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Greycourt Florists crowned one of the UK’s best florists LOCAL Bedford florist Greycourt Florists has been accepted into the exclusive Good Florist Guide, the gold standard of floristry and the only merit-based guide to the finest florists in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Acknowledged as the ‘little black book’ of the very best British and Irish florists Greycourt Florists were awarded the prestigious accolade last week. Owner Kelly Jeffries described themselves as thrilled to bits!
To be part of GFG, each florist undergoes a rigorous evaluation process before being approved. Greycourt Florists submitted a detailed description of their floristry business, including range available and services offered as well as images of their business premises, their design work, their team and even the delivery vehicle! It was then vetted by a panel of industry experts to ensure it met the strict criteria of not just offering gorgeous designs, but also the best service and value for bespoke floristry and flowers. Commenting on their success Kelly of Greycourt Florists said: “We are delighted to be accepted into the Good Florist Guide. We are passionate about flowers, design, quality and the service we give to each of our customers so it is wonderful to have this recognised.” Kelly continued: “What’s special about our business is that we don’t just sell flowers, we sell emotions!”
PASSION Caroline Marshall-Foster, Editor of floristry’s industry bible The Florist magazine, and Executive Director of Good Florist Guide set it up as a way to ensure customers always receive top quality floristry from businesses that value excellent customer service. Caroline said: “You can buy flowers virtually anywhere these days. But nothing really beats the experience of receiving fabulous flowers from a truly bespoke florist and without it costing an arm or a leg. “The Good Florist Guide is my way of sharing all that is good about floristry. It allows consumers to know that the florist they use is able and willing to go the extra mile and make all their purchases, big or small, truly special.”
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Ruby Anniversary at Newnham Street
2017 marks another memorable landmark for W&H Peacock as they celebrate 40 years since Mr Robert Peacock opened the auction centre in Newnham Street, Bedford. This forthcoming year they also look ahead to the construction of their purpose built saleroom in Wallis Way due to be completed in the autumn. The Newnham Street Auction Centre has served them well over the last forty years and will continue to serve as a valuable town centre premises as Peacock's continues to grow. Peacocks would like to thank all the loyal customers who have attended over the past four decades and they look forward to welcoming you to the New Auction Centre during 2017.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 5
Rotary Clubs raise over £24,000 for local charities
HeleN Nellis, The lord lieutenant for Bedfordshire and patron of the MS Therapy Centre in Barkers lane, Bedford, recently visited the MS Centre with representatives of five Rotary Clubs to present a cheque for £11,581 to Tracey McKenzie, Centre Manager. The MS Centre provides therapy treatment for MS patients in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, and at the suggestion of Bedford Rotarian, Peter Kimber, the local Rotary Clubs of Sandy and Bedford, together with the Northamptonshire Clubs
of Corby, Corby Phoenix and Rushden Chichele and the Gale Family Trust, contributed the money to pay for the interior decoration of the Centre, the first such decoration in 20 years. Tracey McKenzie thanked everyone who helped in this project to give the Centre a much needed lift that has resulted in a bright and pleasant Centre into which to welcome their members for the valuable therapies. Presentation lunch Shirley Scotcher, the Head of Hospice Fundraising at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice,
Moggerhanger, joined members of The Rotary Club of Bedford at their Christmas lunch and received a donation of £12,855 for St John’s Hospice. This was the amount raised by the more than 700 runners and walkers in the Sponsored Run and Walk along the Western Bypass and organised by the Rotary Club of Bedford to mark the opening of the Bypass. Mrs Scotcher told how St John’s had welcomed more than 1,700 patients in the past year and she thanked the Rotary Club, the participants and their sponsors, and all who helped in the organisation.
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6 — BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017
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Technology in Education
he debate around the role of technology in education rages on in the media, as the advantages and disadvantages of integrating it into the classroom are discussed. Fundamental to this question is what is the purpose of education and are we preparing young people for the world that they will grow into? At Bedford Girls’ School we are constantly looking towards the future, we believe education is about preparing students to manage the opportunities and challenges that the world will hold, not now but in the future. We are preparing them for a technological age, they need the attributes to manage this new world with confidence. Employers tell us that collaboration, problem solving, independent thought and flexible thinking are the characteristics desired for the modern workplace, and technology plays a vital role in ensuring students leave school fully prepared. Technology does not replace great teachers, but great teachers can use technology to inspire students, embed knowledge and encourage higher level thinking. Technology has the ability to transform a classroom. Teachers are no longer the sole distributors of information from the front of a room, they can be the expert by the side, guiding individuals, tailoring the work to the pupils’ needs and personalising their learning experience. A more meaningful and positive exchange which ensures pupils are challenged and encouraged. Pupils are liberated, they can communicate their ideas in a variety of ways, encouraging creativity and independent learning. They start to make decisions about where and how to gather research, present information and record data. They are no longer spoon fed purely for passing examinations, making for a more rewarding and relevant educational experience. At Bedford Girls’ School every student has an iPad and the use of technology is integrated into the classroom, from Year 3 to Upper Sixth. In recognition of our innovative approach to the use of technology in teaching, Bedford Girls’ School has been awarded Apple Distinguished School Status. To find out more about joining Bedford Girls’ School, please call the Admissions team on 01234 361918 to arrange a visit to the School, or attend our next open morning on Wednesday 8th March 2017. www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk
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BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 7
Full on Business series
nation was Brenda Harris former President of Coca-Cola Africa and italy and Jacquie Manners, PR consultant. February 2. sees Business Minister Margot James MP (pictured) and HR expert Carol Scott taking the stage, February 9, is dido Harding CeO of Talk Talk with a team talk by Amanda Murrell and Pauline Stewart and finally on 16th Samuel Kasumu Md of eN Campaigns talks about fund-raising. Andy Street talked about how John lewis transformed itself by embracing modern techology such as ‘click and collect’ and innovative advertising techniques. He is now a candidate to be Mayor of the West Midlands region. Zak described his journey from 15-year-old Saturday boy to being Md of the fashionable barber pods with deals with Sainsbury’s and major retail parks. Both were featured on a BBC look east news story about the launch evening when Richard talked about the value of entrepreneurship to employment and economic vitality for the area. Find out more at Richard Fuller MP on Facebook or follow on Twitter and instagram with #fullonbizbedford
RiCHARd Fuller MP has launched a successful series of business evenings featuring international corporation leaders and local entrepreneurs. Held at King’s House in Ampthill Road, a series of five Community Business School evening sessions began on January 19, with the former Md of John lewis Andy Street and local tycoon Zak Resinato. The following week the combi-
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Olympic legacy rolls-on
A ReCORd of over £7,000 was raised at the 2016 annual Wheelchair Challenge Relay held at the Bedford international Athletics Stadium. it was handed over before friends and supporters at an event at the international Stadium in Barker’s lane on Friday January 21. The event, a legacy of the london 2012 Paralympic Games, aims to raise funds to encourage young disabled people to become involved in sport or to improve their performances. in the five years the Challenge has been organised over £30,000 has been raised and re-invested in this worthy cause. Representatives of the four beneficiary organisations, Sport Bedford, Herts Sport and Wellbeing Foundation, WheelPower and Whizz-Kidz, each received a cheque for £1700. in the case of Sport Bedford the monies will be used to offer grants to aid the further development of sport for young disabled people. From funds raised in previous years Sport Bedford has already made a significant contribution towards achieving the purposes of this legacy event by awarding grants to three young tennis players and two coaches who want to develop their coaching skills to work with disabled players. Two archers have also benefitted, as has a young swimmer Rotary Clubs in the area undertake the organisation of the event which is now firmly established in the calendar – the 2017 event will be taking place at the Stadium on Sunday October 8. This year’s Challenge will seek to increase the number of schools and organisations taking part in what everybody agrees is a worthwhile, and fun, event. Such has been the success of the Challenge, the concept of which was dreamt up by Howard darbon, President of Sport Bedford and organiser of the successful prelondon 2012 Training Camps held in Bedford, that it has been adopted by WheelPower and Rotary international in the UK. Howard is also driving forward a project to establish a Wheelchair Racing Club in Bedford to cater for those who want to expand their involvement in sport, but cannot currently access it as the nearest clubs are many miles away. it is hoped that details of this exciting new initiative will be confirmed in the near future. –––––––––––––––
Going up a gear
COMPANieS which need the best young engineers are donating equipment to Bedford College to help apprentices prepare for the workplace. Coca-Cola in Milton Keynes, the Aircraft Research Association (ARA) of Bedford and Forticrete of leighton Buzzard have given motors, testing equipment and solar panels so young people can practise using modern technology. Tensile testing equipment from ARA together with blocks of aluminium are not only valuable but vital training aids for apprentices. “We are grateful to engineering companies for their support in preparing young people for careers which are vital for the future of modern industry,” said Rob Storehouse.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 9
Bishop of Bedford dedicates Church’s brand new pipe organ
10am Sunday February 26, 2017 in 2014 St Andrew’s Parochial Church Council gave the go ahead for a brand new pipe organ to be designed and built by Harrison and Harrison of durham, an organ builders with over 150 years’ experience. Harrison and Harrison’s craftsmen worked for 18 months in their workshops in durham and in the autumn of 2016, two lorries bought the compo-
nent parts of the organ to Bedford, were six craftsmen worked over a four week period to assemble the organ. Once built the organ then had to be ‘voiced’ (or tuned) and another two master craftsmen spent five weeks listening and adjusting the 1436 pipes in the organ to create the unique sound that is the new St Andrew’s pipe organ. This is an instrument, that after thousands of hours of dedicated and
specialist work, will lead the worship at St Andrew’s for hundreds of years. St Andrew’s is delighted to be able to announce that the organ will be dedicated by the Bishop of Bedford as part of the main Sunday morning service which will we attended by Pam Rhodes, of BBC TV fame. Sunday 26 February at 10am and all are welcome to come and hear it used for the first time.
A week later on Saturday 4 March an inaugural recital will be played by internationally renowned organist, Paul derrett. Tickets for this concert are available from the Church Centre Office, as are Season Tickets for the following series of concerts which will enable the organ to be demonstrated to the fullness of its ability outside of regular worship where it will be used on a weekly basis.
Adrienne Jessop U. Bristol Alison Brokenshire U. Bristol Uma Madhav U. Cardiff Hema Mistry U. London
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Pole position for apprentices
BedFORd College students are in pole position when it comes to winning ‘Formula One’ apprenticeships with Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP). HPP sponsors an engineering Student of the Year Award at Bedford College every year. The prize includes a fast track to the front of an interview queue for one of the company’s sought after apprenticeships. lee Walters, employee development Manager at HPP in Brixworth, Northamptonshire explained that each year the company took on up to ten apprentices as machinists, assembly or test technicians. After the first year they progressed on to Higher National Certificates with a
view to developing them as engineers. The team at HPP benefits from great terms and conditions working in the most competitive and high-tech environment in global motorsport. A video shown to the students Left and right Steve Croft and Bethany Coles of engineering at Bedford explained how HPP is at the fore- College with Lee Walters. front of modern engine design Bedford Colleges offers a range neering apprenticeships on offer in including the Hybrid energy of real engineering courses from the UK. Join them via www.bedRecovery System. lee added: “We want young peo- aeronautical, electrical, electronic, ford.ac.uk Bethany Coles, Personal Tutor, ple to step up and believe they can be general and mechanical engineering. good enough to be part of our World Students gain workshop experience who organised the event said: “We and go on to some of the best engi- very grateful to have the support of Class team.” Mercedes AMG. Their involvement is an inspiration to our students who get an inside track into how to get a job with one of the best brands in engineering.”
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Children’s writing competition
ON Tuesday February 14, John Bunyan Museum & library will be reopening fully for 2017. On Thursday February 16, there will be children’s workshops “Potions, Posies, and Poems” in partnership with Bedford Chronicles. it will be a great mixture of learning, making, and creating 17th century potions, posies, and poems. The sessions start at 10.30 and 1.30 (each last 1hr 30mins), £3 per child, this will be very popular. On Tuesday February 21 sees the launch of the annual competition for school-aged children and young people. This year they being asked to imagine they are elizabeth Bunyan; her husband John Bunyan has been imprisoned for his beliefs, and they have to write a letter to the powerful judges to plead and argue for his pardon and release. There are four age groups: 5-8 years, 8-11yrs, 11-14yrs, and 14-18yrs, with a first, second and third prize for each of the categories.
The closing date for the competition is June 5, 2017 and the winners will be announced prior to a special presentation evening at the Museum on Tuesday July 4, 2017.
The Museum opens on Tuesday February 14, and continues to open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am- 4.00pm until October (Closed Good Friday) and admission is free. For more details contact the Curator Nicola Sherhod on 01234 270303 or email curator@bunyan
meeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
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BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 11
Bedford’s private renting set to hit 10,155 households by 2021
Is Buy to Let immoral? by Nigel Bywater Director of Sales/Finance Belvoir Bedford T: 01234 290685
Can we blame the 55 to 70-year-old Bedford citizens for the current housing crisis in the town? Also known as the ‘Baby Boomer Generation’, these Bedford people were born after the end of the Second World War as the country saw a massive rise in births as they slowly recovered from the economic hardships experienced during wartime. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, they experienced (whilst in their 20s, 30s and 40s) an unparalleled level of economic growth and prosperity throughout their working lifetime on the back of improved education, government subsidies, escalating property prices and technological developments, they have emerged as a successful and prosperous generation. ...Yet some have suggested these Bedford baby boomers have (and are) making too much money to the detriment of their children, creating a ‘generational economic imbalance’, where mature people benefit from
(Part 1)
house-price growth while their children are forced either to pay massive rents or pay large mortgages.
which resulted in many houses being repossessed. It was these major factors that underpinned the housing crisis we have today in Bedford.
Between 2001 and today, average earnings rose by 65%, but average Bedford house prices rose by 147.3%
To start with, in 1995 the USA relaxed its lending rules by rewriting the Community Reinvestment Act. This Act saw a relaxation on the Bank’s lending criteria’s as there was pressure on these banks to lend on mortgages in low wage neighbourhoods, as the viewpoint in the USA was that anyone (even someone on the minimum wage) any working class person should be able to buy a home. Unsurprisingly, the UK followed suit in the early 2000s, as Banks and Building Society’s relaxed their lending criteria and brought to the market 100% mortgages, even Northern Rock started lending every man and his dog 125% mortgages.
The issue of housing is particularly acute with the generation called the Millennials, who are young people born between the mid 1980s and the late 1990s. These 18 to 30 years, moulded by the computer and internet revolution, are finding as they enter early adult life, very hard to buy a property, as these ‘greedy’ landlords are buying up all the property to rent out back to them at exorbitant rents... it’s no wonder these Millennials are lashing out at buy to let landlords, as they are seen as the greedy, immoral, wicked people who are cashing in on a social despair. Like all things in life, we must look to the past, to appreciate where we are now. The three biggest influencing factors on the Bedford (and UK) property market in the later half of the 20th Century were, firstly, the mass building of Council Housing in the 1950s and 60s. Secondly, for the Tory’s to sell most of those Council Houses off in the 1980’s and finally 15% interest rates in the early 1990’s
So when we roll the clock forward to today, and we can observe those very same footloose banks from the early/mid 2000s (that lent 125% with a just note from your Mum and a couple of breakfast cereal tokens), ironically reciting the Bank of England backed hymn-sheet of responsiblelending. On every first time buyer mortgage application, they are now looking at every line on the twentysomething’s banks statements, asking if they are spending too much on socialising and holidays... no wonder these Millennials are afraid to ask for a mortgage (as more often than not after all that – the answer is negative). Conversely, you have unregulated Buy To Let mortgages. As long as you have a 25% deposit, have a pulse, pass a few very basic yardsticks and have a reasonable job, the banks will literally throw money at you... I mean Virgin Money are offering 2.99% fixed for three years – so cheap! So, in Part Two next time, I will continue this emotive article and show you some very interesting findings on why young people aren’t buying property anymore (and it’s not what you think!). For more insights in the Bedford Property Market please visit the Blog at: www.bedfordpropertyblog.com
12 — BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017
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High-class independent shoe repairer celebrates his third year in Bedford Rudi’s Shoe Repairs in Mill Street, Bedford, has gone from strength-to-strength celebrating three years in the town this month. Rudi prides himself on customer satisfaction, which he feels is the best way forward for his business. A good customer personal relationship goes a long way with repeat business. Rudi says: “All I want is a person to come in as a customer and leave as a friend!” “I do the best job possible with over 40 years’ experience, as a cobbler with key and lock knowledge as well. “So a big thank you to all those of you who have supported me. “…why not check my Google rating for customer satisfaction?”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 13
Take care Linda! New head of Wixams Primary
AFTeR 27 years of caring, one of Bedford Borough Council’s invaluable Home Manager’s, linda Cornfoot, retired recently after proving much needed crucial hands on care to vulnerable adults. linda started her career in social care with Bedfordshire County Council in 1989 at Abbotsbury residential home a part-time night care assistant. She was attracted to care work as she had a young family and care work offered the opportunity to return to work and meet the needs of her growing family and childcare responsibilities. Cllr Mohammad Yasin, Portfolio Holder for Adults’ Services at Bedford Borough Council, said: “There is no greater responsibility than looking after and caring for those around us who need our care and assistance.” As linda’s children got older, she decided she would like to progress her career and applied for promotion to a Senior Care position at another Bedfordshire County Council care home in 1996. Shortly after the transfer of care homes to BUPA in 1998, linda was promoted to the role of deputy Manager at Highfield and became a Home Manager in 2000, firstly at Caddington Hall and then at Puttenhoe since 2007. ––––––––––––––
Higgins bumper year
iN 2016 The Higgins Bedford welcomed over 42,500 visitors, representing a 24% increase on the previous year and making it the museum’s busiest calendar year ever. Popular exhibitions during 2016 included Bedford’s War Machines, which marked the centenary of the Battle of the Somme; The Harpur Trust 450th Anniversary Art Competition exhibition which displayed artworks by school children from across Bedford Borough; and Picasso and the Masters of Print which continues until April.
MARY langley has been appointed by Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT) as the new Headteacher of a new primary school currently being built in Wixams. Wixams Tree Primary will be next door to the secondary school Wixams Academy so pupils can complete their education from entrance age to Sixth Form in one location. Both schools open in September.
“i feel very proud and excited to have been appointed Headteacher for Wixams Tree Primary School. i am passionate about working in partnership with the children, staff, governors and the parent community to build and develop the school as an exciting and successful school,” said Mary, After returning to education when her children had finished their early primary education Mary completed a Bed (Hons) degree in Primary education and subsequently a post graduate qualification and then completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship. Principal Paul Spyropoulos of Wixams Academy, to which pupils from Wixams Tree Primary will progress at the age of 11, explained that his school will be welcoming students in Year 7 from a range of primaries. As well as the existing primary in Wixams, lakeview, pupils have signed up from Bedford, elstow, Wilstead, Ampthill and Kempston to join the new school.
‘Senior’ school Chair of Governors
HeATHeR Bliss is the Chair of Governors of the Wixams Academy which opens in September to pupils in Year 7 (age 11) who will be coming through from various primary schools in the area. A former Bedford High School student, Heather now lives in Bromham with her two sons. Self-employed, Heather devotes all her time to education in its various forms. She teaches GCSe Business Studies and Personal,Social and Health education (PSHe) at key stage 4, as well as delivering apprenticeships at a council in Berkshire. Heather has spent 12 years as a School Governor, of which two have been as Chair. “As i also mark School leaders' professional qualifications this means
that i gain knowledge of various improvement initiatives in schools across the country from other middle and senior leaders, and i will be able to share my knowledge with Wixams.
New Dawn for girls in engineering
dAWN Fitt, a former Young Woman engineer of the Year is showing the way for young people into careers in electrical and electronic engineering at Bedford College. A training co-ordinator who undertakes assessments in workplace and teacher of level 2 electrical/ electronic apprentices, dawn is a Past President of the Women’s engineering Society. dawn is also Chair of Adjudicating Panel for the ieT’s Young Women engineer of the Year Award – so keeping in touch with new talent. Following in the footsteps of her father an engineer, dawn did an electrical/electronic apprenticeship in her then home of Worcestershire before working her way through digital control systems and on to project management. When she switched to STeM (science technology engineering maths) promotion in schools she said it was because: “i did an apprenticeship and wanted to put something back by encouraging others to follow that path. As President of the Women’s engineering Society i wanted to show how important the apprenticeship route is to encouraging people into the industry.”
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In Focus with SAY THANKS NOW AND THEN
Remember the short spell of freezing weather last month? There was a forecast which suggested snow across the midlands and south, travel difficulties – or ‘Blizzard death Blows in from eU’ if you read the daily express? However there was an evening of train holdups and some cold icy weather- not much snow. i was on a busy Thameslink, all stations to Bedford from Blackfriars, making up for an earlier cancellation, and checking Twitter when i came across this from iTV News “Know your rights if your journey is disrupted by winter storms”. Attached was a portfolio picture of london traffic in a blizzard, and a comprehensive guide as to who to claim compensation
ENTERING DIALOGUE
i have many warm memories of St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow. Whilst at University i went to Glasgow on several occasions with fellow students to undertake community work in the poorer areas of the City. This included building adventure playgrounds and undertaking community research to identify local need. On each occasion, members of the Cathedral were our hosts. i was therefore deeply saddened to see the news reports in January of the controversy caused when the Cathedral invited a local Muslim to contribute a reading from the Qur’an at their epiphany Service; a reading that described the birth of Jesus as understood within islam. A reading that reflected Muslim belief that Jesus is a prophet but not
SIMPLY A GREAT PLACE
The latest official government figures reveal that house price rises in Bedford Borough are amongst the highest in the country, rising 16.4% in a year. This has occurred despite record housing delivery in recent years, which illustrates just how strong demand to live in Bedford Borough is. The sharp rise in prices will be no surprise to those seeking to buy a home locally. An increasing gap between what people, especially younger people and families, can afford and the cost of a suitable home for them is a serious problem. it is one that, in my view, should be higher up the national political agenda. locally, we need housing delivery to
Alistair
by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP
from, and how much, for the outrage of being inconvenienced by the weather. i was quite saddened by this. i fully support the rights of passengers, who pay a great deal, to be protected against shoddy or careless actions which affect the reliability of travel – which is important to all. But has it really come to the bit that our lives are so precious that any inconvenience, even if caused by something over which no one has any control, has us scrabbling for
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
the Son of God. The result was ten thousand negative comments including many that were abusive and have been referred to Police Scotland; all complaining that this is wrong for a Christian Church and a denial of the Gospel. it is a sad indictment of the attitudes of many, and at worst islamophobia. The inclusion of this reading was part of an occasional encounter with islam that sat within the Christian responsibility to build relationships with our neighbours and to
In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
remain strong. Records since 1991 show that housing delivery is at record levels over recent years, with completions running at as much as double the level of ten years or so ago. The size of last year’s figure, the second highest since 1991, was in spite of the national collapse in affordable housing under the new government. Affordable home completions fell by more than half nationally, and if we are to tackle the afford-
email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
information on our ‘rights’ so we can claim compensation. i tweeted in reply ‘Perhaps you might say ‘thank you’ instead to the transport staff who get you home? And not blame anyone? Try it.’ i’m pleased to say my retweet received four times more retweets than the iTV version! As we work through what happened last year, and how we come to terms with the Britain it revealed to us, one of the things we might think about is our rush to blame, accuse and hold up to abuse. Social media is not responsible in itself – it is a convenient cover for some to use language and threats because they are anonymous but it is us who hold the key. i think we will all be happier and the country will work better if we cut each other a little generous slack, and ensure common courtesy, and some simple thanks now and again, does not slip sadly away. seek understanding of those of other faiths. More than that, it was set within a Christian act of worship, within a building that speaks powerfully of Christian witness. As the Provost of St Mary’s said, ‘Nobody at that service that night could be in any doubt that we proclaimed the divinity of Christ and preached the Gospel of God’s love’. The truth of the Gospel was not at risk.
Whatever our beliefs and views, a primary responsibility for us all is that Christian responsibility to love our neighbour. A love that is broad in its compass; that includes the need to understand one another, listen to one another and to enter dialogue with one another. The inclusion of that reading in Glasgow was in that spirit. i hope that the generosity and welcome that the inclusion of this reading reflected will not be shouted down by those whose attitudes are less loving. ability crisis the government must reverse that alarming collapse. Of course, the reason why house prices are rising much faster here than elsewhere even at a time of high housebuilding levels is that, quite simply, so many people want to live here. We’ve overseen rapid jobs growth far outstripping national and regional rates, increasing opportunities for local residents, who are now more likely to be in work than those living elsewhere. Ofsted has identified the strength of the Borough's schools, which are being enhanced with a £48 million investment programme. This includes moving to a primary/secondary system and the scrapping of all temporary classrooms. And crucially, of course, the Borough’s vibrant rural and urban communities are quite simply great places to live!
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BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 15
Gt Denham now Roaringly successful school production shortlisted lAST summer’s school musical at Castle Newnham has dramatic organisation, the National Operatic and drama has its own hall been Association(NOdA), has nominated the school’s musinominated for a top award.
A COMMUNiTY would not be a community without its own hall and that is just what Great denham can now boast. As well as the main hall there are two meeting rooms that can each take up to 40 people. All have the latest technology plus wifi access. The main hall, which is vast, has a stage, a kitchen and a bar to suit whatever purpose, from school concerts, to weddings to public meetings. As well as the usual facilities, it also has a baby change room. The birth of the hall was not always plain sailing. it was part of what is known as a Section 106 agreement, whereby the developers put something back into the community they are building. The borough council did not want the responsibility of running the hall, and there were the usual glitches and arguments before the first sod was turned. But all came out well and david Wilson Homes have delivered what the trustees are calling a stunning building. The names of the rooms and surrounding streets reflect the fact that this was once the border of Saxon Wessex and Mercia, but this is a 21st century building of which the whole community can be proud.
The students performed The lion King to sell-out audiences and rave revues last July. it was a roaring success and now the country’s top
cal for the Best Youth Production Award in the region. Winners will be announced at a special Gala Awards lunch on Sunday April 9 at The Burgess Hall, St ives.
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16 — BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017
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Girls visit namesakes at Cambridge
AS part of Castle Newnham's 'Bright Future's Month' Year 8 girls visited Newnham College, Cambridge. The girls were given a talk about the history of Newnham College and learned about women's education at Cambridge. Sophie Mahady said: “it has given me an idea of what i could do in the future if i work hard,” and Chloe Bezer said: “it was an inspirational visit – i would love to go there.” The aim of Castle Newnham's Bright Futures month is to raise aspi-
rations and give pupils a real insight into the world of further education and careers. Visiting speakers from university lecturers and professors have talked about further education while lawyers, journalists, engineers and even a toxicologist will speak to the pupils in Years 7 and 8 about their careers. Ruth Wilkes, Principal at Castle Newnham,said: “last year we made our first visit to Newnham College, Cambridge as part of our Universities Week which has become a regular part of our school calendar.”
Cross Country winner
ON Saturday 07 January Bedford Modern School Year 8 student Sofia Perusko won the Under 13 Bedfordshire Cross Country Championship at Stowe School, Buckinghamshire. Representing Bedford and County Athletic Club, Sofia completed the three kilometre race in an impressive ten minutes and 51 seconds. Sofia’s success means that she will now represent Bedfordshire in the east of england team at this year’s Virgin Money Giving Mini london Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 23 April 2017. The Virgin Money Giving Mini london Marathon is the official British Athletics three-mile road championships for young athletes aged between 11 and 17. Sofia said: “i’m really pleased to have won the county trials and am now excited to start training for the Virgin Money Giving Mini london Marathon; this is my second year of competing at the event. “i currently train three times a week with Bedford and County Athletic Club and run on my own every Sunday.” Heather Gilbert, Girls Games Co-ordinator at BMS, said: “We would like to congratulate Sofia on her performance; this will be a truly amazing experience for her. “We wish her the best of luck.”
Become a police volunteer cadet
BedFORdSHiRe Police currently has 60 Cadets, who follow a national programme helping them to gain life skills and an insight into life as a police officer. The two-year programme starts in September, and training sessions are held in Bedford and luton on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and in Biggleswade on a Thursday evening. The Bedfordshire Police Cadet programme aims to promote a practical understanding of police amongst young people and support local policing through volunteering. Being a Cadet is a great way to inspire young people to participate positively in their communities; Cadets also assist with community and crime prevention events including alcohol test purchasing, crime prevention projects, car parking and marshalling and representing the force at official ceremonies. Their dedication was recognised last year after they won a prestigious national award. They scooped the High Sheriffs’ Association of england and Wales National Crimebeat Award 2015/2016 for their outstanding contribution to helping to reduce crime and creating a safer community Bedfordshire Police Cadets follow a national framework which covers five key areas: presentation, procedures, communication, law and health and safety. each area is covered with a number of informative, interactive and inclusive sessions. For more information email: voluni@bedfordshire.pnn.police. uk or visit the ‘Join Us’ pages at www.bedfordshire.police.uk
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Library in Jamaica named after Bedford
BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 17
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MORe than £300 is being sent to support a school and its library, named after Bedford, in Jamaica thanks to a buffet party organised by members of Soroptimist international of Bedford. Fundraising in the UK for the ‘Wee Care’ project was started when Veta Hudson-Rae JP travelled to her original Caribbean homeland in 1995. She was taken to visit a nursery run in a church hall allowing a handful of women to go back to work. So impressed was she with their work that when she became Regional President of Si she asked clubs to give £50 donations. Over the years it grew from a nursery into an officially recognised school. “One day i saw a bookshop that was closing in Allhallows and there were books and educational wall charts were being thrown away. i
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asked if i could have them and packed up four boxes full. Then an Si friend said we could get shipped to Jamaica for free if we could get the boxes to Gwent. When they arrived at the dock in Kingston a relay of women arranged for them to get across the island to Montego bay. “When i revisited in 2002 i was so proud to see that the books were kept in what was called the Bedford library.” Since then Veta, who hosted the buffet party at her home off Wentworth drive, has been sending donations raised via Si. “The school now is in a bigger building with 200 students and a computer room. it goes to show how women working together can achieve so much in far flung parts of the world.”
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18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017
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Young Web enthusiast puts Elstow artist in the picture When Elstow artist Mike Newnham was looking for a new way to market his artwork, little did he know the answer was literally at the end of his road in the form of his young neighbour, Marcus Hill. The teenager realised that Mike could of course use the internet to reach a wider audience; he therefore created a website for him, not only photographing each of his distinctive art pieces but also designing the website to sell them. This collaboration between young and old has resulted in Mike’s stunning artwork now being made available to a global market. Mike’s new website can be found at: www.mikenewnhamart.co.uk
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i read with interest your article in the January 2017 edition of the Bedford Bulletin and your view that the level of sentence, in the opinion of the news desk, is to lenient. Of course you and i or your readers don’t really know the full facts of the case but nonetheless i felt inclined to email with my views. When any Court proceeds to sentence a defendant, by section 125(1) of the Corners and Justice Act 2009, every court must follow any sentencing guideline which is relevant to an offenders case. There are definitive sentencing guidelines for drug offences that came into force on 27th February 2012 and deal with, for example, offences of possession with intent to supply of a drug be it class A, B, or C. Within the guidelines, the Court, having heard submissions from Counsel, will determine where, on the facts of the offence, the actual offending sits. in relation to drugs offences the relative category is determined by the offenders role whether that be a leading role, significant role, or lesser role and also the category of offence dependant on the class of drug and the quantity. Street dealing automatically becomes a category 3 offence regardless of the quantity of drugs although it can rise to either a category 2 or 1 offence again dependant on the quantity (and not the value) of the drug in question. For example,e a street dealer with less than 150g of class A drug who is dealing for profit would be a significant role at category 3. The starting point for such sentences would, by virtue of the guidelines, be 4 and a half years custody with a sentence range of 3 and half years to 7 years custody. The range allows for upward and downward movement
based on the circumstances of the offence. Once the Court has determined the relevant starting point then reductions are made applicable to the case. This is usually credit for an early plea. To be clear credit again is provided for within a definitive guideline and therefore must be applied and there is caselaw which further defines the application of credit. in simple terms if you plead guilty at the very first opportunity then you are entitles to a third discount against the sentence determined by the Court once the guidelines have been applied. Credit reduces from the first opportunity up until the first day of a trial when the amount of credit available could be as low as zero and no more than 10%. After trial of course there would be no credit available. We know from the story that Mr. Achtar pleaded guilty to the offence but we do not know the stage of the plea. We have no insight either into the facts or circumstances of the offending. in other words, it is absolutely impossible to say whether this is a lenient sentence or not. Whilst it is pleasing to see such offenders dealt with, and in particular subject to a custodial sentence, to question the level of sentence, in my opinion is extremely difficult without details of the full facts. Of course, opinions as to what is a relevant sentence are interesting, but nonetheless 4 years and 8 months is a long time when you actually think about it (although defendants only ever spend a maximum of half of their sentence actually in custody, the remainder being spent on licence). in any event i thought that some insight into the procedure followed by the Court when sentencing an individual would be of some use. Graeme Molloy, Barrister
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out & about the place p Les Choristes
French drama inspired by the 1947 film 'la Cage aux Rossignols'. Successful orchestra conductor Pierre Morhange (Jacques Perrin) returns home when his mother dies. .
7.30pm Wednesday Feb 8
Southern Tenant Folk Union 8pm Thursday February 9
The acclaimed and award winning edinburgh based folk, roots & bluegrass collective is touring with its brand new, up tempo and political seventh album, Join Forces. This this is vivid, contemporary folk - aware of its political heritage all the way back through Woody Guthrie and beyond, bringing together disparate but still related musical forms in Bluegrass and Scottish folk. (doors open at 7:30pm)
Burton Burton vividly presents the life of the great Welsh actor in his own words from humble beginnings to Hollywood mega-stardom. Beautiful women (not least liz Taylor), alcohol, wealth, stage and screen are the threads woven into this sad, happy, exuberant often hilarious one-man show. drink was the only real anodyne to his deteriorating health and mental state, his doomed relationship with Taylor.
7.30pm Friday Feb 10
In the Motherhood Nita and Bonnie run the PTA in their charming village with brutal efficiency. Their enterprising and sometimes shocking approach to fundraising exploits the deep frustrations and struggles of being a mum, with highly lucrative results.
7.30pm Saturday Feb 11
www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ 01234 354321
Rapunzel and The Tower of Doom
Tangles? Split ends? Frizzy? Flyaway? it’s hard enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with a wicked old witch using her captive’s locks as a step ladder! What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair?
7.30pm Tuesday Feb 14
Il Gattopardo / The Leopard The summer is not looking promising for Manolito Gafotas as he is condemned one again, to spend the holidays in a small flat with his mother, his grandfather and his small brother - until his usually absent father shows up to take him on a road trip that they won't forget.
7.30pm Tuesday March 7
Love Letters during the week of St Valentines day, White Cobra Productions brings one of the most romantic plays to the stage. The Broadway hit, 'love letters' by A R Gurney, tells of a lifelong relationship between two Americans during the mid 20th Century.
7.30pm Friday Feb 17
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BedFORdSHiRe FAMilY HiSTORY SOCieTY 7.15pm Friday 3rd February interested in Family History? Come along to our next monthly talk
‘Have I found the “Mad Preacher” in my Family?’
given by Noel evans held in the drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 19
20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 BedFORd MUSiC ClUB
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
BedFORd RSPB lOCAl GROUP meet at ARA club Manton lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 16th February 7.30 pm Peter Holden MBe presents:
–––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––
MUSIC ON THURSDAYS Phoenix Piano Trio Haydn, Ireland, Brahms
7.45pm Thursday 16 February Bunyan Meeting Tickets £18, Students (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BedFORd NATiONAl TRUST ASSOCiATiON Addison Centre in Kempston. Tuesday February 21st Speaker – lee Fish, Senior Building Surveyor with NT in east of england
‘Building Conservation Repair Philosophy’
He says, “i will talk through various works i have been involved in, which will be of interest to members of the audience” Tea and biscuits will be served. it costs £3 for NT guests and £3.50 for non-NT members. For more details contact Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
‘Born to Travel’
Bird migration & the amazing stories of their journeys. entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WREST PARK VOLUNTEER OPEN DAYS Wednesday 1st March 2017 1st March from 1-3pm and 5-7pm This will be held at Wrest Park in the Anti-library of the Mansion House on Wednesday Would you like to be a part of an outstanding team? Would you like to spend time in one of england’s most prestigious and fascinating Gardens with a story that spans over 600 years Then why not come and volunteer for english Heritage at Wrest Park. Whether it is welcoming and chatting to visitors or telling the stories of our unique house and garden, there are plenty of ways to get involved. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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comedy p
Packed full of brilliant comics like a laughter filled box of Milk Tray! The date is Thursday 9th of February and the venue for love and laughter is the Gordon Arms ent Shed. Headlining the show is Luisa Omielan, the Queen B of comedy! luisa is sassy, smart and a true star! Her breakthrough moment occurred in 2013 when she created the smash hit show What Would Beyonce do? Strongly agreed to be one of the most successful debut shows to come out of the Fringe ever! She has appeared on numerous TV shows including The John Bishop Show (BBC1) and has a youtube clip that has over 40 million views – search Thigh Gap! ‘A phenomenon’ Independent “Fresh, frank and fearless, a gutsy new star is born” ★★★★ The Daily Telegraph Matt Green is a brilliant comedian. His act is a high-energy mix of personal, observational and storytelling stand up, with a topical edge. He is also excellent at
Valentine Special
audience interaction. "A stand up audience's dream" ★★★★★ Three Weeks "Why someone as funny as this isn’t doing the Apollo, or having a Radio Four series of his own, is a bit of a mystery. Maybe one day. Let’s hope so." Theatre Bath Harry Stachini is beginning to establish himself as a strong new act on the comedy circuit with his easygoing style along with his likeable character just adds to the brilliance of the stories and the unexpected one-liners that has crowds in stitches. doors open 7.30pm, Show starts at 8.15pm and tickets are £10 (£5 NUS) or £18, which includes a pre show meal and glass of wine at the Gordon Arms. To book call 07736 060541 or online at www.castlecomedy.co.uk
music albums g
The Neville Staple Band+ guests Bedford Esquires 8pm Saturday February 11
No stranger to Bedford, The Neville Staple Band returns to town on Saturday 11th February to warm up a cold February night. Having packed out Bedford Corn exchange 3 times in the past with over 600 in attendance, this time we have decided to keep it a bit more intimate as Neville makes his debut at Bedford esquires. For anyone who doesn’t know, Neville Staple is one of the great figureheads of the second wave of British ska that broke across the nation’s music scene in the late 70s, best known for his work as the singer / toaster in ska and two tone legends The Specials, alongside Terry Hall and Jerry dammers, Neville Staple was at the centre of perhaps UK ska’s most-loved bandThe band had seven consecutive top 10 hits between 1979 and 1981. Following on from the massive Specials reunion back in 2009 to 2012 Neville has since left the fold and released a brand new album the band album in the spring of 2014 ‘Ska Crazy’ to rave reviews. Neville’s solo tour features a selection of The Special’s back catalogue including “Gangsters”, “A Message to you Rudy”, “Monkey Man”, “Ghost Town” and “Nightclub” along with tracks from his second chart topping band The Fun Boy Three.
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Hotel • Dining • Events
Events and Offers at the Barns Hotel We’ve a fantastic line up of events and offers at the Barns Hotel this winter. We look forward to welcoming you soon. Sunday Lunch from £18.50 per person
Valentines Celebrations 10th - 12th & 14th February, from £42.
Bottomless Prosecco Afternoon Tea Available from 12pm (3pm Sundays) - £26
Wedding Fayre 19th February, 12- 4pm, Free entry
Comedy Night 3rd February, doors open 7pm - £14
To see more upcoming events and offers please visit our website.
Please call us on 01234 270044
Cardington Road | Bedford | Bedfordshire | MK44 3SA T 01234 270044 | www.barnshotelbedford.co.uk
BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 21
22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage ce... Following last year’s amazing sell-out success, we are excited to announ
TWINWOOD FESTIVAL • BEDFORDSHIRE • 25, 26, 27, 28 AUGUST 2017
TABLE TOP SALE Sat 18th Feb Christ the King Church, Harrowden Road, Bedford Mk42 0SP from 9am to noon entry 50p. Children free Refreshments available
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BedFORdSHiRe SYMPHONY ORCHeSTRA
CONCERT
Bedford Corn Exchange, Saturday 25 February 2017, at 7.30pm The orchestra, conducted by Michael Rose, presents music from across Central Europe. Featuring gifted young Russian pianist ilya Kondratiev. Rossini - ‘William Tell’ Overture Beethoven - 5th Piano Concerto (the ‘emperor’) dvorak - 7th Symphony. Tickets: Adults £15/£12, Concessions £13/£10, Children/Students £5. Please call 01234 718044 or go to www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk For further details visit www.bedfordsymphony.com
• OVER 100 LIVE PERFORMANCES OF MUSIC FROM THE 1920S TO THE 1960S • THIRTEEN GREAT VENUES • ACRES OF DANCE FLOORS • 150 VINTAGE TRADERS • HAIR & BEAUTY • COMEDY & CABARET • DANCE WORKSHOPS • INTERESTING MUSEUMS • CLASSIC CAR DISPLAYS • GREAT BARS & FOOD INCL. CARVERY • LARGE CAMPSITE W/ GENEROUS PITCHES • GLAMPING & LUXURY CAMPING AVAILABLE • LATE NIGHT CLUBS & DJ SESSIONS
2017
TICKETS
ON SALE NOW
BedFORd lOCAl GROUP OF THe WildliFe TRUST
–––––––––––––––––––––––– 7.30pm Wednesday 8th February
THE MANFREDS • SI CRANSTOUN • ROY G HEMMING
S • THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA THE REVOLUTIONAIRES • THE CHICAGO STOMPERS • DOWN FOR THE COUNT • ZOOT SERIOUS • JIVE ACES • MIKE SANCHEZ ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS • FLEUR DE PARIS • STICKY
WICKET • BASIN STREET BRAWLERS • THREE BELLES J J KING • THE ZOOTS • LAURA B • BENOIT & THE BEVIN BOYS VIELLEFON • THE DAISY CHAINS • CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE • BAMBOOZLE • BO WALTON & THE BISCUIT BOYS • MUDIBU
THUNDERBRIDGE BLUEGRASS • KING PLEASURE
DUSTY LIMITS • GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT •
& THE
JEZEBEL SEXTET • LOLA LAMOUR • MOSCOW DRUG
MAT WALKLATE & PAOLO FUSCHI • THE BOBCAT CLUB KIERAN TOWERS & CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK • THE S • THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND • LOUNGE KING CATS • GREGGI G • COUNTRY CATTIN’ • CAT IDEALS JOHNNY & THE JAILBIRDS • COCO BOHÈME • STILL-MO VING DJS • SWING NOIR
...PLUS MANY MORE - STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED!
to ets this year, it is advised Due to high demand for tick price. d” Bir advantage of our “Early book early, and also to take
FOR INFO CALL 0
: 1234 824773 OR CLICK
l.com
stiva www.twinwoodfe
THREE ANDAHALF DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FROM FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST BiddeNHAM GARdeNeRS ASSOCiATiON 7.30pm Tuesday 21st February Biddenham Village Hall
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WARDEN ABBEY VINEYARD
By Jane Markham Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & refreshment www.biddenhamgardeners association.org.uk
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
KEEPING TRACK OF BEDFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE
an illustrated talk about surveying, monitoring and recording by Jackie Ullyett and Katharine Banham Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BedFORd ARCHiTeCTURAl, ARCHAeOlOGiCAl, & lOCAl HiSTORY SOCieTY 7.30pm Wednesday 8th February illustrated talk:
"The Life & Campaigns of William Roff (1841-1920) - Mayor, Politician, Businessman, & Globetrotter"
Bob Ricketts (Hon. editor Bedford local History Magazine) Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre, Bedford MK41 8eB Non-members welcome - £2-00 entry enquiries (01234) 365095 www.baalhs.org.uk –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– All SAiNTS PARiSH CHURCH KeMPSTON
FULL AFTERNOON TEA & A GUIDED TOUR
of this historic church to visiting groups of 10 or above at a cost per head of £7.95. Contacts are Janet Fardell on 01234 855158 email:martinandjanet1@btinternet.com or Frances leonard on 01234 852480 email: francesmleonard@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORD BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2017 — 23
Dr Jeffrey John THE VERY REVEREND
Is coming to BELIEF to speak on:
“All generations shall call her blessed”
Mary in the New Testament and in the church 10am–1pm Saturday, 18th February 2017 St Andrews Church, Kimbolton Road Bedford MK40 2PF
118 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QY
Tel: 01234 348668 gordonarmsbedford@gmail.com Follow us!
£10 per person, payable on the day
We do not want anyone to be deterred from attending any BELIEF events for financial reasons. If you find the fees prohibitive, please contact us.
February
9 14 25
CASTLE COMEDY brings you its traditional
VALENTINE SPECIAL with LUISA OMIELAN Packed full of brilliant comics like a laughter filled box of Milk Tray! Headlining the show is Luisa Omielan, the Queen B of comedy! Doors Open 7.30pm Show Starts 8.15pm Tickets www.castlecomedy.co.uk
CHEESE AND WINE 7pm-9pm – £10 per person tickets available from the pub
HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY Disco celebrations FREE ENTRY
March
4 26
East West Promotions presents
WILL JOHNS He is recognised one of the most distinctive and exciting performers on the British Blues scene today. Tickets: www.eastwestpromotions.co.uk
Now taking bookings for
MOTHERING SUNDAY
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.