BULLETIN BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
DECEMBER 2016
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Community grows with new school PARENTS are being invited to find out more about a brand new school now named Wixams Tree Primary, which is opening in September 2017. The primary will be run by the Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT) which has also been appointed by the Department for Education to manage the new Wixams Academy, a secondary opening to Year 7, 11-year-olds next autumn. The schools will be side by side in the new town. Wixams Tree Primary will complement the existing Lakeview Primary at the new and fast growing village/town. It will take Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils from the start. Ian Pryce CBE Chair of BCAT: “We hope people will like the new name which has local connections and signifies how we are putting down the roots for a successful educational future. “Lakeview Primary is doing a great job in preparing local children for secondary school and they will continue to be welcome at the Wixams Academy alongside those from the Wixams Tree Primary. This is about supporting a super community and providing exceptional education from reception to the sixth form age groups.”
BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 5
Residents claim bills are ‘unexpected’
AS residents of another new build in the borough find they are an ‘unadopted’ estate and face extra charges we can reveal that more than half of those costs are management charges. Last month we wrote about how virtually none of the new estates built in Bedford Borough have been adopted by the council. This means that, while paying full council tax, they do not receive full council services and have to pay a management company for such things as road repair, lighting and park maintenance. Residents of New Cardington are just discovering that they now have to pay a service charge of up to £160 per year to BPHA. The total cost of the charges, delivered by Remus for BPHA, are £48,000 per year for the estate.
SERVICE CHARGE Of this amount some £25,000 are for admin and management costs, such as: management fees £18,648; accounting £2,500; risk assessment £1,440; bank charges £500; insurance £1,240. And the quality of service, according to some, is not that high. One resident said: “It can take ages to repair street lights and rubbish can be left in parking areas for weeks. We
were not warned of these charges, just suddenly got a bill before Christmas. It just doesn’t seem fair.” Sarah Ireland, Director Development & Sales at bpha, said: “The service charge for shared owners in Cardington relates to things like maintaining open space like grass cutting and hedges, play areas and administration services. “All owners are made aware of the charge when they purchase the property. “The management service charge covers areas of expenditure that not covered under the council tax, and if the development was adopted it could force council rates to become higher.” A Bedford Borough Council spokesman said: “The council cannot compel developers to have roads adopted; however, residents living on un-adopted or private roads are entitled to the full range of council services.” When we asked for further clarity on how residents accessed services not presently provided and what are extra services, we were told that: “Having already issued comments on this matter we are not willing to say anything further. You are welcome to enter an FOI if you feel you require detailed information regarding this issue.” A Freedom of Information request on this issue has been submitted.
24/7 watch on bad parking
TRAFFIC wardens are watching you – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After someone complained in a letter that he was ticketed for unlawful parking at 3.30am, we decided to ask if that could be true. And sure enough it is. While most parking on the roads is free after 6pm in the evening, it is not allowed in some areas and any parking considered dangerous, such as on corners, is not allowed any time. So Bedford Borough Council traffic wardens work 24/7, catching anyone not properly parked or parking where they should not be. Cllr Alison Field Foster said: “This administration has increased the chargeable hours from 5 to 6 pm and in certain areas like Castle Mound, Bedford town centre, up to 10pm and has significantly increased parking charges at our public car parks over the past year or so Now there are parking wardens working 24/7. I had seen them wandering around the town centre at night and was very surprised. I haven’t seen any announcement or warning to the public but transparency is not a strength of the borough. A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: “On street parking remains free after 6pm but where restrictions remain in place after this time it is for safety and accessibility reasons.
6 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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Archive’s rewrite History Challenge
Last month Bedfordshire Archives Service launched an exciting creative writing competition for local students. The competition is free to enter and is open to all Year 5 to Year 13 students studying in Bedfordshire. To inspire pieces of creative writ-
ing Bedfordshire Archives’ Learning Officer has looked into the archives and selected a number of historical sources including photographs, letters, paintings and even an extract taken from a book of ghost stories. These historic sources have been compiled into an information
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pack to download. All students need to do is pick one of the sources for their age group and use it in a short story of no more than 500 words, or a poem of no more than 20 lines. The content of the piece is up to the writer but it must refer to the relevant source in some way. Two finalists will be chosen from each of the four Key Stages and there will be two overall winners, one from Key Stages 2 and 3 and another Key Stages 4 and 5. Winners will receive £20 in book tokens and a further £100 in tokens for their school. The top 20 stories
and poems will be compiled into an anthology which will be available to purchase from the Bedfordshire Archives Service. Children’s author and illustrator Kate Milner, winner of the 2016 Victoria & Albert Museum Student Illustration Award, will judge the entries of the eight finalists and decide on the two winner pieces. Kate’s new book, My Name is not Refugee, is due to be published in May 2017. The deadline for entries is 10th February 2017 and winners will be announced in April 2017.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 7
Celebrating global anniversary
THe 85th anniversary of Soroptimist Inter- art or design students. It has worked with Bedfordshire Girl Guides to support girls national of Bedford was celebrated in style Lunch, a cake, a colour party of Bedfordshire struggling to stay in school in Sierra Leone and in Girl Guides and VIP guests from across the region danger of FGM. Members attend international added to the women’s group celebration on events including those at the United Nations in New York. Sunday October 23rd. Pauline added: “Ours is an organisation which Three candles were lit to highlight the work carried out by Soroptimists – one to support Anti- has included amongst its past members some of slavery day, locally members have been active in the most inspiring women from the county, who highlighting the problems of people trafficking; a had influence at national and international levels. second for the work of the United Nations, where We want to pass that baton on to the next Soroptimists are actively involved in promoting generation who are currently starting out on their the rights of women and children in New York and lives and careers.” Geneva and finally to all Soroptimists around the globe, who work to help young women fulfil their potential. President of the SI Great Britain and Ireland Margaret emsley was the guest of honour. The lunch at Biddenham Pavilion was her last event in the UK of her term of office. Her next visit was overseas is to Cameroon, which demonstrates the global reach of the work undertaken by Soroptimists. Pauline Stewart JP, President of SI Bedford presented Margaret with a Love Bedford calendar of photographs of the riverside and a paperweight depicting John Bunyan as a souvenir of the occasion. “We are committed to creating a talent pool of future generations of Soroptimism, locally here in Bedford, nationally and internationally,” said Pauline, Locally SI Bedford has close links with Bedford College. It gives an annual £1,000 Bursary in memory of the late Peggy Holgate to President Pauline, left, with President Margaret.
Investment at school
THe Ursula Taylor Church of england School has had six new classrooms installed on site. Cllr Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for education, said: “Ursula Taylor is a Good school and Ofsted agree, which is great for pupils, teachers and the whole community and now – with this excellent learning space being installed – they can have more great learning spaces too. This project is part of a major programme of investment which is helping us to stay ahead of the game in providing enough school places, where communities and families need them and is helping us deliver the transition to a primary school and secondary school education system.” Victoria Morrall, Head teacher, said: “The expansion of our buildings to accommodate Year 5 and 6 children is an extremely exciting opportunity which will allow us to provide our wonderful children with the space and facilities to complete their Primary education. We are looking forward to becoming a full Primary School in September 2017, something which would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of the Borough Council.
8 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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Trust unwraps its musical gift to Bedford schoolchildren
LOCAL charity The Harpur Trust, which has been celebrating its 450th anniversary in 2016, is helping to bring a special children’s concert series to Bedford as the final event in its year-long programme of events. Orchestra Unwrapped, the Philharmonia’s unique concert series for schoolchildren aged 7-11, will take place at Bedford Corn Exchange during the afternoon of Wednesday 7 December.
Thanks to the Trust, the Philharmonia has also commissioned presenter and music education specialist Paul Rissmann to write a brand new audience participation piece for the concert, to which four local Bedford schools have contributed. The project offers children, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, access to high quality, live music education through a dynamic programme of an interactive schools concert, bespoke cross-curricular educational materials for the classroom, teacher training and online learning guides. The project aims to offer every child the same opportunity irrespective of their social, ethnic or economic background. Orchestra Unwrapped was founded in Leicester where 15,500 children from 55 different schools across the city have attended these concerts since the series was founded five years ago. 200 teachers have had training through the series, which also welcomes SeN schools and home-educated children. The Harpur Trust’s initiative brings this to Bedford for the very first time. The OU concert features a full symphony orchestra, the Philharmonia, introduced by Paul Rissmann, who guides the children on a fun and interactive journey through the Orchestra’s instruments, players and music. The concert is complemented with a giant screen of visuals to enhance the learning experience for the schoolchildren. The project also includes learning resources for children and teachers, for use in both the classroom and at home; and INSeT teacher training, equipping teachers with the skills to maximise the concert experience for their pupils, enhancing their knowledge and appreciation of music. Alexandra Brierley, Director of education at the Philharmonia, commented: “Orchestra Unwrapped is more than just a schools concert – it brings the symphony orchestra into the curriculum and class-room, and benefits children and teachers alike. We are delighted that with the support of The Harpur Trust the Philharmonia is able to bring Orchestra Unwrapped to Bedford for the first time, and to bring children from all over Bedford to experience a world-class symphony orchestra.” David Russell, the Chief executive of The Harpur Trust added: “All of our anniversary events this year were put on specifically for the community of Bedford Borough and they have all reflected our mission to break down barriers, create opportunities and provide education. Orchestra Unwrapped does all of these things and so much more and I cannot think of a better way to end our celebration year.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 9
Window Art Trail returns for another year
THe Bedford community of Black Tom is back with its Festive Window Art Trail on December 10. With lots of houses taking part in a display of lights, arts and crafts in their windows, this event is the perfect way to start feeling Christmassy!
Committee hears of Roman Bedford’s ‘new history’
Bedford Borough Coun cil’s environment and Sustainable Communities Committee meeting on the 17th November was entirely devoted to receiving a presentation on the Roman dig on Manton Lane. The presentation was jointly delivered by Stephen Cockings and elizabeth Sayer, both part of the Bedford Roman Villa Project team. The committee was presented with the story of the excavations as well as a possible scenario as to the role of the site in Roman Britain. Part of this story is developing evidence that Bedford in the later Roman empire may have been the site of a major administrative centre managing wheat production in the Ouse Valley. Described as the ‘bread basket’ of Roman Britain, what may have been a large imperial estate could have been responsible for supplying the Roman army defending the frontiers of both Hadrian’s Wall and the Rhine.
Cllr Roger Rigby, who chaired this meeting, said: “In all my years a councillor it is probably the first time a formal committee meeting has been devoted to one subject and it shows the value councillors and the council place on the importance of the discovery. “Mr Cockings presented an extraordinary possibility of Kempston in the late third and early fourth century being an important port on the river for the movement of grain around Roman Britain and the Rhine. Other excavations in the area are developing a new theory that instead of Bedford having little relevance at this time, it actually played an important part in the north western provinces of the late Roman empire. “If these theories can be fully developed and proved, the value to Bedford of this new history through tourism and education will be very valuable.”
IMPORTANT DISCOVERY
The fun starts at Park Road Methodist Church where you can grab a map and a mince pie and join one of the guided tours at either 5.30pm or 7.30pm. Last year saw a Good King Wenceslas display take the winner’s prize with a Star Wars fight scene and a Giant Monster house coming close runner ups. The Burnaby Arms is offering a bottle of prosecco to this year’s winner; attendees are asked to fill in their favourite on the form and pop it into the voting box on the bar. Owner Lucie Fuller said
‘Competition seems fierce this time, lots of customers are talking about what their window is going to look like. We think we’ve come up with an even better display this year!’ The event is free to attend and organised by Black Tom local Katrina Allen who also organises the areas popular Jumble Trail. She says: “I’m so excited to see the displays, last year was incredible with so many homes taking part. To accommodate the amount of people on the tour and the number of windows we have extend the length of
the tours so you can really enjoy each one!” During the day, Creative Days will also be running a drop-in Glimmering Lantern workshop at the Pavilion in Bedford Park from 2.00pm. £2 per participating child, bring along a jar and transform it into a beautiful lantern to take with you on your journey round! As always, Black Tom’s Burnaby Arms on Stanley Street will be open before and after, serving up mulled wine to warm you up after your wander, as well as their usual tipples.
10 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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Guides’ monopoly challenge
GIRLGUIDING Bedfordshire celebrated their centenary with a reality Monopoly Challenge – the game was played on the biggest board of them all – London. To mark the 100 year anniversary of the Girlguiding Senior Section young women from across Bedfordshire took part in a dash around London to see who could be the team to win on the biggest Monopoly Board of them all. Devised by Moira Ledbetter, a Brownie Leader from Bedford, the game saw over 100 girls and young women from across the region take part in the event which was held in October. The teams were given seven hours to complete their mission of reaching all the Monopoly stops across the capital, taking photos of the
locations in order to ‘buy’ them. Time was of the essence as the teams raced to the locations to try and ensure they were there first to arrive in order to snap up the streets. Moira said: “It was a huge task to organise but we had an amazing weekend. The teams rose to the challenge whizzing around London and taking snaps of everything from a policeman to a small dog’. Moria added, ‘The HQ was at Pax Lodge one of the five Girlguiding World Centres so it made the event even more special.” emma Bowley said: “We had a brilliant time playing reality Monopoly. I’ve had so many opportunities thanks to the Senior Section such as traveling abroad and becoming a Young Leader and this was a brilliant way to celebrate the 100th birthday.”
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Europe’s No1 for engineering
BeDFORD College is reinforcing its relationship with Siemens - the largest engineering company in europe. Managing Director of their UK Digital Factory Division, Brian Holliday, visited the Cauldwell Street campus - where he studied on day release as an apprentice of the world-renowned Texas Instruments in the 1980s. Taking a tour of some still familiar areas of the site, Brian said: “What I learned here as an apprentice has been useful throughout my career - it was an excellent foundation. “At Siemens, we recognise the value of academic and applied learning as embodied by the Further education model here at Bedford College.” Brian met with some students to talk about how they benefited from an apprenticeship or a study and work experience combination. Head of engineering at Bedford College Steve Croft said: “Things are changing here to meet demands of employers. We now offer a BSc at Bedford College which allows those with an HNC/HND to top-up to a full degree.” Brian Holliday, who left what was then “Mander” college in 1988, met with Ian Pryce CBe, Principal
and CeO of Bedford College which is part of the 157/Collab group which works at a national level with employers. “Bedford College has a distinguished history of training some of the brightest young engineers and it is always very rewarding when they return to share with us their views of how the industry is moving forward in the 21st Century. “Meeting Brian was a rare opportunity for our apprentices and trainees and we hope that we can further enhance our relationship with Siemens,” said Ian.
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12 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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BTAC – Learner of the Year
BeDFORD Borough Council congratulated nearly 200 learners who achieved a nationally recognised CACHe (Council for Awards in Care, Health and education) qualification through the Council’s assessment centre (BTAC) in the past year. The awards ceremony took place on Monday 21 November, in the Council Chamber, and was attended by guests including the Borough Council’s Chief executive, Philip Simpkins, and The Mayor, Dave Hodgson. BTAC’s ‘Learner of the Year’, Jennifer Baron, started her journey with us by attending a Level 1 course in January 2013, she successfully completed her Level 2, and recently achieved her Level 3 in early Years. She is now working as an early Years Practitioner in the Goslings class at Kempston Rural Lower School. The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “I was delighted to be able to congratulate so many people in key roles with children and young people who have, via BTAC, enhanced their own professional development and their skills and knowledge. Ultimately, it is children and families who benefit from their expertise, so it is great to see so many people who work in different settings with children and young people achieving these qualifications and pursuing further development.”
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OK just go and plant 5000 crocus corms!
MeMBeRS of the Rotary Clubs of Kempston and Bedford De Parys spent Sunday 30th October planting 5000 crocus corms on the most northerly of the roundabouts on the newly opened Western Bypass, in an attempt to raise awareness and encourage support for Rotary International’s project, started some 30 years ago, to eliminate Poliomyelitis from the world. The Rotarians were armed with various dibbers and other utensils for making holes in the rock hard earth left by the builders on the roundabout and working in teams the project was completed after the best part of six hours hard labour. Five thousand crocus corms seemed an awful lot when contemplated in the sober light of day at 9am on the Sunday and the full box of them did seem to go down very slowly at first, but Rotarians are made of stern stuff and battled on to the end successfully. The recent rain should help set the corms and we wait expectantly to see the purple harvest next spring. Poliomyelitis is an appalling infectious and sometimes fatal disease which has in its time crippled millions of children and young adults throughout the world. Locally, nationally and internationally Rotarians have been playing a part in making this condition history for over 30 years now and during this time polio has successfully been eliminated from 125 countries, now remaining in just two, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Whilst over these years the Rotarians have funded the cost of the vaccine, Rotary International has worked with the World Health Organisation and other agencies including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which now matches the funding. The final push for the complete elimination of this wretched disease is always the most difficult part of the enterprise, but it can be done, it was after all done with the elimination of smallpox, and any funds raised by Purple4Polio will be matched by the Gates Foundation £2 for every £1 donated. You can find out more about polio eradication by contacting kempstonrotary@gmail.com or postmaster@bedforddeparysrotary. co.uk or alternatively just ‘google’ Kempston Rotary Club.
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Jurassic Park at Westfield
HAVe you ever wanted to meet a scary dinosaur face to face? School children at Westfield School Bedford came up against a growling T-Rex but fortunately it was only information that was digested. As part of the curriculum, children in Year 1 are learning about the ‘Dinosaur Planet’. And the Dinosaur, Wildlife and education Centre (DWAeC) visited the school to create a memorable experience for the pupils by taking the children on an adventure back in time with a ‘real life’ walking, growling T-Rex dinosaur. The live dinosaur show featured stunningly realist animatronic puppetry allowing the children to experience something truly unforgettable. As well as the T-Rex the pupils saw models of other dinosaurs, bones and eggs. They also learned about and interacted with other prehistoric animals including; cockroaches, spiders, lizards, scorpions, snakes, snapping turtles and birds. Head teacher Karen Watts said: “This type of interactive show provides children with ‘hands on’ experiences with animals they would not normally get a chance to see up close and helps to awaken a child’s inner imagination.
“It was very exciting and I am sure will live long in their memories. They loved every minute but also learned a great deal.” D.W.A.e.C. Dinosaur, Wildlife and education Centre, (DWAeC) is an award winning professional education company, who are dedicated to increasing awareness and fascination for all types of life; both animals from the past and the present.
BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 13
14 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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Children meet their MP
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PUPILS at Lakeview School, Wixams had the opportunity to find out first hand about life in British politics when Nadine Dorries, MP for Mid Bedfordshire, visited the school recently. The Year 6 pupils are currently working on the topic ‘Fight for Your Rights!’ which has led the children to explore democracy, the development of a democratic society in england and to compare democracy in our country to other nations around the world. Meriel McDonnell, Assistant Headteacher at the school said: “We were delighted to welcome Nadine Dorries to the school as part of our topic. The children were very excited to meet her and talk to their local MP in person. They asked her questions about issues important to them including climate change, the democratic process and her experiences within Parliament. “It was a great opportunity for them to meet someone who works to meet the needs of the people she represents and to learn how people in the community can have their voice heard and truly make a difference. The visit has added a new dimension to their work.” “It was a real pleasure to spend time with the children at Lakeview
School,” said Ms Dorries. “They were enthusiastic, engaged and asked some very good questions. I wish all the children and staff the very best and hope to come back and visit again soon.” –––––––––––––––––
Tool theft warning to van drivers
BeDFORDSHIRe Police’s Crime Reduction Officer, Lesley Johnson has issued a warning to all commercial vehicle owners to increase the levels of security of their vehicles. This follows a huge increase in the number of tool thefts from vehicles last month. In most instances tool boxes were stolen from vans overnight. The best advice is to remove the tools if practicable and to make sure the vehicles are alarmed.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 15
Fluoride in town’s water issue rumbles on by Anna Bragga
IT’S TWO months since Mayor Dave Hodgson publicly declared his intention of keeping Bedford fluoride-free, but with the existing contract still in place, campaigners are keeping up the pressure with the release of a new documentary: Fluoridegate Bedford and a bold swipe at government toolkits. Members of Fluoride Free Bedford are worried that Public Health england (PHe) could force the council to bow to the pro-fluoridation policy of central government. Group spokesperson, Cynthia Bagchi, said: “The Council’s Chief executive is due to meet representatives of PHe who I understand manages the fluoridation contract – but legally, the Council is responsible. If the Council allows PHe to take the lead and only takes their advice, it’s
like putting a fox in charge of a hen house. The Dental Department of PHe is only sponsoring a policy for the government. If the Council allows PHe to dominate the proceedings, they will try to force the Council to put fluoride back.” The group’s anxieties are well founded, since similar promises were made by the Mayor in 2011 when councillors voted to work towards ending fluoridation. No action was taken and the fluoride contract remained in place. “Unless we stop the contract, fluoride can be put back in the water without citizens’ knowledge,” she added. “They can make the decision behind our backs. The CeO needs to get on with the process of telling the PHe what they require, what they have to do – write to Jeremy Hunt. They have to start writing letters.” On December 7, Bagchi is plan-
ning to stand up in a Full Council meeting and ask for the second time: “what has the Council done to end the contract?” By turning their attention to Public Health england’s water fluoridation toolkits (which can be downloaded from the internet), the group hopes to cut a chink in the head of the hydra, and erase the misinformation being distributed to councillors in Bedford and elsewhere. In a strongly worded letter to PHe Chief executive, Duncan Selbie, the group express their alarm demanding “immediate rectification” of the contents. “It’s so biased in favour of water fluoridation – and fluoride generally,” observed Cynthia Bagchi. “The more the better is the assumption which is absolutely disregarding the science. even small amounts of fluoride are toxic. We have asked them
to correct the information so that the Council receives responsible and unbiased information.” Councillors are given two toolkits compiled by the Dental Department of Public Health england informing them that fluoridated water and fluoridated milk prevent tooth decay. The most recent one, published in March 2016: Improved Oral Health: a community water fluoridation toolkit for local authorities, anticipates public opposition. It says: “An authority considering fluoridation will be met with claims that it doesn’t work and that it causes harm. Both statements are untrue”. The Dental Department needs to re-write it, concedes Bagchi. “They’ve been neglectful and in doing so, are giving PHe a bad naexisting scheme at Full Council meetings.
Anti-bullying ambassador
CONGRATULATIONS to Year 10 Bedford Modern School student Molly Kemble who was named the Bedfordshire Anti-Bullying Ambassador for the National AntiBullying Ambassador Youth Board on Tuesday 01 November. The National Anti-Bullying Ambassador Youth Board is part of The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Campaign which aims to help children across the country tackle bullying in their schools and communities. Molly will meet with the Youth Board in January 2017 at their London headquarters to share and learn ideas on how to tackle bullying. Throughout the year she will also have the opportunity to speak at national events, inform the public about the programme and meet some of the board’s supporters including His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. 14 year old Molly, who is a member of the BMS Student Government, said: “I have had experiences with bullying in the past and I hate the idea of knowing my classmates could be going through something similar or even worse. “I was so excited when I was offered a position to be an ambassador; I’m looking forward to raising awareness for such a great cause.”
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16 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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Daleks invade Bedford! Author visits Castle Newnham
THe Great Bedford Foodbank Sponsored Dalek Push was held last month, and raised a magnificent £4000 for the charity. Three full sized Daleks, one halfsized Dalek, two Cybermen and one Weeping Angel paraded through the town from Waitrose in Goldington to the town centre, alarming motorists and pedestrians alike. The patrons for the event were former Doctor Who actors Sophie Aldred, who played Ace in the 1980s, and Katy Manning -- Jo Grant in the 1970s. With their sup-
port, the event raised donations from all over the UK. Bedford businesses generously supported them, too, as did local residents. Thanks to everyone who contributed. If you’d like to make a contribution, please donate food at one of the collecting points in Sainsbury’s, Tesco’s, Waitrose or Morrison’s. The overheads for the Foodbank work out at around £5 for each person fed; if you’d prefer to make a financial donation, please visit the Foodbank’s website: bedford.foodbank.org.uk
PUPILS at Castle Newnham School were treated to a visit from a renowned author and poet. AF Harrold is the award-winning author of the very funny ‘Fizzlebert Stump’ series and ‘The Imaginary’, a slightly more serious, thoughtful book about imaginary friends. He also spoke about ‘The Song From Somewhere else’, his next book. He writes and performs for adults and children and has been Poet-in Residence for both the Glastonbury Festival and the Cheltenham Literary Festival. Year 3 and Year 4 pupils from the Goldington Road site also joined Year 5 and 6 pupils. After giving his talk Mr Harrold
signed books for the children. Mr Harrold said how much he had enjoyed the visit. He said: “I am foremost a poet. I started as a performance poet, coming into schools reading other peoples work, such as ‘Macavity: the mystery cat’ and anything by Roald Dahl. “Then I thought it would be better to write my own poems. Working with kids is fantastic and even better if it all your own work you are reading to them. I do also write children’s novels, which I have to say are beautifully produced by Bloomsbury Publishing. I love doing it, the poetry, the novels the travelling but most of all meeting the children. They are always a joy.”
18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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Chaotic space converted into arts centre
THIRTY-years-ago ‘Don’t Leave Me That Way’ was number one in the British charts for The Communards, as Richard Coles (their then composer and instrumentalist) told the arts community of Bedford at The Basement at Bunyan launch last month. Now ‘The Reverend’, as well as presenter of BBC’s Saturday Live and regular panellist of QI, Richard described his pop star celebratory as ‘the best of times and the worst of times’. The seed of a love of choral church music as a child nurtured him though the loss of many friends to HIV/AIDS, and then flourished into a strong Christian faith during his late twenties. The first part of his autobiography – ‘Fathomless Riches: or how I went from pop to pulpit’ – describes this journey, and he is the ideal person to encourage the celebration of creativity and spirituality within our churches. The Basement at Bunyan is the result of a vision by members of Bunyan Meeting and their minister, The Rev’d Chris Damp, to convert the dark and chaotic cellar store into a flexible and community-oriented arts centre: joining their church and the John Bunyan Museum in offering
spirituality, heritage and creativity to Bedford. The main gallery providing a light and attractive space to exhibit around 80 artworks, is also a stimulating location for meetings and talks, and a venue for workshops and courses. The Basement has already run a series of half term activities that included creative paper skills, colourful felted
objects, illustrated letterforms, and paper marbling. There is currently a bookbinding course held in the craft room, and a programme of events is being planned for the ‘week before Christmas’. On Tuesday 20 December at 7.30pm you are invited to ‘Christmas is Coming!’, an opportunity to feast on mince pies and mulled wine, while enjoying music and readings for Advent and Christmas. The tickets are £5 from Bunyan Meeting Office (01234 213722). Then two days later, on Thursday 22, why not drop into our ‘Crafts for Christmas’ sessions from 10am to 12noon and 2.30 to 4.30pm (entry £2). Make Christmas Tree decorations, gift bags and festive book covers. There is also a chance to create your own ‘Christingle’ from oranges, candles and fruit, that will be used in the first Christingle Service held in The Basement, at 5pm on that day (Thursday 22 December). This is an enchanting worship experience that supports The Children’s Society. All ages are very welcome to attend. To contact The Basement at Bunyan please email David Walker, Arts Project Development Worker on: davidwkr5@aol.com
Remembering our fallen service people
A time to remember Scouts, Young Leaders, and Leaders from both Putnoe Scout Divisions were proud to take part in the Bedford Remembrance Day Service, organised by The Royal British Legion, which took place at the War Memorial on the Embankment, Bedford, on Sunday November 13. The Scouts, who have a great history in both World Wars, joined Armed Forces and other Services in a parade and service of Remembrance. In WW1 when thousands of Scottish Highlanders came to Bedford, the Scouts assisted the local constabulary to lead the troops to their billets. Then in the 1915 Bedfordshire Scouts collected over 2,000 eggs for wounded soldiers at the Military Hospital in Bedford, this was part of the The National Egg Collection appeal. Group Scout Leader Michelle Davis said: “The Scouting movement and its members have always been at the forefront of conflict, helping where they can. We have members who have fought and died for their country’, Michelle added, ‘Today the next generation of Scouts and Young Leaders came to remember those who have gone before and who served their country so bravely. It was an honour to be a part of the parade.”
20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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CHeLSeA’S Choice is an educational play which highlights the very serious and emotional issue of child sexual exploitation. Recently, Wootton Upper School hosted a production of ‘Chelsea’s Choice’ for pupils, parents, carers and professionals working with young people. The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, was in attendance for his first ever viewing of the powerful play. Chelsea’s Choice is currently being performed in upper, secondary and special schools across the area. The production shows how young people, boys and girls, are groomed by adults for the purposes of sexual exploitation using various methods, ensnaring young people and eventually taking complete control and dominating their whole lives. It tells the harrowing true story of
a young girl ‘Chelsea’ from Northamptonshire who was groomed and held captive for the sexual gratification of her captors. Michael Gleeson, Principal of Wootton Upper School said: “We are grateful to Bedford Borough Safeguarding Children Board for funding this production across all Bedford Borough schools with Year 9 children. The powerful portrayal of Child Sexual exploitation (CSe) in Chelsea’s Choice really makes an important part in keeping our children safe from the risks of CSe. We would encourage parents and carers to try to attend a public performance.” By the end of the three-week run it is expected that more than 2,500 pupils across Years 9 to 14 will have seen the production by Alter ego.
New Chief Executive Officer
BeDFORD Creative Arts has appointed Alan Dodd as its CeO succeeding Dawn Giles, who has stepped down after seven years in post. Alan joins BCA as a cultural leader with extensive senior management experience and excellent record of inspiring and delivering a large and diverse range of successful projects and events in the arts, entertainment, festivals, leisure, sports and community development sectors. Alan’s previous positions include Programme Director and
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Director at North Devon Theatres’ Trust, the leading regional arts and cultural organisation for North Devon. He was also director of North Devon Festival steering it to become one of the largest and most ambitious festivals in the southwest, highlighting North Devon’s rich and diverse cultural life. Alan Dodd said: “My roots are in Bedford - it was my birth place and there have been strong extended family links to the town. I’m therefore so pleased to be joining Bedford Creative Arts.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 21
College’s new bond with business
LeADING adhesive brand Gorilla Glue and the dents at Bedford College are the trade professioncarpentry and multi-trade departments at Bedford als of the future. At Gorilla Glue we want to work College, have forged a new partnership, establish- closely with them, to not only demonstrate the ing Gorilla Glue as the team’s new official adhe- quality and versatility of the Gorilla Glue product sive partner. range, but to give them a head start in their careers. Supporting the students working towards a We want to give them the tools and the additional career in the building industry, Gorilla Glue has know-how to produce great results and we will not only donated a year’s supply of Gorilla Glue support them every step of the way. products to the college, but has further cemented “We were extremely impressed by the quality the partnership, by developing an interactive of the apprentices wooden garden chair, and the demonstration day and a cross-department compe- hard work and creativity that this project demontition, that saw Joe Kirtley, Lochie Sheen, Rory strated. It fits the Gorilla Glue credentials as it is Shorten, Lewis Steele and Jamie Viney crowned as tough, durable and they are worthy winners.” Apprentice Champions. The Gorilla Glue team worked with Carpentry Back row l-r: Godfrey Thrower, Lochie and Joinery Course manager, Baz Durrant, to Sheen, Lewis Steele, Rory Shorten. Front guide over 40 students through the Gorilla Glue row l-r: Jamie Viney and Joe Kirtley. project, to construct a range of planters and chairs. action2mobility.co.uk Winning their own Gorilla Glue tool box packed with Gorilla Glue prizes, Joe Kirtley said: “It feels amazing to have put so much effort in and to be rewarded for it. We enjoyed the teamwork and we love Gorilla Glue.” OFF Simon Damp, Managing Director BRING THIS AD WITH YOU of Gorilla Glue europe said: “The stuAND GET 10% OFF ANY
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Art Sue’s higher moves
IN AN exciting move, young people are now completing full BA Honours degrees in Graphic Design at Bedford College. Degree level learning is offered across a wide range of subjects at the college, but the third and final year was undertaken at an associate university. Now a cohort of 12 students are in the third year of their cap and gown course at the Bedford riverside South Bank Arts Centre. “This course is franchised through the University of Northampton which means that students can be assured it is of the highest standard,” explained Sue Blackman Strategic Higher education Director, “The Level 6 or BA Hons course is exactly the same as that offered at a university campus - but at less than the standard University tuition fee. “We are looking forward to the graduation of the first cohort who benefit from continuing to study and work with our award-winning team in our nationally recognised environment.”
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22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 Silver Award for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been recognised with a Silver Award for the support that it has given to defence personnel in this year’s national Employment Recognition Scheme. The scheme was launched in 2014 for employers who recognise the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and that pledge demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces Community. It encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards. The Silver Awards are awarded on a regional basis. Paul Fuller CBE, Chief Fire Officer at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was delighted to accept the award at Emmanuel
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College, Cambridge, he said: “We are extremely honoured to receive a Silver Award for our work over the years in the East Anglia region. “The Service has always had close ties with the military and many of our serving officers and staff started their careers with one of the branches of the armed services. “We share a common set of values which enables our teams to face up to the daily challenge of protecting our communities from risks such as fires and flooding and responding swiftly in considered but effective ways. We are delighted to be recognised as an employer who places very high values on our military, both serving and when they return to civilian life.”
CHRISTMAS MEATS ––––––– Scald End Farm Beef and Lamb ––––––– Thurleigh Pork ––––––– Free Range Bronze Turkeys and Traditional White Turkeys ––––––– Free range Ducks and Geese
Higher up the food chain
TURNING up the heat in the hospitality industry is Rhys Haggerwood who, at the age of 19, has his sights set on running his own restaurant. Rhys (pictured)has just won the Student of the Year at the Bedford College Hospitality & Catering Awards and is now moving ‘higher up the food chain’ by studying Hospitality Management at the University of West London. Rhys, of Putnoe, was a student of St Thomas More before joining a Catering course at Bedford College. Once in the kitchen he never looked back and now is working towards his dream of running his own restaurant. The annual Hospitality & Catering Awards was this year held at the Harpur Suite and supported by industry and business organisations including Love Bedford, which represents restaurants and retailers in the town centre.
Here are the winners: HNC/HND in Hospitality Management: Bekki Short, who now works at MK Theatre, with Gyorgyi Szecsko who is now studying at university, as runner-up. ABC Level 1 Cake Decoration: Paula ellott ABC Level 2 Cake Decoration: Darren Read ABC Level 1 Wired Sugar Flowers: Sarah Webster ABC Level 2 Wired Sugar Flowers: Sadie Farmer
earlier this year the College was chosen as only one of five Showcase Centres in the UK for cake making.
entry 3 Certificate in Introduction to the Hospitality Industry Student of the Year: Nathaniel Wedderburn Level 1 Certificate in General Hospitality: Shafa Ali Level 1 Diploma in Professional Cookery: Michael Wake Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery: ellen Copperwaite, pastry cook, who sent a message from Australia. “Thank you to all the teachers. I had a wonderful experience at College and made lifelong friends.” Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery: emily Pates.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 23
In Focus with
View from
Dave
Bishop Richard
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
GOING PUBLIC ON SECRET HEALTH PLANS
LAST month, I took the decision that Bedford Borough Council would publish the first stage report of the NHS-led Bedfordshire and MK ‘Sustainability and Transformation Plan’ (STP). Across the country, current work on these plans for the future of local healthcare is being kept secret at the insistence of NHS england. Here in Bedford Borough, however, public anxiety about the future of our hospital is already too high, without secret plans being kept from patients and the community at large. Shortly after our publication, a national study revealed that STPs are secretly planning large-scale hospital cuts and closures. This has caused great speculation elsewhere but not here, where our publication of the report had already shown that it has not got as far as proposals for particular services yet. While local concerns have not been heightened unnecessarily, they are as grave as ever due to bitter experience. Two recent NHS-led reviews having proposed major downgrades for Bedford Hospital, including cuts or the closure of key services such as maternity, paediatrics or A&e. This one must not go the same way. The signs to date have not been promising. The public has been frozen out of the process so far as have MPs, while Councils have largely been sidelined. This is in spite of being the providers of social care, which must be central to any sustainable solution for healthcare. The STP has also pledged to ‘build upon’ the previous Healthcare Review, which notoriously proposed closure of Bedford’s maternity unit. The theory of bringing partners together to plan for the future of health and social care is a good one. Now it needs to be put in practice, and the veil of secrecy removed in order that we can work together on what is undoubtedly a huge challenge.
by Rt Revd Richard Atkinson Bishop of Bedford
COME AND WORSHIP
WHAT is your favourite Christmas Carol? ‘Away in a Manger’? ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’? ‘While shepherds watched their flocks by night’? Or another of the well-loved carols that will be sung this Christmas? Carols, some of which have their origins back in medieval times and the singing of Christmas songs within the community, rather than within Church. Last Christmas, according to the Classic FM poll, ‘Silent Night’ was our favourite carol. Written in 1818 by Joseph Mohr and set to music by his friend Franz Gruber, it only came into being because mice had eaten through the bellows of the organ at St Nicholas church in their small Austrian town of Oberndorf near Salzburg and they couldn’t play the traditional Christmas music. Instead this new carol was played on the guitar and has been much loved since. My favourite carol is ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’, Christina Rossetti’s evocative verse, that was set to music by Gustav Holst. In particular, the final verse reminds us that Christmas is not just about our re-telling of the Christmas events, nor the praise of God, but also our response to the disclosure of God’s love for us in Jesus. What can I give him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can, I give him - Give my heart. Last Christmas two and a half million people attended church services, and that was just the Church of england! Many came to traditional Christmas Services, including Midnight Mass and Nine Lessons and Carols. For others it was a crib service or more contemporary Christmas worship. All of them, across the different Christian traditions, times to pause amidst the commercialism of this season and to focus on the love of God present with us in the baby Jesus. This Christmas your local church once again offers you a warm welcome and invitation to sing carols and to hear the Christmas narrative. In the words of another much loved carol, ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’: Come and worship, Come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King.
24 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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In Focus with
Fuller Richard Fuller MP for Bedford & Kempston
STEEPED IN HISTORY
HAVe you and your family ever visited the Houses of Parliament? After all, the buildings at Parliament are not only beautiful and interesting in their architecture and design, but they are also home to many important events in our country’s history. For some months I have been asking people across our town whether they had been to Parliament for a tour. Too frequently I have heard “No, can we?” as a response, or from some in their later years, “Last time was when I went on a school trip.” This is a great shame because there is much to see and learn at Parliament. Parliament was where Charles I and Thomas More both faced their trials and were condemned to death. Turn the corner and you are where the only Prime Minister to be assassinated, Spencer Perceval, met his assailant, John Bellingham. By the way, his direct descendent, Henry Bellingham is now a Member of Parliament! Go further towards Central Lobby and you get a sense of the confidence of the Victorians in choosing the winning design and their desire to make a confident statement about our country’s history and its law making. Have I interested you yet? I hope so because Parliament is to close for substantial renovations in a few years’ time and for a number of years thereafter, there will be no access to the buildings. That is why, in my Annual Report this year, I let people know that I would be hosting tours next year that would be open to any and all constituents to attend and bring their families and friends. These tours will be dotted through the year on Monday mornings and on Wednesday evenings. I hope you will consider coming for a visit to see an impressive demonstration of our democracy and I will try to convey why I believe so passionately in our democracy. Let me know if you are interested by emailing me at richard.fuller.mp@parliament.uk and I will send you more details. In the meanwhile, a Merry Christmas to you and the very best for the New Year.
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Monthly update from the Police and Crime Commissioner by Kathryn Holloway
RELEVANT DEBATE
eVeNTS this autumn have shown just how great a challenge Bedfordshire Police face. There have been arrests under Counter Terror laws in Luton. The Force fielded 100 officers and Special Constables to respond to disorder at Bedford Prison to secure the perimeter and reassure residents – going door-to-door to provide updates and advice, while the prison authorities brought the incident under control. Cross-over crime with London was highlighted in an operation by Metropolitan Police officers in Leagrave, seizing guns and ammunition. In one tragic, and thankfully extremely rare, case a 24-yearold man lost his life when a firearms officer used his weapon in an incident which is now being investigated by the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, as is a standard procedure in such circumstances. This was the most distressing outcome for absolutely every party involved and, as a police force cannot comment during such an investigation, no inference whatever should be taken from this. The timing of this operational policing demand on the Force could not be more relevant to a debate which is currently being held within the Home Office. The Government is in the process of determining Bedfordshire’s future slice of the funding cake while drawing up a new National Funding Formula for all 43 police forces in england and Wales. I am arguing that Bedfordshire’s crime challenges need to be considered urgently as the force is currently the second lowest funded in the country. This argument goes beyond politics; I have met with the Policing Minister Brandon Lewis alongside all six constituency MPs from across the county, irrespective of party, with our Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher. I have met him alone and with the Chief Finance Officer of our Force and the Acting ACC Jaqueline Sebire who, as a former Borough Commander in London, speaks with authority of the similarities between the policing demand here but the discrepancy in the resources which are available locally. Ultimately the formula will be decided above all our pay grades but you should be absolutely certain that all that could be being done is being done to put Bedfordshire’s case.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 25
In Focus with
Alistair by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP
LACK OF CYNICISM
AS THIS is the last ‘Bulletin’ piece from me in 2016, it would be tempting to look back on an astonishing political year that sprung almost out of nowhere – the year of the underdogs, and the blows against the establishment. I accept all with humility, having been on the wrong end of opinion in at least two of the events. So I will not trouble you with such reflections but instead bring you some of an MPs constituency highlights, offering cheer to all, with some of the good news which is all around us, but on which we concentrate far too little. My year has been illuminated by young people. etonbury Academy were January visitors to the excellent educational facilities in Parliament, and a number of schools followed, whilst I made visits to schools here, including the impressive Owl Parliament at Roecroft in Stotfold once again. The public would be impressed by young people’s interest and lack of cynicism over the world around them, demonstrated not least by the Youth Parliament held at the House of Commons just the other week, with thoughtful and committed speeches and reflective listening. At the other end of the age range I met with the Alzheimer’s Society in Biggleswade for a joyous morning of singing to help those who struggle a little with memory today, but whose tuneful memories of yesterday lit up the room. From Lions, to Rotary, to Carers in Bedfordshire at the opening of the new Carers Lounge at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, I have seen those giving so much to society as volunteers, making a difference in our world. Those who use sport to build a community, from the east Beds Junior Charity Cup Finalists at Langford, to Biggleswade AC, the wonderful Harrold Pit Run and the Bedford Park Run volunteers – I have spent time with all, observing their contributions to a thriving community. Young Farmers in Pertenhall, Sea Cadets in Biggleswade and I even got to kiss my wife on stage in Bedford for Relate – whatever may be happening on the world’s political stage, an MP can only say a warm ‘thank you’ for 2016 at home, and wish all constituents a happy Christmas and a peaceful 2017.
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26 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 27
out & about Top of The Pops 1930s/40s The Place Theatre Thurs 8 Dec 8pm
Castle Comedy Bedford
Castle Comedy Bedford is pulling out all the stops to make this Christmas the best one ever! They are holding two Christmas Party Specials on Thursday the 15th and Friday the 16th of December at The Gordon Arms Ent Shed. The shows will be the ultimate Christmas comedy night out, perfect for friends and colleagues to celebrate Christmas together! Headlining the show is a UK comedy circuit legend and one of the most awe inspiring comedians you’ll ever see… Steve Day. Steve describes himself as Britain’s only deaf comedian, if there are any others he hasn’t heard! Steve is a truly unique comedian – warm, witty and engaging whilst dealing with the dilemmas of being a deaf man in a hearing world. His stories of multiple children, wearing a suit and the problems caused by not knowing
how words are pronounced will have audiences in raptures. A familiar voice on Radio 4, Steve has appeared many times on ‘You and Yours’ and been a token man on Woman’s Hour! Carly Smallman sings funny songs! Her unique blend of outrageous impropriety and adorable sincerity has established her as a firm favourite in London clubs and beyond. She has written for BBC Comedy Online and has appeared on several TV and Radio shows including: The Rob Brydon Show. ‘Ebullient… funny, fresh and endlessly creative’ – Time Out The show will also feature President Obonjo, the UK’s only comedy dictator. He demand laughs and he certainly gets them! Castle Comedy regular, Paul Revill will host the night. If you are organizing a large group of friends or work event there are party packages available. Call the ticket hotline on 07736 060541 or visit www.castlecomedy.co.uk
TOTP didn’t exist in the 40s so Swing’s The Thing have created their own version. Vocalists Katherine Mclean and Nigel Adair will perform a selection of seasonal big band vocals and help count down the Top 10. This is nonstop vintage swing music from some of the most popular bands of the time.
Jack Frost A magical, wintery production brings Jack Frost to life through puppetry, live music and enchanting storytelling. Meet our mischievous sprite as he takes us on a snowy adventure but wrap up warm or you’ll catch him nipping at your fingers and toes! A story of
4pm Monday 19 Dec
friendship and bravery to warm our hearts this winter. A playful production perfect for ages 3+. This will be a ‘relaxed’ performance with house lights on and lower sound levels. everyone is welcome and the show will be particularly suitable for children on the autistic spectrum.
Christmas Show 1pm & 4pmTues 20, 1pm & 4pm Wed 21 December
Meet a snowman who lives in the fridge, try and spot some naughty elves, hear the tale of the first Christmas Tree, play hunt the brussel sprout and endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper. The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmassness is an over-stuffed stocking of seasonal surprises crammed with puppets, songs, storytelling and comedy, and overflowing with crazy characters.
28 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016
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Sleeping Beauty Pulloxhill Church Hall Saturday 2.30pm Jan 14 Friday 7.30pm Jan 20 Saturday 2.30 & 7.30pm January 21
Pulloxhill Players present a novel reworking of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale full of the usual "oh yes
she does" and "it’s behind you". Our very own King Charles and Queen Camilla of Silsoe are very excited because Betty, the good witch of the North, has cast a baby spell on them and they are to have an heir to the throne. But they make a bad mistake when they decline to invite Hogben, the bad witch of the South. She is livid, seething and vengeful. She casts her nastiest spell – you know – the one where Princess Beauty pricks her finger on a needle and falls asleep forever. Fortunately Plop, the King’s servant has fortune telling powers and tips them the wink. There is only one solution – to ban all pointy things. This causes problems for Dame Droopy’s knitting enterprise by Royal appointment. Tickets £7, under 12s matinee £5. Box Office Sandra 01525 751403 Cathy 01525 719575
Beardyman +MC Leen & Guests Bedford Esquires 8pm Friday December 9
Could you do with a little extra cash ? DISTRIBUTORS REQUIRED for all areas of Bedford
Regular monthly delivery rounds in your locality – Flexible hours to suit. Large Bedfordshire/Northants publisher – Top payments for reliable distributors. Text ‘Delivery jobs’ to 0750 3359745 Email: rosetta-agent@deliveryman.com with ‘delivery Jobs’ in the header.
Finest Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine
● OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
12-4pm (normal menu and prices)
bookings now being taken ● OFFICE PARTIES bookings now being taken
It’s about five years in the making this show, but finally we’ve been able to secure a date with the genius that is Beardyman at Bedford esquires, with MC Leen in tow. Imagine a machine that can let you record and mix music in real time – one that will enable musicians to get down the ideas in their head instantly, with no filter between the germs of a song and hearing it come alive straight away. Imagine the fevered genius capable of building such a perfect musical
Brasserie ● NORMAL OPENING HOURS
for the rest of festive season, including: Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
www.bengalbrasseriebedford.co.uk
9 The Broadway, Bedford MK40 2TJ 01234 340888/341444
aid. Meet the BeARDYTRON _5000mkIV (Beardytron). Meet its creator… Beardyman, whose performances have been viewed over 60 million times on YouTube alone with improvisation being at the heart of the creative process. Chances are, you already know Beardyman. He’s the lovable beatboxing champion, the festival favourite last heard playing the charismatic stoner on Fatboy Slim’s global smash eat Sleep Rave Repeat, right? Well, yes, that was Beardyman. But the musician emerging from hiding on his startling new album Distractions is virtually a different species altogether. As for the Beardytron that Distractions was made on? It requires four iPads and two laptops “running at just below the speed of light” to enable Beardyman to instantly process any song ideas he has, straight away being able to access his hundreds of presets made on myriad instruments and manipulating them in infinite combinations to record and mix live. Frankly, we should be grateful that Beardyman has used the Beardytron to make a great album. This show is going to be something just a bit special, Beardy sells out everywhere and we highly recommend picking up tickets in advance! www.seetickets.com/event/beardy man/bedford-esquires/1025346
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
A Christmas Carol Bedford Central Library 2-3.30pm December 3
Community theatre group Librarian Theatre returns to Bedford Central Library this winter with a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story A Christmas Carol; using puppetry and audience interaction to bring the timeless tale to life. The production re-imagines
the character of ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, as a woman, played by Sarah Ratheram. Librarian Theatre was founded by friends Kelly eva-May AND Tom Cuthbertson with the aim of supporting public libraries across the country. The non-for-profit organisation works to deliver accessible, affordable, professional theatre to local communities.
Bedford Gallery Quire
We are a friendly group of singers and instrumentalists that together keep some of Bedford’s musical heritage alive by performing church and social music from the West Gallery period. This is three and four part harmony from around 1700 to 1850. We rehearse fortnightly on Thursdays in Bedford and are always welcoming to potential new members. In particular we would very much like to hear from string, woodwind or brass players. Your own instrument might be played, but we also own several period instruments that you might find to be an interesting challenge. A chat with our Musical Director would quickly establish whether you think this might be for you. Have a look at our website and give us a call. www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk Ken Baddley – 01234 310018
OPUS 18 CHRISTMAS CONCERT Saturday 10th December 2.30pm Priory Methodist Church Newnham Avenue, Bedford Guest musicians
Sound Appeal Handbells Raffle
Proceeds from the concert to: Carers in Bedfordshire and a defibrillator for St John’s Special School
Tickets £6, Children under 14 £3 includes refreshments
Contact: Evelyn Sutherland on 07974 742662 evesutherlandmusic@hotmail.co.uk
Visit Opus 18 at: www.opus18communitychoir.org.uk
BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 29
30 — BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 BeDFORD ARCHITeCTURAL, ARCHAeOLOGICAL, & LOCAL HISTORY SOCIeTY Illustrated talk: ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
“Auctioning Bedford’s Treasures Possessions”
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
BeDFORDSHIRe FAMILY HISTORY SOCIeTY 7.15pm Friday 2nd December .
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Interested in Family History? Come along to our next monthly talk on
David Fletcher (W & H Peacock ‘Parish Registers’ & BBC1’s Flog It!) given by Robert Parker 7:30pm Wednesday December 14 Putnoe Heights Church & held in the Drama Hall of Mark Community Centre Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Bedford MK41 8EB Members free, visitors £1. Non-members welcome - £2-00 entry www.bfhs.org.uk enquiries (01234) 365095 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– www.baalhs.org.u IT’S BeGINNING TO SOUND –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A LOT LIKe CHRISTMAS ST ANDReW’S CHURCH ITS JINGLe ALL THe WAY AT New Years Day – Sunday 1st Priory Methodist Church, January 2017 Bedford 7.30pm Friday 9th December
SING-ALONG JUNGLE BOOK
when BeDFORD BRASS & the AJs will be giving a
Start 2017 with a sing-along to a TRADITIONAL Disney Classic Popcorn and soft drinks will be available along with Fairtrade tea and Coffee from the St Andrew’s Fairtrade Shop. Committee Member Jenny We hope that you will be able to Gellatly said, ‘If you enjoy the join us for what promises to be an afternoon of fun, laughter and sound of Christmas, this concert will have you rocking around the singing. Christmas trees’. No need to book, just come Tickets are available at the door along. entrance is just £1 per (adults £5, children free). person, so why not dress up and bring a friend along to monkey Light refreshments in the interval around.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
ST JAMeS’S CHURCH, BIDDeNHAM
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CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Saturday 3 December: 2pm – 4.30pm Biddenham Village Hall, Nodder’s Way, Biddenham MK40 4BJ A wide range of stalls, gifts and activities for all ages. Tea and cakes! Special visit by Father Christmas! J entrance £1 (children free).
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KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB DANCING, WHIST, BINGO Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm
at the CeNTeNARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone:
01234 857011
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IMMY CAUTY’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMeD
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AFTERMATH DISLOCATION PRINCIPLE #ADPRIOTTOUR will arrive at the Panacea Museum on the 13th of December.
The ADP is a monumental postapocalyptic landscape in miniature. A dystopian model village set somewhere in a mythical Bedfordshire where only the police remain in an otherwise deserted, wrecked and dislocated land. All in 1:87 scale, housed in three immense shipping containers, and viewed through observation ports.
Bringing the ADP over the high walls of the Panacea Museum Campus is a major undertaking and the museum want to give as many people as possible from the surrounding area the chance to see this unique work. There is no charge to come into the museum and it will be open every day while ADP is on site ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
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CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Saturday 17th December at 7.30pm Ouse Valley Singers, Kempston Musical Society and singers from Bedford Hospital St. Peter’s Church, De Parys Avenue, Bedford Tickets are £8 for adults, £6 for students and over-60’s and £3 for children and include a mince pie and a hot or cold drink. For tickets or further information, please contact Felicity on 01234 359716 email: djfscott@yahoo.co.uk or Mike on 07946 589234 email: MikeThrossell@aol.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– KeMPSTON HAMMeRS
HAMMERS CHOIR CONCERT Sunday 11 December Tickets £2.50 from Club
CHRISTMAS BINGO Thursday 15th December Tickets £2 from Club
NEW YEARS EVE THE VIPeas
Tickets £15 from Club ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 3rd Dec from 1pm Christ the King Church Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford entry 50p - children free Raffle (1st prize £200), tombola, bottle stall, Christmas crafts, refreshments, and lots more –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– KeMPSTON eAST MeTHODIST CHURCH
CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
Saturday 10th December at 7.30pm Kempston Musical Society and guests from Goldington Green Academy School Choir present a programme of festive music in a Christmas Carol Concert Tickets - £7.50 available on the door. For further information please call Janet 01234 781010. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BeDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP meet at ARA club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 15th December Mark Thomas presents
‘The Full Monty’
RSPB’s Wildlife Crime officer talks about the conservation efforts for our Montagu’s Harriers. Suitable for experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 For more info: www.rspb.org.uk/ groups/bedford ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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WORLD SHIP SOCIETY
BEDFORD BRANCH Meetings held Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd WeDNeSDAY in the month 19:30 for 20:00 start
21 December 2016 Alan Pepper giving a presentation “Xmas Miscellany” Branch Secretary, Dave Menzies Telephone: 01234 352014 e-mail: dave.menzies@tiscali.co.uk
ADDISON CeNTRe KeMPSTON FUND RAISING
–––––––––––––––––––––––– CHRISTMAS TEA DANCE
2-4.30pm THURSDAY 15th DEC £2.50 (incl cuppa) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997 DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS NEW YEARS EVE ADDISON CeNTRe, KeMPSTON 2.00–5.00pm TICKeTS £5.00 (incl refreshments) Raffle & Licensed Bar For tickets ring 01234 851877 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ALL SAINTS NATTeR CLUB Please join us for our
SOCIAL DANCE
CHRISTMAS NATTER CLUB
Christmas carols, sherry and mince pies Thursday December15, 2-5pm Church Hall Kempston entry £1 including teas, coffees & cakes. Raffle tickets £1 Further information Vikki Clarke 01234 843669 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2nd December 2016 BeDFORD ART SOCIeTY 7.15 for 7.30 start, at Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK41 8eB
will demonstrate in watercolour One of the country’s leading portrait painters, she is constantly exploring the way in which watercolour can be used to produce light and vitality in her work. (This is a change to the published programme) Free for members, £5 for visitors Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BeDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THe WILDLIFe TRUST Wednesday 14th December 2016 Meeting 7.30pm
Glynis Barnes-Mellish
‘Over the Sea to Skye’
an illustrated talk by Barrie Mason Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Ave, Bedford MK41 9QJ Plenty parking available All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated Further details available under events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
The West End in Concert
The West end In Concert was formed in 2012 by Creative Director and Musical Theatre actor Andrew Simeon. He had a vision of creating a magical evening of entertainment with four of the best singers/actors directly from The West end, and bringing it home to the local communities that supported and nurtured them during their pursuit of following their dreams to become professional musical theatre performers. Andrew who now lives in Bedford, hails from Pontardawe, a village just outside of Swansea in South Wales. This is where Andrew began his early training with dance, singing and acting lessons. He then went onto study Performing Arts at Gorseinon College as well as performing in the local Amateur Dramatic productions whenever possible. After this Andrew followed his dream to London, to Bird College in Sidcup, one of the top Performing Arts Colleges in the country where he trained in Dance, Drama and Voice solidly for three years. Since
graduating Andrew has performed in many Musicals in the West end and on Tour around the UK; South Pacific, All That Jazz, Snow White (with Paul O’grady), Legally Blonde and We Will Rock You to name a few. He also performed as a vocalist and dancer aboard P&O’s MV Aurora, which took him to all continents on the globe and also on a round the world voyage. After this Andrew made his way to Germany to fulfil a childhood dream, to perform in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight express. It was in 2010 that he joined the West end production of We Will Rock You, this show had already played a big part of his life whilst touring the UK with it, but he set up camp at The Dominion Theatre and enjoyed its run until its final performance on the 31st May 2014. The West end In Concert is in its 12th year and performs a variety of different shows as well as having Christmas/West end themed production which is going on this December all across the country. Andrew may have originally hailed from South Wales, but has been living in Bedford for the past eleven
BEDFORD BULLETIN DECEMBER 2016 — 31
years, and apart from the Welsh engagements, he very much looks forward to bringing his productions back to his ‘other’ home in Bedford. The Place Theatre offers something that most of the other venues don’t, and that’s a beautiful intimacy. Its a wonderful venue and all his performers love playing it due to closeness of the audience and the way that you can feel that they are really with you during the performances. Stars from the West end present a magical evening of entertainment featuring hits from the musicals and the best of Christmas song. The talented cast have starred in many West end productions and national tours including Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, South Pacific, Singing in the Rain, Starlight express, Phantom Of The Opera, Godspell, Joseph and Cats... to name but a few! “This wonderful concert guarantees to bring you joy and fill you with Christmas cheer” (South Wales evening Post) The show will be running at The Place Theatre, Bedford on Friday the 9th December at 7:30pm (SOLD OUT) and Saturday the 10th December at 2:30pm and 7:30pm alternatively it is also appearing at The Mumford Theatre, Cambridge on Sunday 11th December at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. www.thewestendinconcert.com
Danesborough Chorus Christmas Concert
Sprinkle some sparkle into your Christmas season by joining us at the Danesborough Chorus Christmas Concert to be held on Saturday, 10th December, at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Woburn. We’ll be singing a superb selection of festive favourites with carols old and new, and there’ll be Christmas readings and interval refreshments. The choir will be accompanied by John Witchell on piano and organ. To help you forget the shopping and the stress, we’re putting fun, fizz and flavour into our musical celebrations this year says musical director Ian Smith. Combining traditional favourites with a variety of new carols, our Christmas concert will provide musical magic, and there’ll be plenty of audience participation! The pre-Christmas rush can be hectic for everyone, but music is the perfect antidote. So why not come carolling with the Danesborough Chorus at Woburn Church to enjoy a special start to your Christmas celebrations? Tickets price £10 and £8 for adults, £5 for under-18s, all unreserved, are available Tel: 01525 376760.
The Bedford Bulletin is an independent magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. Published by Š 2016 Rosetta Publishing Ltd. 30 Radwell Road, Milton ernest, Bedford MK44 1SH. Tel: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email all departments:pat@rosettapublishing.com. Printed by: Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR.