Bedford Borough Bulletin October 2020

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BEDS BOROUGH EDITION

OCTOBER 2020

RENT-A-COP BOOM College wind under Falcon’s wings

RUNNING an international tech-age accountancy service from Bedford is former Bedford College student Alex Falcon Huerta.

A Fellow of the Association of Certified Accountants, Alex had the foresight to see how technology could revolutionise bookkeeping long before the current Covid crisis forced firms forward.

“As a young trainee in a traditional firm, I heard about a product from New Zealand called Xero which would streamline financial systems and enable businesses to better plan for the future,”

said Alex who then set up her own firm: Soaring Falcon.

Soaring Falcon has since won multi awards including British Accountancy Awards Winners - Best New Practice, and was crowned Xero’s: Most Valued Professional.

Her growing expertise in helping clients from overseas set up UK operations and British companies to sell or set up overseas, saw her being invited to join the All Party Parliamentary Group Technology Board in 2018 and asked to join as an ACCA International Assembly member since 2018.

Alex was born in Bedford to a Peruvian father and Spanish mother who met, ironically, at a Bedford College English class. When she and her siblings were young, the family moved to Peru, but Alex returned with a her mother to live in Castle Lane - just a few yards from where her office is now. A short journey but a long road with many decisions to make for the teenage Alex who soon had to leave family troubles behind and asked the Student Services at Bedford College came to rescue.

“Bedford College was the most brilliant thing for me. They helped me find

temporary accommodation when I had nowhere to live. I did my Business & Finance Course there, then moved on to do AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) to start my path towards being an accountant. It was like my ‘university’,” added Alex, now aged 39.

“Lots of people have harder challenges to overcome than me, but I hope I show that literally anything is possible if you put your mind to it and keep focused.”

“I have clients all over the world, have some great colleagues and friends Continued on page 3

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QUESTIONS are being asked about the lack of policing in Bedford and Kempston and how effective council CCTV is in monitoring anti-social and illegal activity.

Complaints about persistent and sometimes aggressive begging and the lack of enforcement of drinking in alcohol-free zones seem to have given rise to some areas where private “security” is taking the place of regular police service.

One trader said: “These may be difficult times, but street level policing is non-existent and CCTV seems to be used as a tool by the authorities only when it suits them.”

One woman was identified and threatened with a fine for moving rubbish which had been dumped outside of a shop doorway in Kempston.

The authorities were asked by the irate owner: “If the CCTV could identify the legitimate staff member moving the rubbish, why couldn’t it identify the person who dumped it?”

The threat of the fine has since been withdrawn.

A proliferation of private security types such as Bedford Borough Council’s controversial “men in black” who issue on-the-spot fines against cyclists and litter droppers Extra doormen that clubs are being forced to employ in the Covid crisis and others charged with

“Alcohol-free zones not being enforced”

“moving on” beggars are all creating a picture where real police offers are being replaced by “rent a cops”.

Said one: “We need more real police officers.

Police Community Support Officers are no use when dealing with persistent offenders, they know the PCSOs don’t have any warrant powers and they take no notice of them.

“Beggars who are shifted return as soon as they have gone. None of these people are going to court anyway, because the courts aren’t open and there’s a huge backlog of cases, so they carry on regardless.

“I think in Bedford and Kempston we are fed up with being overlooked because police resources disproportionately go to Luton. We used to have a day-time team of police officers in the Bedford town centre, not now.”

On weekend nights the scene is different with police and ambulance vehicles parked up by the “Faces” on Silver Street monitoring young people attending bars on the High Street.

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‘Dead-eye’ Dave sets his sights on being a world champ

BEDFORD marksman out performed the competition at Garlands Shooting Ground, Tamworth, to become British Sporting Open High Gun Champion for 2020.

David Ferrimen from Bolnhurst, took part in the five day event to emerge as overall winner in the Clay Pigeon Shooting Associations’ (CPSA) High Gun competition, on Sunday, September 6.

Competitors had 120 clays to shoot and David topped the lot to go into the finals on the Sunday.

David, 25, is the Gun Room Manager at Sporting Targets in Riselely, where he has been working since leaving Sharnbrook Upper School.

He is no stranger to winning, having represented England at both Junior and Senior levels in the past.

The Bulletin asked him about what the future holds, he told us confidently that he will be competing for European and World titles in 2021, and there is also the wedding to his fiancé Vicky to arrange!

Harpur centre celebrates local heroes with new installation FOLLOWING the recent reopening of the basement floor in The Harpur Centre, a communityfocused mural celebrating Captain Sir Thomas Moore was installed to coincide with the grand opening of Energie Fitness.

In line with the grand opening of Energie Fitness Gym, the Harpur Centre team surprised visitors with a fantastic tribute to Captain Sir Thomas Moore, NHS staff and key workers to celebrate the enormous community spirit

across the town during the pandemic.

The town is immensely proud of local resident and WW2 veteran, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised over £32million in donations for NHS Charities Together. His Grandson, Benjamin, who attends Bedford School created the ‘100 laps’ concept and ran Captain Tom’s social media pages, further heightening the meaning behind the mural for the people of Bedford and across the county.

On the day, the Energie Fitness Gym team were also giving out spot prizes and gifts for both members and non-members, a stunning balloon archway was installed and a grand ribboncutting took place to open the doors to eagerly anticipating visitors.

Ryan Harris, Deputy Centre Manager, commented: “We are

delighted to have installed our fantastic mural to celebrate the national and local hero, Captain Sir Tom Moore, as well as all of our heroes across Bedford. With the launch of the mural and opening of Energie Fitness Gym, it was brilliant to see an abundance of positivity within the Centre after a few difficult months. We are so proud of the people of Bedford, and it is wonderful to give something back to the town in return for their understanding and support, not just through recent times, but always.”

Energie Fitness Gym, Bedford, is a top-quality gym with industry-leading equipment, classes and resources for members to use. They offer the ultimate experience, expertise, and welcoming atmosphere to help people of all abilities to reach their goals.

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Thief threatened to burn victim’s house down A BEDFORD man was caught breaking into a car on a driveway outside a house in Bedford after the owner saw him up to no good on his CCTV system.

The occupant confronted Issac Saleh who decided to make a run for it. He didn’t get far after stumbling over the and the car owner was able to grab him and detain him.

But when police arrived on the scene and arrested Salah, he turned to the victim and threatened to burn his home down telling him ominously: “I know where you live.”

On Monday, Septmeber 14, 2020, Saleh who at the time was living in Union Street, Bedford appeared at Luton crown court via a video link up with Bedford Prison where he has been held on remand.

He pleaded guilty to theft of items from the

car and threatening to damage property.

Prosecutor Jan Hayne said it was on evening October 20 last year when the owner’s car was parked on the drive outside his Bedford home.

Out that night was Saleh and at around 11.15pm he crept onto the driveway of the property to see if he could steal anything from the vehicle.

Miss Hayne said the CCTV system had a motion detector which meant the moment Saleh wandered into the driveway he triggered the camera to start rolling capturing his every move.

Inside the property the occupant was quickly alerted to what was happening and bravely went outside to confront the intruder.

By now the vehicle’s interior light was on and Salah had snatched a DVD player and case.

On seeing the occupant emerge from the house Saleh threw the items at him before fleeing However he hadn’t reckoned on the occupant giving chase and moments later after slipping over the man was able to grab him and detain him until police arrived.

Miss Hayne said it was as the officers were handcuffing Salah that he turned to the occupant and threatened he would burn his home down.

He had also taken a pen from the car which he handed back to the owner as well as some sunglasses.

The prosecutor said Salah told his victim he wasn’t working.

Passing sentence on Salah Recorder Cairns Nelson QC said it had been an “unpleasant threat” – he jailed him for four months.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2020

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Man jailed for violent Bedford robbery A MAN was sentenced to six years and six weeks in prison on Friday September 18, after pleading guilty to a violent armed robbery.

Michael Crichlow, 27, of Sandhurst Place, Bedford committed an armed robbery in a jewellery shop in Church Arcade in December 2019.

On December 17, Crichlow entered the shop and pretended he was interested in purchasing a ring. He spoke to a member of staff, followed them to the back office and then violently attacked them with a hammer.

Crichlow stole a number of rings from the shop tray, with an estimated value of £15,000.

Officers who attended the scene discovered that the perpetra-

tor left behind his weapon and one glove. Both items were forensically examined and DNA was found on both linking Crichlow to the robbery.

The Crime Investigation Team carried out an extensive review of the CCTV and managed to identify the robber as Crichlow due to his unique walk.

DC Aroop Nandre, from Bedfordshire Police Crime Investigation Team, said: “Crichlow committed a violent robbery which left the victim with long lasting physical and psychological scars.

“The sheer forced used by him to attack the victim caused the hammers handle to snap. We cannot even imagine the trauma this attack has caused to the victim.

A Taste of Brewpoint ‘pop-up bar’ offers a flavour of its new home

BEDFORD brewers Wells & Co. have completed construction of their landmark new Fairhill home, Brewpoint.

Brewing on site has now begun in earnest and, while trading restrictions imposed on the hospitality sector due to Covid-19 mean Brewpoint’s full launch must wait until Spring 2021, the Wells & Co. team plan to offer their customers a taste of things to come – not to mention a taste of several brand new brews – in just a couple of weeks’ time.

Peter Wells, MD at Wells & Co., explains: “While we’d love to throw open the doors and welcome everyone in for the full Brewpoint experience,

safety-related limitations and the ongoing uncertainty around trading during Covid-19 mean it simply wouldn’t be a responsible decision at this time.

However, we’ve found a way to offer a great introduction to our beautiful new home whilst keeping everyone safe.

“From Thursday, October 8, we’ll be opening the external garden area at our site in Fairhill for 11 weeks and inviting everyone down to experience A Taste Of Brewpoint. Our pop-up bar will do exactly what it says on the tin; you’ll be able to get a real flavour for Brewpoint via the groundbreaking beers, delicious food, retail opportunities

and entertainment we’ll have on offer.

“Just as we’ve done within our pub estate throughout 2020, we’ll be staying on top of evolving government regulations and taking every precaution possible to ensure that A Taste of Brewpoint offers a safe yet thoroughly enjoyable experience for

Police ask for help to tackle dog theft in the region

BEDFORDSHIRE Police is experiencing an increase in dog theft reports and is asking the public to be wary of this new wave of crime across the county.

On Sunday, September 13, police received reports that eight dogs had been taken from a kennel in Wilden, including a black Labrador, two cocker spaniels and five English springer spaniels, which comes after reports of a number of attempted dog thefts in the region.

Inspector Craig Gurr, from the force’s Rural Crime Team, said: “This is an absolutely devastating crime that impacts people and families, and unfortunately we have seen an increase in these reports during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The demand for puppies has increased as people are starting to work from home and other social distractions are limited. This demand has created a surge in puppy thefts, as the price of dogs has almost doubled in some cases.

“If anyone was in the Wilden area on Sunday or have recently seen advertisements containing any of the dogs mentioned for sale, please get in contact and report these to us using our online reporting tool.”

Bedfordshire Police is working with other forces across the eastern

region, UK Pet Detectives, DogLost and Pets4Homes to tackle this type of criminality, and recently helped to reunite a dog with its owner after it was suspected to have been stolen from the Manchester area.

This was a result of working with DogLost charity, which assists in the search for missing dogs and has kindly donated two microchip scanners to the force’s rural team. These can now be used to identify stray or recovered dogs, or other animals, and items, like saddles, that have a microchip.

To discourage offenders please don’t buy dogs from social media sites or from anyone who cannot provide appropriate documentation. Before purchasing your dog make sure you check the proof of ownership, health check and pedigree papers. Additionally, ask to see the puppy in its home environment with its mother.

our friends in the community. I’m particularly excited about the acoustic music programme we have in store.”

A Taste of Brewpoint will showcase a number of exciting new additions to the Wells & Co. beer portfolio.

On Point Pale Ale, an easy-drinking, characterladen 4.0% ABV keg offering, boasts bright tropical and citrus hop flavours on a light malt base with low bitterness.

Origin Pale Ale, a classic 3.7% ABV session ale, will delight fans of real, no-nonsense beer. Malt sweetness balances perfectly with crisp bitterness, all complemented by tropical fruit and citrus late

notes. Taking Wells & Co. back to its roots as cask brewers, Origin will initially be available exclusively within the Wells & Co. pub estate and on tap at Brewpoint.

Once open fully in Spring, Brewpoint will house a pub-restaurant, a retail shop, a coffee roastery, company offices and a visitor centre, all focused around the creation of exceptional beer.

Peter concludes: “It’s time to get excited. Book your tables via www.brewpoint.co.uk – tell your friends, dress for the elements, and we look forward to welcoming you for A Taste Of Brewpoint from October 8 onwards.

Cheers!”

iPads and laptops donated to Ridgeway School AN initiative to tackle digital poverty across Bedfordshire, organised by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, has seen the Rotary Club of Bedford Park donate 12 digital devices to Ridgeway School.

With more resources and work being carried out online and using devices, the eight iPads and four laptops will allow children at Ridgeway School to access additional material.

Andrew Munday Head of Ridgeway School said: “We are most grateful to the Rotary Club of Bedford Park for the donation of these digital devices for use by our most vulnerable pupils. Many of our children find it hard to access online learning and the availability of the devices can only help their educational progress.”

here and I think Bedford is great.

“I would like to see more made of its rich cosmopolitan community.”

Alex is a Trustee of the Blues Foundation, the charitable arm of Bedford Blues Rugby club.

“Others in Bedford helped my family growing up, for instance the Harpur Trust gave us

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Susan Lousada, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire said: “Bedfordshire Learning Link wish to give all children in Bedfordshire access to digital devices to help them fulfil their academic potential and gain skills for the workplace. We are currently focusing on secondary schools, high schools and special schools but hope to expand further as more funds become available.” vouchers for my school uniform, which I remember going along to Josens in town to buy.”

“More young people need support and inspiration now so I hope to be putting something back and showing them that being a successful entrepreneur will give them hope and they can be inspired to do the same.” www.alexfalconhuerta.com www.soaring-falcon.co.uk

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Outgoing headmistress celebrated with portrait A PORTRAIT of outgoing Bedford Girls’ School (BGS) Headmistress, Miss Jo MacKenzie, was unveiled at the school last week.

Miss MacKenzie has spent ten years building an outstanding school that encapsulates her vision of education; a community focused on developing young women who have the intellect, skills and motivation to make a real difference to the world around them.

The oil painting was created by talented artist and BGS alumna, Mihaila Kuveljic, who recently graduated with a Fine Art degree from Oxford Brookes University.

Inspired by photography, Mihaila’s use of rich colours and meticulous attention to detail helps explore themes such as beauty in creating a more enticing aesthetic.

Mihaila who left BGS in 2016 reflected: “When considering the composition of the painting, I firstly needed to see what ideas and concepts Miss MacKenzie wished to be portrayed within the piece.

Her love of people, the school and gardening were all aspects which stood out to me the most.

“When considering the background of the painting, I decided to create a wash of greens with a

slight blue tint to reflect on Miss MacKenzie’s love of scents within a garden. The green contrasted nicely against the baby pink of her jacket, as well as reflecting the school colours.

“When I first walked into Miss MacKenzie’s office, I noticed the delicate arrangement of baby’s breathe on her desk. I decided that these were the perfect flowers to add to the composition, as it

reflected her love of understated beauty within a garden.”

Miss MacKenzie said: “Lots of staff have seen the portrait and have said that Mihaila has captured my spirit in the eyes, and that I think is the hardest thing to do. The fact that Mihaila has done it so well is a credit to her incredible talent.

“It is so important to me that an alumna painted this portrait. The creative arts is such an important

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ON Sunday, September 6, 16year-old Darcy McBride, a Sixth Former at Bedford School, finished in first place in the U21 category of the British Open Sporting clay pigeon championship, held in the West Midlands.

In the final, Darcy shot a 75 bird layout to tie for first place.

This meant there was a shoot off in the afternoon, which again ended in a tie.

This forced a sudden death for the title, and Darcy just took the top spot.

Darcy is the youngest person to win this national competition since 1948, when the competition was founded.

This victory follows his recent win in the Junior category at The Churchill Cup, another national event which took place on Friday, August 28, in Yorkshire.

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part of this school, and it’s really important for me that students see what happens as you pursue them as a career. I thank Mihaila from the bottom of my heart and am so proud she is an Old Girl of this school.”

The piece of art will join the collection of portraits of other former Headmistresses from the heritage schools in the Senior School corridor.

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Ffion’s over the moon in Kempston

Financial Impact of COVID-19 for Bedford Borough Council Bedford Borough Council’s Executive discussed the financial impact of COVID-19 following a report highlighting that the council is facing a financial gap of between £22 and £36million over the next five years with the impact of COVID-19 causing a significant pressure.

The impact of COVID-19 has affected services across the Council, with new ways of working and new demands, placing the council under unprecedented pressure in working to deliver care for the vulnerable, elderly and shielded. This has included setting up a Community Hub, providing food and support to those in need while keeping vital dayto-day operations running in challenging circumstances.

The council’s finances for 2020/21 were discussed at a meeting of the Executive, Wednesday, September 16, setting out the financial impact of these vital support services and lost income to the Council. This report forecasts extra costs and lost income of £12.7m in this year’s Budget. This is on top of £1.3m extra spent in 2019/20 at the start of the outbreak.

To date, the Government has given £8.9m in grant funding to the Council to cover the financial impact of coronavirus. The remaining £3.8m gap this year is to be addressed by reprioritising spending and reserves that will be moved away from their original purposes.

Looking ahead to 2021/22, the Council is currently forecasting a gap of £21.8m, as the impact on Council Tax and Business Rates does not affect the current year but will affect future years. Work has already begun to build on previous efficiency plans to find ways of managing this gap and proposals will come out for consultation later this year. The funding gap will be kept under review during the year as there remains a large number of uncertainties that depend upon the impact of COVID-19 over coming months and the economic fallout.

Cllr Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for

COVID IMPACT

INTERIOR design company Proven-Salle based in Kempston, will be featured as part of this year’s Small Biz 100, a national campaign highlighting some of the UK’s most inspiring small businesses.

The business was started by Ffion Hawke in May 2018, is the home of beautiful furniture and accessories, particularly with a French countryside or Provencal influence.

Proven-Salle will be placed in the spotlight on Sunday, November 29, 2020 with a number of promotional activities planned.

Ffion said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be part of the Small Biz Family and feel very

Finance said, “Over the last 10 years, throughout the period of austerity, the Council has been finding ways to become more efficient and make savings. However, the financial impact of COVID-19 goes way beyond what we have previously had to look at. Add to that the unknown potential impact of Brexit and no certainty on future grants from the government, and all councils are finding themselves in a period of greater uncertainty than I’ve ever known before.

“We are expecting difficult decisions ahead and with so much still unknown about the course that the coronavirus pandemic will take and the final impact it will have on the economy, we will be keeping a very close eye on the unfolding funding shortfall and doing our best to minimise the impact on local services.”

The report on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy can be found on the Council’s website.

Commenting on the Borough’s financial position, Conservative group leader Graeme Coombes said: “Though we appreciate these are difficult financial times for all, it is still disappointing to read that Bedford Council is forecasting a shortfall of nearly £22m next year. We welcome the fact that Government has provided £8.9m of grant funding to help alleviate some of the biggest challenges that the Council is facing, as well as providing large grants to the Council for town centre improvements and to help rough sleepers.

“This issue will not go away soon and like any family managing its household budget, the Mayor needs to be continually on the lookout for reasonable cost savings that can be made and for sources of revenue that can be tapped into to improve the financial situation.

“He needs to make Bedford Borough more pro-business and enterprise friendly as it is only with a dynamic and booming local economy that we can turn things around and improve the Borough’s financial picture.”

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honoured to have been selected for 2020.

“Small businesses are the life blood of the economy and are essential for driving the recovery of the UK post Covid.

Thank you to everyone who has supported small businesses, bought from small businesses, liked their social media posts and generally been amazing.

“It all makes such a difference! I can’t wait to connect and collaborate with the Small Biz 100 community, especially during the weeks leading up to Small Business Saturday on December 5, 2020.

“It’s so lovely to share such uplifting news with people during such strange times.”

Bedford selected for High Streets Heritage Action Zone BEDFORD Borough Council will receive £1.76 million from Historic England to deliver building works and a cultural programme to regenerate Bedford high street. The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and LoveBedford are also contributing funding.

The High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme is run by Historic England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with a contribution from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It encourages partnerships with local organisations, building owners and occupiers to secure lasting improvements to buildings and the public realm. The initiative aims to make the high street a more attractive place for residents to visit.

The funding Bedford Borough Council will receive will be spent on physical building works and to deliver a cultural programme to encourage people to engage with the local heritage.

In Bedford funding will be used to reinstate the historic features of buildings across the high street, reducing traffic and bringing the wider community back into the area.

Bedford Borough Council has currently earmarked 43 buildings as eligible for funding under the HSHAZ programme. Improvements to these buildings could include: n Reinstatement of traditional shopfronts. n Conversion of vacant floor space for retail and/or residential use. n Repair and reinstatement of architectural details to the façade of buildings. n Undertaking structural works to help achieve these improvements.

Councillor Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning said, “Yet more investment has been secured for our town centre and we are delighted with the success of our High Street Heritage Action Zone bid. High streets across the UK are facing challenging times but in Bedford Borough, with our shared vision and exciting partnerships with local businesses and communities, we will be able to provide a real boost to the High Street for those who live in, work in, learn in, shop in and visit our town.

“Bedford has such a rich, diverse history and heritage and this funding will help us restore some of the buildings that play such a vital role in that history as well as help us to try and bring some buildings back into use, further supporting town centre businesses.

Through our work with Historic England and local partners, we will be able to make real physical improvements to the appearance of Bedford’s High Street and historic buildings.

Tony Calladine, Regional Director at Historic England in the East of England, said: “Investing in heritage delivers good results for people – it means looking after and celebrating the places at the heart of our communities, and the buildings and public spaces which define their character. This investment for our historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme will unlock the potential of these precious high streets and help them thrive again.”

If you are a building owner in Bedford Borough and your premises falls within the High Street Heritage Action Zone, you can speak with the HSHAZ team about possible refurbishments to your property. If you would like to get in touch, please contact Jessica Mittler, HSHAZ Project Manager.

Government announces changes to support tenants THE government has announced emergency legislation that will help support tenants over the winter months.

Eviction notice periods have been increased to six months, meaning that tenants who are served notice will be able to stay in their homes until the end of March 2021, allowing them extra time to find alternative support or accommodation. Some exceptions remain, including where a tenant has demonstrated anti-social behaviour or committed fraud, and the landlord would like to rent the property to an alternative tenant.

Support is also being provided to tenants struggling to keep up with rent payments because of the pandemic. Landlords will be expected to work with their tenants to put in place a flexible payment

SUPPORTING

plan based on their individual circumstances. Every effort should be made by the landlord to cooperate with their tenant(s) before seeking eviction.

Councillor Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Regulatory Services and Housing said, “The extension of the eviction notice to six-months and other help is welcomed and will give further support to tenants during these difficult times. With citizens across the UK facing unprecedented challenges, we need to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to the economic impacts of COVID-19 get the support they deserve.

“As a council, we are committed to supporting residents who are struggling to keep up with rent payments through no fault of their own. If you are having a dispute with a private landlord and are

worried about losing your home, please get in touch.”

Bedford Borough Council is available to offer advice and assistance to any resident facing eviction. If you or someone you know would like advice on a housing issue call Bedford Borough Council on 01234 718058.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is also available to offer free and independent advice to anyone struggling to maintain payments of rent and bills.

If you want to speak to Citizens Advice Bureau Bedford, you can phone 01234 867944 between 9:45am-1pm Monday to Thursdays and between 9.30am – 1pm on Fridays. Advice can also be requested through their online form at https://www.bedfordcab. org.uk/find-advice- form.html.

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Helping young people in the county to thrive A MAJOR new project to support young people’s mental wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic is being supported by the Connolly Foundation.

Youthscape, based in Luton, helps disaffected young people. It has implemented ‘Thrive’ a new initiative that helps youngsters across Bedfordshire whose lives have been turned upside down by Covid-19. Many are finding it hard to cope with isolation, a loss of routine, anxiety about the future, a disruption to their education, and in some cases difficult or traumatic experiences at home.

The Connolly Foundation has provided funds to develop a new suite of resources for schools across the county. The material has been developed through the summer of 2020 with input from psychologists, educational psychologists, youth workers and community representatives.

More than 30 schools across the county have already committed to using ‘Thrive’ in the first weeks of term. Speaking at the launch of the new resource, Youthscape’s CEO, Chris Curtis, said “Every student across Bedfordshire should have access to advice and support for their mental wellbeing as they return to school - and we’re excited to have played a part in making that happen. The Connolly Trust have stepped in and made it possible to create this new programme in time for the start of

term. We hope it will benefit thousands of young people in the next few months.”

At the heart of the new resource are a series of films following the experiences of three local young people as they deal with the impact of lockdown, missed exams and the return to school. Their stories are both inspiring and insightful.

Alongside these films, there is advice and input from leading psychologist, Dr Kate Middleton and 10 activities for students to complete. Together the resources give schools everything they need to deliver support for students through lessons and tutor times.

Red Cross event

The COVID-19 crisis has caused the postponement of this year’s Bedfordshire Christmas Fair. The event, now in its 16th year, is normally held in late November in the Great Hall at Bedford School but this year will take place online.

From November 14 to 28, visitors will be able to go to www.bedford shirechristmasfair.org and shop from around 75 fabulous virtual stalls. Each stallholder has kindly agreed to donate 10% of the value of purchases to the Red Cross.

Stalls will offer gifts, accessories, homewares, games, fashion, pet and gardening items, and speciality food and drinks. There’ll be something for even the hardest-tobuy-for family member.

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2020

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Happy 100th birthday

Look after our feathered friends

DORIS Potter celebrated her 100th birthday on Tuesday, September 1.

Doris a resident at The Willows Nursing Home in Shakespeare Road, Bedford, had a celebratory party to mark her milestone 100th birthday.

Asked about her recipe for longevity, she said: “I like to keep busy, take life as it comes and enjoy a drink.”

Surrounded by her fellow residents, staff and her daughter — Patricia she is pictured holding her telegram from the Queen.

Doris took up residency at the Willows in 2006.

Born in south London (nee Johnson), Road (just theherA6) Doris Radwell moved to Bedford 1984off with Milton Ernest 1SH late husband Harold PotterMK44 who died in 2005.

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The couple met at the Handley Page aircraft factory in Cricklewood, north London. Doris worked in the offices and Harold was a mechanic.

During Doris’s working life she carried out office work mainly in London. At one stage she was the secretary to the governer of a borstal in Suffolk and she also ran a village shop for a period of time.

Doris and Harold had two daughters, Barbara who died in 2006 and Patricia who is still with us and gave the Bulletin her mother’s life story.

There are four grandchildren in the family, Barbara had a son and Partricia has three sons.

Prior to her residency at the Willows, Doris liked her gardening and also to cook for her family.

— 7

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OCTOBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

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BEDS BOROUGH

In Focus with

View from the Rt Revd

In Focus with

Yasin

Dave

MP for Bedford and Kempston

Richard Atkinson

The Bishop of Bedford

by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BLOWN IT

TREASURING OUR CHURCHES

SIX MONTHS ON – IS THE SECOND WAVE HERE?

“We will have a test track and trace operation that will be worldbeating, in place by 1 June” promised the Prime Minister on 20 May. Four months on, the system is failing its first real test and appears to be on the brink of collapse. Just a week or so after the new school term started, when it was obvious seasonal cold and flu symptoms would mirror those of Covid-19, the system isn’t coping with the inevitable rise in demand for tests.

It’s been clear for months that we had to capitalise on the gains we’d made on infection rates after lockdown over the summer and to ensure not just testing capacity, but crucially lab capacity, were massively increased to enable us to return to a more normal way of life. It was the lynch pin that would allow us to go back to work or an educational setting safely.

But the Government has blown it!

The impact of this is huge. Today, countless people with symptoms who are not able to get a test are sat at home missing out on education, pay or getting back to work, which is crucial in getting our economy back on track.

As we face the prospect of a second wave, it’s unbelievable that the Government’s lack of preparedness once again leaves us so unprotected and under-prepared for what’s to come.

When challenged on the basics, the Prime Minister bamboozles us with data showing how great they are and what magic number of testing capacity they are going to achieve at some point in the future.

Last week Boris Johnson’s government offered grand plans for “Operation Moonshot”, an eyewatering £100bn project which it claims can beat the pandemic, with mass testing technology which has not yet been invented.

Rather than having their head in the stars, the Prime Minister might want to pay attention to what’s happening on the ground.

We don’t need the track and trace system to be world-beating, or promises of ‘jam tomorrow’, we just a system that works.

One of the bonuses of the last few months has been that I and my wife have started cycling again. It is good to be in Bedfordshire with its lack of hills and some good cycle ways.

As a result of this new activity, this September we were able to participate in the annual Bike ‘n Hike to raise funds for the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust. The Trust awards much needed grants to churches across our County to help with the restoration and repair of their fabric.

Like many others we visited a range of churches, including in our case the wonderful thatched Chapel that is home to the Roxton Congregational Church, the parish church in Tempsford with its mementos of its association with Tempsford Airfield and those who flew from there during the war, and Howard Chapel in Cardington.

Sadly, this year the restrictions of Covid 19 meant that most of the churches and chapels were closed, although there was the chance to see the continuing work at Blunham to install much needed facilities in the parish church.

Just a few of the rich inheritance of historic churches that are the heart of our communities. Buildings that are much loved, but which are also substantial responsibilities for their congregations. Not everyone recognises that the churches do not receive government funding, as in some European countries where the fabric is the responsibility of the state, and instead must raise the money needed for repair themselves. Organisations such as the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust are crucial in helping people do this.

For whilst they are places of prayer and worship, they are also repositories of local history and story. Over the same weekend as our Bike Ride I attended an outdoor, and socially distanced, service to celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the building of the Church in Chalgrave on the edge of Toddington. There was prayer and there was praise, but there were also readings detailing the history of those 800 years in our nation, along with story-telling of what the church meant to people today.

Whether or not you are a worshipper, do treasure our churches.

They are there for all of us.

You can’t beat fresh produce!

It has now been just over six-months since the Prime Minister announced that the vast majority of us should not be working from our normal places of work, not leave our homes unless for specific reasons and put us into ‘Lockdown’.

It has been a very odd six months for everyone, and it appears at the time of writing that we may be entering a second phase of the Coronavirus pandemic with the number of cases rising across the country.

I would like to thank the vast majority of people for following the Government’s guidelines over the last six months and being very understanding that life has changed.

We have seen some return to normality over the last month or two with businesses reopening, most council services being restored and pupils returning to school – all with various COVIDsecure measures.

We still need to be careful and follow the regulations and guidelines, I would urge everyone to regularly check the latest guidance at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Some things will not be returning to normal in the near future though.

In November we will be commemorating Remembrance Day and Armistice Day. Working with the Royal British Legion (RBL) and looking at the advice nationally, it seems we will have to have a much smaller service at the War Memorials in Bedford, Kempston and across our villages.

I am determined we will commemorate the fallen and those that have served in the armed forces, especially as we were unable to commemorate VE or VJ properly this year and both the RBL and the Council are looking at the possibility of broadcasting the service.

Christmas will also look different for everyone, whilst the Council will not be able to have the celebrations we normally have, we will ensure that we make the most of our markets and help businesses make a success of the season.

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BEDS BOROUGH

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2020

— 9

Times past photographs from the archive

Harpur Street, Bedford

‘Sting’ operation snares Wootton man in drugs line

A FATHER of five from Wootton who found himself in debt thought he could ease his financial headaches by manning the phone for a drug line operating in Bedfordshire.

Nigel Morrison had the job of taking calls from people wanting to buy drugs and then directing a “runner” to meet them for the deal.

But Morrison had no idea that one of the people calling him was an undercover police officer gathering evidence to smash the drug supply service which went by the name of the “Nathan Line.”

On Monday, September 14, 2020, 36-year-old Morrison who lives with his family in Arthur Black Way in Wootton pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply a Class A drug.

Prosecutor Rachel Law said the drug in question that Morrison was helping to supply was crack cocaine.

The court was told that for a month between June 25, 2018 and July 24, 2018 Morrison was involved in the supply.

The calls he took during that time as he manned the line including a number from the undercover officer who was posing as a user.

As a result Morrison was involved in directing a runner on six occasions to the undercover Police.

With Morrison now on the police radar, cell site evidence was gathered that placed him at the location of the Nathan Line.

The court heard that typical

deals Morrison was involved in were for just a few wraps of crack cocain at a time costing a buyer £40.

Recorder Cairns Nelson QC was told that Morrison had medical issues and had undergone the partial removal of his bowel.

He had also been hit by the death of his mum in in 2016 and it was through a combination of debts and depression in 2018 that he made the unwise decision to get involved with the drug supply line, thinking he could make some money.

Recorder Nelson jailed him for 26 months less the time he has already served on a qualifying curfew.

Spared jail sentence

A BEDFORD man who kicked down the front door at his ex-partner’s home in a drink fuelled rage and attacked her has been saved from a prison sentence after she wrote to the court.

On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, Recorder Cairns Nelson QC hearing the case of Nerijus Kuzminas at Luton crown court said: “Men who raise their feet and fists to a woman can expect nothing else other than a custodial sentence.”

He said a custodial sentence was justified, but: “I will suspend it because of the gracious letter from your former partner.”

Borough’s business parks enjoy jobs bonanza

THOUSANDS of jobs are being created, or secured, in Bedford Borough thanks to inward investment from pension funds and international companies, heard those logging on to a Nat West Bank business meeting.

Patrick Lyons, Manager of Economic Growth and Development, who has worked at the council for 13 years, talked through the growth of business parks at Wootton, Kempston and Wixams as well as developments at places like Colworth near Sharnbrook.

Investors such as Goodman,

Bedford man jailed for sexual assault

A YOUNG girl who drank herself into a stupor on a night out in Bedford was sexually assaulted by a man who was supposed to be helping her, a court heard on Thursday, September 3, 2020.

Instead of helping to get her into a taxi, Scott Thomas walked her to a secluded area near St Paul’s Square in Bedford town centre, where he carried out an assault on her as she lay unconscious on a bench.

Thomas, 29, appeared at Luton crown court to plead guilty to one offence of assault by penetration.

Judge Lynn Tayton QC jailed Thomas, who lives in Bedford, for a total of four years and five months.

Barwood Capital, L & Q, Turnstone, Cantor, Hampton Brook, Mulberry and London Metric have poured millions into buying land and developing units.

Hundreds if not thousands of new jobs are being created or secured at big business names likeB & M, Leidos, Whistle, Powervamp, Firmenich, Workstories, Richardson, Amazon, AF Blakemore, GrowPura, Unilever, Fujifilm, Aldi and Galaxy.

These range from entry level, to “high value” jobs. Patrick explained that Bedford sits amid

the booming Oxford to Cambridge arc with good value housing and improving transport links which makes it attractive to investors and companies who also value the availability of skilled workers.

Bedford Borough Council is currently bidding through the Bedford Town Deal for millions to reinvigorate the town centre, which like many others is suffering from changes in shopping habits.

That application goes in to the Government in October.

MILLIONS

In the meantime, to combat the challenges of Covid-19, the council was continuing to offer Government grants and other help to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) such as the Kickstart fund for specialist equipment.

This is not to be confused with the very new Government Kickstarter employment scheme for young people. Other employment support can be accessed through projects like the ALPHA scheme where companies can receive funds if they take on a graduate.

10 —

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Sentenced for county-wide burglary and theft offences BEDFORDSHIRE Police continues to drive down burglaries across the county after more than eight years imprisonment have been secured.

Three men were sentenced on Wednesday, September 16, at Luton Crown Court for a range of burglary and theft offences.

Shane Ellwood, 28, of Artur Street, Luton pleaded guilty to a number of theft, fraud and drug offences in relation to incidents which took place in Luton and Flitwick between April and May this year.

Ellwood was arrested on May 6, 2020 after he was spotted on CCTV trying car handles in Guilford Street, Luton.

Officers were dispatched to investigate it and arrested him shortly after in Station Road. After he was searched a quantity of cannabis and heroin was found as well as surgical gloves and a torch.

Following the investigation by the force’s dedicated burglary prevention team, Operation Maze, he was forensically linked to further offences: n a theft from a motor vehicle in Park Street, Luton on April 3 n theft of a car and a watch in Grave Pit Road, Flitwick on April 4 n handling stolen goods and fraud in the Farley Hill area of Luton on April 20 He has also admitted being involved in 12 other offences which were taken under consideration upon his sentencing.

He was sentenced to 12 months

Shane Ellwood, Radoslaw Kozak and Tomasz Lesinsk.

imprisonment.

Radoslaw Kozak, 28, of Hurst Grove, Bedford pleaded guilty to theft, possession of a knife, going equipped and three burglaries and was sentenced to total of 39 months.

Kozak was arrested on January 31,

2020 after a call was made from a member of the public saying that a person is trying car door handles in Luddingtons Lane in Bedford.

Officers arrested him shortly after and he was searched. A number of items including bolt cutters and a Stanley knife

were found.

He was then linked to two incidents in Linden Road, Bedford on January 27 and 28, where he is seen committing the burglaries on CCTV. Additionally, his fingerprints were matched to another burglary in Duckmill Lane, Bedford on August 21,

2019.

Tomasz Lesinski, 34, of Goldington Avenue, Bedford pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary and one count of theft and was sentenced to total of 46 months.

He has targeted a number of addresses across Bedford including: n an office burglary in Duckmill Lane, Bedford on August 21, 2019 n a burglary of an assisted living facility in Bedford on September 15, 2019 n a business burglary in Linden Road, Bedford on October 21 and November 6, 2019 and an attempted burglary at the same location on November 11 and November 12,2019 Detective Constable Jason Wheeler, from the forces dedicated burglary team – Operation Maze team, said: “Our force is dedicated to investigating burglaries and putting the perpetrators behind bars.

Burglary not only causes financial loss to the victims, but also psychological trauma caused by the break-in and breach of the safety of their home.

“Hopefully these sentences will serve as a reassurance to our residents of our commitment to keeping you safe.

“Whilst we are working hard to secure results, we would encourage residents to think about their home security as we are approaching darker nights. Please ensure that you keep your windows and doors double locked, and when going out at night, consider leaving a light on to make your home look lived in.”

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Celebrate the lives of loved ones with a Walk to Remember

PEOPLE across Bedfordshire are putting their best foot forward this October and walking in honour of their loved ones to raise money for a local hospice.

Walk to Remember 2020 will see people walk a route that means something to them to remember the life of someone special.

It’s being organised by Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger near Bedford,

which cares for people with lifelimiting conditions as well as supporting their families.

The hospice had to postpone its annual night-time walk Starlight Hike due to Coronavirus, but is hoping local people will don their walking boots and Walk to Remember at a time and location that suits them.

A Walk to Remember is what friends Carrie Irvin, Sharon Kane

and Tracey Slevin did in tribute to their best friend Suzanne SharpBayliss, who was cared for at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in 2016.

In 2018, the trio did a 26.2 mile walk in her memory and raised more than £4,500 for the hospice.

Now, the group of friends, who call themselves ‘The Jellybabes’ due to their love of jellybabies while out walking, are hoping that others will follow in their footsteps.

Carrie shares, “Our walk was really special and along the route we felt really close to Suzanne.

We planned the route carefully to take in places we had been with her, starting from the baby clinic where we all met in Sandy.

“We finished at the pub in Carlton where Suzanne’s wedding reception was held and where her funeral wake was held.

“We also visited the boat at Star Rowing Club in Bedford which was named after her.

“We chose to walk a marathon length because Suzanne had been involved in the first marathon the Jellybabes did and supported us in the marathons we sadly did without her.

“We did the walk to remember Suzanne and to raise funds for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice who looked after her so well.”

Ellie Burke, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Our new event for

Dave’s charities are quids in!

THE current Mayor’s charities Autism Bedfordshire, Bedford Sea Cadets and Foodbank Bedford have recently received £1,000.

This funding goes towards helping the charities support the community in Bedford Borough.

Last November, these three charities were awarded £1,650, bringing the total money donated in the last twelve months to £2,650 for each charity.

Money donated to the Mayor’s charities comes from fundraising events held by the Council such as bake sales and dress down days.

Money was also raised through the Mayor’s Concert, Council Carol Service and Bedford Floral Arts Society.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “I am extremely pleased to have been able to award £2,650 to Autism Bedford, Bedford Sea Cadets and Foodbank Bedford.

2020 – Walk to Remember – gives people the chance to celebrate the life of someone special and walk in their memory.

“You can choose a 5K or 10K distance and a route that means something to you. It could be somewhere you enjoyed walking with your loved one, or a route which has a special meaning.

“You can walk any day

throughout October or join hundreds of others across the country for our official walk day on Saturday, October 17.

“You can encourage your friends, families and colleagues to join you. Even if you can’t walk together physically, you can start at the same time and share your photos and special moments with one another.

“Entry is free, but it’s your donations and fundraising that will make all the difference to patients and families needing our expert care. Sign up today at: sueryder.org/walktoremember” Contact the hospice’s fundraising team on 01767 642 412 orstjohnsfundraising@sueryder.or g for more information about the Walk to Remember 2020.

Bedford Castle Rotary’s ‘Cancelled Celebrity Lunch’ raises £16,100 for Keech Hospice BEDFORD Castle Rotary Club’s Celebrity Lunch with Roy Walker was due to take place on the 20th March, but with the country about to go into lockdown, a decision was taken to cancel the event.

Despite this, ‘the lunch that never was’ still raised the fantastic sum of £16,100 for Keech Hospice Care.

Over 300 people had booked tickets for the lunch and many of these opted to donate the ticket cost rather than take up a refund.

Further donations were also received from many more who hadn’t purchased tickets.

President Mike Salsbury said: “To raise such an incredible amount of money for an event that didn’t take place is just incredible and I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our members, ticket

holders and sponsors for their donations. The Pandemic has hit hospices hard, and so I am delighted that we were able to present a cheque to Keech Hospice Care during these difficult times.”

Charles Codrington Chairman of fundraising for the club, thanked his committee for all their efforts, especially Chris Kilroy and the team at Old Road Securities.

12 —

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ON Wednesday, September 16, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Helen Nellis, made a socially distant Covid-19 friendly visit to Keech Hospice Care to present the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to its volunteers.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.

Keech Hospice Care provides free specialist care to adults in Luton and south Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes who have life-limiting and terminal illnesses. The volunteers of Keech Hospice Care play a pivotal role in the delivery of the services provided and cover a wide range of functions such as working in charity shops, fundraising, driving patients to the hospice, lifeguarding the pool and maintaining the gardens.

Joined by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Mr Robert Voss CBE, Mrs Nellis read out a commendation from HM The Queen, which she then presented to Chief Executive Liz Searle, along with a domed glass crystal.

Mrs Searle said: “I am very honoured to be accepting this award on behalf of our exceptional volunteers. For nearly 30 years, our volunteers have made

Keech Hospice Care what it is today. Without them, we simply wouldn’t be here.

“This award is a fantastic tribute to all their hard work. I’m delighted their continuous dedication is being recognised because it enables us to keep providing outstanding care to children and adults, and their families when they need it most.”

Speaking after the visit, The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire said: “It was an honour to present the prestigious Queen’s Award on behalf of HM The Queen to a group of dedicated volunteers who

have worked tirelessly over many years, and more recently throughout the pandemic, to create an environment where patients can spend quality time with their family and friends supported by expert and compassionate professionals.

My sincere congratulations to all the volunteers and staff at Keech Hospice Care for this welldeserved award.”

To join Keech Hospice Care’s family of volunteers, whatever time you have to offer, please visit www.keech.org.uk/volunteer or call 01582 492339. Full training is provided.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis and HM LordLieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss with Liz Searle, Chief Executive of Keech Hospice Care

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— 13

Was £15 New Chair for Advantage Schools

Stoptober is back – it’s never too late to quit smoking MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE STOPTOBER is your chance to join thousands of people around the country who are taking part in Stoptober and quitting smoking.

Are you up for taking on the challenge and achieving one off the most important changes you can make to benefit your health?

Defeating cigarettes can give you back your freedom and help you become healthier, fitter, save you money and even look better.

There is no denying that this has been a challenging year for everyone. COVID-19 has had a huge impact on our way of life.

Not being able to go out and enjoy many of the activities that we

used to, whilst not being able to meet up with family and friends has been tough to adapt to.

Yet, it has also brought home the importance of looking after our health and wellbeing, and quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health.

We know that smoking increases the risk of contracting respiratory infections and can lead to more severe symptoms from COVID-19.

Smoking is also a major cause of many other health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer.

Throughout this pandemic over

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Tel: 01234 823033

thanA6) happy to support you a million people in theRoad UK have Radwell (just off the them. quit smoking and manyErnest more are Milton MK44 alongside 1SH Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio attempting to quit.

Holder for Health and Wellbeing Stoptober is a great time to join said: “Quitting smoking is the those that have already quit as we single most important thing you leave summer behind and begin to can do to improve your physical enter the winter months. and mental health. There are lots of The best way to quit smoking is resources and services available by using effective products such locally. If you are thinking about Nicotine Replacement Therapy or joining the Stoptober campaign, I Champix in combination with would urge you to sign up today. specialist support from the Stop Smoking Service. Together it “There is a belief from many means you are three times more smokers that smoking reduces likely to successfully quit. anxiety and stress, which is in turn Maybe you are vaping to quit causing many smokers to put off smoking and although we cannot quitting. provide E-cigarettes, we are more “The reality is that instead of helping people to relax, smoking increases anxiety and tension.

When smokers light up a cigarette, the feeling of reduced stress or relaxation is temporary and is soon replaced by withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Offer ends 31/10/20 “It is never too late to benefit from stopping, smoking remains have a terrible driving record.” the nation’s biggest killer with half He sentenced him to 12 months of long-term smokers dying premaimprisonment and banned him Radwell (just A6) turely.” for threeRoad years and sixoff the from driving Milton Ernest MK44 1SH Take up the challenge today go months. He was also told he must to “My Quit Route app” via your take an extended driving test before normal app store or www.thestop he gets behind the wheel of a car smokingservice.co.uk again.

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A BEDFORD man with an appalling driving history was told by a crown court recorder on Monday, September 14: “If you carry on drink driving you are going to end up killing someone.”

Recorder Cairns Nelson QC made his remarks when sentencing

Lithuanian bricklayer Aurelijus Zvironas at Luton Crown Court.

Zvironas 44, led police on a high speed chase through Bedford and Kempston in June of this year while drunk at the wheel of his BMW. It ended with him crashing into a traffic light pole and demolishing it.

In court he pleaded guilty dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop for police, driving whilst disqualified and driving with no insurance.

The court heard it was the fourth time Zvironas had appeared in court for drink driving since 2011.

Prosecutor Richard Barrington was told how late on the night of June 9 this year the defendant was behind the wheel of his BMW having been drinking cider at a friend’s home.

Police officers spotted Zvironas performing a ‘U’ turn in Ampthill Road, Bedford.

They decided to follow him and put on their blue lights to indicate he should pull over. Mr Barrington said he pulled up, but as an officer got out of the police vehicle Zvironas sped off.

The court was told the defendant drove through a number of streets in Kempston hitting speeds of 80mph on roads where the limit was 30 mph. He eventually came to a halt in Spring Road, Kempston when he collided with a traffic light pole.

When police got to him he was slumped over the steering wheel and the airbags had been inflated.

In the collision the front near side wheel of the BMW had come off and was found 20 metres away.

Back at the police station following his arrest he was given a breath test which showed he was between two and a half times to three times over the drink drive limit. Recorder Nelson was told that in August 2011 the defendant had been banned from driving for 18 months after a conviction for drink driving.

In October 2014 he had been banned for 36 months for driving with excess alcohol The following year he had received another three year driving ban for driving whilst disqualified.

Then in 2016 he had received a suspended sentence for drink driving and driving whilst disqualified.

The court was told the defendant had made full admissions to the police and had pleaded guilty at an early stage.

Recorder Nelson was told he lived with his disabled mother in De Havilland Avenue, Shortstown and contributed financially to his family.

Passing sentence the recorder told the defendant: “It is frankly a miracle nobody including yourself was seriously injured in this accident. You were clearly drunk.”

The recorder then told him: “You

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ONE of the country’s most experienced and high-profile executive leaders has joined the board of Advantage Schools as Chair.

Dr Ian Campbell, currently Interim Executive Chair of Innovate UK – which takes a leading role in driving the UK’s technology and innovation strategy, will serve as the chair of the board of the Bedford-based schools group from this week.

Dr Campbell has more than 20 years of experience of executive leadership, including extensive entrepreneurial and business experience in the healthcare sector.

Dr Campbell said: “Advantage so that we can maintain the incredSchools is one of the country’s ible standards at our schools and most innovative trusts, and I have the new ones that join our family” “Ian has particular interest in already been impressed by both the skills and dedication of the ensuring that children receive an staff, its schools and the determi- excellent education regardless of Milton Centre is a safethat theirGarden background – something nation of the Board to grow andErnest is central to ourWe vision of ensuring keep improving. place to eat and shop. maintain all children are able Social to acquire “The Trust’s schools exceptional are the that hygiene standards. the knowledge peobest they have ever been, and I am Distancing – there that is noeducated air ple take for granted and I know passionate about helping the Trust conditioning – just FRESH– AIR. he willisbeto a strong and challenging deliver a high-quality, academic Our objective look after you! and inclusive education for all voice in ensuring our schools exceed their obligations in this children in the region.”

Advantage Schools chief exec- regard.”

Advantage Schools is a family utive Stuart Lock said: “Ian has had an incredibly broad range of of primary and secondary schools exceptional experiences, meaning based in Bedford. This year its our excellent board of Trustees has schools have received Good and been further strengthened. As the Outstanding ratings from Ofsted, trust expands, I know that he will and it runs the area’s most successenhance the leadership of our Trust ful secondary school.

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14 —

OCTOBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

BEDS BORO

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

out & about Matthew started his film-making career with courses at Bedford College and University of Bedfordshire

by Nicholas Goldwin

by Tony Hendrix

Westoning’s Bell gets new landlords OPENING up a pub that has been closed for over a year is certainly no easy task even for an experienced landlord plus the current financial climate brings additional challenges.

This challenge however has brought two Luton landlords Eric Hsu and Ali Alp to the middle of Bedfordshire to rescue The Bell Public House in Westoning which ceased trading back in June 2019.

The pub is in the heart of Westoning and previously thrived on its reputation for many years as an outstanding restaurant pub.

The local community in Westoning were over the moon when they heard that their favourite pub was reopening.

Both Eric and Ali still run a pub in Luton called the George II based in Bute Street, which has been established under their ownership for over 10 years, this bar focuses predominantly on live entertainment and fine dining.

The New Westoning Bell dining experience is graced with an authentic Turkish cuisine, influenced by Ali who has a strong, traditional Turkish background.

All the food is freshly prepared on the premises, the chefs in the kitchen are all highly qualified and experienced in delivering both international and authentic Turkish dishes. In order to support local businesses the pub has also teamed up with Ampthill’s Kelchner brewery, who will be supplying the

pub with their local ales and gins.

During my visit to the Bell I was pleasantly surprised to see how busy they were, the beer garden was socially distanced and packed!

I was particularly impressed with the array of cocktails on offer and my favourite Prosecco Frizzante was on draught!

Certainly a remarkable venue well worth checking this one out sometime soon, have a look at the menu on their website. www.thebellwestoning.co.uk

Theatre ‘alive’ for youth as it stages a young playwright competition A THEATRE company, that has been unable to open due to the coronavirus pandemic, has been kept “alive” by announcing the winners of its hugely successful Young Playwright Competition.

The brainchild of the Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust competition was 16-year-old youth ambassador, Connie, who was also on the judging panel.

“I came up with the idea of the young playwright competition when I was thinking of ways to keep the youth of the theatre occupied

during the lockdown period as well as keeping them connected to theatre,” Connie said.

“I wanted to create something for all ages to keep their creative minds working, furthermore, the competition was there to allow them to put any existing ideas or developing ideas out there.

“I believe it’s crucial to involve the youth at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre because the youth is the future of the Mill, not only that but it is also an opportunity for young actors and actresses to learn from

the experience and to become better in what they do,” Connie added.

Anyone aged between 13 and 18 were invited to submit a play or scene with a total of 16 actors past and present from the Trust, performing the entries, all via Zoom video conferencing.

The Overall Drama winner went to Jake Stevens, 18, (pictured) from Wellingborough, for writing ‘A Moment In Rust’.

The student said: “I’m eternally grateful to The Mill Theatre for all

FROM his childhood in Nigeria, as far back as 1995, Matthew Jolaosho has always enjoyed films, with the dream of a career in filmmaking lurking in the background of his mind.

He especially liked action films, with the Terminator and Mission Impossible franchises being personal favourites of his.

However, only recently was it that Matthew started pursuing a career as a filmmaker, attending Bedford College and the University of Bedfordshire, and signed up for a foundation course in order to learn the art of filmmaking. As of quite recently, Matthew has recently finished his debut feature film, Battle Within.

Although, he and his family live in Milton Keynes, Matthew finds the town of Bedford to be a very lovely place to work and learn, describing the town as having an ‘ancient quality’, with a noticeable history and diversity about it.

Additionally, the town is of special significance to Matthew on a personal level, given that he passed his driving test there, and he often attends the River Festival in July with his family.

In terms of who he counts amongst his influences, Matthew admires the works of Spike Lee and Alfred Hitchcock, but Spike Lee in particular for his creative

the opportunities they offer young people.

“This young writers scheme has been an inspiring lockdown project,” he added.

The other winners were: Best Comedy: The Robbery of Errors, Sian, aged 14.

Most Creative: The Last Tecmancer, Callum, aged 15.

Most Promising: Name In Lights, Penny, aged 14.

Best Plot Twist:The Cornershop Thief, Comfort, aged 14 Judge and vice-president, David

use of cinematography and how much time and effort he dedicates to his films, regardless of scale.

Matthew has experienced numerous difficulties in his career during lockdown, given that filmmaking is a collaborative endeavour. Naturally, this has been hindered by the implementation of social distancing and quarantine in general. Matthew has felt responsible as Director for making sure that his cast and crew are as safe as possible during production.

His latest project, a short film entitled Major Caspar, was originally meant to be feature-

length, has since been downsized to maximise safety of those present during production.

Battle Within is about the mental health struggles of a man and the implications of that for himself and those close to him.

Matthew himself works as a counsellor in the mental health sector for the NHS, and finds helping those with mental health problems to be something that makes him happy, and wants to bring this passion to his filmmaking.

Battle Within is scheduled for release in October.

Saint, said: “Theatre is alive and well at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre with these youngsters.”

Douglas Pope, judge and chairman, said: “I am so proud of the commitment they made.

“We have always encouraged the youth to get involved at the Mill and to give them a time to shine when we are unable to open, this has given us all a glimmer of hope and encouragement about the future of the arts,” he said.

The theatre is aiming for the winning scripts to be performed at the theatre at a later date, when it is safe to reopen.

The full judging panel were: Douglas Pope (Chairman of the trust) David Saint (Vice-President and writer/actor) Richard Fitt (NODA Representative for Bedfordshire)

Michael Horne (Mill Head of Marketing and director/performer) Connie (Youth Ambassador and Mill performer)

John Bunyan latest cruise news OUR 2020 Season launched on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August with two, one hour cruises from Sovereign’s Quay. We’ll be doing the same every Thursday and Sunday throughout September departing at 2pm and 3.30pm.

Ticket cost is £14 for a table for two, or £26 for a table of four.

We are now excited to announce our October cruise programme. We’re offering a 1.5hr cruise on both Thursdays and Sundays, starting at 1.30pm from Priory Marina. You will also have the option to add a Cream Tea to your order to enjoy on your trip, plus there will be hot and soft drink to purchase onboard.

Ticket cost is £21 for a table for two, or £40 for a table for four.

Cream Teas are from £6 a person and have to be ordered in advance.

And if that’s not enough, we’re delighted to be back at The Barns Hotel for an Afternoon Tea cruise on 7th October- tickets are limited

and already selling fast, so get in while you can! Ticket price for a table of two is £52, or for a table for four £100.

To ensure we can comply with Social Distancing guidelines, we are restricting our capacity to 12, which means we can only accept bookings from parties of two or four people. Each party must be part of the same support bubble.

The John Bunyan Boat is taking part in Bedford’s Fiver Fest, organised by Town Centre Champions. We’re offering two cream teas for a fiver during the fortnight of 10th October to 24th October on Sunday and Thursday cruises when you purchase tickets via our website. Usual price £6 each. Just place the fiver fest offer in your basket when you book your tickets.

For further details and to book your tickets, visit our website: johnbunyanboat.org or phone 01946 690301.

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gardening

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2020

— 15

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

Roses grow on you

T

HE rose is probably the most popular plant in most English gardens. It is also one of the oldest in cultivation with fossil evidence of having existed 35 million years ago.

It was grown 5000 years ago in Chinese Gardens and 1000 years ago the Romans planted Roses for medicinal purposes, perfumery and to produce “confetti� for celebrations. In England in the 15th century it became a symbol of political power in the War of the Roses between the Lancastrian and Yorkshire factions of royalty.

Roses were planted in large numbers in France in the 18th century when repeat flowering varieties became popular. These are the ancestors of our modern varieties today.

We grow Roses in many different ways for the vibrant colours and perfume they add to our gardens in summer and autumn.

Roses can be grown to decorate many places whether for a

mass display on their own, an addition to mixed shrub and perennial borders, against walls or fences, over arches or pergolas, as standard small trees, as ground cover or a feature in pots on a sunny patio.

Roses are available in a vast array of colours and many have names that highlight occasions like wedding anniversaries and birthdays so make excellent living gifts for gardening friends. Most varieties also make good cut flowers for the house.

Roses will grow successfully in many different soil types but prefer heavy clay to lighter sandy places.

It is advisable to add organic material like peat and farmyard manure and a mycorrhizal

compound to help the plant to establish a good root system easily.

It is important to plant roses deeply to prevent wind rock which reduces the vigour so dig a hole that allows the soil to cover the graft at the base of the stem by two inches. It is better to plant roses between October and March when the plant appears dormant above ground but it will start to grow roots in the winter months ready for the top rapid spring growth.

Most roses need a sunny position.

When planting new roses dig farmyard manure into the planting hole to improve the soil structure and mulch the ground surface with bark to retain moisture and smother weeds.

It is important to prune roses to produce the best display. It is essential to use clean sharp secateurs. Do not prune in frosty weather.

Prune Bush and English Shrub Roses by half in November to prevent winter root damage and again in March to three outward facing buds. If you cut the plants back by half again after flowering feed with a good rose food and keep watered for about four weeks you can enjoy a second flush of flower in early autumn.

Miniature and Patio Roses should be only lightly trimmed in early spring.

Climbing Roses are pruned to maintain their shape so train four to five long stems horizontally to encourage flowering shoots along the stem. If you are growing over an archway wind the stems as laterally as possible around the upright posts for a lot more flower before training overhead.

Rambling Roses need severe pruning. Cut out the old stems that have flowered and tie in the

new ones maintaining a horizontal plane to promote flower buds.

Ground Cover roses can be reduced by half immediately after they flower and will often flower again in the autumn.

Most old varieties of shrub rose flower once in a season on old stems so only need light pruning to remove any diseased or damaged branches and to prevent congestion.

To keep roses free from disease it is important to maintain vigorous growth so feed generously and give plenty of water in dry weather.

In November feed with bone meal

which is slowly released during winter and from March until June feed with rose food or fish blood and bone.

Also put a good layer of mulch around the base of each plant in February to help control any fungus spores in the soil. It is advisable to spray roses when the leaves have grown in spring with a fungicide to control mildew and blackspot and an insecticide if aphids are seen in early May. There are so many wonderful roses that I cannot begin to recommend varieties. Instead here are a few photos of real specialities.

16 —

OCTOBER, 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

BEDS BORO

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

sport SHOCK RESIGNATION OF EAGLES’ MARK DUCKETT IT HAS been a rollercoaster September with The Eagles, final preseason games played, early Emirates FA Cup exit and loss of the first Pitching In Southern League Division One Central match.

Then came the shock resignation of Manager Mark Ducket.

Photography: Jane Jones

by Michael Jarman-Webb

Tom Hitchcock challenges for the ball.

Ducket Joined Bedford Town in January of this year having been a player at the Eyrie on two previous occasions. He was previously As we go to press it has been the manager of Eynesbury Rovers, before he made the short trip to announced that the Eagles have Bedford. signed former Scottish international Bedford Town announced his leaving with a short statement on their striker, Craig Mackail-Smith.

The 36-year-old was released website and social media platforms, “Bedford Town Football Club can during the summer by Wycombe confirm last night we accepted the resignation of Mark Ducket.

The acquistion is a coup “We would like to thank Mark for all his efforts and commitment Wanderers. for the club in what has been throughout his time at the Eyrie, especially during these uncertain times tumultuous week for the Eagles. of the COVID pandemic”.

Ducket himself put out a statement on social media, visitors as they dominated the first ten minutes, unfor“It’s with the deepest regret that I’ve decided to resign tunately Matt Harriot responding to an aggressive as Bedford Town FC first team manager. Unfortunately, tackle saw him being sent off, which changed the game. the owner and myself had different opinions on some A second yellow saw Captain Ross Watson also exit in player recruitments”. He went on to thank the players the second half, by then the Eagles were already two and staff for their support during his time in charge and goals down, and conceded a third before the final whistle. wished the team success for the rest of the season.

Next up are home games against Berkhamsted and On the pitch its been a difficult start to the campaign, with two losses, the first of which was decidedly Barton Rovers. unlucky. The Eagles travelled to Daventry Town for the FORTHCOMING FIXTURES: Preliminary round of the FA Cup, there they found the September 29th – Home v Berkhamsted back of the net four times, only for the goals to be ruled October 3rd – Home v Barton Rovers out for infringements. The killer blow came as late as October 6th – Away v Biggleswade FC the ninety-sixth minute, when Rob Sinclair was judged October 10th – Home v North Leigh to have handballed in the box when the ball appeared to October 17th – Away v Spalding (FA Trophy) bounce off his shoulder. The resultant penalty meant an October 24th – Away v Yaxley early exit from the competition for the second season.

October 28th – Away v Aylesbury United The first League match saw the trip to Thame, a October 31st – Home v Kempston Rovers. destination where the Eagles have come home pointless for the last two seasons. Things started well for the Visit: www.bedfordeagles.net for the latest fixture and ticketing info

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