What’s on at 9 2SE2 1 E PAGE 3
BULLETIN BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
MARCH 2017
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More volunteers trained thanks to Morrisons Foundation
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LocaL charity the Road Victims Trust is celebrating a funding boost thanks to a £3,250 award from the Morrisons Foundation. The charity will use the donation to train new volunteers who will support bereaved families and help them cope with the trauma resulting from a fatal road collision. Mark Turner, chief Executive of the Road Victims Trust was handed a cheque by Paul Ferguson, Manager of the Morrisons store in Bedford, and Sandra Muir, the store’s community champion. Speaking about the award Mark said: “This is a wonderful gesture that will go directly to the training of volunteers to support local people whose lives have been devastated by a road death. We are grateful for the support of the Morrisons Foundation”. Store Manager Paul was delighted to see a local charity benefit from funds raised through the sale of single-use carrier bags. He said: “We’re really pleased that the Morrisons Foundation has been able to award this donation to the Road Victims Trust. The charity provides an important service helping people facing very difficult circumstances, and it’s great to see funding go to such a worthy cause.” The Morrisons Foundation, a charity set up by the supermarket, awards grants for charity projects which make a positive difference to people’s lives. charities are encouraged to log on to www.morrisonsfoundation.com to find out how to apply for a grant.
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The Bedford Bulletin is an independent magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. Published by © 2017 Rosetta Publishing Ltd. 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford MK44 1SH. Tel: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 Email all departments:pat@rosettapublishing.com. Printed by: Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR.
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Celebrating another Outstanding inspection result
PoLaM School in Bedford, which caters for children aged 12 months to nine years, has been judged ‘outstanding’ in all areas of its Nursery provision (from one-three years) for the second inspection running, and ‘outstanding’ in two out of five key areas for its School (3-9 years). In a report published by the Schools Inspection Service, inspectors in the Nursery found: ‘the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. The staff have consistently high expectations of the children as well as an excellent understanding of the age group they are working with.’ Children can join Polam’s Nursery from 12 months and, as an integral part of the school, the Nursery children
benefit from specialist teaching in Music, Languages and PE, as well as the use of the school’s impressive gym and indoor swimming pool (from three years). Class sizes are kept deliberately small so places are highly sought after. according to the report, the School was judged particularly strong in the quality of pupils’ personal development. ‘The spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils is outstanding. The ethos of the school and its aims contribute significantly to all aspects of pupils’ personal development… They grow in self-esteem and self-confidence as they are well known and valued as unique individuals in the small, close community of the school.’
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New £5 million Advanced Engineering & Construction Centre
EMPLoyERS from the engineering industry were given an advanced viewing of the 21st century training facilities which will be built on the College’s well established riverside campus in the heart of Bedford. The announcement event was hosted by aircraft manufacturer Hybrid air Vehicles and sponsored by ashe Construction, Chameleon Event Management and BlueGreen Design. Holding it in one of the iconic airship sheds demonstrated the significance of the investment in engineering, not just for Bedford but for the entire South East region. Bedford has a proud history in manufacturing, previously being a national and WW2 centre for engineering with companies such as WH allen, Rolls-Royce and Texas Instruments operating in the town until the 1970s. This legacy of engineering is still reflected in the businesses which successfully operate across the county today. Bedford College is linked to this legacy. Today it has a dedicated apprenticeship engineering centre and offers extensive ‘built environment’ and civil engineering facilities at its
Three students who made presentations to the audience at the Advanced Engineering Centre launch L-R: Toby Hunt of Flitwick who joined Bedford College one day a week aged 14 and is now an Assistant Project Manager for Princebuild Ltd, Manisha Ahmead who is taking an engineering BTEC after passing A Levels at Biddenham Upper and star student Oskar Kutyla of Luton who aspires to aeronautics and space engineering.
award-winning eco designed Brundtland Building at its Cauldwell Street campus. Bedford College has won funding for the Centre via SEMLEP (South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership) which recognised how the further education college is leading the way and working with international
names such as Cranfield University as well as already providing a BSc in Engineering with the University of Northampton. In partnership with international motor giant General Motors, Bedford College is also running Mechatronics apprenticeships – the only one in the region which meets the new
Government ‘standards’ for apprenticeships to match modern industry demands. The new advanced Engineering & Construction Centre is essential to meet the skills required by UK businesses to maintain their place in the global economy. The advanced Engineering & Construction Centre will house newer, lighter, analytical equipment, BIM Software and robotics. The Centre will allow students to move through to the higher engineering and degree level training essential in today’s manufacturing and civil engineering markets. It will increase student numbers by an additional 300 full-time and parttime students and 150 higher level apprentices each year - thus meeting some of the huge demand from employers for skilled Engineers. The space will provide students with room to experiment with intelligent design, analyse and assess problems, and develop real life solutions in the safety of the classroom and the virtual world environment.e employers. This advanced Engineering & Construction Centre is what they want to help power the South East forward.”
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across our managed houses in the UK and France, the launch of Charlie Wells Triple Hopped IPA and Bombardier Pale Ale, and ongoing investment in our leased and tenanted pubs to the tune of £3.7m, all equating to an increase in turnover across the business of £4.8m. “We’ll be focussing investment in our managed houses, accelerating roll-out of our Pizza, Pots and Pints concept and actively looking for more sites across France.”
THE UK’s largest independent brewer, Charles Wells, ended its 140th year since the brewery opened, on a high announcing increased profits. Chief Executive of Charles Wells, Justin Phillimore, (pictured) said: “We had a great year celebrating our 140th year of brewing beer! “Highlights included Estrella Damm extended their distribution contract with us for a further five years, excellent profit growth
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21st century science catching criminals
a Fingerprint Lab Technician is using forensic light sources to examine the fingerprints left on a discarded supermarket pastries’ box, knowing it could be the missing link to convicting a burglar at the scene of the crime. Within the Scientific Services Unit which serves Bedfordshire Police and its partners in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, fingerprints are developed from such items as carrier bags and juice cartons by using superglue adhesive. These prints can then be
viewed by experts to determine whether identifications can be made. The nature of the work of the Scientific Services is very sensitive, so in order to protect the anonymity of those who work there we have not revealed their names in this article. However, the Head of the Unit is clearly very proud that science is significantly contributing toward the conviction of criminals. “We have 60 Scenes of Crime – or SoCo – vans offering the same high level of service right the way across the three counties we serve. “These vans are equipped with WiFi, meaning that where appropriate we can remotely send fingerprints back to the Fingerprint Bureau for identification. a recent example of where this approach was taken led to the identification of a murder suspect in under 50 minutes from when the SoCo first arrived at the scene.” “Victims of crime are sometimes surprised at the arrival of a Scenes of Crime officer, rather than a police officer, due to the pressures on policing the SoCo role has changed over time, and depending on the nature of the offence we can be the only representative from force that attends the scene.”
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Thinking about a mystery flag
LaST month Bedford Division Girlguiding Rangers unit celebrated World Thinking Day in Bedford. Celebrated since 1926, World Thinking Day, on February 22, is a day of international friendship, speaking out on issues that affect girls and young women, and fundraising for 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. However, their celebration was a bit different as they were thinking not only of their sisters around the world but also about their mystery flag. Discovered in a cupboard at St andrews Church, Kimbolton Road in 1999 the Bedford Division Flag and its origins were a mystery. The Rangers adopted the beautifully handmade and embroidered flag as their own and have used it at ceremonial occasions since then. During such an event in 2016, out of the blue, the unusual flag was recognised by a member of the Bedfordshire Girlguides as one that had been thought lost in 1985. With some detective work, the creator Julie Cunliffe was tracked down and attended the World Thinking Day celebrations to finally be reunited with her flag. Julie designed and made the flag in 1980 a labour of love which took 12 months to complete. on leaving the Bedford 1st Division Rangers, who were based in Wotton in 1985, Julie never saw the flag again. However, its home between 1985 and 1999 is a complete mystery.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 9
Back to the Roman times a RoMan centurion and citizen treated sixty children from Lakeview Primary School, Wixams to a taste of life in Roman days when they visited the school recently. The visitors talked to the children about the life of a soldier in Roman Britain and what would have been expected of them in the army. The children were shown what they would have to do when they went into battle and what equipment was used. They learned how to protect themselves with
shields and even did some marching! a Roman citizen spoke to the children about how people lived their everyday lives in those times, what food they ate, houses they lived in and how they dressed. “This was great experience for the school,” said Head teacher anita Hemsley. “We were given a snapshot into what life was like for people living in Roman Britain almost two thousands years ago and a great time was had by all.”
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The Primrose car Service appeal The Bedford Hospitals Charity is launching a new appeal to raise £50,000 for the purchase of three new Vauxhall Zafira cars for The Primrose Car Service. This pioneering car service set up in 2006 by the Bedford Hospitals Charity to take those patients of the Primrose oncology Unit who need Radiotherapy treatment to and from adenbrooke’s Hospital. The Lancaster Dinner organised by the club featured a speaker from the crew of the Lancaster aircraft of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and was a charity event in aid of the Road Victims Trust and the BBMF’s chosen charities. Mr John Hulance, President of the club, has presented a £2,000 cheque to Mark Turner, Chief Executive of The Road Victims Trust. The Bedford Hospitals Charity 2016 Christmas Tree Festival and Concert in St Paul’s Church, Bedford, raised proceeds of £8,414.00 to be shared between the Charity and St Paul’s Church.
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Merger good news for region
Getting up close and personal
PUPILS from Castle Newnham School had a fishy experience recently when a group of year 1 children visited the GCH Fishmongers in Newnham Street, Bedford. There they got up close and personal with a variety of fish that we like to eat and the owner Gary explained what they were, where they come from and how they are prepared and eaten. They learned that Conger Eels are caught off the coast of Cornwall and delivered fresh from there each day, that Lemon Soles are so called because they are shaped like a lemon and that Hake have large, very sharp teeth. They were shown Mackerel, which children should eat as they are good for the brain, John Dory’s, Red Snappers and more common vari-
eties, such as haddock and cod. Gary said: “It’s great that children learn about fish and how good they are for our diet, and they were very interested and attentive about the whole process.” Principal Ruth Wilkes said: “The
children really enjoy being able to see first hand how our food is brought to our tables and what happens along the way and how sustainable fishing is very important. They had a great time and a big thank you to Gary for inviting us.”
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BEDFoRD College and Tresham College of Further and Higher Education have begun the process to officially merge. The colleges have been in discussions since autumn last year and a formal decision was made by the board of governors in February. Students and staff at the colleges will continue as usual, and current courses will not be affected, however, with the combined efforts of both management teams and Governing Bodies, rapid improvements in quality and financial management will be seen at Tresham to bring significant benefits to the area. Bedford College Principal & Chief Executive for the past two decades, Ian Pryce CBE, said: “It is a pleasure to report that the Board of Tresham College has today unanimously chosen Bedford College as its preferred merger partner.” “The merger creates one of the most exciting colleges in the UK, serving Bedfordshire and North Northamptonshire, with an income of nearly £60m and 15,000 students, including 1,900 apprentices and 1,000 students studying at University level.”
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Bedford Chronicles app which was launched with Bedford Chronicles partner Digitwell Solutions at the start of the 2016 autumn half-term, in another first for Bedford, the free fun app returns for the Easter Holiday. This time there are loads more features and some yummy chocolate prizes to be won! Virtual ‘eggs’ will be hidden across Bedford and the aim of the game is to find them all. There are some located in Bedford town centre as well as in some of Bedford’s parks. It is easy to play, players simply download the free app and set their location – now the hunt can begin.
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Creating hampers for the homeless
DID you know that a recent count found 50+ people are sleeping on the streets in Bedford? a few ‘lucky’ ones have tents tucked away in various places, however, unfortunately many have had their tents and possessions burnt down this Winter. This is one of the reasons that spurred Lauren Troiano, Volunteer Project Manager and Dream on Dance Club to help out in whatever way they could. They joined up with The Kings arms Project to create hampers for the homeless.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 11
£43m A YEAR BLACK HOLE IN BEDFORD PROPERTY MARKET
Is Buy to Let immoral?
(Part 2)
by Nigel Bywater Director of Sales/Finance Belvoir Bedford T: 01234 290685
An Englishman’s Home is His Castle as Maggie Thatcher lauded – everyone should own their own home. In 1971, around 50% of people owned their own home and, as the baby-boomers got better jobs and pay, that proportion of homeowners rose to 69% by 2001. Homeownership was here to stay as many baby boomers assumed it’s very much a cultural thing here in Britain to own your own home. But on the back of TV programmes like Homes Under the Hammer, these same baby boomers started to jump on the band wagon of Bedford buy to let properties as an investment. Bedford first time buyers were in competition with Bedford landlords to buy these smaller starter homes … pushing house prices up in the 2000s (as mentioned in Part One) beyond the reach of first time buyers. Alas, it is not as simple as that. Many factors come into play, such as economics, the banks and government policy. But are Bedford landlords fanning the flames of the Bedford housing crisis bonfire? I believe that the landlords of the 7,202 Bedford rental properties are not exploitive and are in fact, making many positive contributions to Bedford and the people of Bedford. Like I have said before, Bedford (and the rest of the UK) isn’t building enough properties to keep up the demand; with high birth rate, job mobility, growing population and longer life expectancy. According to the Barker Review, for the UK to standstill and meet current demand, the country needs to be building 8.7 new households each and every year for every 1,000 households already built. Nationally, we are currently running at 5.07 per
thousand and in the early part of this decade were running at 4.1 to 4.3 per thousand. It doesn’t sound a lot of difference, so let us look at what this means for Bedford… For Bedford to meet its obligation on the building of new homes, Bedford would need to build 310 households each year. Yet, we are missing that figure by around 129 households a year. For the Government to buy the land and build those additional 129 households, it would need to spend £43,103,948 a year in Bedford alone. Add up all the additional households required over the whole of the UK and the Government would need to spend £23.31bn each year … the Country hasn’t got that sort of money! With these problems, it is the property developers who are buying the old run-down houses and office blocks which are deemed uninhabitable by the local authority, and turning them into new attractive homes to either be rented privately to Bedford families or Bedford people who need council housing because the local authority hasn’t got
enough properties to go around. The bottom line is that, as the population grows, there aren’t enough properties being built for everyone to have a roof over their head. Rogue landlords need to be put out of business, whilst tenants should expect a more regulated rental market, with greater security for tenants, where they can rely on good landlords providing them high standards from their safe and modernised home. As in Europe, where most people rent rather than buy, it doesn’t matter who owns the house – all people want is a clean, decent roof over their head at a reasonable rent. So only you, the reader, can decide if buy to let is immoral, but first let me ask this question – if the private buy to let landlords had not taken up the slack and provided a roof over these people’s heads over the last decade… where would these tenants be living now? …because the alternative doesn’t even bear thinking about! Want some more insight into the Bedford Property Market? Visit our Blog at: www.bedfordpropertyblog.com
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Celebrating 150 years of singing for the joy of it
aT THE end of april this year, Bedford Choral Society is celebrating 150 years of the joy of singing for the people of Bedford and its surroundings. The choir gave its performance on 30 april 1867 and, on that anniversary, 150 years later, we will again be singing Mendelssohn’s Lauda Sion, performed at that very first concert. It’s a good sing! also in the programme is Vaughan Williams’ gorgeous Serenade to Music, written to celebrate Sir Henry Wood’s Golden Jubilee in 1938, together with two works commissioned by the Society from local composers Paul Edwards and Tim Grant-Jones. Both works continue the theme of celebration, with the latter a setting of the 150th Psalm. By the time of the concert, the choir is aiming to number 150 singers. We come from all walks of life and meet for rehearsals in Biddenham every Monday. Ian Smith is our Musical Director and will again be conducting us, accompanied by Bedford Sinfonia, on that 150th anniversary in Bedford Corn Exchange, the concert starting at 7.30pm. In this special year, we are proud
to be sponsored, among others, by the Harpur Trust, itself celebrating 450 years, and by Goldings of Bedford, ironmongers, like us celebrating 150 years of trading in Bedford. We are indeed very grateful for the support these organisations are giving us. Thank you all. Later this year, we continue celebrating with a lovely ‘pastoral’ concert in the Corn Exchange on Saturday 17 June, including Michael Hurd’s Shepherds Calendar. I sang that work at its premiere in 1975, with Southampton Choral Society, and it’s great to be rehearsing it again. Early in august, we’re on stage with a concert orchestra, in Proms in the Park, a good outing for singers and audience alike on an evening in high summer. Bring your picnics and wave your flags as usual! Then, on Saturday 25 November, back in the Corn Exchange, we sing Elgar’s The Kingdom, which is something to which I will be really looking forward. Finally, in December, it’s our ever-popular Carol Concert! So do come and listen to us, in april, June, august, November and December – and beyond – singing for the joy of it. Roger Barnard
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Glittering prize-giving night
ExPECTaTIoNS were surpassed at the awards Evening of Bedford International Writing Competition at The Quarry Theatre when a glittering array of talent was showcased. Prizes for the first three places were presented by author Toby Litt who was born in Bedford and educated at Bedford Modern School. First place in the poetry competi-
tion went to Mary Jane Holmes for ‘Last Day of Childhood’. Prizes in this category were presented by Ian McEwen, a well-known local poet with a national reputation. Louise Barden scooped the Bedford Prize for the best short story by a Bedford resident. Entries were up on the previous year with nearly 800 submissions.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 13
Refurbed sports centre opens
FoLLoWing a £1m investment, John Bunyan Sports & Fitness held an open Weekend last month. The work has been carried out by Fusion Lifestyle, a leading registered charity which provides quality sport, leisure and fitness activities to local communities, in partnership with Bedford Borough council. The weekend gave families the
chance to check out the 60+ station gym, two new fitness studios including the largest indoor aerobics studio in Bedford, a dedicated indoor cycle studio, the basketball courts and squash courts and the sports hall. not forgetting the best indoor soft play in Bedford and the brand new Bickels Yard café.
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Council invests £894k in new music education hub
FoLLoWING a two-tier conversion from Middle to Secondary, building works at Castle Newnham School, in Polhill avenue, have started on a brand new Music Hub. Head teacher at Castle Newnham, Ruth Wilkes, said: “We are very excited to be working in partnership with the Local authority as we develop our site for primary and secondary provision. our year 5 and 6 children will experience ‘primary plus’ with a dedicated primary area with its own entrance and play facilities but with full access to the growing range of specialist facilities too. our secondary pupils (year 7 to year 11) will benefit from a new sports hall, new classrooms and refitted food room and science labs.” Cllr Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Education at Bedford Borough Council, said: “This is hugely exciting
for pupils at Castle Newnham and for children and young people across the whole of Bedford Borough. “Music can make a real difference to children’s lives and putting the Music Service in a permanent home, and collaborating alongside the new teacher-led Bedford Music Co-operative will help to put the future of music in the Borough on a permanent footing. I look forward to seeing pupils at Castle Newnham and from across the Borough thriving once this fantastic facility is completed.” Jenny Brown, from the Bedford Music Co-op, said: “Bedford Music Co-operative is looking forward to the day when all Hub partners have a shared base. This will move forward the ambition to work together for the musical life of children and young people, and will enable truly co-operative strategy and delivery.”
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WESTFIELD PE department are rewarding pupils with the opportunity to enjoy live professional sport. over the past few months groups of students have been taken to a range of sporting events across the region as a reward for demonstrating excellent behaviour and participation in all lessons and clubs, not just sport. To date visits have included football at MK Dons and Watford, where they took part in a two-hour training session, 20/20 cricket at Northampton and forming a guard of honour for Bedford Blues rugby team as they came onto the pitch at a recent game. Deputy Head Peter Thornes has been delighted with how the pupils have embraced this opportunity. “Westfield School has an excellent sports provision with many individual achievers and team successes”, he said.
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The new Bluebell Club – a big hit with youngsters
THE new school holiday club for children launched at Moggerhanger Park, Mogger hanger, Bedford during the February halfterm, proved to be a big hit with youngsters. In a new venture The Bluebell Club, based in the Garden Room, ran a mixture of fun outdoor activities as well as arts, crafts, making and creating, all aimed at getting children involved in the outdoors, nature and finding out about the house and its grounds. Those who attended had a great time taking part in treasure and scavenger hunts, den building, playing outdoor games, making seed pots, creating canvases and much more. organiser Karen said: “We are delighted with the response we received for this unique new club, nothing like this has been hosted at Moggerhanger before”. Karen added: “It is such a wonderful location and ideal for a club such as The Bluebell Club, there is so much space to explore and scope
to do lots of exciting things.” Following the success of the launch, the club returns for the Easter holiday and will run from Monday 3rd - Wednesday 5th april. The club is open to children aged five years and over. For more information, you can visit the web page at www.get intobed.org/BluebellClub.html
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Techological innovation at BGS on show
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company as they can now provide same day and next services across all print services. Their new print centre is open from 9-5 Monday - Friday for walk-in bureau services including plan printing, quick print and copy services and instant photo printing. There is plenty of parking, a comfortable waiting area with coffee bar and future developments will see the space become a ‘print knowledge centre’ for clients wanting to learn more about print. You can keep up to date with developments by following Fidelity on Facebook or joining their enewsletter at www.fidelityprint.co.uk
FIDELITY has been hoping to expand their Ampthill based business for a couple of years but suitable office space has been elusive. Fidelity MD Louise Hodge says “I set myself a New Year target to move in 2017 and already achieved my largest goal. Our new print centre in Wilstead Industrial Park is more accessible and gives us space to expand the creative design and digital print services we offer in house”. Fidelity’s move follows recent investment in the latest HP latex large-format printer which allows fast in-house production of outdoor banners, roller banners and wallpapers as well as small and internal signage. This is big step for the
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the educational experience. “By sharing this vision, and our expertise, with educators from overseas, we are hopefully playing a small part in technology coming to the forefront of education worldwide.” During the visits BGS’ European colleagues will hear from Miss MacKenzie, Mr James Potter, Director of Digital Strategy, and Ms Kit Davies, Digital Design Creator. They will outline the School’s journey from the trialling of iPads to the full integration of them in to all aspects of the curriculum, highlighting how it is enhancing students’ learner attributes. Following the presentations educators will go on learning walks, visiting a number of classes in the Junior and Senior schools, where they will examine how students are learning using the iPads, witnessing the plethora of ways that the devices can be integrated into the lessons. For more about the apple Distinguished School status award www.apple.com/education/appledistinguished-schools
Fidelity Design and Print has expanded to a larger print centre near Bedford
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BEDFoRD Girls’ School is welcoming over 100 visiting educators from Scandinavia and Poland into its classroom today and tomorrow to share best practice on how to integrate apple iPad technology into the classroom. The two-day visit of Danish, Finnish and Polish teachers comes after BGS was recently awarded apple Distinguished School status, which recognises schools for their pioneering use of apple technology in teaching and learning. The designation from apple is awarded to schools that meet the stringent criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence in the use of technology, and encourages schools to share their expertise with both local and international schools. Miss MacKenzie, BGS Headmistress, said: “The School’s decision to roll out iPad Minis to all students across the whole school in September 2014 underlines our commitment to preparing girls for the future in a globalised world. Technology does not replace great teaching but it can transform learning and enhance
BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 17
PLAN SCAN, COPY & PRINT INSTANT PHOTO PRINTING
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18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017
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Moving your business on
MaRKETING your shop or salonbased business can mean taking clients away from those premises. Successful spa & salon owner Kerry Cash has been expanding her business base with Friends of 5th avenue events at local venues. a first lunch at the Dog House Kitchen in Willington, has been
A service you can rely on Three Shires Property Services specialises in plumbing, heating, renovations, refurbishments and property maintenance. Whatever your property needs, extensive or small, they do it professionally and cost effectively. Their team are qualified in their field with vast knowledge and experience to complete any job. Only quality materials are supplied and used. In addition, all their work is guaranteed. Good customer relations are very important to Three Shires. Therefore, they aim to carry out the work quickly, to the highest standard with the least disruption, in a clean and tidy manner. Three Shires Property Services is based in Bedford, covering three counties: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire. They offer free quotations with no obligations and a 24/7 emergency callout service. Also provided are property
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followed on by two suppers at The Embankment Hotel. Kerry brings together friends for fun offering a two course meal, free glass of bubbly, table gift, free raffle, and make-up demonstration for £25. “It might seem counter-intuitive to take customers away from your business base but it is about developing a broader relationship with them. “We have been in business for 18 years and we do like to give something back to our loyal clients, who have become friends, by arranging events like this. Many of them are busy working wives and mothers and this is a chance for them to have some ‘me’ time, keep up to date with make-up and beauty trends or just have a lovely night out,” said Kerry, “In turn we have the chance to gently remind them of the changing services we have on offer at 5th avenue. a former Businesswoman of the year, Kerry’s bright ideas have led to her being on the board of the Bedford College Commercial Services Ltd, the commercial wing of the multimillion Bedford College. Kerry was a high profile Board member of the Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) and has championed many good local causes and helped raise thousands for charity. Her team take part in the annual Ladies” Day at Bedford Rugby Club by giving mini manicures to men and women from the crowd and she launched the first in car showroom beauty room at Mercedes in ampthill Road.” “Businesses in town centres have to keep up with changing trends. We have a visible on-line presence, we keep in touch with clients across all channels of communication. We get involved in projects which are the the greater good of the whole of the town. “In particular we have a good relationship with Bedford College and its High Street training salon Brooks. our beauty students are trained there and in turn we offer them the chance to get involved in some fun extra activites, like the rugby club event as it adds to their portfolio and work experience. “If there is a chance to get involved in anything we do - we promote the fact the council offer free parking for the town because that is good for everyone. “Businesses in the town centre cannot just sit behind the counter and wait for customers to come to them.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 19
Bikers support Encourage your family and friends to exercise air ambulance How’s the New years fitness resolu- routines of course) and they music on and dance around. It does-
oVER 60 members of oakley Motorcycle Club, met up at the Indiya restaurant on Bedford’s Broadway on Sunday January 25 for their annual curry afternoon. The owners of the restaurant have for many years helped the club support East anglia air ambulance by giving a percentage of the bill to the bikers’ favourite charity. This year the joint venture raised £500. The oakley-based club has over 430 members and is probably the largest multi-marque club in the country. They meet every Thursday evening at oakley Sports and Social Club, this is not just a male preserve, the club has many female members who also are bike riders.
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Pupils’ Bad Hair Day
CaSTLE Newnham Primary School care club turned itself into a hairdressing salon for charity recently. The children, aged from 5-9 years old, dressed and coloured each other’s hair to raise money for Great ormond Street Hospital. Based in London, Great ormond Street is generally considered the best children’s hospital in the world. Great fun was had by all the children whilst raising funds for the hospital charity. Castle Newnham Principal Ruth Wilkes said: “It was great that the children did this for such a fantastic cause and they obviously thoroughly enjoyed themselves giving each other a bad hair day!”
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tions going? Have you stuck to them? If you have that's fantastic! If not why not? Whatever the reason stop worrying and relax. Focus on one thing at a time. We all know that when you exercise with others it helps, it's social, it's more fun and motivating. Why not encourage others to exercise with you? This week one of my Zumba ladies told me how she's been practising her routines at home with her 3 year old boys (modified
absolutely loved it! This made me think, do we really encourage the whole family to exercise? What about friends, colleagues and neighbours? you don't have to be a member of a gym or go to classes, just make a start. Go for a walk, ask someone to go with you, offer to take someones dog, play games with the kids but make sure you play, do some gardening, put on an exercise DVD, get the family involved in the housework and make it fun, put the
n't matter where your starting point is, the point is you have to start if you want to change! Not only will you feel good about exercising, but you will be encouraging other and making them feel good. Just make sure the exercise is suitable for everyone involved and if in any doubt check with a doctor first. If you want support add D & G Fitness to your facebook, everyone is really encouraging and I'd love to know how you get on.
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moving experience for every customer. Kavanagh brothers have just opened up there first storage facility on the outskirts of Bedford offering affordable storage for all, from single items, archived documents to storage for your full house There secure warehouse offers easy access, one minute off the Bedford Bypass on Aston Road. The box shop stock a good range of packaging materials for your removal or storage packing. Call them today to discuss your needs for your move or for storage options. Freephone 0800 6344100 www.kavanaghbrothers.co.uk www.bedford-storage.co.uk
20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017
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MARCH IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre
O matter how large or small your garden if you love food cooking and growing things what can be better than growing your own fresh Fruit, Veg and Herbs to supplement your diet and you can do it all in POTS. You can carefully select the varieties to grow to maximize the quality, flavours and yield and of course only grow the things you really like. Here are some tried and tested varieties to try. Last month in To Eat or Not To Eat we grew potatoes in pots. To recap you will need a 45cm tub or barrel for three tubers to produce a good crop of delicious new potatoes the recommended variety to use is Rocket. Put about 15cms of compost in the bottom of the barrel and the potatoes on top. Cover with compost and continue to add compost as the foliage grows until the barrel is full. Feed with Growmore and keep watered. Harvest in June. Sow Mixed Lettuce Leaves and Rocket Runaway in a trough approximately 45cms long and 15cms deep in Jacks Magic Compost. It is only about eight weeks before they are ready to eat so keep sowing small quantities every two weeks for a continuous supply. Courgette Buckingham Yellow and Cucumber Marketmore are very productive in pots. Keep the
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From pot to pot
plants watered and fed with tomato food and cut as soon as the fruits mature for crops throughout the summer. Excellent for oriental cooks is Pak Choi Green Revolution it matures quickly and there is no wastage as we wilt the whole vegetable in sesame oil for about fiur minutes. Another brilliant cropper is Climbing bean Cobra. Grow in a large pot making a wigwam of bamboo canes Plant two seeds to each cane and harvest when the pods are about 12cms long and very thin for great flavour. Tomatoes, Peppers and Chillies are all brilliant for pot culture. Start the seeds on a sunny windowsill in seed compost in March and only plant in the final place after the last frost. All these vegetables like a sunny place, regular tomato food and water but give great rewards. Sub Arctic Plenty is an excellent small tomato and Alicante is large. Both set well in cooler climates. King of the North a large variety of Salad Pepper also cooks well and Prairie Fire is a hot small Chillie. Herbs grown in pots are fantastic because
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they can be on a sunny kitchen windowsill or outside the back door, so convenient when finishing a dish or serving. I always have Basil Aroma and Coriander Cliantro growing on my kitchen sink windowsill, so easy to water them there. Outside the backdoor are Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (you can sing it if you want) Oregano and Chives. These plants will grow for at least a couple of seasons if you plant using John Innes Compost and feed with a slow release fertilizer. Keep harvesting herbs and if they are growing faster than you use them put on trays to dry, freeze or microwave for winter use. To grow Strawberries and Raspberries in pots choose a glazed, plastic or fibre glass container not terracotta which dries out too quickly. Any good compost like Westland JI with Multicompost is suitable and the container should be raised on bricks or pot feet to give good drainage. Any variety of Strawberry will do well but at the moment there is only one Raspberry, Ruby Beauty. Blueberries are the easiest crop and highest yielding of all fruit to grow. They need acidic soils so ericaceous compost with added mycorrhizal compound. So from Pot to Pot all so delicious and fresh and all your own grown.
21 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017
ALL PARTY SUPPORT
The combined effect of massive government cuts and rising need for care services is a full-blown funding crisis for Bedford Borough Council. The Council’s main government grant is falling from £30 million in 2015 to under £6 million in 2019. By 2020/21, there is a funding gap of £27.5 million. In the face of this crisis for the Council, we were pleased that our budget received all party support, with thirty nine votes for and one against. The budget includes tough decisions which frankly we do not want to make, but which are sadly unavoidable. It protects the vulnerable in need of vital care, so we are grateful for the overwhelming
STILL LOOKING FOR THE PLAN?
During a tour of Parliament, your attention may be drawn to the paintings that depict episodes in our history. Many convey tensions between church and state, others the battles between the monarchy and the people. all are about the pursuit, or allocation, of power. Power comes in many forms and in complex societies like ours, power is dispersed and operates at multiple levels. The Prime Minister is, probably, the most powerful individual in the country, but she is not our Head of State and she has to win majorities from both elected and unelected houses of Parliament to get anything enacted. Even then those pesky judges – the lynchpins of our freedoms – may have
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In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
support for it across the Council chamber. The budget includes more money for both adult and children’s social care, more money for emergency accommodation for the homeless and funds for the ongoing refurbishment of the Council’s older people’s residential homes. It also includes the school investment programme which will enable the transfer to the two-tier schools system and the replacement of all temporary classrooms.
In Focus with
Fuller Richard Fuller MP for Bedford & Kempston
something to say. and woe betide a Government which seeks to undertake a coup – our armed services and our police owe their loyalty to the Crown, not to the Government. yet power is there and is exercised, sometimes forcefully, to promote our national interests. Political power also exists at a local level. Members of Parliament have “convening” power – the power to bring people together to help focus on a problem
Bedford Gallery Quire
We are a friendly group of singers and instrumentalists that together keep some of Bedford’s musical heritage alive by performing church and social music from the West Gallery period. This is three and four part harmony from around 1700 to 1850. We rehearse fortnightly on Thursdays in Bedford and are always welcoming to potential new members. In particular we would very much like to hear from string, woodwind or brass players. Your own instrument might be played, but we also own several period instruments that you might find to be an interesting challenge. A chat with our Musical Director would quickly establish whether you think this might be for you. Have a look at our website and give us a call. www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk Ken Baddley – 01234 310018
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We’ve seen the impact of the dire funding situation elsewhere, such as Surrey County Council’s initial plans for a 15% council tax rise, and Lancashire County Council closing 28 of its libraries. The situation is very different here, with all libraries saved, for example. But as the government cuts continue to bite we are having to make some unwanted changes we have successfully averted until now, long after they became typical elsewhere. We want to avoid the loss of services as far as possible, and that’s the motivation behind our new efficiency programme. This shift to digital technology to support more efficient working will save over £10 million per year which would otherwise have to be cut from services. Meanwhile, I’ll keep up the fight for fairer funding from government, which is desperately needed.
or to encourage change – but they do not have executive power – the formal power to force changes in their communities. Ever since Bedford Borough voted to have an elected Mayor in 2002, executive power locally is in the hands – almost entirely – of our elected Mayor. an elected Mayor cannot do everything, and he or she will always be constrained by the resources at their disposal. What a Mayor can, and should, do however is outline a vision for the community and an ambitious plan to achieve that vision; to have the confidence to articulate where we should be heading and to lobby and pressure for the steps needed to get there. Without such leadership, a community can falter. our first Mayor, Frank Branston, had a vision and a clear plan. Judged by the latest “Local Plan”, our current Mayor – after seven years in office – is still struggling.
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22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017
BUILDING BRIDGES
Most of those who visit the village of Cardington little realise that they cross an engineering landmark when they come from the a421. For the small, five-arched, humped bridge that crosses Cardington Brook was designed and engineered by John Smeaton (1724 – 1792) in 1778. Known as the ‘Father of Civil Engineering’, he is best known for the design and construction of the Eddystone Lighthouse. often when I drive over the bridge, I reflect on the nature of bridge building. Smeaton’s bridge serves as a symbol of that relationship building that is so important for nurturing strong, inclusive community. Last month the bridge in Tadcaster near york was re-opened, having been rebuilt
BRINGING BACK EYES AND EARS
“Having been your Police and Crime Commissioner since May last year, I am delighted to announce the best news I feel I could give to the residents of Bedfordshire. The Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, and I are in the process of rolling out an uplift of virtually 10% in our Frontline and are bringing Community Policing – the eyes and ears of policing – back to the county. During my administration we recruited 96 police officers over the last financial year and are recruiting 100 more right now, in six intakes from July this year. Even when retirements and leavers are taken into account, we expect our Frontline to increase from 1026 officers to 1126 paid for by a combination of our existing Government funds, council tax and internal savings. Good housekeeping and diligent use
FIVE HUNDRED WORDS
Every now and again a simple idea comes up, which takes you slightly unawares before your realise how good it is. 500 words is one of those.
It is too late for any youngster you know to enter the 2017 Chris Evans show ‘500 words’ competition on BBC Radio 2, but it is not too late for you to listen in the mornings to some of the remarkable entries.
over the next few weeks, building up to the announcement of the winners at the Tower of London, listeners to his show will be hearing from children aged 5-13 with their stories, written to a disciplined 500 words a time.
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View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
after it was swept away in the floods at the end of 2015. Suddenly what had been divided was reconnected; the gulf that is the river was once again bridged. all too often in our lives and in our world there are those rivers of divide which separate peoples and nations; divisions that more often than not are only healed by patient mediation and bridge building. It is the work of places like Corrymeela in Northern Ireland who for years have persistently worked at reconciliation between
Update from the
Police & Crime Commissioner by Kathryn Holloway
of the budget means I have £720,000 more to spend on your policing in the coming financial year. Since taking over the role of PCC, my absolute priority has been increasing the visibility of the Force and your access to officers. you may have seen that, on Monday February 13 2016, I held a public meeting at ampthill, with senior officers and the local dedicated PC, aaron Dagley, to confirm that a police presence is coming back to the town - after its police
In Focus with
Alistair by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP It is a simple idea. 500 words is not too long for a child to shape an idea, and commit it to paper, nor is it so short as to prevent free rein of an interesting idea. That it is supported and led by Chris Evans, has a host of celebrities lined up to read winning entries, and provides a chance for that vital ‘shout out’ on a popular radio show is a perfect combination. Last year the competition inspired an
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the Catholic and Protestant communities. It is the counsellors, mediators and reconcilers in our world who patiently rebuild bridges between those who are estranged.
This is no easy task. one of the quotations I recall is that ‘the problem with being a bridge is that people walk over you from both sides’. George Mitchell, the american Senator, who negotiated much of the Good Friday agreement in Northern Ireland, remarked on how, at any one time, either the Catholics or the Protestants would be absent from the room. yet he persisted and helped build the bridge. as a Christian, bridge building – being a reconciler – is at the heart of what God desires of me; the God who in Jesus knew the cost of seeking to reconcile humankind with their heavenly Father. Whatever our beliefs, that call to be bridge builders is before us all. Where in your life, your community, can you build bridges? station closed – who will be based, as I promised, alongside their fire service colleagues at the fire station. PC Dagley will be joined by the Head of the Watches, PCSo Juliet Wright and her visiting colleagues from Neighbourhood Watch, Speedwatch, Streetwatch etc. and an Inspector and Sergeant who work on collaboration with the fire service will hot-desk from there, backed by a community team, based at Biggleswade. This latest “Community Hub” adds to those already announced for Leighton Buzzard, Luton, Bedford, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Houghton Regis.
Sadly, none of this work can be recognised by our police watchdog – Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) – who can only take it into account once completed and bedded in to show that it is making a difference. Please be reassured that, in the meantime, the Chief Constable and I are doing everything possible to strengthen policing of your communities.”
astonishing 123,436 entries. I wonder how many of them, beforehand, thought that they could write anything worthy of an audience? I wonder how much confidence has been instilled in the nation’s children, that even if they do not win, nor get read on the radio, they now believe, encouraged by family or teachers that they can actually produce a finished piece of work destined for someone else? Do take a chance to listen. you will be amazed at our children’s imagination, and how interesting, quirky and surprising they can be, and how, even at a tender age, they have a grasp of how to surprise and twist a narrative. Well done the BBC, and thank you schools and teachers for still instilling the gift and love of good language, the greatest aid to social mobility ever, in our children.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 23
out & about music competition Dub Pistols 20th tAnniversary Tour
Dr Feelgood + The Reformers
Bedford Esquires 8pm, Saturday April 1
as they gear up to celebrate 20 years of riotous marauding, the Dub Pistols are prepping their seventh asyet-untitled album in 2017 and there’ll be a documentary about the band dropping at some point in the year too. In the meantime they are out on the road this spring as usual, earning their reputation as the hardest working band in showbiz and return to Esquires following on from 2016’s sell out gig. over their career the Dub Pistols have worked with heroes like The Specials, Busta Rhymes, Horace andy, Madness and Gregory Isaacs. a kinda 21st century equivalent of 2-Tone acts The Specials or The
Free Easter Egg Trail John Bunyan Museum Saturday 1st to Saturday April 22.
Bring your children to the Museum for some free and easy Easter fun. Hunt the coloured cardboard eggs among the displays, rearrange the letters on them to find the mystery word or phrase, and win a chocolate egg and sticker. Quotes from children who have done the Easter Egg Trail in the past include: ‘I liked going into the pulpit to see if an egg was there’ and ‘It was fun and the museum wasn’t too big’.
Beat, the Dub Pistols are the quintessential festival band. Coming over a bit like if King Tubby and The Skatalites bumped into Terry Hall at a Goldie gig, the Dubs have reached their two decade milestone with a lot of ups and downs along
The Museum’s free Easter Egg Hunt runs from Saturday 1st to Saturday 22nd april. The Museum is open from 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Good Friday). There are lots of other quizzes for children to do too. Just ask the friendly steward on duty. The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 4pm until the end of october (closed on Good Friday). admission is free. For more details contact the Curator, Nicola Sherhod, on 01234 270303 or e-mail curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk. www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
Bedford Esquires 8pm Friday March 17
the way. They´ve burned through different members and hundreds of thousands of pounds on assorted capers and hedonism. It should have been a recipe for oblivion, but the band that started out in the mid-90s with Barry DJing while musicians jammed over the top has metamorphosed into a mighty reggaematic bass-driven live machine, a super-tight festival regular that keeps winning over new fans at Glastonbury, Bestival, BeatHerder and across Europe. “To be honest it doesn’t feel like 20 years’’ says frontman Barry ashworth, “Much of it has been a blur and hard to remember, you just keep going — looking forward — and then one day you stop and look back and go, ‘Wow where did the time go?’ So much has happened, so many ups and downs, so many lifts off into space and then crash on reentry.” Special guest support from Kioko + DJ. Tickets on sale now – Long may the Pistols continue to mash up the place! Tickets £13 advance, available from online from Seetickets and in person from Esquires Bar, Planet Boutique in Bedford, Mario’s Hair Design in Kempston and Vinyl Revelations in Luton.
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE THE DUB PISTOLS – JUST ANSWER THESE TWO QUESTIONS: How many years have Dub Pistols been together? What is the Dub Pistols frontman called? Email your answers to: sally@thepadpresents.com
Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s Dr Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world. The raw and uncompromising style of their performance resulted in the album Stupidity that immediately went to the number one position in the UK . Dr Feelgood have also enjoyed global success with a string of hit singles including Roxette, Back in the Night, Milk and alcohol, Down at the Doctors, She Does it Right, Going Back Home and See you Later alligator – which gave the group their first gold record. Punky Ska’n’B, taking a sprinkling of influence from both Ska and the original RnB sound to help form their set of original tunes, and the band continue to tour extensively throughout the world. The last album to feature Lee Brilleaux – Down at the Doctors, was recorded live at the Dr Feelgood Music Bar on Canvey Island, (now the site of the oysterfleet Hotel) just two months before he died. The current line-up features the rhythm section Kevin Morris on drums and Phil Mitchell on bass (both 33years), Steve Walwyn on guitar (26 years), and Robert Kane (formerly of the animals) the most recent addition – joining in 1999. Julien Temple’s film oil City Confidential released on 2nd February 2010 tells the story of the bands formative years featuring the Wilko Johnson era. May 2011 saw the digitally re– mastered re-release of Chessmasters originally released in 2000 on EMI Records … the band’s tribute to the Chess label, home to many of the finest blues artists of the 20th century and the first Dr Feelgood album to feature Robert on vocals. on their last visit to Bedford the band played to a packed Corn Exchange, this time we bring them back to their club roots for a night of maximum RnB at Esquires. Taking the main support slot is rock’n’roll band The Reformers. Tickets are on sale now – £16 from Seeticketsor from Esquires Bar, Planet Boutique & Mario’s Hair Design.
24 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017
Made in Dagenham Trinity Arts and Leisure Theatre 7.30pm Tuesday March 28 to Saturday April 1
Made in Dagenham is the uplifting new British musical comedy about
The Basement at Bunyan Meeting Events and Exhibitions 2-4pm Weds March 8
‘My Life in Stitches’ Local textile artist, Nodeen Salmon, talks about her life-long passion for embroidery. From turning the handle of her Grandmother’s Singer sewing machine in Jamaica, to celebrating nature and landscape through her work, Nodeen seeks to inspire others to explore creative hand and machine embroidery.
BedPop Science Lab The Basement at Bunyan is joining the Bedford Central Library, the Higgins Bedford, the Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, and Rogan’s Books, by becoming a pop up science lab and offering a range of activities that
10am-4pm Sat March 11
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friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right. Essex 1968. Like millions of other working women, each morning Rita o’Grady is just trying to get her husband out of bed, get the kids off to school and get to work at the factory on time. But life is about to change forever when it’s announced that the girls in the stitching room of Ford’s Dagenham car plant will have combine science and the arts. Feltmaking, Ink-making and illustration are being offered among the iron pillars of The Basement; while in the John Bunyan Museum there will be a coding workshop, drone flying and board games.
‘Under the Bed’ Exhibition This is an open submission for Bedfordshire artists to display and sell their ‘work in storage’ at low prices. Co-ordinated by anne-Marie Stijelja.
Friday 17 - Weds March 22
11am-4pm Saturday 25 to Thursday 30 March 30
gerry Ewens Exhibition Gerry is inspired by place and a sense of being in open spaces. Her paintings reflect an emotional response, rather than a direct reflection of reality, and she concentrates on wider landscapes to give a feeling of space.
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their pay grade dropped to ‘unskilled’. Quickly drawing on a strength she never knew she had, Rita leads her friends in a battle against the might of Ford and the corruption of the Union supposed to protect them. as the girls’ inspiring journey gets bigger than anyone
could have imagined, the pressure is too much for some, but can Rita keep up the fight and the happy home she’s worked so hard for? The Marianettes are proud to be working with The Friends of Bedford Hospital. www.ticketsource.co.uk/marianettes.
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
the place p Hancock’s Half Hour
To celebrate over 60 years of Hancocks Half Hour, written by Ray Galton and alan Simpson, James Hurn a talented actor and impressionist will be performing three classic episodes of Hancocks half hour, voicing the entire cast.
6pm Sunday March 5
FILM: Manolito Gafotas/Manolito Four Eyes The summer is not looking promising for Manolito Gafotas as he is condemned one again, to spend the holidays in a small flat with his mother, his grandfather and his small brother - until his usually absent father shows up to take him on a road trip that they won’t forget. Based on the popular children’s books by Elvira Lindo (but rated 15+ because of some nudity and adult humour). Shown in Spanish with English subtitles. Running time 1hr 29mins.
7.30pm Tuesday March 7
FOLK NIGHTS: Pagoda Project 8pm Thursday March 9 (doors 7.30pm)
Captivating and original, Folk Jazz fusion. Created by Paul Hutchinson (Piano accordion) and Karen Wimhurst (Clarinets) to evolve their fusion sound, Pagoda Project brings together a unique blend of traditional folk music with jazz improvisation to create a warm and dynamic sound. Their debut album Clarion attracted a five star review in Songlines magazine and Paul and Karen are have been enthralling audiences with their entertaining delivery and enchanting performances. Paul Hutchinson, also known for Belshazzars Feast, and Karen Wimhurst, previously a member of the Cauld Blast orchestra, have a
www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ 01234 354321
wealth of musical experience in a diverse range of genres from classical to folk. Both are talented composers, educators and performers and are highly regarded musicians in their own right.
The Pendulum Swings 7.30pm Friday 10 and Saturday March 11
a-Game Entertainment returns to The Place before a national tour of the smash hit, dark comedy, The Pendulum Swings. Present day Death Row, two men await their executions. The days are long and numbered. all Frank and Michael have is each other and the friendship they built through a wall. as Frank’s time draws near, the youthful and tormented Michael must try come to terms with the idea of losing his only family. Will he understand the way life works and make his peace in time?
Diary of a Hounslow Girl you’ve heard of an Essex Girl or even a Chelsea Girl but what is a Hounslow Girl? From traditional Pakistani weddings to fights on the night bus, The Diary of a Hounslow Girl is told through the eyes of a hooped earring, headscarf wearing 16 year old British Muslim Girl growing up in West London. a funny, bold, provocative play highlighting the challenges of being brought up as a young woman in a traditional Muslim family, alongside the temptations and influences growing up in and around London.
7pm Tuesday March 14
StageWrite17 7.30pm Wednesday 29 March 29 – Saturday April 1
Bedford’s most popular new writing event has seen writers from Bedford and further afield compete to see their play performed at the festival. From the huge number of plays submitted this year, StageWrite will produce four evenings of new writing including comedy and drama on a range of themes.
BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 25
comedy p Maddest, silliest Ent Shed, Bedford Doors 7.30pm March 9
Castle Comedy returns on Thursday March 9 at The Gordon arms, Ent Shed in Bedford. The show will be packed full of comedy talent and the laughs are guaranteed! Headlining the night is the Raymond & Mr Timkins Revue. They are without a doubt the maddest, silliest, stupidest, cleverest and funniest double act of comedians on the circuit! Likened to Morecambe and Wise and the Two Ronnies, they can bring the house down with nothing more than a couple of Lidl carrier bags and an oasis song! If you like music and let’s face it, who doesn’t, you’ll like them. If you like silliness, middle aged men dancing and unsavoury acts, you’ll probably love them! “A mad, anarchic triumph of stupidity over style. Not to be missed” THE gUaRDian opening the show is adam Vincent, an australian who has made Bedford his home! He was a huge success ‘Down Under’ representing australia in NBC’s Last Comic Standing. His career in the UK has gone from strength to
strength and he is part of the writing team for the hugely successful Last Leg on Channel 4. adam’s stand up is chipper and hilarious yet darkly subversive at the same time. Completing the bill is Dave chawner. Dave is an award winning comic, published author and mental health campaigner. ‘This is one comic you have to make the effort to see’ THE ScoTTiSH HERaLD To book call 07736 060541 or online at www.castlecomedy.co.uk
26 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017
–––––––––––––––––––––––– TABLE TOP SALE, Sat 18th March 9am to noon, christ the King church Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP Stalls £5 per table. Entry 50p. For info please call Sue on 01234 965497
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSToN HaMMERS Wednesday 29th March £1.00 on the door Eyes down 8pm EVERyoNE WELCoME
FUN BINGO
–––––––––––––––––––––––– IT’S A BUG’S WORLD –––––––––––––––––––––––– 10am - 1pm Saturday 22nd april IRISH DANCE Shortstown Village Hall Sat 18th March from 7.30pm christ the King church hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK41 0SP Music from The Three Cups and Malakey. Bring and share food, Bar, Raffle Tickets £5 adult and £3 children Call Sue on 01234 965497 for tickets.
–––––––––––––––––––––––– TEA DANCE Friday 24th March 2pm to 4pm christ the King church Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP Entry £3 which includes tea and cake and some lovely music to dance to.
BEDFoRD RSPB LoCaL GRoUP Meet at aRa club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 16Th March 7.30pm Steve Lovell presents
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‘BRITISH BIRDS OF PREY’
The past, present and future of these magnificent birds. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 BEDFoRD SINFoNIa
–––––––––––––––––––––––– St. Peter’s church, Bedford Saturday 25 March 7.30pm Conductor: Michael Rose Soloist: James Jarvis (Cello) The orchestra presents a concert of two halves - the first featuring four short works for strings, and the second a great work for wind. Mendelssohn - String Symphony no. 4 Sibelius - Romance R Strauss - Romance for Cello and Orchestra Dvorak - Nocturne Mozart - Gran Partita for Wind K361 Tickets: adults £12, Concessions £10, Children/Students £5. Please call 01234 718044 or go to www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk For further details visit www.bedfordsymphony.com
CONCERT
Southcote, Shortstown, MK42 0QL Suitable for the whole family Free entry! • Children’s creepy crawlies exhibition including tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes and lots more. • New and used animal equipment sales • Invertebrates on display and for sale • Gifts • animal handling experiences • Information about Little Lizard Rescue, IHS anglia ~ Reptiles and amphibians, and Black Cricket animal Services www.blackcricket.co.uk/events www.facebook.com/Its-a-BugsWorld-239047333214969 email: generalenquiries@blackcricket.co.uk
–––––––––––––––––––––––– THINKING OF YOU, WITH LOVE… From Bedfordshire Archives and Records Service
Bedfordshire archives is pleased to present their new exhibition Thinking of you, With Love. The exhibition brings together some of the most personal and emotive records from a variety of collections and time periods, and provides a touching insight into the lives of ordinary folk in Bedfordshire going back hundreds of years. Postcards, valentines and letters sent between friends and family members will be on display. among the items in the exhibition are a series of letters from First World War soldier Wilfred Hammond to his family in Tavistock Street, Bedford. also on display is a coded love letter written by a local man to his married lover in the eighteenth century; and a handmade valentine sent by an Elstow man to his bride-to-be in 1860. The exhibition runs until the end of March and can be viewed in the Riverside Building, Borough Hall, Bedford: Monday - 9.15am-5pm Tuesday -9am-5pm Wednesday - 9pm-5pm Friday - 9am-5pm
–––––––––––––––––––––––– BRING AND SING
BEDFoRD NaTIoNaL TRUST aSSoCIaTIoN Tuesday, 21st March at 2.30 Speaker Alexandra Milner on
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The First aid Nursing yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps); an all-female organisation, started in 1907. Meeting takes place in the addison Centre, Kempston. Tea and biscuits will be served. Cost £3.00 for NT guests and £3.50 for non-NT guests. you will receive a warm welcome if you attend. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
FaURE REQUIEM Saturday 1st april. Join Kempston Musical Society at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Midland Road, Bedford. Proceeds to be donated to St Francis Support of orphans and Vulnerable Children in Northern Uganda charity. Singers - £5. Rehearsal 4pm. Music and Refreshments provided. Dress White top, Black bottom. audience - £6. Concert 7.30pm. More details – Janet 01234 781010.
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“HISTORY OF THE FANYS”
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–––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– aDDISoN CENTRE KEMPSToN BEDFORD MUSIC CLUB MUSIC oN THURSDayS SOCIAL DANCE Kitty Whately, mezzo soprano, EVENING William Vann, piano Songs by Purcell, Mahler,Schubert, Barber, Horovitz, Dove, Sondheim 7.45pm Thursday 30 March Bedford girls’ School Tickets £18, Students (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk
SaT 4th MaRcH From 7.45 to 11.00pm Licensed Bar – Raffle Tea/Coffee admission at door £5.00 For further information ring 01234 851877
DaNCING, WHIST, BINGo Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm
HISToRy SoCIETy 7:30pm Wednesday 8th March Illustrated talk:
–––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON SENIOR BEDFoRD aRCHITECTURaL, aRCHaEoLoGICaL, & LoCaL CITIZENS’ CLUB at the CENTENaRy HaLL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone:
01234 857011
–––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION
If you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings. New members and visitors always welcome. We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in all Saints Church Hall, Cemetery Road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening from Window Boxes to allotments and outings are also arranged throughout the year. For further information contact Trevor on 01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288 BEDFoRD LoCaL GRoUP oF THE WILDLIFE TRUST 7.30pm Wednesday 8th March
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an illustrated talk by Peter Holden MBE. Peter, a well known naturalist, will reveal the strategies and structures birds use to protect their eggs and young. Priory Methodist church Hall, newnham avenue Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, all welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
‘NESTING’’
WORLD SHIP SOCIETY
BEDFORD BRANCH Kempston Constitution Club 196a Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd WEDNESDay in the month 19:30 for 20:00 start
15 March Branch aGM,
followed by a presentation by Bill Barber entitled “Coals to Newcastle NSW” Telephone: 01234 352014 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
‘A BEDFORDSHIRE BOBBY GOES TO WAR’
Clive Emsley (Emeritus Professor of History, Open University) Putnoe Heights church & community centre Bedford MK41 8EB Non-members welcome - £2-00 entry Enquiries (01234) 365095 www.baalhs.org.uk Bedfordshire Family History Society 7.15pm Friday 3rd March Interested in Family History? Come along to our next monthly talk
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“BRICK WALLS & DIGGING DEEPER INTO YOUR FAMILY HISTORY”
by Gill Blanchard held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8Px Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY
Every Monday 7.30 to 10.00 at the Church of the Transfiguration rear church hall New members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– aLL SaINTS PaRISH CHURCH KEMPSToN
FULL AFTERNOON TEA & A GUIDED TOUR
of this historic church to visiting groups of 10 or above at a cost per head of £7.95. Contacts are Janet Fardell on 01234 855158 email:martinandjanet1@btinternet.com or Frances Leonard on 01234 852480 email: francesmleonard@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 27
28 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
Edward Bawden and his Studio
The Ladykillers
Edward Bawden Gallery February 11, 2017 – January 28, 2018
7.30pm Monday 13 to Saturday March 18
Edward Bawden and his Studio, a new exhibition showcasing the work of influential British artist and designer Edward Bawden (1903– 1989) opens at The Higgins Bedford on 11th February 2017. During the eight years prior to his death in 1989, the renowned watercolourist, printmaker, illustrator, designer and former official War artist Edward Bawden donated the contents of his studio to Bedford. From the walls of his house, the insides of cupboards and the drawers of his plan chest came adverts for Fortnum & Mason, Ealing Comedy posters, plates for Wedgwood, letters and photographs; an entire life’s work. In his workroom in the attic of Brick House, Great Bardfield, his Essex home for four decades, or later in his plant-filled studio in Saffron Walden, Bawden worked hours ‘that no self-respecting trade unionist would consider, and no shop steward condone for a moment’. Bawden produced a huge body of work during a long career spanning most of the twentieth century. This new exhibition will focus on Bawden’s life in the studio, through his letters, photographs and
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Sharnbrook Mill Theatre a band of hapless criminals face their worst nightmare: a little old lady! With a brand-new, sparkling script, The Ladykillers is a black comedy, adapted from the celebrated Ealing film by Father Ted writer, Graham Linehan, brought to you by the award winning Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust. Set in 1950’s London,
Mrs Wilberforce is a sweet, innocent little old lady, who rents out her lopsided house to a group of amateur musicians, who aren’t all that they seem! They’re actually a band of criminal misfits, who will stop at nothing to cover up their crimes. With only her pet parrot, General Gordon, to help her, Mrs Wilberforce is left alone with five desperate men. But who will be forced to face the music? www.sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk
most importantly his work. Bawden often took inspiration from his surroundings and the views from his studio frequently feature in his work. He was also meticulously tidy, and the order and discipline he applied to his designs was equally in evidence in his workroom, with its polished mahogany desk, neatly laid out materials, cherished library of reference books and collection of Victorian artefacts. Walls were decorated and hung with Bawden’s own wallpaper designs, lino blocks and prints.
BEDFORD HOSPITALS CHARITY PRIMROSE CARS APPEAL SATURDAY MARCH 18th at 7.30pm Concert of songs and scenes from Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Operas by
The Wandering Minstrels
at the Howard Hall, Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford Two hours of Savoy favourites, combining the biting wit of W.S. Gilbert and the enchanting music of Sir Arthur Sullivan Tickets £12.50 each including interval drink available at www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk or call (01234) 781200
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017 — 29
A tribute to Bruce Springsteen St Cuthberts Hall 7.30pm April 8
The Bootleg Boss is the real deal. a Springsteen fan for over 25 years, living and breathing the spirit of the New Jersey landscape and developing an amazing way of delivering the music of The Boss.
Launch of children’s Writing Competition
announcing the launch of John Bunyan Museum’s annual competition for school-age children and young people, ‘Sincerely, Elizabeth Bunyan.’ We are asking you to imagine you are Elizabeth Bunyan: your husband John has just been imprisoned for his beliefs. you have been left to look after the children, and must be strong and fight for his freedom. as Elizabeth, write a 500 word letter to the powerful Judge Hale, to plead and argue for his pardon and release. Curator Nicola Sherhod says: “Elizabeth Bunyan is a forgotten heroine: she was brave and courageous. She tried over and again
From the early days of Greetings from asbury Park through Born to Run, The River, Born in the USa and later albums, the Bootleg Boss gives 100% commitment in an amazing show with his own E Street Band of seasoned musicians – creating a truly authentic sound and live experience. www.stcuthbertshall.co.uk/
to be heard by the Judges, and threw a letter into the coach of one of them as he passed, as well as visiting the Swan Hotel to plead in front of an intimidating group of Judges, Justices and gentry.” There are four age groups: school years 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 1013, with a first, second, and third prize in each of the categories. Closing date for the competition is 5th June 2017, the winners will be announced prior to a presentation evening on Tuesday 4th July 2017. The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 4pm (closed on Good Friday). admission is free. For more details contact the Curator, Nicola Sherhod, on 01234 270303 or e-mail curator@bunyanmeeting.co.uk www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum
118 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QY
Tel: 01234 348668 gordonarmsbedford@gmail.com Follow us!
March
4
East West Promotions presents
WILL JOHNS He is recognised one of the most distinctive and exciting performers on the British Blues scene today. Tickets: www.eastwestpromotions.co.uk
9 26
CASTLE COMEDY The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue To book call 07736 060541 or online at www.castlecomedy.co.uk Now taking bookings for
MOTHERING SUNDAY
30 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MARCH 2017
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage Following last year’s amazing sell-out success, we are excited to announce...
TWINWOOD FESTIVAL • BEDFORDSHIRE • 25, 26, 27, 28 AUGUST 2017
• OVER 100 LIVE PERFORMANCES OF MUSIC FROM THE 1920S TO THE 1960S • THIRTEEN GREAT VENUES • ACRES OF DANCE FLOORS • 150 VINTAGE TRADERS • HAIR & BEAUTY • COMEDY & CABARET • DANCE WORKSHOPS • INTERESTING MUSEUMS • CLASSIC CAR DISPLAYS • GREAT BARS & FOOD INCL. CARVERY • LARGE CAMPSITE W/ GENEROUS PITCHES • GLAMPING & LUXURY CAMPING AVAILABLE • LATE NIGHT CLUBS & DJ SESSIONS
2017
TICKETS
ON SALE NOW
THE MANFREDS • SI CRANSTOUN • ROY G HEMMI NGS
• THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA THE REVOLUTIONAIRES • THE CHICAGO STOMPERS • DOWN FOR THE COUNT • ZOOT SERIOUS • JIVE ACES • MIKE SANCHEZ ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS • FLEUR DE PARIS • STICKY
WICKET • BASIN STREET BRAWLERS • THREE BELLES J J KING • THE ZOOTS • LAURA B • BENOIT & THE BEVIN BOYS VIELLEFON • THE DAISY CHAINS • CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE • BAMBOOZLE • BO WALTON & THE
THUNDERBRIDGE BLUEGRASS • KING PLEASURE
BISCUIT BOYS • MUDIBU & THE JEZEBEL SEXTET DUSTY LIMITS • GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT • MAT • LOLA LAMOUR • MOSCOW DRUG CLUB WALKLATE & PAOLO FUSCHI • THE BOBCATS • KIERAN TOWERS & CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK • THE THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND • LOUNGE CAT KING CATS • GREGGI G • COUNTRY CATTIN’ • IDEALS JOHNNY & THE JAILBIRDS • COCO BOHÈME • STILL-MOVING DJS • SWING NOIR
...PLUS MANY MORE - STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED!
ts this year, it is advised to Due to high demand for ticke . ntage of our “Early Bird” price adva take to book early, and also
824773 OR CLICK: FOR INFO CALL 01234
stival.com
www.twinwoodfe
THREE ANDAHALF DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FROM FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST
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