on correct skydive positioning, before getting fitted into jumpsuits and harnesses and then waiting for the time to jump. Susan recalls a highlight of the day being fitted for a jumpsuit βWhen the time came to get fitted for a jumpsuit, i was so shocked to be fitted into a small suit and harness, as someone who was used to going for the largest size for years, it still tickles me when i need a small in things.β βThe time came, we all got in our plane, and we were up in the air. Yes i was a little nervous, but having wanted to do this for as long as i could recall, i was mostly just excited and raring to go, my confidence level was at a lifetime high, i knew i could do it! The actual skydive was incredible, it was the best experience, and to know i was doing it for such an amazing cause was the highlight for meβ Susan says. Landing on the ground, Susan was beaming and happy βMy instructor gary who was brilliant gave me a big hug, and i had the whole thing recorded on camera. i couldnβt believe that a lifetime wish was fulfilled, and i raised so much money in the processβ. if anyone would like more information about Darcieβs Wish and the work they do you can find them on Facebook @darcieswish where there are also video footage from these charity skydives. if hearing this anyone would like more information about joining Slimming World, they can contact Susan on 07717 870513, or come along to her class that meets every Tuesday starting at either 5:30pm or 7:30pm at Bromham Primary School, off grange Lane in Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8nr or head to slimmingworld.co.uk.
It turns out that 13 is lucky for GRT
LuCKY for the construction industry, 13 apprentices are being trained up for the future by grT Builders. Of the trainees, 11 are bricklayers and two work in scaffolding. Bricklayer Ben Cocking, 18, of Beeston flew the
flag for Bedfordshire at the guild of Bricklayers Awards in Liverpool. Ben is one of two apprentices who study at Bedford College and took part in the industry finals. Ben competed in the Junior Section and Elliot Barnes of St
neots within the Senior Section. Co-Directors graham Paxton and rob Dickens at grT Builders are pleased to see Benβs success. graham said: βOur company has had apprentices with Bedford College going back to the 1990s and we renewed our relationship with them when working on the riverside development opposite the college campus. βnow our company is going from strength to strength with our new offices on Stewartby the old A421. Happily we have some great young talent coming through.β gina Bubbins Director of Business Development at The Bedford College group works with companies who employ construction apprentices across the region said: βWe are delighted that a successful company like grT Builders is using its local college to complete the training of its apprentices. They are making an important contribution to the local economy and jobs market.β Michael Curtis Course Manager for brickwork, himself a former builder, said: βThis a fantastic achievement and shows how our apprentices
are maintaining the highest standards in the fast-growing construction industry. These are just two of the talented craftspeople coming through to study with us thanks to collaboration between our college and
employers who are investing in skilled workforces for the future. The foundations for the next generation of top class bricklayers are being laid here at Bedford College.β Ben, a former Sandy upper
School student, began studying with Bedford College after taking part in a βTasterβ day and joined a full-time bricklaying course. He was spotted as having great potential and offered an apprenticeship with grT Builders.
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AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: pat@rosettapublishing.com
In Focus with
View from the Rt Revd
In Focus with
Dave
Richard Atkinson
Yasin
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
HOLDING DECISION MAKERS TO ACCOUNT
The more that people are informed and involved in what their council does on their behalf, the better. So it was pleasing that at the latest Full Council meeting we had six public petitions debated, all introduced by local residents. The issues covered included parking, recycling and road safety, which was introduced by children from Wootton who spoke incredibly well and very powerfully on this critical matter. This is as it should be; an open council with local residents able to take active part. it is exactly what was intended when we introduced a very low threshold of just thirty for the number of signatures required to trigger a Full Council debate. Some warned at the time that this would lead to meetings being swamped by petitions. That has not happened, and instead we have seen local and wider issues brought for debate that otherwise would not have come before the Full Council. Similarly, we also changed the rules to allow the public to simply turn up and ask questions at Council meetings. Previously questions had to be submitted in the week before Full Council or executive meetings. This was absurd and created an unnecessary barrier between local people and their ability to hold decision-makers to account. The new rule has transformed the volume of public questions received, which used to be next to none. Enabling people to take part in council meetings is important, but is also crucial that people are as well informed as possible about what is being done on their behalf. Local media works hard to do this but there is a big role for the council itself. Perhaps the most effective way to stay right up to date is via our email list. You can sign up to as many (or as few) topics of interest as you like at www.bedford.gov.uk/stayconnected.
The Bishop of Bedford
MP for Bedford and Kempston
βLocally we have a vile social media presence. So much that is negative is said about our community and those who work to develop it.β Sadly this comment from a colleague in part of our county wonβt surprise us. Their experience is far from unique. We all are aware of the huge amount of cynical, negative, critical and abusive comment that is communicated through Facebook, instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, WeChat, QZone and many other platforms. indeed in a world where people of influence similarly use social media to denigrate and defile others, especially those who are different from them because of race, creed or class, we might assume that this is just part of how things are. That those who are driven to despair, or even suicide, because of online bullying are a sad but unavoidable consequence of our desire to communicate freely. That of course is nonsense. We wouldnβt condone it if such abuse was spoken; we shouldnβt accept it just because it is expressed on-line. recently the Archbishop of Canterbury launched some social media community guidelines. Speaking at the London HQ of Facebook, he said that they were designed to cultivate the same common sense, kindness and sound judgement that we would use in a face-to-face encounter. Among these guidelines are: β’ Be safe β ensure the safety of all especially the young β’ Be respectful β do not post that which is abusive, hateful, inflammatory or explicit β’ Be kind β assume the best in others and where criticism is made consider the tone β’ Be honest β about who you are and what you say β’ Take responsibility β own what you post and be accountable β’ Disagree β it is fine to disagree robustly but do it in a loving way. St Paul writing to the Ephesians had no idea that one day social media would be the dominant means of communication. Yet his words to the Church in Ephesus carry a timeless quality. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Eph: 4:29). replace βmouthsβ with βfingersβ and the challenge to so much of our online communication is clear.
FUND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROPERLY
COMMUNICATING ON-LINE
Earlier this month, the Education Secretary Damien Hinds announced a Β£9.3m for an early intervention programme in schools to help teachers work more closely with the nHS. A four year roll-out will begin in September to offer a lead member of staff from schools, colleges and alternative provisions will receive 2-day mental health training workshops with nHS staff. i welcome any improvement in joined up mental health support for young people, especially early intervention measures, but the scale of the problem demands a much more ambitious approach than this. A recent report by action for Children found the uK was βsleepwalking into a crisis of childhoodβ with youngsters struggling to cope with wider anxieties over issues such as Brexit, poverty and climate change. Diagnosing the problem is only the first step; we then need the services to fix it. But decades of under investment in mental health services has meant less than a third of children with a mental health problem are accessing treatment and support. Those that do face waiting times over a year and young people in Bedford must very often travel outside Bedford to access them more specialist services. Many schools already have great mental health awareness initiatives despite cuts to school funding in these areas, but teachers who are already overworked should not be expected to take on the additional role of diagnosing mental health issues. We were promised parity of esteem for physical and mental health - we wouldnβt ask a teacher to diagnose a broken leg. if the government are serious about introducing preventative measures they would fund schools properly for this extra pastoral service and ensure every school had a qualified mental health professional. And theyβd fund Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services adequately, so children donβt become life-threatingly ill while waiting so long for an appointment.
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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
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CEO of local charity Charting an entertaining career played by Colin Firth in new movie β from the record to boat business A nEW action movie is about to be released which features Colin Firth as local charity boss David russell. βKurSK β the last missionβ tells the true story of the attempt to rescue the crew of a russian submarine, which sank to the bottom of the Barents Sea 19 years ago. Prior to joining The Harpur Trust in 2002, Chief Executive David russell had led a distinguished career as the first uK Trident submarine Commanding Officer, and as Deputy Flag Officer Submarines, he was responsible for leading the uK effort to rescue the submariners. His key role in this tragic incident which attracted global interest, is depicted in the film by Firth. Danish Director Thomas Vinterberg, who is perhaps best known for his film Far from the Madding Crowd (2015), adapted
robert Mooreβs bestseller βA Time to Dieβ together with screenwriter robert rodat (Saving Private ryan), to tell the tragic story which resulted in the loss of 118 men. The film focuses around a fictional character on board the submarine, his desperate wife and the families of the crew, and the frustrated attempts of the royal navy (led by David), and other nations to help the russians. Sadly, it was only a week after the incident that the offer of help was finally accepted but by then it was too late. it became clear the submarine was completely flooded and the men who had survived the initial explosions were no longer alive. David was involved in the production of the film from the outset, meeting up with Colin Firth on a number of occasions to help him prepare for the role and during the filming. He said βMy role was really to advise on the script and set and ensure that the technical language and the practicalities of life in a submarine were as realistic as possible.β He continued βit was a fascinating
experience to see how a movie is put together and how the work of actors, camera men, make-up artists, lighting and sound engineers and everyone else involved are brought together by the director. The movie is not a documentary, but it does stick to the broad messages in the book and it is a moving portrayal of a very sad event, which has resonances for today.β The Philharmonia Orchestra provides the music soundtrack for the film, an original score written by Oscar winning composer Alexander Desplats. The Philharmonia Orchestra has a residency in Bedford, which is partially funded by the Harpur Trust, and which also works with the Trust to provide the annual Orchestra unwrapped concert for Bedford school children. The film has attracted significant media interest and David has already been interviewed by
journalists in Lisbon where he attended the premiere, as well as French television and the Times, Telegraph, Daily mirror and Daily record here in the uK. Asked about what he recalls most of the experience he said βThe movie obviously brought back memories of the event itself. We were determined to do our best to offer help and bring the resources royal navy to try and save the russian crew. As submariners ourselves, we knew the dangers they faced and the understood the feelings of anguish of their families. βi cannot be certain we could have rescued the trapped men, but we were desperate to try and it was extremely frustrating that political considerations prevented the russians accepting our help. Perhaps that is the real tragedy of this story.β The Trust is putting on a special performance of the film at VuE in September for invited guests and is hoping to hold some movie nights at local schools with Q&A sessions with David who retires from The Harpur Trust this summer.
Successful open day
THE Men in Sheds Bedford Open Day on June 22, 2019, was an outstanding success, with several hundred people attending. The event was supported by Mohammad Yasin MP and Alistair Burt MP. The Mayor of Bedford and the Mayor of Kempston were also in attendance, along with over a dozen local councillors. The chairman, Bob Wickens, said: βWe hope that more men realise we are here, and how we
can make a difference to their lives. Just come and join us.β On display were examples of what the Men in Sheds get up to when they are not too busy talking and drinking tea. Woodwork, carving, engraving, computers and electronics, model railways, weaving, woodturning, fine art painting, calligraphy and metal casting. There were also demonstrations, and the food from the BBQ went down well.
g
rAHAM MABBuTT is best known in Bedford as the man who navigated the John Bunyan Boat project to become the most successful town centre tourism operation. With him at the helm of the organisation the boat has taken 38,000 people on trips on the river great Ouse, repaid all its start-up loans, recruited scores of volunteers and is now planning to launch a new service on the canal in Milton Keynes. The tie-in with Milton Keynes is important as the strategic mission of graham and his waterway trust colleagues is to link the Ouse with the grand union Canal eventually. www.b-mkwaterway.org.uk in the meantime, messing about the river has proved immensely popular with visitors to Bedford. graham and team won a Pride in Bedfordshire award in 2013 for raising the Profile of the Town. However, there is very much more to graham β his home is decorated with Silver, gold and Platinum discs dating back to his days in the record business. And his collection of 5,000 βvinylsβ would spin the heads of todayβs retro collectors . graham started selling record players in the Co-Op in Abingdon Street, northampton in the late 1950s becoming Manager of the record Bar in 1965. in 1969 he moved to Carlow radio (a familiar name to older Bedford record buyers). There he worked with a young man who now runs the Motown discos on the John Bunyan Boat: DJ
Keith Stewart. in 1973 graham joined Magnet records where his first big job was promoting the newly named Alvin Stardust (formerly known as Shane Fenton) and his record My Coo Ca Choo, followed by the no 1 Jealous Mind. Other groups at the time were Bad Manners and Match Box. βAs regional promotions manager it was my job to get all these new commercial stations to play our records β giving free copies to DJs. Eventually i became general Manager of Magnet records. During the 1980s our biggest name was Chris rhea and i put together an album of his greatest hits: new lights through Old windows. βCompany owner Michael Levy
(Photo) became a millionaire when he sold to island records. He is better known now as Lord Levy supported of Tony Blair. i stayed on at island for a six month hand-over working on the new look CDs as well as cassette tape and record packaging.β As the music business was spinning off in new directions, graham came to land locally in politics for the LibDems, first as a parliamentary candidate in northampton, then Milton Keynes and finally Mid Beds. He served as a Councillor for Olney until 2006 including as Cabinet Member for Transport and Strategic Planning β gaining useful insights in setting the course for the waterway project which he had joined in 2002 as a volunteer. From 2002 β 2011 he worked as a paid political advisor in northamptonshire where his skills in consensus-building were put to good use. now he is βretiredβ and living in Lavendon, Milton Keynes. βAll of that past experience has been put to good use in the activities relating to the John Bunyan Boat β negotiating with commercial sponsors, navigating council plans for transport and tourism but most importantly is supporting our marvellous volunteers who run the boat and keep it shipshape all year round. βWithout them there would be no John Bunyan Boat as a tourism attraction. i hope people will continue to join us for cruises and private parties throughout 2019 and beyond.β
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AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & Drama receives the Queenβs Award
A grOuP of volunteers who run the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech & Drama have been honoured with the Queenβs Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the uK. The Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama was founded in 1921 and provides a showcase for the wealth of talent in the amateur performing arts in Bedfordshire and the surrounding area. The Festival offers a wide range of classes for all ages covering most musical genres including Classical, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Asian music, as well as many varied Speech and Drama classes including Verse Speaking, Acting, Mime and improvisation. it features categories for school groups, Special School groups, orchestras, wind bands, junior and senior choirs and group creative performance. The Festival, run by a committee of volunteers and a part time secretary takes place at the Bedford Corn Exchange during the first week of March each year. A group of over 50 dedicated volunteer stewards take over the Bedford Corn Exchange to manage the huge numbers of performers, teachers, parents and local audience members. Their hard work ensures that everything runs smoothly for the 8 days of the Festival.
The Bedfordshire Festival is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations and awards has increased year on year since the awards were introduced in 2002, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. The Queenβs Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. it was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queenβs golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on 2 June β the anniversary of the Queenβs Coronation. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse. They include volunteers helping people overcome mental health
problems through sport, volunteers using caravans as mobile cafe/information centres in geographically remote locations and another group mentoring children who have a parent in prison. representatives of The Festival will receive the award from Helen nellis, Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire in September. The Festivalβs Chairman, Jonathan Keep says: βreceiving the QAVS is testimony to the thousands of hours given voluntarily each year by a dedicated team of committee members and stewards. We are fortunate to receive such dedicated support without which the Festival could not be staged. My thanks go out to all involved in the staging of this significant event in the Bedfordshire calendar.β
Dog House Kitchen is a tasty success
HAVE YOU GOT A STORY TO TELL? Let us know all about it β email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
the βpop upβ restaurant in the family home setting of liz and Chris Palmer-Smith proved a winner when it staged a charity bake event. Mouthwatering cakes and savoury scones were sold alongside raffle tickets raising a bumper Β£500 for the Chronβs & Colitis uK charity. the couple host regular dinner events on Fridays and Saturdays where, for a set price, people can enjoy threecourse meals made in the home style kitchen.
liz is the cook and Chris is the βmaitre dβ advising on wine to accompany the meal in this popular business model. Away from home liz has also taken part in good food events such as taste Bedford on the embankment. βWe have done other fund-
raising events such as a couple of dinners, and i baked 200 cupcakes for another charity, but we were delighted with the support from everyone for this event,β said liz. Find the Dog house Kitchen on FB β but hurry if you want to book as places go fast.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
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Crowning success in dentistry
Business Manager) were presented with a certificate because of their organisationβs commitment to training for the whole team. Said Sam, Dental Programmes and Project Manager: βBedford College launched our Level 2 Dental nurse course last year with eight students aged 16 and now three are going on to apprenticeships and the rest progressing on to the new Level 3 course. This September there will be even more opportunities following on from the course as more dental surgeries recognise the value of training their own quality staff from the age of 17 onwards. βThis course is a great opportunity to get a head start into a much sought after career.β Director of Adult and Community Learning and Social Studies Karen Campbell said: ββi am delighted at how this provision is progressing. it gives more choice to those who wish to pursue a career in the health sector either in a full-time study programme or apprenticeship . We are excited to now be offering the level 3 Dental programme for September 2019β
Free organ lessons
βIf you are called upon to play for a church service, it is a greater honour than if you were to give a concert on the finest organ in the world. Thank God each time when you are privileged to sit before the organ console and assist in the worship of the Almighty.β SO said Albert Schweitzer, the great theologian, physician, writer, humanitarian and organist. Today, many people are still fascinated by the organ, perhaps because it has so many pipes, but also because of its thrilling sound, when in the hands of a capable player. interestingly, the organ at St Albans Cathedral has 4,500 pipes, 72 stops, and four keyboards (manuals). it is the main instrument for the international Organ Festival and is used every day to accompany the cathedralβs main services. But while the organ continues to fascinate us, it is true to say that, currently, there are less young people learning to play it.Consequently not all churches have organists for their services. That is why the Beds and Herts Organistsβ Association has launched a Young Organistsβ Training Scheme that provides funds to cover the cost of organ lessons given by professional, accredited teachers. now in its third year, the scheme is aimed at young people from the ages of 10 to 25 who are interested in learning the instrument. Suitable applicants for the scheme will no doubt already to have some keyboard skills, but, if
they have a particular musical aptitude, that is not an essential requirement. The scheme is open to those who are really keen to learn and who are interested in using their talents in their local churches. David Warner, president of the association said: βThis training scheme is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn to play the organ in church. Where else could you have free lessons with top class teachers? This is truly a unique chance that is only available in this area.β Already several students have benefited from the scheme and are either playing in their local church or have graduated to study music at university. The Beds and Herts Organistsβ Association is now extending the scheme further and is looking for suitable young people in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire who may wish to join in the scheme. Mozart said: βTo my eyes and ears the organ will forever be the King of instruments.β We have many superb organs in our churches throughout the diocese, but we must do all we can to nurture the next generation of organists in order to continue the musical enrichment of our worship. if you know of anyone who might benefit from the scheme please contact johnwitchell73@gmail.com or ring 01234 838114. Further details from www.bedsandhertsorganists.org
DARLAC
HEALTH Education England has presented certificates to dentist surgeries which are working with Bedford College to increase Dental nurse apprenticeships. Dr Maria ross-russell, Associate Postgraduate Dean for Health Education England Midlands East joined the special ceremonies at Bedford and Sandy. At Midland road Dental Surgery in Bedford, Dr Shirley Ampah and Dr Edward Willis welcomed Dr ross-randall and Sam Morgan, from Bedford College. They accepted a Platinum Certificate from the college as mark of appreciation for the investment they had made in training staff. Laura Purcell, pictured in chair, aged 17 of Putnoe, was a full-time student who is among three who are progressing on to an apprenticeship as a Dental nurse in local surgeries. Similarly at Sandy Dental Care Dr uday Patel and team (Monica Cross Personnel and Patient Manager and Karen Webb
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AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Opening the STEM door to young girls at Bedford College SCHOOL children from across Bedfordshire were invited to attend a Women in STEM event at Bedford College in June. Aimed at encouraging young girls to consider careers in science, technology (including computing), engineering and maths, the event was hosted in the recently opened Advanced Engineering Centre at Bedford College. Held in The Buchannan Building, named after the first woman member of the institution of Civil Engineers Dorothy Donaldson Buchanan (1895 1957), the development was a Β£5 million investment in local education.
Bedford College group Director of STEM Jo Baxter hosted the open evening: βOur visitors were able to tour the state-of-the-art facilities here at Bedford College, with demonstrations of the latest equipment by some of our current students. Plus they had the chance to meet representatives from Lockheed Martin who specialise in aerospace and advanced technology and work closely with us at the college.β recent media coverage has highlighted the lack of girls choosing to pursue STEM careers. The Bedford College group is working to change that trend, headed by a strong team of
female staff within their computing and engineering departments. Lecturers within the group are recognised as leaders in their field, having worked in industry and maintained valuable commercial contacts. The Bedford College group offers a range of courses for school leavers to degree level in engineering, computing and construction. For more informa-
tion go to www.bedford.ac.uk. in addition to the Β£5 million development at Bedford, The Bedford College group has invested in the Zoological Education Centre at Shuttleworth College for Animal Science and plan to redevelop their campus in Wellingborough which will increase the engineering and science offer in the town from 2020.
Top left: Bedford College Computing and IT Level 3 student Emilija Bullesaite demonstrated a robot built as part of her coursework. Above: Bedford College student Charlotte Hodge, who is in her second year of Mechanical Engineering, demonstrated the robotic arm.
L-R Bedford College Group Director of STEM Jo Baxter, Bedford College Head of Computing Paula Hobday, Lockheed Martin Software Apprentice Lisa Holly, Lockheed Martin Training Co-ordinator Bethany Darrington and Lockheed Martin Engineer Nazia Qureshi.
Paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of the moon landing AS we near the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, Mark rutherford Schoolsβ Planetarium coordinator nigel Betts has been invited to provide a voice over for a film dedicated to the Apollo 11 mission, which will be screened in planetariums. To commemorate the moon landing, we are pleased to announce a new show, βMoon 2019β, which has been produced by the italian company 3Des (www.3Des.it). Mark rutherford School worked with 3Des to provide the English narration to the film, covering the history of the program, the launch, the activity on the moonβs surface and the return to Earth.
The film will engage students with STEAM subjects, whether it is the science behind the rockets, the technology, the scale of the engineering, the art of the show and the mathematics involved in calculating trajectories. The overall aim is to encourage students into the fields of Engineering and Science. Headteacher Mr Millard said, βThanks to a grant from the Harpur Trust, Mark rutherford School has become one of the first schools in Europe to own a portable planetarium and we are honoured to take part in this tribute, which commemorates the mission that placed the first humans on the Moonβ.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN MAY 2019
gardening Watering nightmare by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre
rgAniSing someone to water our gardens and pots while we are on holiday can be a nightmare. How can we go away confident that when we return the precious plants that we have been nurturing all year are still flourishing? Obviously if you have a gardening relative, neighbour or friend they must be first choice but this is quite a commitment to undertake for a two week period. By installing automatic irrigation, ensuring water conservation methods and planning the choice of plants carefully you wonβt have to rely on anyone else. if you have a collection of patio pots, give them a really good soaking just before you leave and put them all together in a sheltered, shady spot which is open to the elements and so rain. Moving pots from hot sunny patios to deep shade reduces the rate at which the compost dries. Sun loving plants will tolerate this for a couple of weeks. Clustering them should help conserve moisture, reduce evaporation and make it easier for friends or neighbours to water. Wrapping the pots in wet sacking and placing wet newspaper on top of the soil also helps. Stand the pots in saucers or trays which act as a reservoir and hold some of the excess water as it drains this can then be drawn back into the pots as the compost dries. Hanging baskets should be placed taken down and supported horizontally on the ground. A bucket full of water at a higher level than the basket with a fabric wick from it to just below the soil level in the basket will slowly water by capillary action. using a mulching fabric when planting fruit and vegetables or creating new borders considerably reduces water loss from the soil and also suppresses weeds. By planting borders in autumn the plants
O
set intervals and frequencies per day. Cloud controllers allow you to manage your watering system from your mobile phone. You can create your own schedule and remotely change the programmes if the weather changes while you are away. Plants that thrive in dry conditions have either thicker leathery green leaves or silver foliage. The silver foliage is due to numerous fine hairs on the leaves which can feel felty to touch. These become whiter as the conditions become drier reducing the water loss from the plants. Brightly coloured annuals once established that withstand dry conditions in tubs are tender geraniums, trailing varieties being especially good in hanging baskets. Silver foliage bedding plants like Cineria are also drought tolerant as are Portulaca, Verbena, nasturtiums Mesembryanthemums, Osteospermums and Lantana. Tubs planted with a variety of succulents are excellent requiring very little water throughout the entire summer. in the hot sunny borders Buddleia davidii, Cistus, Lavenders including Stoeches, 31.8.19 Kniphofia, Crocosmias, Agapanthus, Echinacea, Verbascum and leathery foliage plants like Fatsia, Yucca and Phormiums all will withstand long periods without rain. Last August in my gardening Article i discussed how to plant a hot dry border giving lots of other plant recommendations. if you contact abiwitmore@miltonernestgardencentre .co.uk she will give you the link to access this again. Enjoy your Hols.
DARLAC
are encouraged to produce deep roots which can source water from deeper in the soil in dry conditions. Soil plays a very significant role in how plants grow. Very peaty soil produces quick lush soft growth with thinner leaves that will dry out quickly. For pots on the patio mix one third top soil or loam compost like John innes no 2 with two parts of a general multi compost .The growth is still fast but produces a plant with less water requirements. if a water storing polymer, water gel, is also added the water retaining capacity is further increased. using biodegradable mats impregnated with water storing gel is another option. in the garden borders using organic manure mixes when planting new plants induces the growth of strong deep roots. Another way of reducing the rate at which water evaporates from the soil is to thoroughly soak the soil and then apply a two inch thick layer of bark, peat, gravel, chippings or slate. These mulches also make great foils to the plants. Automatic irrigation Systems can be simple or sophisticated dependingOffer how much ends you want to spend but all require a programmed water timer. For automatically watering borders a porous, perforated flat or sprinkler hose can all be connected via an electronic timer to the mains water supply and programmed to deliver water when required a good time is overnight. Dripper systems are a better option for patio pots again connected via an electronic timer to the mains water supply. They can be set to deliver water at pre
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The Lawn Doctor
i OFTEn use the correspondence received throughout the previous month to write about in this column as i feel that it might just be relevant to a wider public. With that in mind, the large majority of my letters, emails and phone calls this past month have been about lawns. After being fried last year, many gardeners began this year by repairing bald patches and weeds on their beleaguered lawns. Following the recent dry spells, some of those repairs might now be looking like shredded wheat and if that is what you are currently experiencing, my advice is to reach for the hose. Because the root growth of new grass is likely to be quite shallow, in times of high temperatures and drought, the first areas of a lawn that are likely to resemble death are those that a month or so ago where looking like the most vigorous. if this is the case, you basically have two options available: 1. Do nothing or 2. Afford preferential treatment. if you plump for the first option, it is likely that you will once again have to repair the lawn in spring next year. if you donβt want to do that, then a thorough soaking every couple of days should ensure its survival. Like many i surmise, making the most of cricket returning to terrestrial television albeit, for one day only, i found myself glued to the World Cup Final featuring England and new Zealand. Whilst watching however, an email arrived from a fellow cricket lover saying that the table at Lords (the area in the centre of the pitch from which wickets are cut and prepared), appeared to have the same
problem as they had on their lawn: darker green circles. Could anything be done? i too was very surprised to see these markings which are known as βfairy ringsβ on the hallowed turf and i do not ever remember seeing them at Lords before; they certainly werenβt there when, as a horticulture student, the Head groundsman Mick Hunt proudly gave me a guided tour. Sometimes, fungal growth can also be seen and in essence the only successful course of action available is to dig out the affected turf and to a depth of 30 cm, replacing all the soil and then returf. For most, this is too great a task. Cultivating the affected areas with a fork, adding a wetting agent, and then a putting in place a regular watering regime, may bring about some improvement but during my time as a greenkeeper at Moor Park golf Club in Hertfordshire, our attempts at this latter approach where sadly unsuccessful.. The answer to last monthβs just for fun question, with around 4000 species, Lilies are one of the largest familyβs of flowers including Hyacinth but also which vegetable, is asparagus. This monthβs question is, your next door neighbours have a tree that is growing over your side of the fence; legally what are you advised to do and as far as i am concerned, more importantly, what actions should you undertake? As usual, thank you all very much for your correspondence β please keep it coming. And do please contact me with any with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgar-
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β 19
out & about The Girl from Tiger Bay β The Dame Shirley Bassey Story Bedford Corn Exchange Friday September 13
βSurely Bassey is the BEST tribute to the Welsh singer!β the SuN βShe blew them away with the power and quality of her voice!β DAilY MAil βAbsolutely amazing!β BBC βThe best at being Bassey and she has the gestures to a tee!β the StAGe Surely Bassey (Joanne Copeman) has been performing globally as Dame Shirley Bassey since 2002 and during the last 2 decades, she has maintained her recognised status, as the most respected and sought after Shirley Bassey tribute act in the business. She has an incomparable, wealth of experi-
ence impersonating Dame Shirley worldwide and this has seen her perform her unrivalled Shirley Bassey tribute show in over 25 countries so far. Her longevity in this field, speaks absolute volumes and she is always first choice for major, international event management companies, across the globe. This sensational tribute show captures the power, theatre and glamour of Dame Shirley in her prime. See the gowns, the drama and pure sophistication of this authentic Shirley Bassey tribute show. Surely Bassey incorporates audience participation into this highly acclaimed tribute to the βDiamond Dameβ and her cheeky sense of humour/stage persona is a definite crowd pleaser! She has performed her outstanding Shirley Bassey tribute
show, at high profile corporate events and private celebrity parties, across the united Kingdom, Europe, the united Arab Emirates and America. There have simply been too many glamorous events to list! Be it a private yacht in the bay of naples, a casino in Prague, a glitzy James Bond event in Monte Carlo or a
prestigious corporate event in Detroit, the Surely Bassey experience always goes down an absolute storm with audiences of all nationalities. Surely Bassey is a world renowned, Shirley Bassey impersonator, who has also performed at events endorsed by Dame Shirley, including the fabulous auction of
her gowns at Londonβs βCafe De Parisβ Surely Bassey had the honour of portraying the βTigress from Tiger Bayβ whilst singing βBig Spenderβ wearing one of Dame Shirleyβs original gowns β now that is indeed an accolade! Please take a brief look around this website and see testimonials from professional event organisers
in the entertainment industry, along with delighted βcelebrityβ Shirley Bassey fans. Surely Bassey β the nuMBEr OnE Dame Shirley Bassey tribute artiste for 17 years (and counting!) Joanne also performs as Dame Shirley in her touring theatre show βThe girl from Tiger Bay β The Dame Shirley Bassey Storyβ
20 β
AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ BEDS & nOrTHAnTS MS THErAPY BEDFOrD FOLK DAnCE CLuB SteADY ACouStiC SUMMER EVENTS CHILL OUT ON CEnTrE COUNTRY AND FOLK AT RUSHMERE FOLK SESSION BANK HOLIDAY MONTHLY SALE DANCE CLUB COUNTRY PARK SATURDAY 7.30 last tuesday of the month at thursday evenings 8pm β 10pm third Saturday of every month 24th August at 2.30pm with Music and Poetry provided by Georgina Arnold β viola accompanied by David Williams with readings by eileen Whitmore at St Owenβs, the Church in Bromham Park β MK43 8LL Adults Β£8, u16 Β£4 β Teas available after the concert Further information from 01234 825454 or 826551
βββββββββββββββββββ MUSIC FOR THE MEMORY
iN SANDY Music for the Memory is a not-for-profit organisation providing musical activity sessions on a Tuesday afternoon for those with any kind of memory problem (dementia, Alzheimerβs and similar conditions) together with their carers. Music for the Memory is a social activity, in an informal and friendly setting, and you donβt have to be able to βsingβ, and no musical knowledge is required! Enquiries are warmly welcomed by Kathy Mainstone on: 07740 656589 www.musicforthememory.org.uk
ChurCh BArN, ChurCh eND BiDDeNhAM MK40 4rS its good fun for only Β£2.50 including refreshments no partner required. ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com
ββββββββββββββββββββ POTTON MUSIC 4 MEMORY every Wednesday afternoon from 2.30pm-4.00pm at Potton Community Centre, Brook end , Potton. The group is facilitated by a qualified and experienced music therapist and supported by a friendly welcoming and supportive team. if you are living with memory problems, dementia or are a family carer this could be the group for you. We meet together to sing songs old and new, dance, recite poetry in a relaxed space. We always start with tea, coffee and cakes and a chance to chat and catch up with friends or speak to our dementia specialist. When the music starts we are all encouraged to share as fully as we feel able as a valued member of the group. No musical experience required, just come along, relax and enjoy. Please contact us for more information on 01234 210993 or email contact@tibbsdementia.co.uk or just turn up and give it a go. Potton Music 4 Memory is one of the services provided by Tibbs Dementia Foundation a local charity support people to live as fully as possible with dementia.
βββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ BUGGY FIT THE SANDY CLASSES UKULELE GROUP Thursday 1pm-2pm
the Weatherly Centre orchard Close Biggleswade SG18 0Ne Email: robyn1.sg@gmail.com or 0300 300 5125. Tuesday 12-2pm Saxon Pool and leisure Centre, Biggleswade Β£2 per session
WALKING FOOTBALL
Tuesday 2pm-3pm @ Saxon Pool & leisure Centre, Biggleswade Β£1.50 per session Please note: all classes are subject to change, physical.activity@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Meet every Friday at the Baptist Chapel hall, Bedford road, Sandy. 7pm till 9pm.
SAnDY HiSTOriCAL rESEArCH grOuP
ββββββββββββββββββββ βWHY DOESNβT THE A1 CROSS BIGGLESWADE COMMON?β A talk by Richard Barlow
to take place on tuesday 10th September at Beeston Methodist Church hall, the Baulk, Beeston (SG19 1Nr) starting at 7.30pm. Entrance is only Β£4, (Members free). refreshments available. Ample parking is available next to the church.
ββββββββββββββββββββ THE IVEL ββββββββββββββββββββ BEDFOrD TrEFOiL guiLD BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT CENTRE GUIDING FOR HAS A LOVED OnE DiED? ADULTS
Perhaps we can help you at our drop-in centre at: The Community Rooms, Baptist church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade SG18 8EB Wednesdays 10am β 12 noon Telephone: Carole or Jill on 07704 734225 for more information. β’ A place of friendship, compassion and understanding. β’ Fully trained bereavement support volunteers are always on hand to listen while you talk through your grief. β’ Somewhere to meet others coping with bereavement issues. β’ Come and make new friends
We offers members (women and men 18+) personal and social opportunities, both daytime and evenings, whilst supporting guiding and Scouting. For more details contact secretary kategroves67@gmail.com or 01234 301575
ββββββββββββββββββββ SANDY CONSERVATIVE BOWLING CLUB Our well-established and friendly club with one of the best greens in the county is situated behind the Conservative Club in Bedford road. We are always happy to welcome new members, whether experienced or new bowlers who will be offered coaching. For further details Phone 01767 680697
Concert in the Park β Saturday 10th August from 5pm Kicking off our Big Summer Weekend of fundraising, come and join us on The Meadow for a relaxed evening of local music talent raising funds for rushmere Country Park. This is a family-friendly event with food stalls and beer tent and fun for the kids. Weβre working hard to bring you the best possible event - once again weβll have a real stage and improved sound system which weβre sure will add to your enjoyment of the event. Tickets: Adult Β£12 Concessions Β£8 (ages 4-16, over 65s and nuS students card holders) under 4s go FrEE https://www.greensandtrust.org/Event/co ncert-in-the-park-2019 Summer Fayre and Fun Dog Show β Sunday 11th August 11am β 4pm Our Big Summer Weekend of fundraising concludes with our annual Summer Fayre and Fun Dog Show. Come and join in the fun and games free admission with arts, crafts, all manner of stalls, refreshments and a whole host of fun activities for all the family out on The Meadow. no booking required - just turn up! Β£3 exit fee will apply, separate charges may apply for kids amusements and trails. https://www.greensandtrust.org/Event/su mmer-fayre-fun-dog-show-2019 the local Food Festival β Sunday 8th September 11am β 4pm rushmere Country Parkβs Tree Tops CafΓ© is proud to support local suppliers of fresh, quality produce in line with our green credentials as a local environmental charity. now in its third year our Local Food Festival will once again take place in the autumn celebrating the great quality local produce this area has to offer. no booking required - just turn up! Β£3 exit fee will apply.
NEAR LEIGHTON BUZZARD
the Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street, BeDForD MK41 7ru. All abilities Beginners very welcome. info from Mike 01234 308449 Facebook: Burnaby steady session see also Bedfordshire beginners melodeon playgroup
Sunday 4th August the Mainline Big Band Sunday 18th August Bedford Saxophone Workshop Sunday 25th August Bedford town Band
Each concert is from 3pm-5pm, and is completely free to attend. Mayor Dave Hodgson said βThese bandstand concerts are sure to create a wonderful atmosphere down at Bedfordβs beautiful Embankment. Our thanks go to this yearβs sponsors, The Longholme, and to all the bands playing at this summer series. Come along, bring the family, and enjoy these fantastic free concerts.β
ββββββββββββββββββββ MAYFLOWER 50+ SOCIAL CLUB We meet 2-4 pm on Wednesdays at the Labour Hall, Crab Lane, and 2-4pm Fridays at St Andrews Church - both have disabled access. We also run a lighthearted bingo 2-4pm at the Labour Hall on the 2nd & 4th Monday of the month. We play games, cards etc. or just socialise. We have occasional speakers and outings. Entrance Β£1.50 (plus Β£1 if bingo) and door-to-door minibus transport is available at Β£1.50 return. Please contact iris on 01767 318434 or call or text Brian on mobile 07988 822678 or landline 01767 448954 BiGGleSWADe WeeKlY luNCh CluB We meet every Wednesday 12-1.45 in the Labour Hall, Crab Lane to enjoy a hot 2 course meal and good company. Food is supplied by a local school. Door to door transport is available at Β£1.50 and the meal costs Β£5. Mainly for over 50s. For more details contact Shirley Legate on 01767 448954 or 07988 822678.
At Biggleswade Conservative club Over one hundred years of friendly bowls on our own green Experienced, or new bowlers who will be offered coaching ,will be most welcome to come and join us. For information call 01767 221243 BEDFOrD nATiOnAL TruST ASSOCiATiOn Meeting on tuesday 17th September at 2,30 in the Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8Pn
ββββββββββββββββββββ Rachael Hall β National Trust Archaeologist
rachel says that quite possibly she might have one of the nicest, but sometimes strangest jobs in archaeology. She has worked for the national Trust for over 10 years. She finds it very difficult to describe what she does, as her job is so very varied. Everyone welcome - small charge. For more details ring Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421.
minutes Wednesdays at 10.00am Walking with John and his team Dan Albone Car Park, Shortmead Street Sg18 0BQ thursdays at 10.00am Walking with rosario and his team from Stratton School, Eagle Farm road Sg18 8JB For thoSe looKiNG to Do A SeriouS WAlK oF 5 MileS PluS: tuesday Afternoon at 2pm Booking essential (This walk is not part of Walk 4 health and walkers walk at their own risk) Walking with Janette: approx. 90 mins. Start points vary β phone or email Janette for details Janette Sibley Tel: 07771 540117 email: janette@sibley.me.uk Mike Fayers Bedfordshire Health Walks Manager, Bedfordshire rural Communities Charity Tel: 01234 832619 email: mikef@bedsrcc.org.uk The Old School, Cardington. MK44 3SX
come along and join the fun
Potton ladies Club meets on the first tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at Mill lane Pavilion, Mill lane Potton. SG19 2PG We have a range of speakers, a lunch club & numerous day trips. Visitors are always welcome for Β£5, to include light refreshments.
Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm CEnTEnArY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford road For further information telephone: 01234 347306
Sellers set up from 9am, Β£5 per car Β£7 per van
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Teas, Coffee, Breakfast, Snacks in CafΓ© For pitch enquiries contact Simon 01234 823033
By Darren Lerigo
From 2.00pm : Entrance Β£2.00
Secretary Michael Groom: 01767 227523 sandytownbowlingclub.org.uk
ββββββββββββββββββββ BEESTON WALK FOR HEALTH We meet every Monday at 9.00 a.m. by the letter box at the junction of The Crescent and The green. The walk is a first level gentle walk so we do about 30 β 40 minutes in the flat fields beyond Beeston green. i will walk as slowly as the slowest person needs. itβs a βjust turn upβ walk. gillian Wilkes 07890 232685 grewilkes@gmail.com
TENNIS FOR
BEGINNERS CHILDREN β ADULTS SENIORS EXPERIENCED PL AYERS jack@bremed.co.uk Jack: 01767 692242
ALL WELCOME www.biggleswadetennis.co.uk
ββββββββββββββββββββ BLACK CRICKET KIDS CLUB
great for aspiring animal keepers, entomologists and herpetologists.
First Wednesday of every month in Shortstown Village hall, Southcote, Shortstown, Bedford, MK42 0Ql.
Fun, educational and entertaining sessions for children aged 5 - 13 who love animals, pets and wildlife.
KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION
if you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings.
We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in All Saints Church Hall, Cemetery road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening For further information contact Trevor on
01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288
ββββββββββββββββββββ IRISH CEILI AND SET DANCING
Wednesdays 8pm to 10 pm Β£2 per session β first evening free no partner required. Beginners welcome. the reading room, 1, Barkers lane, Bedford. ring Tim 01234 317847 for more details
MK40 3eu 01234 270303 βPAPer PriSoN MiCeβ thursday 1st August β 11am - 3.30pm Have a go at making our paper prison mice. Β£2 per child, Suitable for age 4+, accompanied βClAY PriSoN MiCeβ thursday 8th August β 11am-3.30pm use clay to make your very own prison mouse. Β£2 per child, Suitable for age 4+, accompanied βChAir-leG FluteSβ thursday 15th August β 11am-3.30pm Make your own card version of John Bunyanβs flute. Β£2 per child, Suitable for age 4+, accompanied βPriSoN Cell BoxeSβ thursday 22nd August β 11am-3.30pm Design a prison cell for John Bunyan Β£2 per child, Suitable for age 4+, accompanied βClAY PriSoN JuGSβ thursday 29th August β 11am-3.30pm Have a go at creating a clay jug like John Bunyanβs Β£2 per child, suitable for age 4+, accompanied
ββββββββββββββββββββ MOggErHAngEr KEEP FiT grOuP
GET FIT KEEP FIT
At the Village hall, Fridays 9.30-10.30. Tina or Josh take us through a lighthearted sequence with a warm-up, exercises designed to improve muscular fitness, brain co-ordination, balance and general well-being, then a cool-down. itβs not over-strenuous, we have fun, feel good β and pay only Β£5 a session. So why not come and join us? For more information call Tony or Judith on 640124.
ββββββββββββββββββββ Do Your BiNS Go out More thAN You? theN lADieS CirCle iS For You! Ladies Circle is a membership club for women aged 18 to 45 who want to make new friends, have lots of fun, do things t Whether youβre new to the Biggleswade area, or are just looking to broaden your social life. The group is a perfect way of getting more out of life. Members include single and married women, those with children and those without, working and not working,everyoneβs welcome to come along and just be themselves! Email: biggleswadecircle@gmail.com Twitter: @BwadeCircle. Facebook: Biggleswade Ladies Circle
SANDY WALKS 4 HEALTH
Sandy Walks 4 Health meet every Wednesday. These are free short walks ofabout an hour, with a trained walk leader. no need to book; just turn up. Walks start at 10am, meeting in SandyLibrary in the Town centre. For more information contact: Cathy Bailey 01767 692182, or Jane Janaway 01767 691455, or Mike Fayers (Health walks manager) 01234 832619
ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ We invite all stroke survivors & their ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ SANDY NIGHT OWLS carers to join our KEMPSTON SENIOR POTTON LADIESβ IVEL STROKE CLUB WOMENβS INSTITUTE CITIZENSβ CLUB CLUB Meetings are held at Stonecroft, A new and vibrant group which meets on DAnCing, WHiST, BingO
25th August, 22nd September & 20th October
from Wootton upper School. Visitors very welcome ββββββββββββββββββββ 3.00pm cutting of ribbon on defibrillator Admission Β£5 per meeting β includes Entries can be made via Bedford Harriers now installed outside the Centre raffle & refreshments SANDY TOWN website. ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ BOWLING CLUB ββββββββββββββββββββ JOHN BUNYAN STEWARTBY Play bowls at this friendly local club adjacent to Sandy Village Hall. Excellent AMATEUR OPERATIC MUSEUM & green. Experienced and new bowlers 3TβS TODDLER AND DRAMATIC welcome. Coaching available. LIBRARY, GROUP SOCIETY More details: Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford,
Children with SEnD are warmly welcomed and ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ sessions are differentiated to meet individual needs. Sessions are Β£5 per child (siblings Β£3). registration SANDY BIGGLESWADE is required. ASTRONOMICAL www.blackcricket.co.uk/kids-club WALK 4 HEALTH ββββββββββββββββββββ www.facebook.com/blackcricketkidsclub rEguLAr WEEKLY WALKS SOCIETY Email: kidsclub@blackcricket.co.uk ST ANDREWS Walks for beginners and those looking Founded in 2014 by residents of Sandy to improve and surrounding areas, we are a group of ββββββββββββββββββββ BOWLING CLUB Two regular weekly walks of 40 β 90 keen astronomers of all abilities.
We meet on the first Thursday of every month at Mamas Coffee Shop (High Street, Sandy) and have regular viewing sessions on the grounds of Sandye Place Academy. You donβt need to own a telescope to join in. Club members are always willing to share their equipment and expertise, and if you become a member our club telescopes are available for hire for a small fee. Wrap up warm and weβll see you there!
SUNDAYS 10am-2pm:
E: simongoatley@miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ ADDiSOn CEnTrE β KEMPSTOn ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ BIGGLESWADE BiDDEnHAM gArDEnErS TEA DANCE WATERPOLO ASSOCiATiOn BEDFORD SAt AuG 24th 2019 tuesday 17th September 2019 at 7.30 every Monday 8.30pm 11.30am to 5.00pm HARRIERS HALF Biddenham Village hall OPEn FOr SALE OF at Saxon Pool SG18 8Su βWhat do I do with MARATHON TEAS - COFFEES 12 and older, both sexes space?β Sunday 1st December 2019 LigHT rEFrESHMEnTS
ββββββββββββββββββββ MUSIC IN THE MEADOWS IS BACK ββββββββββββββββββββ FOR SUMMER Free bandstand concerts are coming back to Mill Meadows on the Embankment this summer. This 2019 concert series at the Victorian Bandstand is being kindly sponsored by The Longholme, who will be providing seasonal catering and refreshments at each event. A number of different groups will perform these traditional bandstand music concerts, on the following dates:
10am - 12.00 noon Entrance 50p Adults FrEE PArKing Clothing, Bric a Brac, Books, Linen, Toys and games refreshments available 155 Barkers Lane, Bedford. MK41 9rX Tel: 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com
CAR BOOT SALES
the first Wednesday of each month (except August) at 7.30pm in Sandy Conservative Club guests very welcome For more information e-mail: sandynightowlswi@gmail.com
St Swithins Way, Sandy on the third Monday of each month 7.30pm. Transport can be arranged. Speakers, outings & entertainment througout the year. Please contact 01767 680503 for further imformation.
We are a (non-profit making) toddler Group who meet at Centenary hall, 104 Bedford road, Kempston on tuesday from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm (term time only) Contact: Debbie on
07975 β772-058 or Suzanne on 01234-857467.
Meet thursdays 7.30 at Stewartby united Church hall, Park Crescent. if you are interested in performing (singing acting or dancing),or helping back stage, come along and give us a try. All newcomers welcome! For further information,visit our website: www.saods.org.uk.
ββββββββββββββββββββ TRINITY ββββββββββββββββββββ METHODIST CHURCH ST ANDREWS Sunday 4th August Cafe style service BOWLING CLUB to be led by rev. Joanne Sherwood AT BiggLESWADE COnSErVATiVE CLuB over one hundred years of friendly bowls on our own green
Experienced, or new bowlers who will be offered coaching, will be most welcome to come and join us. For information please call 01767 221243
ββββββββββββββββββββ TIDDLYWINKS TODDLER PL AYGROUP
Meeting at Kempston hammers Sports & Social Club every thursday 9.30 till 11.00am school term time only All children welcome from new born to preschool age. Large range of toys,activities and a craft table. refreshments supplied for both children and carers. non profit making playgroup
if your require further information just come along or ring ruth on 01234 854657
ββββββββββββββββββββ BIGGLESWADE LADIES CIRCLE
Biggleswade Ladies Circle is a membership club for women aged between 18 -45 who want to make new friends have fun and put something back to the community. We have now been established for over 59 years. Our Members are from all walks of life and are supported by various Honorary Members. We are really keen to expand our membership to include lots more lovely local ladies! We all come from very different backgrounds and have different things going on in our lives and vary in age. We meet twice a month, usually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in or around Biggleswade There are also many weekend events throughout the circling year. Most of our meetings are social meetings where we try out new things or just meet for a chat. We also have meetings where we discuss current things going on with circle such as upcoming fundraisers or any other business that needs to be discussed.
Some examples of past social meetings include knit and natter, car care at Kwikfit, a DVD evening, hearing dogs for the deaf talk, cocktail evenings, bingo, trips to the theater, Christmas crafts, chocolate parties and much more! Tel: Anne 07791 330391S
ββββββββββββββββββββ KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY
Wednesdays from 7.30pm-10.00pm at Kempston east Methodist Church new members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or
brianwoodcock@btinternet.com
ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββ
Possible bring & Share lunch after? There will not be a lunch on Thursday August 8th. Sunday 11th August 9.30am Communion Service led by rev. Dalwyn Attwell Sunday 11th August 10.30am to be led by Paul Jarrett. Sunday 18th Aug 10.30am rev Dalwyn Attwell this will include communion. Please note nO evening service this month. Sunday 25th Aug Please note - nO SErViCE at Trinity but the Mission group will meet at 10.30 am at Sandy Methodist Church and will be joined by Trinity and Beeston Methodist churches.
ββββββββββββββββββββ SANDY WOMENβS INSTITUTE Sandy Wi was formed in March 2017 and is still going strong. We welcome new members from all age groups and backgrounds. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (except August) at 10.00am in Sandy Conservative Club. We have a full programme of speakers and activities and you are very welcome to join us. if you want to give us a try before committing to full membership you can attend as a visitor, cost Β£4. Contact our President, Val Haygarth, for further information on 01767 691711 valeriehaygarth@btinternet.com..
ββββββββββββββββββββ WORLD SHIP SOCIETY Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford road, Kempston
BEDFORD BRANCH 3rd THurSDAY in the month Telephone: 01234 352014
ββββββββββββββββββββ BEDFORD ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB THE ADDISON CENTRE βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
CONCERT BY POPULAR ENTERTAINER
CHRIS POWELL WEDNESDAY 28th AUGUST 7.30 β 10.00pm TEA, COFFEE/BAR/RAFFLE βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Members
Β£5 PAY AT
Non-Members Β£6 DOOR βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Contact: 01234 344423 www/Organfax/clubs/Bedford
TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
Daleyβs
9pm start in the bar
Saturday 10th August
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β
HEADRUSH LIVE HEAVY ROCK BAND in the bar 9pm start
KARAOKE in the bar 9pm start
β β β β β β β β β β β
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β
DR PHIL SOUL
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 24th August
JONNY B 80s DISCO in the bar 8.30pm start
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β Saturday September 7th
7TWENTY7 live band 9pm start
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β
Bedford Road, Kempston 01234 851143
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β
FUNCTION ROOM FOR
HIRE SUITABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β
NEWLY REFURBISH ED Holds up to
120 FLEXIBLE SEATIN G ARRANGEMENTS β β
NEW AIR CON SYSTEM IN FUNCTION RO OM
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β
SNOOKER TABLES
Β£3 PER HOUR www.facebook.com/daleysclub Email: daleysclub@outlook.com
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β
Tues, Weds, Thurs 3pmβMidnight β Fri-Sat Noon-1am β Sun-Mon Noon-Midnight
β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β
βSweet NEW LOOK β NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED as a nutβ
ALL NIGHTS ARE FREE Saturday 3rd August
β 21
22 β
AUGUST 2019 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
theatre comedy poetry literature motor sport crafts dance motown quarry theatre performing THE BLACK COUNTRY MUSEUM arts THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR & FESTIVE LUNCH
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Castle Comedy Biggleswade Georgeβs Hall Bar & Grill Monday September 9
The next season of comedy shows gets under way in September and runs through to november. The first show is on Monday September 9. itβs a classic mixed bill of comedy with TV names and uK circuit favourites! Headlining the show is ivo Graham. He is a regular fixture in the clubs and theatres of the uK circuit. His gauche charm and crafty, self-
GREAT DAYS OUT
FULLY ESCORTED RETURN COACH TRAVEL FROM BEDFORD AND RUSHDEN
aware wit has proved a hit with audiences of all ages. His popularity has led to appearances on multiple TV and radio shows including Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Comedy Central At The Comedy Store, Live From the BBC and Fighting Talk. βBeautifully-constructed comedyβ the Scotsman Opening the show is Andrew Bird. He is a top headline act up in the uK as well as performing around the world from Dublin to Doha. He has supported rhod gilbert and Lee Hurst on tour, and been the warm up artist for TV shows including nevermind The Buzzcocks, room 101 and Pointless. βFunny as hellβ rhod Gilbert The next show is on Monday october 7 and stars Dominic holland. He is a multi-award-winning professional comedian and writer. With countless television and radio credits, including multiple appearances on Have i got news For You and The royal Variety Show, as well as The news Quiz. A Perrier Best newcomer
and Award nominee, Dominic has performed seven solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival, most recently in 2018 and he continues to tour the uK and beyond with his unique take on life. Despite Dominicβs best efforts and his considerable achievements in show business, the cruel reality is that he has been severely outstarred by his eldest son, Tom Hollandβ¦ thatβs right Dom is Spider-Manβs dad! βThe UKβs master of observational comedyβ the Sunday times The show on November 4 is Work in Progress show from Paul Sinha. A mixture of best bits and work in progress material for Paulβs
latest touring show about the life-changing effect a couple of drinks can have. One of Chasers on iTVβs awardwinning quiz show, The Chase, Paul has also appeared on Taskmaster on Dave, Would i Lie to You? and Qi on BBC television. βFull of insight and delight. One of our most thoughtful and enjoyable comediansβ times Doors open 7.30pm, Shows start at 8.00pm, tickets Β£8 - Β£10 or if you fancy a treat, you can buy Β£18 tickets, which include a pre, show meal and glass of wine from georgeβs Hall Bar & grill. www.castlecomedy.co.uk
8th AUGUST β Β£59pp
Includes Introductory talk & entry to the attraction
Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Black Countries historic past. Set in over 26 acres, the museum celebrates the scale, drama and intensity of the Industrial Revolution. With charismatic βresidentsβ, shops, heritage vehicles to ride, a fairground, places to eat and a host of live demonstrations. Witness the glow of the forges, hop on a tram or experience life as a coal miner or life along the canals. MINES AND CANAL TRIPS PAYABLE LOCALLY.
BRICK LANE MUSIC HALL βCOCKNEY SING-SONGβ
WEDNESDAY 11th SEPTEMBER β Β£85pp
WEDNESDAY 18th DECEMBER β Β£99pp Includes festive lunch & deluxe theatre seats Prior to the show you will enjoy a 2-course festive lunch at The Hourglass, a new venue for this season, in the nearby village of Sculthorpe. Upon arrival at Thursford you will take your βDeluxeβ seats for the famous Thursford Christmas Spectacular β the largest Christmas show in the country! Set in the magical surroundings of theatre organs and fairground carousels with world-class performers, this festive theatrical extravaganza is the perfect way to kick off your Christmas celebrations!
T SOLD OTU βJOIN NHGE WAITI LIST
Price includes pre show 3-course lunch & theatre ticket
EAGLE TRAVEL
To book your Great Day Out call: 01234 348882 Quote: ROSE19 11 Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3JY office@eagletravel.co.uk
Due to demand from last years sold out trip, we return to the Brick Lane Music Hall, tucked away in Londonβs Docklands. You will be served a traditional 3-course lunch at the venue before enjoying a βright royal knees upβ celebrating the spirit of the East End and iconic songs made famous by our iconic Purley Kings and Queens.
SOLD OUT βJOIN THE WAITING LIST
WADDESDON MANOR AT CHRISTMAS
THURSDAY 5th DECEMBER β Β£75pp Price includes house tour, garden entry & festive lunch Experience this breath-taking stately home beautifully decorated for Christmas. With exceptional architecture, art collections and gardens, the estate was built to delight a small circle of Baron Ferdinandβs friends. Your day will begin with a 2-course festive lunch in the Manor Restaurant, followed by a self guided tour of the house. There will also be an opportunity to browse the Manors own Christmas Market set in the grounds.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
SUNDAY 22nd DECEMBER β Β£85pp
LIMITED AVAILABILITY Sing-along to festive favourites in the spectacular surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall this Christmas at whatβs set to be Londonβs finest carol concert! These special concerts, suitable for all ages, have become a festive favourite over the years. This year join us for a scintillating show of traditional carols, modern arrangements, and festive favourites brought to life by world class musicians - A great way to start your festive celebrations! Your ticket includes return escorted coach travel, and your seat for the matinee show. Further details on dining options at the Royal Albert Hall prior to the concert are available upon request
TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Put your best paw forward for Bedfordshire hospice Sue Ryder Hospice Moggerhanger Saturday, August 10
Have lots of furry fun raising funds for Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice at the inaugural Country Fayre and Festival Companion Dog Show. Does your pooch have the waggiest tail in the county? Or is your son or daughter the best junior handler in Bedforshire? Does your dog know some great tricks? Or do you and your dog look alike? if so, volunteers organising this yearβs Country Fayre and Festival in support of Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice are asking you to put your best paw forward and enter their brand new Companion Dog Show for 2019. novelty classes include golden oldies for
dogs over seven years and above, best rescue, best crossbreed, junior handler (aged 5 to 10), junior handler (aged 11 to 16), dog with the waggiest tail, best trick, dog most like its owner and best fancy dress dog β all at Β£2 per entry. Pedigree Classes to be judged by Sarah de Lacey Munday (Whipowil) include Any Variety Puppy (aged 6 to 12 months on the day of the show), Any Variety Sporting, Any Variety non Sporting and Open, Best in Show, reserve Best in Show and Best Puppy. Entry to the Pedigree Classes costs Β£2. Prizes donated by Arden grange and rosettes will be up for grabs on the day. The Companion Dog show takes place on Saturday, August 10, as part of the County Fayre and Festival, raising vital funds for the Sue ryder hospice based in Moggerhanger. Judging starts at 1.40pm, with entries open from 1pm. Earlier this month hospice staff and volunteers brought their four legged friends
along to the hospice to launch the brand new Companion Dog Show. Leigh Chapman was one of them, bringing in her five month old Dogue De Bordeaux, remy. She said, βWeβre thrilled to be holding our first ever dog show at this yearβs Country Fayre and Festival in support of the hospice.β
βWe are a nation of dog lovers, so hope lots of people will come along for a brilliant day out with their four legged friends. Weβve lots of stalls, activities, entertainment and refreshments for the whole family to enjoy whilst the dogs and their owners are put through their paces. itβs going to be pawsome!β For more information please visit the fayreβs Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Country-Fayre-Festivalin-support-of-St-Johns-Hospice1738873129549047/ For more information about Sue ryder St Johnβs Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns
The Bulletin is an independent publication, part of rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by Β©2019 rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 radwell road, Milton Ernest Bedford MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: advertising@rosetta publishing.com Printed by: reach Printing Services, Kimpton road, Luton, Bedfordshire Lu2 0SX.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN AUGUST 2019
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
sport BMS strike gold at Junior Championsips DESPITE the soaring temperatures on Saturday 29 June, the Bedford Modern School (BMS) J15 8x+ crew raced their way to gold at the Peterborough Junior Championships. They won their heat convincingly but in a in a nailbiting final they won with less than a second in it. It was all the more impressive as these Year 10 boys have been sweep rowing all year, but as Peterborough is a scullingonly event, they had to go back to using two oars each instead of one. Rowing Coach, Joel GrantJones, commented: βIβm really proud of this crew who Iβve had the pleasure of coaching this year. They have worked so hard all sea-
son and thoroughly deserved to take home gold in a tough allBedford final. This was a fantastic achievement and a tremendous end to the season before their summer break.β There were some other notable individual and team performances at the event. Angelina Sibal raced a single scull for the first time at a major regatta and Jessica Watson raced no less than six times, three in a single, achieving a bronze medal. Imogen Sanctuary and Amelia Baker also claimed a well-deserved third place. Some other BMS crews also reached their finals but narrowly missed out on medals.
30 years of the Bedfordshire Games
A JOYFUL occasion took place on Tuesday July 9, 2019, at Bedford Athletic Stadium celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Bedfordshire Games. Present in the winners enclosure were local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant Helen Nellis, High Sheriff Meryl Dolling and the Mayors of Bedford, Ampthill, Dunstable, Luton, Sandy and Shefford alongside representatives of POhWer, Bedford Lions Club and Bedford Provincial Grand Lodge with honoured guests associated with the Games for many years. Cheer Leaders βBiddenham Gold Starsβ a school team from Biddenham International School led the opening ceremony. Catering was provided by the Kempston Centre and served by the Games Committee members, allowing dignitaries to exchange news and discuss the days events over a delicious buffet lunch. As the results came in winners or their representative were invited to the podium and presented with their individual
medals and a special lanyard celebrating the 30th year of the event. After the final events group and individual shields were awarded to The Wendy Mercier Award for Individual Excellence in a Track Event: KIERAN FURLONG The Bedford Lions Centennial Award for Individual Excellence in a Field Event: DANIEL THYNNE, RIDGEWAY SCHOOL The Bedfordshire Freemasons Award for the Team that demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship: St JOHNβS SCHOOL The POhWer trophy for individual/team that empowers others: ANNE-MARIE Thanks to the organising committee, the Stadium staff, Bedford Borough No Limits and Sports Development Team, the students of Wootton Upper School who volunteered to help and to the sponsors of the Games who provided support and funding for the medals, lanyards and shields resulting in a day enjoyed by all participants.
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Bedford ladies sweep the board at tug of war nationals ON June 15, the Bedford Ladies tug of war club competed in the England Tug of War National Championships which were held at the Cumberland Show near Carlisle. Based at Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club for many years the ladies have been training hard from the beginning of the season in the run up to these championships, which is one of the most important days of the season where England representative weights are battled for by teams from all over the country. This year those weights were the ladies 520kg & 560kg with two other non-representative weights of 500kg and 540kg (all eight pullers can only weigh a combined maximum of the weight class). Tara Adams the team captain commented β2019 was the first year that there were four ladiesβ
weights on the day of nationals, and we smashed them all! We knew we could do it if we put our minds to it, and we definitely pulled out all the stops on the day. We are super chuffed that the win in the 500kg weight continues our winning streak in this weight, with Bedford Ladies remaining undefeated since 2010!β As well as the ladiesβ events they also competed in the mixed 4x4 class where the team consists of four men and four women. Here the ladies joined forces with the men from Lincoln tug of war club and again added to their haul with an unprecedented 5th gold. After having a well-deserved weeks rest the ladies are now back in training ready to ramp it up ahead of representing England at the British and Irish Championships in Northern Ireland this August and again at the European championships in the Republic of Ireland in September.