Bedford Borough Bulletin November 2021

CAR PARKING CHARGES FROZEN IN BEDFORD YOUR FREE COPY

BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

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NOVEMBER 2021

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REMEMBRANCE AND ARMISTICE EVENTS IN BEDFORD BOROUGH A wreath laying ceremony and march-past will be held at the War Memorial, Bedford Embankment at 11am on Sunday, November 14. A parade will march down the Embankment, across the High Street and St Paul’s Square, finishing in Harpur Square.

Ceremonies will also take place at the South African Campaign Memorial (outside the Swan Hotel), at Elstow Abbey, and in villages across the Borough.

‘Good progress’ on Northern Gateway congestion hot spot

MAYOR Dave Hodgson has announced a further freeze on parking charges in council run car parks.

He says: “This is great news for our residents who have already been through so much in the last 18 months, freezing car park charges for the fifth successive year is one way in which the council can provide support.”

This news has been met with derision by the Borough’s Conservatives. Their Deputy Group Leader, Cllr Roger Rigby said: “A freeze just does not cut the mustard here, the town desperately needs more free and cheaper car parking.

“In July 2018 there was footfall in the town centre of over 1.282 million, by July 2021 despite some small recovery since the end of lockdown it is almost half at 688k.

“Furthermore, in the current year the Council is forecasting a reduction of £1.279m in car parking income as fewer people are coming to town.

“Our struggling town centre businesses need much more from this Mayor. Indeed, a

Conservative administration would do so much more with Christmas coming up.

“We would give three hours free car parking every day and all day Sunday and we would cut car parking prices going forward until a successful town centre is re-established.

“Bedford town centre’s economic revival rests on the Mayor realising that squeezing the motorists just won’t doesn’t work anymore.

He is creating a perfect backdrop to encourage people to shop in other towns or on the internet.”

The Mayor’s decision also includes the two hours free parking deal, which was introduced by him in 2013.

As well as two hours free on Saturdays in council town centre car parks, Queen Street car park is free for the first two hours every weekday as well.

Mayor Dave added that “This decision will also provide a major boost to Bedford town centre, attracting shoppers to our local businesses.

“I know that local people want to see a town centre full of life and the free parking deal really helps, especially in the run up to Christmas.

Providing affordable parking options incentivises our residents to shop locally helping to reduce the carbon impact.”

Have your say: What do you think? Will the freezing of car parking charges incentivise you to shop in Bedford Town Centre?

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WORKS started on the ‘Northern Gateway’ in June 2021 to ease congestion around the Clapham Road/Manton Lane roundabout, which will also benefit the A6 roundabout.

To date, Clapham Road has been widened between the Paula Radcliffe Way roundabout and Manton Lane with a new kerb and pavement, construction has started on the dedicated left-turn lane from Clapham Road to Manton Lane, and extensive road widening on the northeast corner of the Clapham Road roundabout is largely complete.

Once these works are completed this month, (October) works will then begin on the central reservation of the dual carriageway between Paula Radcliffe Way and Manton Lane, introducing a permanent

right turn lane into Sainsbury’s.

This will reduce unnecessary traffic using the Clapham Road roundabout.

Further works include the widening of Clapham Road roundabout and the installation of traffic lights to help traffic to flow, and ease congestion during rush hour.

Improved pedestrian and cyclist crossings will also be installed, to make it easier to cross this busy junction.

Cllr Charles Royden said: “We apologise for the congestion that has been seen in the area as we carry out these vital works.

“We will continue to work with our contractor to deliver these Northern Gateway works, and we are currently on schedule to complete these in Spring 2022.”

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Magpas take teddies to the skies

THE Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) scheme, funded

by Freemasons across the country, has now launched into the skies over Bedfordshire and the East of England after being taken up by Magpas Air Ambulance. At times of trauma, which the Magpas medical team deal with 24/7, something as simple as a teddy to hold can calm young patients, or the children who unfortunately witnesses accidents.

As Magpas Air Ambulance only attend the most seriously ill and injured patients in the region, keeping young patients and witnesses calm is a great help to their doctors and critical care paramedics.

Daryl Brown MBE, Chief Executive at Magpas Air Ambulance said, “We’re excited to be one of the first air ambulance services to take part in the Teddies for Loving Care scheme. Last year, Magpas Air Ambulance attended one critically ill child a week on average, and our clinicians’ work really hard to provide these children with the very best possible care in really difficult circumstances – having the TLC teddies to hand will help our doctors and paramedics give these children some extra comfort and something to cuddle while we treat them or a close member of their family.”

Someone who knows how crucial the care Magpas Air Ambulance provide is, is Edie, who at the age of 9 suffered such severe breathing difficulties her mum, Claire, couldn’t wake her up. After calling 999 an EEAST paramedic crew arrived but

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recognised they needed the advanced skills and knowledge of the Magpas Air Ambulance team – who flew hospital level care straight to Edie, at her family home – before accompanying her to hospital.

Claire explained: “Thanks to the excellent care Edie received from the Magpas team, she did really well and was home the next day. Edie has Rett syndrome which in itself brings so many challenges, I honestly think if it wasn’t for Magpas Air Ambulance coming and giving her specialist antibiotics before we left for the hospital, it may have been a very different story.”

Now part of the Teddies for Loving Care scheme, the first child to receive a bear from Magpas Air Ambulance was Edie – who was sent one in the post.

Claire said, “Edie smiled as soon as I gave her the bear! She is non-verbal so the eyes and smiles speak volumes!”

Tony Henderson, the head of Bedfordshire Freemasons, told us: “The TLC teddy has become an invaluable tool for medical professionals and a real comfort for children. All children who receive a bear of course get to take it home. We have distributed over 29,000 teddies to Bedford and Luton A&E departments.”

Magpas is the oldest emergency medical charity of its kind, and since 1971 they’ve treated over 60,000 patients. They are also the Air Ambulance service most likely to attend a Bedfordshire incident.

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£4.3m gateway to the future ACCESS to skilled jobs from apprentices to degreelevel roles, will be opened via the Connolly Centre of Modern Construction (CMC) at Bedford College.

The shiny £4.3 Million net carbon building has been made possible by funding via regional agency SEMLEP of £2.9 Million. The £4.3 Million includes £750,000 donated by the Connolly Foundation towards the very latest construction equipment inside the building. The Wixamtree Trust also donated £10,000.

Declared open by Mark Farmer, the Government’s champion of Modern Methods of Construction, on Wednesday October 20th, the CMC contains some highly specialised equipment on which up to 100 will train for jobs, or upgrade their existing skills to match up to emerging ‘modern methods of construction’.

Ian Pryce CBE, CEO of The Bedford College Group (TBCG): “We are closing that gap which we see between what happens in industries, and what is taught in college.”

Mark Farmer congratulated Ian and TBCG team for their vision in building the dream: “This facility will be helping to re-shape how we deliver construction in the future. It meets the Government agenda for skills and sustainability and I can see it being an exemplar for the rest of the country.

“Leadership has made this possible with Ian and The Bedford College Group being well placed to support the demand for skills in London and the OxfordCambridge Arc.” Judith Barker Director of SEMLEP congratulated TBCG and said this was a pioneer of such construction training buildings planned.

JJ Smith automated cross cut and sliding saw The CMC also includes a computer-aided design suite linked to the Virtual Reality “cave”, funded previously by the Connolly Foundation, and housed on campus in the Advanced Engineering Buchanan Centre. https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/about/news/seeinto-the-future-with-virtual-reality/

It is expected the building will receive an official A+ on its energy performance certificate making this The Group’s first Net Zero Carbon building. https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/about/news/towards -net-zero/ The exterior of the CMC complements the shiny look of the adjoining corner-site Brundtland Building, itself a pioneering example of eco-retro fitting. The stylish silver and grey colour scheme is highlighted across the Cauldwell Street/Riverside campus which blends one of the very oldest buildings in Bedford* with the latest in modern, green construction techniques. *College House on the corner of Cauldwell Street and St Mary’s is said to be the oldest brick-built building in Bedford. Its style was replicated in the design of the new Stansfeld Building which forms part of the Eastern frontage of the college campus.

Net Zero carbon

Left to right: Ian Pryce CBE, David Wilkins Director of Construction Bedford College, Judith Barker SEMLEP, Mark Farmer Government Champion of MMC, Andrew Rowe Connolly Foundation and Charles Whitbread Wixamtree Trust.

State-of-the-art equipment

Howick Frama 5600 metal profiling machine to produce metal components ready for self-assembly (Biggest investment in college construction training

equipment).

An industry standard gantry crane to lift components of up to 3.2 tonnes https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/about/news/cran ing-in-training/

Following the official opening which included a tour of the building, an exhibition of employers who will

Exhibition of employers

Continued on page 8

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Mayor Dave leads march towards zero carbon improvements that reduce carbon emissions and energy costs of community buildings within Bedford Borough.

2011 Adopted the Carbon Management Plan to set out a programme to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions.

2018 The council exceeded this target, achieving a 62% carbon reduction.

2019 The council declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030.

2021 Annual Greenhouse Gas Report shows council carbon emissions have reduced by a further 15%.

The council, led by the Mayor, have also worked hard to ensure the Borough continues to find new ways to reduce carbon emissions. These projects include a new solar farm at Bedford Green Technology and Innovation Park, electric

by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter

THE recent Climate Change Committee welcomed the Annual Greenhouse Gas Report that showed the council had reduced its carbon emissions by a further 15%.

Commenting on the report, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “These fantastic results show that we’re on course to hit our carbon neutral target by 2030. I want to thank the phenomenal work of the team behind the changes we’ve made to become a more environmentally efficient council.

“We have invested in measures such as upgrading our heating system to biomass, installing smart LED lighting and moving to an evaporative cooling system for our data centre. We want to demonstrate leadership by getting our own house in order and encouraging others to do the same.”

A timeline of Bedford Borough Council carbon reduction strategy: 2009 Mayor Dave Hodgson’s Climate Change Fund set up to provide 50% match funding for

vehicle charging points, and most recently a collaboration with Enterprise to set up its electric/hybrid vehicle Car Club at River Street Car Park.

Mayor Dave Hodgson continued: “Despite our progress within the council and as a Borough, more can be done to tackle the climate emergency.

“This is why I have signed a letter calling on the Prime Minister to announce at COP26 that he will be giving more powers and funding to local government. I encourage all councils to do the same so that we have the capacity to meet our net zero carbon targets.”

“Another way Bedford Borough Council could reduce its carbon emissions would be to sell Borough Hall and rent it back, but this is “ultimate greenwashing”, a meeting heard.

Bedford mayor Dave Hodgson was responding to a question from Councillor Lucy Bywater (Green, Castle Ward) at the October 4, Bedford Borough Council’s Informal Climate Change Committee.

Following a presentation of the Annual Greenhouse Gas report by Paul Pace, the council’s chief officer for environment, Councillor Bywater asked: “Can we have a bit more information about what is contracted out, and is excluded in the emissions?

“If there’s a service that comes under the council’s responsibilities, it should be included, shouldn’t it?”

The mayor said, “When it comes to the Statutory Returns, one of the easy ways [to reduce the recorded emissions] is to outsource refuse collection.

“Some councils are making lower returns because they don’t actually include refuse collection.

“But that’s the way the government collects the data. The other way you can do this, and some councils have done this, is to sell Borough Hall and hire it back again.

“This will immediately wipe out Borough Hall as a carbon asset that we have to declare.

Deputy Group Leader, Cllr Roger

Rigby commented: “The Conservative Group has supported Bedford Borough council on its journey to reduce carbon emissions and I also thank the work of the team behind the changes.

All carbon reduction is good but as usual the Mayor is overblowing his own trumpet. The ever-lengthening traffic jams caused by roadworks around the borough will have a serious environmental impact.

The Mayor needs to look at the bigger picture, not only on how the council can cut its own carbon emissions but the impact of its decision making and activities on all other aspects of life in Bedford.

We will continue to keep the Mayor in check to ensure the future sustainability of our borough.”

“That is greenwashing of the ultimate type, we’re not intending to do that, that’s not the way we would go.

“If you outsource that isn’t a reduction, that’s moving stuff around. We need to review the statutory terms as they make a bit of a mockery of it.”

Racing ahead in motor sports

FORMER St Thomas More School student Joel Arguelles is moving ahead in the fast lane of karting and motor sports.

He won the British Indoor Karting Championship earlier in 2021 and then accelerated into outdoor kart racing in the prestigious Club 100 world. Now he has moved into car racing with his own self-built vehicle.

Joel, aged 26 of Bedford, completed a degree in Computer Science at UWE Bristol university before setting up his own business producing custom-made steering wheels volantech.co.uk This activity dovetails with his passion for motor vehicles, as from an early age he has repaired his own cars. Now he has built his

own racing car, and another for friend Mathew Mandipira, another ex St Thomas More boy, and they are sharing their successes online: Instagram: gas_motorsport_ “I am grateful to have been able to do all this through my passion for cars and racing,” said Joel who is looking for sponsorship or support for the Spring 2022 season, “Everything we do is selffunded so any support from anyone with an interest in the field of motorsports would be great.

“We hope to put Bedford on the map as a fast-moving place which fosters technical skills in the motor trade. Our ambition is to start a motorsport team based in Bedford.

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Sixth Form secured for 2022

THE Board of the Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT) Board has confirmed the opening of the Wixams Academy Sixth Form in September 2022.

This announcement will be welcomed by parents who were earlier concerned about a delay to their expectations of a Sixth Form from that date.

The plans including a proposed range of subjects to be offered and entry requirements, were approved at the Trust Board meeting on the October 8.

“The Trust believes that with the support of Trust staff, Academy staff and the Local Advisory Board, that a very good solution has been developed which will meet the needs of the community as well as maintaining BCAT’s intentions to maintain high academic standards,” said Intermim

Chief Executive Alan Evans and Chair of the Trust Anthony Abrahams.

Further positive news is that the extension of Wixams Academy buildings to meet the needs of the community has been approved by Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordhire Council, and the project planning will start in November.

The offer of more secondary school places was in the blueprint for the Wixams village development, now it has been agreed it will be in the form of an extension to the existing Wixams Academy.

Meanwhile, plans to increase the space of the Wixamstree Primary are also underway – again meeting the demand for places from the local community in local schools.

Winners of of naming competition

IN June 2021, Bedford Borough Council asked students at several schools in the borough to help them rename two of their recently purchased eCargo bikes.

After receiving lots of great suggestions from local students, the Council have chosen to name the eCargo bikes Keygo and Greenwise, thanks to the help of the two competition winners who are pupils at Westfield Primary School.

On Friday, October 8, council officers and Mayor Dave Hodgson visited the school to announce the winners of the competition and present them both with a certificate in their school assembly.

As part of the competition, students were asked to answer three questions: “Can you explain why travelling sustainably is good for humans, the environment and our future?”

“When you are older, would you like to use a eCargo bike?

Why?” and “How can we make

the air in Bedford cleaner?”

Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: “It’s fantastic to see young people in Bedford Borough so engaged with sustainable initiatives and excited about our new eCargo bikes. “eCargo bikes are great because they allow users to transport more than they can on a traditional bicycle. They make a good alternative to a car for travelling to work, doing the school run or getting the weekly shop. We’re looking forward to seeing them become more popular as people’s awareness grows.”

These bikes will allow the Council to reduce its carbon emissions, and so help improve air quality in the borough. In leading by example, the Council hopes that other local organisations and businesses will be encouraged to explore low carbon transport.

Westfield Primary School has also just been awarded Modeshift STARS Bronze award for its

efforts to promote active and sustainable travel to the school community. Modeshift STARS is a national scheme that recognises excellence in the delivery of travel plans. Bedford Borough Council’s sustainable travel team have been working closely with the school to support this programme.

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Former police officer would have been dismissed for targeting vulnerable victims In 2017 the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Professional Standards Department received a report that Mr Ephgrave had sent text messages to a member of public while on duty.

As a result, a thorough investigation was launched and uncovered that Ephgrave had actually sent messages to four female victims of crime between December 2016 and December 2017.

A one-day public hearing con-

A PANEL has ruled that a former police officer who sent inappropriate text messages to victims of crime would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had he not already resigned.

Former PC Mark Ephgrave left Bedfordshire Police in August 2018 after allegations around his conduct came to light, however under new regulations misconduct proceedings could still be brought against him.

ducted via Teams on Monday (11 October) ruled that Mr Ephgrave had breached the Standard of Behaviour for Professional Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct.

The chairman of the independent panel concluded that he would have faced instant dismissal for his actions. Mr Ephgrave did not attend nor contest the hearing.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra said: “Targeting vul-

nerable victims of crime is completely unacceptable. People come to us for help and support and should be able to have full trust and confidence in our officers. This was a case of an officer abusing that position of trust for his own gratification and gains and such behaviour has no place in this force.

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Conduct, which subsequently identified further victims.

“While the officer resigned after being confronted with the accusations, it was only right to ensure a full hearing was held and ensure Mr Ephgrave will be placed on a barred list which could prevent him working in similar roles in future.

“I would urge anyone who has been victim to similar behaviour to please call us.

“This case shows we will listen and take action against anyone who behaves in such a way and betrays the uniform we all wear with such pride.”

Since April 2016 there have been 22 sexual misconduct cases recorded against Bedfordshire officers or staff with 10 live cases still being investigated.

In that time period three people have been dismissed from the force for gross misconduct, Mr Ephgrave is one of an additional three three officers who would have been dismissed had they not already resigned.

A further former officer who has left the force is also awaiting a hearing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye said: “Quite rightly, the public expect the highest standards of professional conduct from police officers and staff.

Actions that fall below this level potentially tarnish the image of the vast majority of officers who go about their work as expected.

“I am pleased that, despite the resignation of former PC Ephgrave, Bedfordshire Police has proceeded with a gross misconduct hearing which found that he would have been sacked had he remained in the role. He will now go on the barred list.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am fully committed to holding the Chief Constable accountable for the maintaining of the highest standards from our officers and ensuring Bedfordshire Police provides absolutely no room this sort of behaviour for any member of staff.”

Long arm of the law successfully prosecutes rapist after 19 years THE past finally caught up with Bedford man Alan Addison on Friday, October 15, 2021, when he was jailed for raping a teenage girl in the early hours of New Year’s Day in 2002.

Addison had been 36 when he raped the 14-year-old girl in a flat in the town, having been out drinking in a local pub.

Addison, (57) appeared for sentencing at Luton Crown Court. He admitted a charge of raping the girl and of indecently assaulting her.

Michael Williams prosecuting said the defendant had spent the evening of New Year’s Eve drinking in a pub in Bedford and at the end of the night, went back to a flat with others.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

The court heard also present in the flat that night was the 14-yearold girl who, having consumed alcohol, was lying on a sofa in the lounge.

Judge Gary Lucie, hearing the case, was told that as the night wore on, the defendant and the teenager ended up the only ones in the room.

The prosecutor said Addison asked the girl for a cuddle and then “proceeded to kiss her and take her clothes off.”

Mr Williams said the girl was left panic stricken and froze as he indecently assaulted her and then raped her.

“She said it was rough and it hurt her. She doesn’t know how long it took but she said it felt like forever,” he said.

The court was told the girl pretended to fall asleep, but was awake all night. Mr Williams said the girl, having spoken to a relative about what had happened, was taken to a police station, but then “abandoned her complaint” fearing that she had no support.

As a result of what happened to her that night and the aftermath, Mr Williams said the victim’s life “went downhill.”

She was plagued by nightmares and flashbacks and began using drugs. Eventually, she turned to sedatives to “black things out,” he said.

She left school without any qualifications and in her 20s was using Ketamine which damaged her health.

“She said the defendant stole her childhood and the years taken from her she will never get back.”

Rishy Panasar, defending, said Addison had shown “remorse” for what had happened and had suffered a “breakdown.”

Judge Lucie jailed Addison for nine years, explaining that he would have to serve two thirds of the sentence behind bars before being eligible for release on licence and serving the remainder in the community.

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Developer fined for planning breaches A BREACH of condition notice was issued to developers for failing to comply with agreed working hours, a meeting was told.

This was one of the cases highlighted by Ian Johnson, Bedford Borough Council’s manager for heritage & planning compliance during a report updating the Planning Committee (October 18, 2021) on planning enforcement.

“There was an increase in case load last quarter,” he said. “But that was principally due to a vacant post in the team.”

Mr Johnson said, “A significant number of notices have been issued and action taken in the last quarter.

“The owner of Samson’s House was prosecuted and fined a total of £7,500 for failing to comply with breach of conditions notices issued in relation to bins and cycle storage and landscaping.”

“Enforcement notices have been issued on major cases relating to unauthorised dwellings on former farm sites.

by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter “Finally, a breach of condition notice was issued on the developers at the G Park in the Wixams for failing to comply with agreed working hours.”

Mr Johnson also gave a summary of the Appeals Report for the quarter July 1 to September 30.

The full report highlights that the government monitors local authorities on the quality of decisions they make on development applications. This is measured by the percentage of the total number of decisions that are then subsequently overturned at appeal.

If too many are overturned within either category (major and non-major) then the government may designate the authority as underperforming for that category of applications. “[This is] a good appeal support performance for the last quarter,” said Mr Johnson.

“With 18 out of 21 appeals dismissed.

“In terms of appeals of note, appeal inspectors continue to show strong support for our Spatial Strategy, particularly on how we approach development in the open countryside.

“We’ve also had a first appeal relating to the council’s HMO Planning Guidance. That appeal was refused on parking grounds”.

Mr Johnson added that the inspector considered that the measures within this guidance should be applied with a degree of “flexibility and pragmatism”.

The committee was told that the appeals and enforcement team leader is leaving next month, but will be replaced internally by a principal planning officer.

While this will leave a vacant post in planning, the council is currently running a recruitment drive for planning officers at all levels, the close for applications was October 18.

The future’s orange

ORANGE is the new red when it comes to safety in the electric motor vehicle business. Vehicle batteries emit up to 500 volts and are deadly in the hands of the inexperienced.

Essential training courses are available now at the new-look Advanced Automotive Technology Centre in Brunel Road, Bedford.

“Last year 10% of the new car market was electric and hybrid, that will only increase. Of the 100s of local garages and repairs shops locally only a handful are qualified - others are turning away work on electric vehicles. They need to sign up sooner rather than later for their own safety and to stay in business,” said James Woolley, Head of Motor Vehicle.

Students from the age of 16 upwards can take a series of motor vehicle courses at the college, which still cover petrol cars of course, but include the science behind electric battery powered vehicles. From the theory students can progress to safety courses which enable them to work on the “orange for danger” elements of the cars.

The college has its own hybrid vehicle at the recently overhauled premises in Brunel Road which was formerly an engineering centre

- now relocated to the college campus in Cauldwell Street in town.

The Bedford College Group’s motor vehicle unit was previously at Triumph Way in Kempston.

The Gas and Plumbing Technology Centre remains in the same road of the industrial estate.

Did you know: Nationally there are 450,000 mechanics who will require the Level 3 Electric Vehicle Course qualification to be able to work on electric cars.

After 2030 only new electric/ hybrid cars will be sold in the UK Current guidelines apply only to cars, announcements about vans and lorries have yet to be made.

This photo shows a battery in the boot of college hybrid car, fully electric vehicles will have batteries more than three times that size set in across the bottom of the car. A plug-in hybrid vehicle battery will last for about 30 miles before switching back to petrol.

Want to know more about electric vehicle courses go to www.bedford.ac.uk Trades people are invited to a mince pie morning on Friday, December 17, to see the new facility.

Contact jwoolley@bedford.ac. uk

£4.3m gateway to the future Continued from page 3

support and benefit from the skilled workforce created at the CMC was held: Modular Building Automation; Sika; Passive Purple; Beattie Passive; L&Q; Stewart Milne; E3Recruitment; Excel Structures; Intelligent Membranes; Timber Development UK and Trussed Rafter Association

Winning team of contractors

Ashe Construction, part of the Ashe Group of Hitchin, Herts, led a highly skilled team toward the completion of the project.

Devonshire Architects led by Stuart Devonshire Cheshire Mechanical and Electrical Contractors Retrofit (UK) aluminium cladding contractors.

Key links: https://www.semlep.com/ http://www.connollyfoundation.or g.uk/ https://wixamtree.org/ Probably the biggest single purchase of construction training equipment made by The Bedford College Group arrived from New Zealand to its new home at the CMC.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Biggest investment in building technology

The £300,000 Howick FRAMATM 5600 is a high-tech rollforming machine that manufactures steel framing by combining software, firmware with hardware, which makes building possible in less time, with more precision and efficiency. As part of the offsite, smart build and MMC movement, the Howick FRAMATM series is driven by accurate computer control and using CAD technology, to turn slit metal coil into steel framing components ready for assembly into frames, trusses, floor cassettes and walls.

Dubbed as the 3-D printer for framing, the Howick technology is being used successfully in the offsite manufacturing sector of the UK construction industry. Having access to such high tech and up to date equipment will mean students and apprentices at the College will get a chance to learn and experience tested industrialised construction to allow them to gain the skills needed for the workplace.

Said Director of Construction David Wilkins: “We are seriously excited to have this sort of equipment at our new specialist Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Centre. Being experienced in the use of this sort of gear will give our students a hard-hat head-start when it comes to employability skills in the modern construction industry.

NOVEMBER 2021 —

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Artist recognised for art and volunteering work

SHUTTLEWORTH Veteran Aeroplane Society (SVAS) volunteer Phil Jackson has been awarded two honours for his art and volunteering work.

The first received was The Guild of Aviation Artist’s full membership, awarded by a ballot of full members at this year’s Annual exhibition. The Guild of Aviation Artists is recognised throughout the world as the premier society for the promotion of aviation art. With over 300 members, the Guild brings together the worlds of art and aviation and stages exhibitions and events across the UK. The Guild’s aim is to promote aviation art in all its forms and to encourage interest in the genre by artists and non-artists alike.

Phil has sold aviation paintings at a number of charity auctions, including a painting of the DH88 Comet ‘Grosvenor House’ at an Auction of Promises last year fundraising in support of the Shuttleworth Collection. Won by Katie Redhead for her husband Dan, the painting was due to be presented to the winner at the The Guild of Aviation Artists 2020 annual exhibition at The Mall Gallery in London. Due to COVID-19 the 2020 exhibition was postponed and this year was online only, with a hopeful return to the live exhibition in 2022, and the painting was instead

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presented to Matt in front of the aircraft (pictured) at the Collection. Phil will go on to receive his award at the GAvA AGM on March 27, 2022 at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.

Phil’s second award is The Tony Harold Memorial Trophy, awarded by the Committee of the Vintage Aircraft Club, for noteworthy and regular support of VAC activities and aero artistic/literary ability including Phil’s painting of “Richards Pride” (depicting Richard Shuttleworth’s DH60X Moth). The presentation for this award will be held at the Shuttleworth House on Saturday November 20th 2021.

Phil leads monthly online ‘Art for All’ sessions via Zoom for the Shuttleworth Veteran Aeroplane Society (SVAS), which began in response to the COVID-19 lockdowns, allowing budding artists of all ages, including scouts and youth groups, to learn to draw vintage aircraft and vehicles. The 2021 series subjects are all exhibits full or part purchased by the SVAS and members. These sessions are free and attendees benefit from Phil’s artistic extensive experience made as easy to follow as possible! The online sessions will continue until December, with a return to in person sessions planned for next season.

Thameslink fit defibrillators at every one of their stations THAMESLINK have announced they will shortly have publicly-accessible, life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at every one of their stations, the largest roll-out of heart restarters on the UK’s rail network.

The network has now been massively extended and upgraded with more defibrillators as part of a wider £15m stations improvement programme which involves over 1,000 projects across Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink, many suggested by local passenger and community groups.

More than 30,000 people suffer cardiac arrest out of hospital across the UK every year and fewer than one in 10 survive. However, early chest compressions (CPR) and defibrillation can double the chances of surviving.

Sam Facey, Head of Zero Harm in the Safety & Health team at parent company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), said: “By fitting these life-saving AEDs, we believe we’ve made a genuinely positive contribution to the communities across our vast

Pupils passionate about Poppies

Get your order in to Santa for a Christmas letter

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

WE all need a touch of Christmas magic this year. That’s why Santa’s workshop is open, and Santa and his elves are busy writing, sealing and posting letters that will put smiles on the faces of children everywhere!

With a letter from Santa, you’ll bring magical tales from the North Pole right to your doorstep. There are eight fantastically festive designs, from traditional Christmas to a North Pole Safari – so there really is something for every child, or even the family pet!

Whichever letter you choose, each one is more personalised than ever this year.

You can add your child’s name, age, hobbies, what they want for Christmas and your very own P.S. message. Plus, it will be addressed and posted directly to your child via sleigh mail – so they’ll feel like they’re at the very top of Santa’s good list!

After sending a massive 170,000 letters last year, we’re looking forward to reaching even more children this year.

And with a donation to the NSPCC,

network, which covers London and nine counties.

“All our defibrillators are publicly accessible, so of huge benefit not only to those travelling with us but also the communities we serve. They’re fully automatic – anyone can use them – and our staff are being given familiarisation training.”

The AEDs are ‘smart’, giving verbal instructions and then shocking a patient only if they need it. They also use remote monitoring to sound the alert on dying batteries or out-of-date chest pads and all the cabinets are being wired in – to keep them warm and ready to go.

Sam added: “We’re fitting the same model across our network to provide consistency of quality, staff familiarity and maintenance, and at some stations, where we were updating an existing AED, we’ve been able to return the original device to local charities for use at a second location in the community.”

In an emergency, 999 operatives will shortly know the location of every AED and will direct people to them if they are close enough.

COUNCILLOR Jim Weir who represents Kempston Rural on the Bedford Borough Council has written on his Community Matters FB page about an uplifting visit to Great Denham Primary School.

The subject was the vandalisation, twice, of a Tommy memorial in the neighbourhood. He said: “Spent this afternoon with members of the Parish Council listening to Year 5 and 6 children from Great Denham Primary making presentations.

“Their subject matter revolved around respect. They found it hard to understand why the ‘Tommy’ memorials had been vandalised and how someone could be so disrespectful.

“They are not prepared to let this go so presented their ideas for a replacement memorial. They suggested areas to place the next one and how it needed to be stronger and more robust.

“The wanted the PC to give permission to place poppies – they would make – on an agreed piece of ground. So full of ideas and fabulous presentations which showed

you’ll help Childline be here for children who need someone to listen. That’s the true spirit of Christmas.

So, what are you waiting for?

Order your personalised letter from Santa by December 14, to make sure

yours arrives before Christmas.

To order your letter please visit: nspcc.org.uk/santa Emma Motherwell Local Campaigns Manager

NSPCC East of England

how well researched they all were.

“They are also looking for funding and made a strong case for me as Ward Cllr, and to the PC to respond positively.

"Well done GDPS for you passion and determination.”

FOR THE LATEST UP-TO-DATE NEWS USE THIS QR CODE

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Double trouble Kirsty and Kerri are set to share their slimming secrets in a double relaunch for November IT’S exciting times in Bedford for Slimming World members as we have a double re-launch of groups happening in November, we are well and truly open for business, and we have 2 gorgeous new consultants joining our team to share their success and inspire members to lose weight.

Kirsty who joined her local group in Ampthill has lost over 1st 7lbs in just 9 months and is going to use this success to shape a new career re-launching our town centre Saturday morning group on the 6th November.

Kerri is a member who has been going to the group on a Thursday night in Putnoe since March 2020, and in that time has lost over 2 stone 8lbs, Kerri will be taking the reins of her group from the 18th November, and can’t wait to get stuck in to helping people with their weight loss.

Now they are both trained as Consultants for Slimming World, at their national training academy in Derbyshire ‘the sparkly castle’ as it’s known. They can’t wait to get the word out right across town that their groups are the place to be to get the support and guidance needed to lose weight and feel great.

The latest government figures reveal that around one in four adults are obese and it is estimated that, by 2034, this will increase to one in three. 61.3% of the Bedford population is now overweight or obese, and this means Kirsty and Kerri’s new role has never been more important.

Kirsty says: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

After losing 1.5st and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.

Kerri also can’t wait to get stuck in supporting her members “Support is really the

most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have lost over 2 stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.

“Like a lot of slimmer’s, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different.

“I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.

Activity is also important as said by Kirsty “Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too.

Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in activity at school, how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional forms of exercise like going to the gym or running. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I started running to get my Body Magic award, and even ran a marathon out of choice!

Don’t worry though, any and all activity counts (not just running) you can walk yourself to your body magic success. As a Consultant it’s my role

to create that warm, supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others - it’s going to be great fun!”

Like both Kirsty and Kerri, Slimming World Consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group themselves and groups are set up as micro businesses in the heart of local communities. There are currently around 4,000 Slimming World Consultants across the UK and Ireland running 15,000 groups. Consultants receive training in Slimming World’s healthy eating and physical activity programmes and learn how to use the power of group support to empower members to take control of their own weight loss journey. As selfemployed micro-entrepreneurs, Consultants also learn how to build a successful communitybased business.

Susan Phillips who runs Slimming World’s Bromham group and manages both Kirsty and Kerri as a Team Developer, says: “Slimming World Consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others. With both of these ladies experience of being a successful Slimming World members and their kind and warm personality and great sense of humour I just know that they will be an amazing support to members, cheering them all the way to their target weight.”

Kirsty’s Slimming World group will be held at Bedford Trinity Chapel, Trinity Leisure Centre, Bromham Road, MK40 2QD every Saturday at 8:30am or 10am from 6th November. For more information or to join Kirsty’s group either pop along on the 6th November or call her on 07596 990733.

Kerri’s Slimming World group will be held at Bedford Athletic Rugby Club, Wentworth Drive, Putnoe, MK41 8QA every Thursday at 5:30pm from 18th November. For more information or to join Kerri’s group either pop along on 18th or call her on 07368 189540.

Or: For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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A song of Remembrance for the generations…

BEDFORD School’s Chapel Choir and Chelsea Pensioners Release Remembrance Day Single ‘White Doves of Peace’ with classical singer/songwriter Jamie Lonsdale.

Boys from Bedford School’s Chapel Choir will feature in a special Remembrance Day single with the Chelsea Pensioners, which is due to be released on 5 November 5.

The boys, who were excused from lessons specially to take part, were recorded singing ‘White Doves of Peace’ written by singer and songwriter Jamie Lonsdale, back in September inside the school’s iconic and beautiful grade II chapel.

Alexander Olleson, a music scholar at the school and current BBC Young Chorister of the Year shares his beautiful voice as he sings solo as lead vocal as the song opens.

The choir’s recording has been cleverly blended with the beautiful and heart felt voices of The Chelsea Pensioners, a full symphony orchestra and a military brass band which were recorded at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios in London.

There is also a mention of the late ‘Captain Sir Tom Moore’, who is referenced in the song lyrics for the way he ‘stepped towards his goals’.

Captain Tom captured the nations hearts after he raised £38.9m in three and a half weeks, with donations from 163 countries.

Bedford School have a close link with his family, as his

grandson attends the school and the school were put firmly in the media spotlight as part of Captain Tom’s 100th birthday celebrations when the school received and displayed the thousands of birthday cards that were sent to him from across the world. The single commemorates Remembrance Day and all the souls who fought so valiantly across the world, with an emphasis on the importance of peace and respect for one another.

It was produced by record producer Robert Emery who is currently directing the musical ‘Bat Out of Hell’ which is touring the UK. Head of Choral Music at Bedford School, Mr Keith Roberts said, “It was a great privilege for our choristers to be involved in this project, to work (albeit remotely) with the Chelsea Pensioners and to have an orchestral backing track. They were a credit to the Chapel Choir and school

and should be very proud of their singing and their professional behaviour.”

In the words of singer songwriter Jamie “The song aspires to global peace, a fairer world, living in harmony whilst always remembering those who gave their lives…”

The juxtaposition of the young boys who will be the heroes of tomorrow, the Chelsea Pensioners who are the heroes of yesterday and Jamie in the middle, is a powerful message.

Jamie himself is an ex-military man having served with the Royal Navy on board the Royal Yacht Britannia and he also has a strong serving military family history with his 55 Great Uncle being the Duke of Wellington and Jamie is also a descendent of Lord Raglan (the British commander in the Crimean War) and he had a further three great uncles on the battlefield at Waterloo.

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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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— NOVEMBER 2021

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Bedford Modern School gets Bedford School crowned Smart with Michael R Peters Independent Boys’

School of the Year 2021

MICHAEL R Peters, the Bedford electrical retailer, has been busy over the school summer holidays.

Back in March this year the Harpur Trust School, Bedford Modern, invited Michael R Peters to help in the planning and implementation of a major project to refurbish 34 classrooms and three common rooms.

Paul Mead, managing director, said “we were delighted to be involved with such a prestigious local school and it is fantastic that the school are using local trades to complete this extensive project.”

Planning took place between April and June and the work commenced at 12 noon on the day the

students broke up for the summer holidays. Each room was completely refurbished with new floors, decoration and furniture all supplied and fitted by local contractors.

Paul said, “ for our part we supplied and fitted thirty-five 75” and 86” Smart educational touch screens, imaging cameras, wiring looms, data cabinets, whiteboards and PA speakers. Extensive data termination took place with over 989 ethernet connections being completed.”

“The project went extremely well with all our products being installed and tested before school started In September.

BEDFORD School wins Independent Boys’ School of the Year in the Independent Schools of the Year awards.

Boys and staff at Bedford School are celebrating after beating stiff competition from across the UK to be named ‘Independent Boys’ School of the Year’ in the much-coveted annual Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

The esteemed independent allboys school in the heart of Bedford was humbled to receive the soughtafter award after demonstrating how it has embraced and maximised the unique opportunities that an all-boys school can offer.

The awards were hosted online and chosen by a prestigious panel of judges, who know the sector well, including the CEO of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the CEO of the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) and the CEO of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), a number of others in senior association roles and five serving Heads.

This year, they were overwhelmed by the strength and volume of nominations received with over 700 entries submitted.

Jim Massey who presented the award explained they chose

Bedford School for “its holistic school experience, tailored to the specific needs of the all-boys community, designed to ensure that students’ individual qualities are nurtured without inhibition and lived without awkwardness, so that they be good men.”

James Hodgson, Head Master at Bedford School, commented, “This is reward for the hard work of an entire community: over 1100 boys, their teachers, non-teaching staff, families, governors and Old Bedfordians, all of whom have played their part in making the school the happy, vibrant and successful place that it is today.

“I feel immensely lucky every day to be working here and contributing what we can to the town in which we all live.”

Independent Schools of the Year is an awards scheme that aims to showcase the excellence of the educational experience available to students of all backgrounds.

It recognises and applauds the varied and imaginative ways in which independent schools prepare young people for their future lives and is a real celebration of the diversity of the sector and the impact that it has on the lives of children and young people.

Plea to businesses – help send a Scout to Korea

NICK Kealy a Scout Leader for Colmworth has been given the amazing honour of being selected to lead the Bedfordshire Contingent of Scouts (36 children and four Adults) to South Korea for the World Scout Jamboree in 2023.

This international event takes place every four years and draws around 40,000 children from all over the world in a festival of solidarity and culture like no other. It is kind of the Scout Olympics if you will.

Traditionally this has been considered quite an elite event with individuals needing to raise around £4000 each over a two year period to attend. This is often done through fundraising events and donations which really helps bring the Jamboree Contingent together as lifelong friendships.

Fund raising is already six months behind due to COVID. You can imagine with COVID and the financial challenges over the last 18 months the thought of needing to pay £4000 would seem very daunting and put a lot of parents (and children) off of applying!

Nick is really keen to change this perception so that people from disadvantaged backgrounds apply for the opportunity to attend this event.

By changing the message from ‘To attend you will need to raise around £4000’ to ‘You will need to commit time and energy to help raise the money’ means the attendees that could really get the most

from this are not put off by the money element.

Nick has been given some support from the County Scouting Association to subside places and has a plan to try and gain sponsorship from local businesses in the Bedfordshire area.

Applications are now live and open to all eligible Scouts/ Explorers regardless of background. n Applications are open, download or complete the form at www.bedswsj.org.uk and they will be closed from midnight on the November 4 n To be considered for the selection weekend on November 20/21you need to be a current Scout or Explorer in the Bedfordshire district and born between July 22, 2005 and July 31, 2009 n It truly is open to all eligible members of Scouting with the emphasis for selection to the contingent being about who is thought will get the best out of it not just the best people at lighting fires and tying knots. n Any Bedfordshire businesses that wishes to support please do get in touch. It’s not just about giving money but if you can offer any products or services or venues for fundraising events it will all be helping us to achieve our goal of changing 36 young peoples lives.

Please feel free to get in touch Nick via phone on 07903 553 134 if you can help.

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Awards go to Mark Rutherford students in writing competition

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jected into the future to explore the possibility of a Coronavirus museum. I would encourage any young person to get involved in the competition as you can express yourself fully and feel a sense of pride in having your voice recognised and rewarded”.

This year, the school encouraged its British Council partnered mixed secondary school, Kamasengre in Kenya, to also enter the competition and were thrilled to learn that one of their students secured a Bronze Award.

The international schools’ writing contest used the theme of “Community in the Commonwealth” to reflect on the global spread of COVID-19 and how it has affected the lives of many Commonwealth citizens.

Students were encouraged to consider how, through adversity, societies came together and share their stories of growth, community, and hope. The final judging decision was made by an expert panel that included the famous author Imtiaz Dharker.

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TEN students from Mark Rutherford School are celebrating their success in an international essay writing competition run by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS).

More than 13,000 young people from across the Commonwealth entered the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay competition run by the RCS, which has a rich history of promoting literacy, expression and creativity by celebrating the excellence and imagination of young people.

Six Mark Rutherford students successfully secured a Bronze Award, a further three students achieved a Silver Award, whilst one student, Joseph, was proud to continue the school’s success in receiving a Gold Award for the second year running.

Gold Award winner, Joseph, said: “It felt great when I found out that I had won, it filled me with pride knowing that I had achieved an extraordinary accomplishment through my reflections on the pandemic. My entry pro-

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View from the Rt Revd

Richard Atkinson

In Focus with

Dave

Yasin

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

The Bishop of Bedford

ALL SOULS

In Focus with

Our Lord Lieutenants’ Service of ‘Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Hope’ on October 10th at St Paul’s Church in Bedford was a special opportunity to reflect on the impact of the pandemic. T he service is available through this link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aCfNb59jDUU&t=0s. I encourage you to watch it.

Representatives of those who provided medical care, staffed and organised vaccination centres, provided meals for those in need, managed care homes and of those affected by the virus focused our thankfulness for the response to the pandemic. So much care and dedication, given and experienced, across our county.

At the end of the service, we looked forward with hope and dedicated ourselves to working together for a stronger and more just society; a hope symbolised by the blessing of three saplings which were later planted at local schools. A visible symbol of how we must plant and build for future generations. Very much the challenge of COP26.

Finally, at the heart of the service was time to remember. To remember all those affected by the virus (and those still affected today) especially those who died. For many of us are carrying the sorrow and pain of losing loved ones.

Not just the loss, but the experience of not being with them when they died, of not being able to hold the funeral as we wished and so much more. As is necessary with all bereavement we have missed the opportunity to grieve and to mourn well.

One opportunity to do this is All Soul’s Day (November 2nd). Known also as ‘The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed’ it is an opportunity to remember the departed and to commend them to the love of God, often by lighting a candle in church.

To enable this, many of our local churches will be holding special services either on the day or on an adjacent Sunday. If there is one near you, you will be very welcome.

However, whether or not, there is a service near you, I encourage you to use this time of All Soul’s to remember those who have been lost. It could be sitting in a quiet space at home and lighting a candle.

It might be finding a church or another place of worship that is open, lighting a candle if that is available, and spending time giving thanks for your loved ones and offering up to God your sadness, pain and grief.

15

MP for Bedford and Kempston

REMEMBRANCE AND CHRISTMAS

FACE THE RESIDENTS

November and December will see a number of events across the Borough.

On Thursday, November 11, we will commemorate Armistice Day at Riverside Square in Bedford with a presentation of Standards and a two-minute silence.

Remembrance Sunday will take place on Sunday, November 14, at War Memorials and Roll of Honours across the Borough, In Bedford the traditional wreath laying will take place at the War Memorial on Bedford Embankment at 11am and will be followed by a parade down the Embankment, finishing in Harpur Square. In Kempston the Town Council have arranged a Remembrance Service at Kempston East Methodist Church at 2.30pm followed by a parade to the War Memorial for a silence and wreath laying.

There will also be Remembrance events in many of the villages across the Borough.

It is good that we will be able to commemorate Remembrance properly again this year following a reduced number of events last year. However, I would urge people to remember Coronavirus is still present in the community and to remind you to continue to take precautions such as wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces or when in large groups and try to maintain a social distance where possible.

Later in November and in early December we will see the Christmas Lights switched on in Bedford and Kempston as well as some of the villages and I am looking forward to seeing displays across the whole Borough.

Throughout December there will be events in Bedford town centre every weekend running up to Christmas and other events across the Borough, please do check social media to see what is happening in your area.

I recently launched my Christmas Card competition for Primary aged children to design my Christmas Card, you can find more at https://rosettapublishing.com/bulletin/2021/10/13/mayordave-hodgson-launches-the-2021-christmas-card-competition/.

On October 15, the CEO of East West Rail, Simon Blanchflower and EWR Operations Director, Will Gallagher came to Bedford at my request to meet elected representatives and members of the public.

I invited ward Councillors on a walkabout’ to show Simon Blanchflower and EWR Operations Director, Will Gallagher first-hand the homes that would be affected in the vicinity of Bedford station because of the Government’s plans to extend the tracks from 4 to 6.

The Councillors and I called for the electrification of the line and EWR confirmed that they have been making the case to Government for the line to be electrified rather than using diesel trains. We pressed EWR on the four-track option and EWR confirmed that they were still looking at all possibilities to minimise the effect on the local community ahead of the publishing of their consultation response early next year.

The public meeting at St Cuthbert’s Hall was constructive and although we limited the numbers to 40 to observe social distancing and keep the public Covid-19 safe in an indoor space, it did mean we were able to cover a wide spectrum of questions. We would have liked to have given more notice to the public, but we didn’t get confirmation for the public to be involved in the visit until a week before.

We grabbed the opportunity because we didn’t want the date to drag into the winter when we know residents have already waited so long for a meeting and when Covid infection rates may rise to a level where public meetings are unsafe.

Residents from the Poets area and Ashburnham road were given priority but there were also residents from Brickhill, Queen’s Park, De Parys, and Kempston, including members of the BFARe group and Protect Poets.

Some brilliant questions were asked by residents on the Need to Sell Scheme, the four-track option, freight, the consultation process, and the prospect of further disruption to the Bromham Road Bridge, but it was the passion to save not just homes, but a whole community that struck a chord.

One Poets’ resident described the years of uncertainty because of the Government’s potential compulsory purchase order plans, made her feel like a prisoner in her own home.

Some answers by EWR were useful for residents, including a clearer timeline for the next steps of the consultation process. While no solutions were offered up at this point by EWR, they repeatedly told us that they’re still working with their engineers to find possible solutions to all the issues that repeatedly came up in 9,000 respondents to the consultation.

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Lord Lieutenant’s Service at St Paul’s

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

THE people of Bedfordshire came together at St Paul’s Church, Bedford on Sunday, October 10, 2021 to give thanks, remember and look forward in hope as the nation emerges from the challenges of the pandemic.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis was accompanied by her husband Professor Joe Nellis, and supported by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE and three of her Lord-Lieutenant Cadets. The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Eric Masih, the Speaker of Bedford Borough Council, the Mayor of Luton, the Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, the Chief Fire Officer, the Chief Constable, the Police & Crime Commissioner, Town Mayors from across the county and many other representatives of countywide organisations joined the congregation.

The service, which was held in line with current Covid19 guidelines, was led by the Revd Canon Kevin Goss and the address and blessing was given by the Bishop of Bedford The Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE. The Royal British Legion County Standard was presented during the first hymn and two of the LordLieutenant’s Cadets presented the Lieutenancy Flag and the Bedfordshire Flag.

The service was in three parts. People from all sec-

tions of the community who were involved in the pandemic were invited to share their experiences and this was an opportunity to give thanks for their contribution. This included local GPs involved in setting up vaccination centres, a volunteer who provided meals for key workers and people in need, a Care Home Manager, Military personnel, a Vaccination Centre volunteer and a Covid survivor. Each of them had a different story to tell, all of which were truly inspiring.

The service then had a period of remembrance when representatives of faith communities were invited to light candles whilst the choir sang and the congregation were given time to reflect.

This led the service into the final part when the Bishop of Bedford blessed locally grown saplings representing the new hope of life. The saplings were presented to the Bishop by Lord-Lieutenant Cadets and will be planted in three schools in Bedfordshire to celebrate HM The Queen’s Green Canopy.

Speaking after the service the Lord-Lieutenant said “It was a very emotional Bedfordshire Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Hope at St Paul’s Church. I was really inspired and greatly moved by the stories of how so many went the extra mile to help during the pandemic.”

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— NOVEMBER 2021

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

film review comedy Castle Comedy spreading the humour across Bedfordshire

The Lost Daughter ‘The Lost Daughter’ is a story about Leda (Olivia Colman), a Leeds-born lecturer who goes alone on a beach holiday from her house in Massachusetts to a paradise island in Greece. It is clear from the get-go that she has no intention of socialising with anyone. She’s even unapproachable to Lyle (Ed Harris), the elderly property caretaker.

Later, Leda discovers a deserted beach, only for a big family of New Yorkers to intrude on her space.

She gently declines to move when the annoying Callie (Dagmara Domincyk) asks her to.

However, two family members – Nina (Dakota Johnson) and her little daughter Elena – fascinate her, and she becomes engrossed in watching the pair. As she watches them, she is overcome by her recollections of the horror, uncertainty, and intensity of early parenthood.

Eventually, she is thrown into the weird and scary realm of her own mind, where she must confront her unorthodox past choices as a young mother.

‘The Lost Daughter’, based on a book of the same name by Elena

Castle Comedy is spreading its wings in November and heading to new venues across Bedfordshire!

Castle Comedy Flitwick – The Rufus Centre – Saturday November 13 Flitwick Town Council teams up with Castle Comedy to put on a brilliant comedy special at the Rufus Centre.

Ferrante, is Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut after a long acting career.

She received recognition for her performance in ‘The Dark Knight’ (2018) and won a Golden Globe award for Best Actress for her performance in the BBC politicalthriller miniseries ‘The Honourable Woman’ (2014).

Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson feature in this starstudded drama. Colman has appeared in a number of films, including ‘The Iron Lady’ (2011),

‘The Lobster’ (2015), ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (2017), and ‘The Favourite’ (2018), for which she received an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Johnson, on the other hand, is most known for her role in the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ film trilogy (20152018).

She won a BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016 for her part in the series.

‘The Lost Daughter’ will be released on UK’s Netflix on December 31, 2021.

ANGELA BARNES, after a career in health and social care, Angela decided to realise a longheld ambition and give comedy a go.

Within a couple of years, she had won the 2011 BBC New Comedy Award with her gloriously down-to-earth and straight-talking humour.

Since then Angela and her witty world view have been catapulted onto numerous radio and television

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shows including appearances on Russell Howard’s Good News, Russell Kane’s Whistle Stop Tour on BBC Radio 2, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Stand up for the Week and BBC Radio’s The Now Show.

“Brilliantly funny” Sarah Millican GLENN MOORE is an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and one of the best and most prolific joke writers in the country.

Glenn is a regular face on TV, having appeared on Mock The Week, Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central and The Stand Up Sketch Show.

Castle Comedy Leighton Buzzard – The Crooked Crow Bar, Wednesday November 24 The Crooked Crow Bar teams up with Castle Comedy to put on a classic mixed bill of comedy featuring TV names and rising stars.

STEPHEN BAILEY is one of the fastest rising stars in UK comedy.

He has appeared on Live At The Apollo and has a stand-up special on Comedy Central. He is the presenter of Channel 5 and 5Star’s new show Celebs on the Farm and flew out to America to host Celebs on the Ranch!

He has also appeared on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Apprentice: You’re Fired and Coronation Street! “He’s an archbitch with a winning smile, everyone’s favourite gay best

friend. Bailey’s confident, funny & suitably rude” - The Reviews Hub NEIL MCFARLANE is a Scottish stand up comedian hailing from Glasgow. He performs across the length and breadth of the British Isles and has also entertained international audiences. He has reached the finals of both The Scottish Comedian of the Year and the BBC Comedy awards.

Castle Comedy Christmas Specials – December 2, 9, 15 and 16.

The ultimate Christmas shows are back in December!

There will be shows in Bedford, Biggleswade, Leighton Buzzard and Henlow.

So, if you fancy some festive cheer you know what to do.

Tickets: castlecomedy.co.uk

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Kempston, MK42 8PN. Tuesday November 16, Tuesday 2.30 Speaker Jason Middleton on ‘Pearl. A famous Gemstone’ Contact: Betty Thomas 01480 860421

Kempston Senior Citizens Club: DANCING,

WHIST, BINGO. Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm, CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, for further information contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306.

1-5 December. Theme: ‘It’s Panto!’. St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ. Wed-Sat 10-5, Sunday 12-4. £3.00. Free under 16 years. Daily community concerts and competitions. Festival concert: Minerva Piano Trio Friday 3rd December 7.30 pm. In aid of the church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. Further details at http://www.stpaulschurchbedford.org. uk/ Minerva Piano Trio: Friday 3rd December 7.30pm. Works by Ravel, Stravinsky, Mozart, Vivaldi and others. Contact: Tel 01234 340163

Christmas Tree Festival:

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Food served: Mon-Sat 12-2, 6-9 Sunday 12-4 See our Facebook page for upcoming events

Kempston Musical Society: Christmas Carol

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Concert, Kempston Musical Society will be performing a selection of Christmas carols and festive music on the evening of Saturday 18th December at Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford.

Tickets will cost £7.50 on the door, which will include refreshments. This concert is guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas.

To find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir Contact 01234 781010 or email prestissimo@btinternet.com MKNTA and £4 for non-members

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by Tony Hendrix I don’t usually get the chance to cover up and coming local artists, my editor recently received a biography of a local artist which was passed my way, I had a listen to music which I found very impressive!

Jonathan Stolber is a Data Administrator by day for Aston Training which is part of The Bedford College Group.

Away from his desk the staff member changes into a music composer whose work is a big hit with the worlds leading music platform Spotify. Jonathan, aged 41, has worked for Aston for three years.

The office is located in Gold Street, Northampton which is right next door to a destination vinyl store ‘Spun Out’ where some of his music can also be found.

Jonathan is an outstanding multi-talented instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer, who has twice been nominated for BBC awards and was a winner of a place to join Masterclass sessions at the world famous Abbey Road studios.

He spent most of lockdown locked in his home studio putting final touches to his new release ‘An Unshakeable Demon.’

The record was mixed by legendary engineer Steven Durose (Oceansize) and mastered at the icon Abbey Road studios by Frank Arkwright( Mogwai/The Killers).

The EP is a bristling, industrial collection of synth-heavy song writing; theatrical, brooding and ominous.

Tackling themes of mental health heightened by the pandemic, and exacerbated by social media, Stolber confronts issues we all face in re-

Christmas Tree Festival Concert: St Paul’s church, St

Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SQ. Tickets £17.50 Contact: 01234 783181/ 01234 340163 or www.peoplesfundraising.com/concert-tickets.

In aid of the church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.

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Don Broco

Bedford Esquires – November 10 A ferociously good live band acclaimed for their relentless highoctane performances, Don Broco are heading out on a massive uk tour stopping off at 10 cities.

They’ve added Bedford’s Esquires to the list of venues!

The tour supports the release of the band’s new album, ‘Amazing things’, which was released digitally this on Friday, October 22.

‘Amazing Things’ is the band’s fourth album, and follows the release of 2018’s ‘Technology’, which was was a top five album in the UK charts and has had over 100 million streams to date.

Fund Raising Tea Dances: Addison Centre,

Kempston, Mondays November 8 and 29, 2pm to 4.30pm. £3.00 including a cuppa Contact: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997

emerging into a post-COVID world.

The Debut Single ‘Coming Up For air’ taken from the EP has now gained radio play across a variety of platforms including The BBC, Exile Fm, Radio Wigwam and Amazing Radio UK. Progradar have described the ep as “one of this year’s most enlightening releases and one that still intrigues after every listen.”

During early 2020, Jonathan shared a Piano Day release entitled ‘The Minotaur’ under his solo artist name ‘The Holy Road’ to raise money for Mental Health Awareness (TinyChanges.Com).

The track was then selected to feature on Nils Frahm’s curated Official Piano Day, global playlist.

The track has gone on to feature on Spotify’s Roadburn Essential Sounds playlist to reach a further 4.6K listeners.

Have a listen to his music I’m sure it will attack your rhythm buds!

‘An Unshakeable Demon’ is available across all streaming services:

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‘Music on Thursdays’ Concert Season. November 11, a recital for French horn by a sensational new talent, Ben Goldscheider and his partner on the piano, Huw Watkins.

January 20, a concert of classical Indian ragas by a true master of the sitar: Mehboob Nadeem.

February 24, a recital of songs by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov, Brahms and Schubert by the Russian-British baritone Theodore Platt who joins us from his day job at the Bavarian State Opera.

March 24, a programme of trios by Haydn and Beethoven, together with a recent work they commissioned from local composer Cherlyl Frances-Hoad.

The Season concludes on April 28 with a brilliant young quintet, Connaught Brass, who took first prize in the inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Competition in 2019. Contact: www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

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— NOVEMBER 2021

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

gardening

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Colourful foliage plants for winter gardens N

by Maureen Catlin

OVEMBER is the first winter month when the light levels are lower and there’s a general sad feeling that the bright colours of summer in the garden have come to an end for another year. Gardens though need not be gloomy.

Brightly coloured winter evergreens will light up our borders and tubs and there is a vast array to choose from. Here are a few proven old favourites and some interesting new introductions.

Let’s start with some suggestions to grow in a mixed border or as feature and focal plants.

Abelia Gold Jewel is an attractive compact semi evergreen shrub with pure golden foliage that fades to a deep copper colour as the plant ages and goes through

the winter months. The trumpet flowers are pink and white and scented from June until late autumn. Plant in moist well drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Escallonia Gold Brian is a bushy, compact, evergreen shrub with bright yellow scented new foliage that turns burnished gold and holds this colour throughout winter. The bell shaped rosy red flowers appear during the summer months.

One of the brightest yellow variegated evergreen shrubs in winter is good old “Golden Privet” a much undervalued plant possibly due to the “suburban clipped front garden hedge” of the 1930’s. The foliage positively shouts out I am here on a dull November day. Euonymus Silver Queen which holds the Royal

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It is also good in a patio container. It can be used to help add light and colour to areas of lightly dappled shade and in winter adds another feature to the garden. It grows well in moist well drained soil and benefits from some winter protection.

Senecio Angel Wings is a striking perennial plant that has been achieved lots of awards. Its large, silvery white leaves have a soft, downy texture making it ideal for a sensory garden. It is an eye catching feature for a border or pot where it will thrive in a hot sunny spot. It quickly forms a good sized clump and will become tolerant of drought once established. Move to a dry sheltered spot if temperatures dip below minus eight degrees.

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Horticultural Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit. It is a versatile evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and pretty pink white margins. Inconspicuous pale green flowers appear in summer, sometimes followed by pale pink fruits.

Skimmia Japonica Perosa is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub which produces grey green leaves with creamy yellow margins.

The dense clusters of red to pink buds are held all winter above the leaves giving a good splash of colour before opening to small star shaped white flowers in spring. This is a male variety of Skimmia which will pollinate varieties like Skimmia Reevesiana or Skimmia Nymans to produce bright red berries that hold on the plant for at least six months. It grows well in shady places.

Euphorbia Ascot Moonbeam is an upright, bushy, evergreen perennial with shoots bearing dense whorls of light grey green leaves with creamy white margins and from spring into summer. The small pale yellow flowers are surrounded by large, pale yellow bracts. It associates well near the front of the border with red Heucheras and silver Brunnera requiring no maintenance.

Fatsia Japonica Spiders Web is a new Fatsia grown for its handsome foliage which looks as though it has been dusted with icing sugar. It makes a wonderful specimen particularly when planted near white flowering plants like Hydrangea Annabelle that complement the leaf variegations.

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like a grass but has recently been reclassified as a member of the asparagus family so is actually a variegated perennial. Its grass like foliage is attractively striated with cream lines against dark green. In the spring flower spikes emerge from the plant bearing small scented yellow blooms.

It is hardy and will tolerate frost and drought and grows well in containers. Plant in semi-shade amongst the broad spotty leaves of Pulmonaria or Symphytum where the spiky upright leaves provide a visual foil.

Many of these suggestions for the border can also be planted in tubs like Euonymus, Fatsia, Senecio, and Skimmia using John Innes or a good fibre based compost.

A group of plants that can

always be relied upon to give brilliant colour and a sculptured shape for winter Patio Tubs are the dwarf conifers. The picture shows the variety of shapes and colours available in these colourful evergreens.

To name a few for yellow foliage Cupressus Wilma, Chamaecyparis Pearly Swirls, Karamachiba, and White Beauty and Thuja Goldy. Chamaecyparis Curly Tops has bright silver blue leaves while Juniperus Lime Glow,Cryptomeria Mushroom, Thuya Anniek and Fire Chief and Chamaecyparis Rubicon all turn a bronze red colour as the weather gets colder and the light levels reduce.

With some of these additions to your planting scheme The Garden is never dull in winter.

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sport Eagles’ recent results are very encouraging

OCTOBER has seen much improvement for Bedford Town from September when they faced injury and suspension to key players, with results suffering.

They have turned it around with some outstanding matches and recent results.

A month of wins looks likely, three league wins were clocked up in the first part of the month against FC Romania, Thame and Kidlington with seven goals scored in those matches and none conceded, the Eagles will have also expected a win against eighteenth placed league new boys Colney Heath.

Bedford have also progressed in the FA Trophy and Southern League Cup. St Neots, having lost to Bedford in the FA Cup, also lost out in the Trophy, setting up a home tie in the next round against Cambridge City, which the Eagles won 5-0, next they hope to progress

by Michael Jarman-Webb

further in the competition against Stafford Rangers at home.

Higher placed Biggleswade Town lost in the Southern League Cup, with a determined young looking Eagles team winning the penalty shoot-out after things were even at fulltime.

The star of the match being seventeen-year-old shot stopper Elliot Duffy, who went on to save two goals in the shootout having broken a finger in the seventh minute of the game.

Bedford have been bolstered by the signing of centre back Rory MacAuley, the former Kings Lynn player comes with a wealth of league experience and has helped to make the defence impenetrable

in recent matches.

The club have however lost one of their key players off recent seasons. Dan Walker re-joined the Eagles in 2018 after his spell at Luton Town amongst others and has been a constant in the side ever since.

A rare red card in September was the start of him finding a new home just down the A1 as he struggled to get back into the team after his three-match suspension.

Biggleswade Town need a goal scorer and Walker showed he can do that in his last game in the blue and white, coming on as a substitute with seven minutes remaining against Kidlington and smashing a goal in the ninetieth.

Staff and pupils from Marston Vale Middle School with Bedford Town players.

The fans that went wild then were not to know it would be his last goal for Bedford – for a while anyway!

Walker’s debut for Biggleswade didn’t go to plan though after them being on the end of a 3-0 defeat.

Rob Sinclair is another player departing the Eyrie. He has become the Eynesbury Rovers manager after injury kept him from playing for Bedford early season.

Off the pitch it’s been a

Bedford Town Youth Development players on their visit to The Eyrie.

month for younger visitors to the club.

A community outreach programme saw award winning pupils from Marston Vale Middle School lead the team out against Thame watched by teachers and parents.

This followed a visit to the school by Bedford Town striker

Connor Tomlinson and club officials. It is planned to extend the outreach to other local schools soon.

Ninety young Eagles from the Youth Development squads were the guests to watch the Kidlington game, with the under eights leading the team out.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES 30 October Stafford Rangers – Home – FA Trophy Peterborough Sports – Home – Southern League Cup 2 November 6 November Welwyn Garden City – Home – League 9 November Barton Rovers – Home – League 14 November Aylesbury United – Away – League 16 November Harlow Town – Away – League 20 November Waltham Abbey – Home – League 23 November Berkhamsted – Away – League 27 November Didcot Town – Away League Fixtures subject to change, latest information and tickets from www.bedfordeagles.net Rene Howe scores against Kidlington.

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