MAY 2017
BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
l Westfield’s children meet real life heroes page 13 l 12 pages of ‘Out & About’ starts on page 21 l Local news from Bedford & around
2 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
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EXPLORE THE VERVE A warm welcome to the Verve Hotel (formerly Shakespeare Hotel), a luxury boutique hotel in Bedford, part of Verve group of Hotels. Being only a few minutes away to the Town centre, our stylish hotel offers a perfect retreat for both business and leisure. With our bespoke colour scheme, vibrant art, crisp linens and modern furniture, we strive to offer our guests an impeccable service and comfort to make their stay with us memorable.
The 23 stunning En-suite bedrooms showcase trendy fabrics, sleek contours and designer wallpapers to compliment the hotel’s luxury boutique surroundings.
Verve Hotel offers an exemplary dining experience for locals, business people and hotel’s guests. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and the appetizing menu of the Jax Bar&Restaurant.
Fine dining and stunning ambience, Verve Hotel Bedford is the perfect venue to stage your event. From weddings to birthday parties and private meetings, press launches and team building days.
27 Shakespeare Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2DX 01234 915915 http://www.vervebedford.co.uk 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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Could you be a Foster Carer? Foster Care Fortnight 8th-21st May 2017 is here again and the purpose of this regular event is to raise awareness around the need for fostering families around the country. All agencies contribute and support Foster Care Fortnight along with the Fostering Network who ‘figurehead’ the campaign. The number of families coming forward to foster has dropped significantly and the number of young people needing foster care is only increasing!
Could you make that difference to a Child’s life? Children First Fostering agency are an independent fostering agency – we are continually recruiting fostering families. If you have ever thought about becoming a foster carer, or would like to find out more information, please take a look at the website, www.cffa.co.uk or call Kim on 01268 567330. We also have a Facebook page
which gives lots of information about the agency and all aspect of fostering. Our aim is to provide quality care and achieve the best outcomes for the children and young people entrusted to us. We do so by working in consultation and partnership with our foster carers, local authorities, our experienced and professional social workers, and of course the children and young people we look after. We have a very experienced and professional group of support staff with venues for support groups and training across our area. A member of that team will always be on hand to support and offer advice, out of hour’s staff also available. A wide variety of people can become foster carers. At Children First our carers
come from wide ranging cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. They might be home owners or tenants, each foster child however, will need to have his or her own bedroom. Children and young people need space around them for their own possessions and to allow them to study, play and relax. The most important thing is that your home is welcoming and safe. The carers have regular support groups which are well attended and carers are given the opportunity to feedback and share ideas with each other and the agency. We also have a ‘word of mouth’ referral scheme for existing carers to make suggestions from friends and family who might like to be considered as foster carers. As a foster carer you will need to have the time and energy to invest in a child or young person. You must also be flexible, patient and understanding. Carers receive a weekly allowance and have the support of our professional team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is guidance given to allocation of the allowance in respect of the young people placed and is paid fortnightly directly to carers, carers are selfemployed. Children First Fostering Agency have their own Mascot, Rover. He supports the carers and young people and accompanies both staff and young people on activities and days out as well as training and recruitment events. Children First also ‘host’ events for our carers and young people throughout the year, including Easter, summer, and Christmas themed events.
For more information please go to www.cffa.co.uk or call Kim on 01268 567330
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 5
Wallys descend on Russell Park
THERE was a sea of red and white stripes to be seen in Bedford’s Russell Park recently as runners dressed up as Where’s Wally and ran a 3.5km route around the sunny park to raise funds for improving literacy in the UK. The Kiosk at the Park’s third annual Where’s Wally fun run attracted more people than ever before to help children living in some of the most deprived areas of the UK to gain vital literacy skills. Runners came equipped with their own costumes, based on the well-loved protagonist of the series of children’s books created by British illustrator Martin Handford.
The magic of Dahl at Great Denham’s marvellous festival Since January children in Year 3 and 4 have been planning an arts festival to raise money for the Roald Dahl Marvellous Children’s Charity The school’s ‘Dahl Fest’ incorporated dance, storytelling, drama, poetry, artwork and animation in celebration of Roald Dahl’s famous stories. As part of the celebrations the school welcomed Marvin the Dinosaur and Emma Jeans from the Roald Dahl Charity. The total raised for the day was £300 exactly. Head teacher Denise Burgess said: “Today has marked the culmination of three months of hard work by the children who have been so enthusiastic about this term’s project. It has been so wonderful to share the work from across the arts with the children’s families, Emma from the charity and Marvin the crocodile.”
Stickers and prizes were provided by the publishers Walker Books and handed out by the sponsor Rachael Rogan of Rogan’s Books, Bedford’s fabulous independent children’s bookshop. Volunteer wardens Maureen, Gill, Chris and Michelle pointed runners in the right direction and on the sidelines, onlookers cheered on the Wallys to make it to the finish line, after a fabulous warm up routine led by Debbie of Clubbercise Bedford. Kiosk at the Park owner Emma Garrett said: “This event gets better every year the costumes are fabulous and as it really is a ‘fun’ run we have four
year olds and 84 year olds alike joining in which is wonderful to see!” Certificates and medals were given to all runners with celebratory cake provided by The Kiosk. Rachael Rogan of Rogan’s books started the event with a special Storytime: “Walker Books were brilliant sending us stickers and bunting, not to mention colouring sheets. It’s
such a lovely community activity and we are very much in support of this red and white adventure.” Local mother of three Bronwen Collacott said: “The children loved the Where’s Wally run: the small one was thrilled to get all the way round, the big one ran in the true spirit of a fun run and the middle one delighted in beating friends and family.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 7
Lining up for Licensee of the Year
THE British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has announced the 16 semifinalists for this year’s Licensee of the Year competition and Roland and Kay Keech are pleased to announce that The Castle, Bedford is one of them. Sponsored by Sky, the Licensee of the Year competition is a longstanding award that has been held annually for more than 20 years. The finalists have made it through the early stages of the comprehensive entry process, competing against more than 200 other entrants who also entered the competition.
The final 16 include licensees from across the breadth of the UK, from many different types of pubs. after their pub ‘road trip’, the judges will select six entrants to go through to the final Panel Judging Day on 12 June, where they will be put through their paces by industry experts in three areas; marketing and business development, financial awareness and people development. all six finalists will be presented with a trophy at the BII Summer Event on 13 June, where the winner of Licensee of the Year 2017 will be crowned.
Councillor lends a hand
CaSTLE Ward Councillor Luigi Reale has donated money from his Ward Fund to repair and restore damaged benches along Bedford’s popular Embankment. In September 2016 Cllr Reale was part of a small group of volunteers who joined the Bedford Borough Events & Community Engagement Team to paint some of the memorial benches along the Embankment. They discovered that several benches were in such bad condition they
might need to be removed unless further repairs were made. Cllr Reale said: “I worked with the Environmental Services Team and decided to fund their restoration of the nine badly damaged benches using some of my Ward funds. The work took place in February and March this year, so now these benches, with their lovely inscriptions, can remain on the Embankment to be enjoyed by people for a few more years.”
Defibrillator for Wixhams
NEW life saving equipment is now on hand at the Wixhams Village Hall and Community Centre thanks to a donation from the Rotary International Foundation. To celebrate the centenary of the Rotary International Foundation, with the support of the Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT), the foundation is working to supply and install 15 high specification Community Public access Defibrillators (cPaDs) in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. The application for the defibrillator at Wixhams Villlage Hall was put forward by the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle Club. The defibrillator was unveiled on the 28th March attended by Rotary District Governor Chalmers
Cursley, representatives of Rotary Clubs, NHS and St John’s. Chaiman of Wixams Parish Council, anthony Pedder said: “This is a gift of life, cardiac arrest remains a major killer and public access defibrillators within local communities enable early access to defibrillation and make a valuable contribution to saving lives. On behalf of the Wixams Parish Council, I would like to thank the Rotary International Foundation and the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle for their kind donation.” Paul Denton, Leader of Rotary International Foundation Project, said: “Our defibrillator project is an example for the Rotary Foundation working to enhance communities in our own Rotary District.
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BGS Head Girl raises awareness with tractor ride
BEDFORD Girls’ School’s Head Girl anna Hunt had an eventful commute last month – in an effort to raise awareness of young people and women in agriculture – by coming into school on her tractor. a passionate farmer – her family own Watergate Farm near Hockliffe, Bedfordshire – and a member of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, anna made the 19mile hour-long trip on her Case Tractor.
after negotiating a busy a421, where her tractor was restricted to 40mph, anna safely arrived at school at 7.45am, parking the vehicle on the front lawn. “It’s quite unusual to travel that far in a tractor and I had plenty of traffic trying to overtake me on the a421, but I wanted to do something that could spark the girls’ interest in agriculture,” said anna, who leaves for university this summer. “Raising awareness of young people and women in agriculture is something I care deeply about. By bringing the tractor in and parking it on the front lawn, I’ve had girls of varying ages ask about agriculture and what I do on my family’s farm. “It’s important that females are aware that agriculture is a diverse field and a viable career for them. There are many possible paths to take as a farmer, from crop science and finding solutions to the issue of feeding the world’s growing population. There’s lots of current affairs linked to agriculture.” Miss MacKenzie, Bedford Girls’ School Headmistress, added: “The girls should be inspired by the example anna sets with all the work she does for promoting young farmers; the sight of her tractor on our front lawn certainly made an impression, and something that sparked the girls’ imagination.” –––––––––––––
Excelling in good careers guidance
FIGURES in a report from Bedford Borough council ‘Moving on 2016’ show that our work with employers with our award winning Business Partnership, specifically with apprenticeship training providers, has encouraged 19 students in year 11 last year to go into apprenticeships – this is the highest number in the Borough and has been for some years. The school ran an apprenticeship week in November and works very closely with Training providers and employers in the area. Engagement with parents is another positive factor in encouraging students to take the correct route and remain in it; the school offered a parents information evening during apprenticeship week and also organised the Options, Choices and Careers 4 You event in February. The report showed that the number of young people leaving year 11 and carrying on into education or training was 97.2%, this includes fulltime education, apprenticeships and work-based training.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 9
Biddenham girls get active at camp SIx Year 9 girls from Biddenham joined girls from across the UK when they took part in a three-day residential visit to Loughborough University recently. The Girls active Camp is now in its third year and offers 150 girls across England the opportunity to attend each year. The camp aims to create a network of girls who act as role models and influencers and are
able to go back into their schools and communities to inspire other girls to participate in PE and sport. The year 9 girls from Biddenham were selected based on the potential they have shown as young leaders and their ability to inspire others in their school. The camp provided the opportunity to: • Participate in active and
practical workshops • Try out new activities to develop their leadership skills • Learn from like-minded young people from across the country • Improve the opportunities available in their community at the closing ceremony Baroness Sue Campbell presented
the girls with the School award, as it was felt they had developed the most over the three day programme. Phillipa Copley, Head of PE said: “The girls came back inspired, and will begin putting into place their action plan when they return after the Easter break. It was a truly inspirational weekend.”
Do you want to make a difference
BEDFORDSHIRE Police’s Special Constabulary is recruiting, and is keen to meet members of the public who want to make a difference in their community. Members of the Special Constabulary will host an information evening at Police Headquarters in Woburn Road, Kempston, on Monday 8 May from 7.30pm. The evening is a chance for members of the public interested in volunteering with the force to hear more about the Special Cons tabulary from serving Specials, and about the application process.
The Special Constabulary is the UK’s volunteer police force. Specials work closely with full time Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers both to patrol Bedfordshire’s rural and urban communities, and volunteer in specialist units like Roads Policing. Special Constables must be over 18 and be able to commit a minimum of 16 hours a month to the role, although Bedfordshire’s Specials volunteer an average of 28 hours a month. Visit ‘Volunteer With Us’ on www.bedfordshire.police.uk
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STaFF and developers where joined by Mayor Dave Hodgson on a visit to the site of new school, Great Ouse Primary academy which is opening in September. Principle Paul Ives, was joined by the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, and representatives involved in the building project. This major project will provide a new 420 place Primary school for 4-11 year olds and 32 place FTE Pre-School, serving local communities in and around King’s Field, St andrews and North Bedford. Principle Paul Ives, who is currently the head teacher of Margaret Beaufort Middle School, said: “The Sharnbrook academy Federation (SaF) team at Great Ouse Primary academy are developing a school that thinks and dreams big for its pupils. Expectations will be high for all who make up the Great Ouse Primary academy community and these standards reflect the wonderful physical environment we are developing to enable children to flourish within and beyond the school walls. “We are committed to developing learners who are resilient, learners who are focused and learners who are aspirational in their goals; learners well prepared to be
successful citizens of the 21st century. We believe that the school absolutely belongs to our community of children, staff, parents and carers. We urge you to actively support and be involved in the school. It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to be part of something special.’ The new school will open to Pre School and Years R, 1 and 2, offering places to over 400 students.
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Mr Vinod Tailor FCIB DL was officially appointed to the Office of the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2017-2018 at a ceremony held at Hindu Temple on 1 April 2017. The ceremony was attended by around 120 dignitaries, family and friends, including the LordLieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis.
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The Office of the High Sheriff is an annual appointment by HM The Queen which goes back to Saxon times and Vinod takes over the role from Charles Whitbread. Bedfordshire has been home to the Tailor family since around 1972 having moved from Uganda. Vinod and his wife, Jaimani, live in Luton with his mother and their son.
As well as working in the Banking and Financial sector for 40 years, Vinod is involved in several organisations in Bedfordshire, London, India and Africa.
His interests include reading, charitable works and classical music.
Photography by June Essex
New primary school takes shape
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 11
Bedford’s ‘Generation Trapped’ and the £6.08bn legacy by Nigel Bywater Director of Sales/Finance Belvoir Bedford T: 01234 290685
Last time, I wrote an article on the plight of the Bedford 20 something’s often referred to by the press as ‘Generation Rent’. Attitudes to renting have certainly changed over the last twenty years and as my analysis suggested, this change is likely to be permanent. In the article, whilst a minority of this Generation Rent feel trapped, the majority don’t – making renting a choice not a predicament. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) predicted that the private rental sector is likely to grow substantially by 1.8m households across the UK in the next 8 years, with demand for rental property unlikely to slow and newly
formed households continuing to choose the rental market as opposed to buying. However, my real concern for Bedford homeowners and Bedford landlords alike, as I discussed a couple of months ago, is our mature members of the population of Bedford. In that previous article, I stated that the current OAP’s (65+ yrs in age) in Bedford were sitting on £2.72bn of residential property ... however, I didn’t talk in depth about the ‘Baby Boomers’, the 50yr to 64yr old Bedford people and what their properties are worth – and more importantly, how the current state of affairs could be holding back those younger Generation Renters. In Bedford, there are 5,148 households, whose owners are aged between 50yrs and 64yrs and about to pay their mortgage off. That property is worth, in today’s prices, £1.65bn. There are an additional 5,312 mortgage free Bedford households, owned by 50yr to 64yr olds, worth £1.7bn in today’s prices, meaning...
Bedford Baby Boomers and OAP’s are sitting on £6.08bn worth of Bedford Property These Bedford Baby Boomers and OAP’s are sitting on 18,961 Bedford properties and many of them feel trapped in their homes, and hence I have dubbed them ‘Generation Trapped’. Recently, the English Housing Survey stated 49% of these properties owned by the Generation Trapped, as I have dubbed them, are ‘underoccupied’ (under-occupied classed as having at least two bedrooms more than needed). These houses could be better utilised by younger families, but research carried out by the Prudential suggest in Britain it’s estimated that only one in ten older people downsize while in the USA for example one in five do so. The growing numbers of older homeowners who want to downsize their home are often put off by the difficulties of moving. The charity United for all Ages, suggested recently many are put off by the lack of housing options, 19% by the hassle and cost of moving, 14% by having to declutter their possessions and 14% by family reasons such as staying close to children and grandchildren. Helping mature Bedford (and the Country) homeowners to downsize at the right time will also enable younger Bedford people to find the homes they need – meaning every generation wins, both young and old. However, to ensure downsizing works, as a Country, we need more choices for these ‘last time buyers’. Theresa May and Philip Hammond can do their part and consider stamp duty tax breaks for downsizers, our local Council in Bedford and the Planning Dept. should play their part, as should landlords and property investors to ensure Bedford’s ‘Generation Trapped’ can find suitable property locally, close to friends, family and facilities. For more insights into the Bedford Property Market please visit our Blog at: www.bedfordpropertyblog.com
12 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
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Award for local business
ON Friday 17th March Biggleswade company, babyballet won ‘Best New Business’ at the Bedfordshire Business Women awards! Launched back in 2015 by Lauren Shepherd, a former West End actor, who has been an understudy for Lesley Joseph in Thoroughly Modern Milly and performed with Brian May in the musical We Will Rock You in 2008, babyballet is a dance academy for children aged between six months and six years. Lauren commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled as last year I was a finalist in the ‘Self Employed Business Woman Of The Year’ award so to be nominated again this year and to win is amazing! There were hundreds of entries and I was in shock when they called my name out but to be chosen as the winner is a great achievement and proof that my hard work and determination
isn’t going unnoticed. “I never imagined when I was performing on the West End stage that I would move to Biggleswade, become a first time mum, start up a brand new business and two years later win an award! Not only that, but we’re doing so well in Biggleswade with 150 little stars, that we are expanding to Bedford and opening up after Easter at the brand new Community Hall in Great Denham.” She said: “I feel as if my life has gone full circle and I’m back where I started at ballet classes – only this time I’m the teacher. I decided to start my own babyballet classes because I wanted to share my love of dance with others. There is nothing like this in the area and the brand really is amazing. Classes are great fun but also inspire confidence and teach youngsters about self awareness.”
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 13
Rotary clubs provide two public access defibrillators
THE Rotary Club of Bedford and The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle have arranged for the placing of two local Community Public access Defibrillators (cPaDS), one at The Bedford Rowing Club, Duckmill Lane, Bedford, and one on the wall of Lakeview Village Hall, Brooklands avenue, Wixams, . To mark the centenary of The Rotary Foundation, a charity which funds community projects on both a national and international scale, Rotary Clubs in Beds, Herts and Bucks have received Foundation funding and the support of the Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT) to provide emergency lifesaving
equipment in some areas where there are gaps. CHT has already provided more than 3,000 defibrillators throughout the UK. Bedford Rowing Club have expressed their thanks for the Boathouse defibrillator, an item of equipment that will enable their volunteers to increase their support for their activities and those of other boat clubs, as well as for all river users and the Bedford community. Local training seminars are being arranged and members of the community wishing to receive instruction in the use of the defibrillators can register their interest at 01234 783181.
Getting a hero’s welcome at Westfield School
YEaR 1 pupils at Westfield School, Bedford were thrilled to meet some real life Superheroes when they were visited by Firefighters from Bedford Community Fire Station recently. The children have been working on a project about Superheroes and invited the crew to visit their school so that they could talk to them about their job. They asked lots of questions and were fascinated by the special protective clothes that the Firefighters have to wear to do their job, especially the helmets. The highlight of the visit was when the children were given a guided tour of the Fire Engine itself and all of the equipment which is
stored on it. They then took it in turns to climb aboard and sit in the cab. Firefighter John Wilmans of Blue Watch arranged the visit: “It was a pleasure to spend some time with the children, they were very interested in the different types work that we do and really enjoyed being able to get inside the vehicle and see the flashing lights.” Karen Watts, Head Teacher of Westfield said: “Our Year 1s had a great time and were really buzzing after the visit. I think that quite a few of them, boys and girls, will be going home and telling their parents that they want to be Firefighters when they grow up.”
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Junior Blues win the coveted cup
FOR the second consecutive year, the Bedford Junior Blues have been crowned champions. Sunday 9th april saw the East Midlands Cup Final Day hosted at Northampton Old Scouts. Bedford Junior Blues Under 15’s made it through to the final to face ampthill RUFC. The Junior Blues made a strong start showing skill and determination with a number of tries. However ampthill and fought back with a spirited performance. Bedford dug deep and to the delight of their
supporters held off the ampthill challenge. The final whistle blew with Bedford victorious 45 - 12. This was yet more success for the squad, who have already earned their place as Bedford County Cup champions for a second consecutive year. Head Coach Ian Daniel said: “We are fortunate to work with a very talented and dedicated group of players. They have once again shown
great team spirit and commitment in lifting two prestigious trophies once again this season.”
Many of this squad have either represented the Northampton Elite players or Development Player Pathway this season. The future looks very bright for this group of players! More details on how to be a part of a Winning Team at the Bedford Junior Blues www.pitchero.com/clubs/bedfordjuniorblues.
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KEVIN Boyd joined Wixams Slimming World in January and has already lost a staggering 4st 5lb! Thrilled with the results, he says: “I knew I had a weight issue but just went through life trying to ignore it. Sadly I did miss out on a lot of socialising with friends due to lack of confidence. I didn’t like how I looked. On nights out I’d be the quiet one at the back trying not to bring attention to myself. “I came to Slimming World mainly to support Lottie, my partner, who has also lost two and a half stone. She loves the plan. I didn’t think SW was for men but was pleased to see others in group. I soon realised how much it was helping me, the weight was dropping off! I lost 9.5lbs week one, 7lb week two and was nearly two stone lighter by week three. I was feeling so much healthier, and once the inches started to show my confidence went through the roof! Something as silly as being able to buy clothes from High Street shops made me happier that I could imagine. “I thought I’d be overweight for my whole life I thought that’s just who I was but Slimming World has shown me otherwise.” Slimming World Wixams meet every Tuesday at Lakeview Village Hall, 5.30 or 7.30. Come along and learn about our amazing plan for yourself. Or call Danielle on 07462 444645.
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Deserving recognition
My daughter Nancy Barkas lives in Biddenham. She was raised in the USA and married a Brit, so every year my wife and I visit her. On those occasions one of my most enjoyable activities is to cycle to the river Ouse and follow your lovely paved riverside path into central Bedford. One thing I have noticed is that the path and parallel embankment were, most of the time, free of litter. I now think I know why. On my last bike ride on the path , I passed an elderly man who was tying a large plastic sack bulging with litter. I wondered whether he was collecting the litter in the hope that at least some of it had some value. On my way back on the path I spotted him again. This time he was tying a second huge bag of litter. Further along the path I asked a city employee (who was painting a bench) what exactly was the bag man doing! He smiled and told me that the man is a volunteer who patrols the pathway and picks up litter about three times a week. We both agreed that users of the trail were blessed to have such a good Samaritan tending to one of the city’s prettiest pathways. I suggest the city honour that gentleman and any other volunteers who help keep a ride along the river Ouse a beautiful experience for residents and visitors alike. Peter Seed, Florida USA
BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 15
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IT HaS been a busy few months, following the museum’s re-opening. More than 800 people, nearly half of them children, visited the Museum, Church and Basement on Saturday 11th March as part of the hugely successful BedPop Science labs day. From the museum science trail, Mad Professor art workshops and felt making in the Basement, and drone flying in the Church hall, families came and really enjoyed themselves taking part in these and other activities. Many children have had fun on our Easter Egg trail, with over 250 children searching the museum for hidden eggs and answering the question to win a prize. More and more people are discovering that the Museum offers a different and exciting experience for both adults and children alike. This May half-term we will again be welcoming Bedford Chronicles for ‘Fun, Food, and Frivolity’ – workshops are
Thursday 1st June at 10.30am and 1.30pm, £3 per child. Our next exciting project is the Writing Competition, asking children in four different age groups to imagine they are Elizabeth Bunyan, and write a letter to the judges pleading for her husband John to be pardoned and released from jail. The entries so far show lots of imagination and skill. There’s still time for your child to enter. The closing date is 5th June. More details are on our website, or call in at the Museum to collect an entry form. The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 4pm until the end of October. 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
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 17
A journey spanning nearly 350 years ON Tuesday april 18 a new partnership project between John Bunyan Museum and The Bedford Chronicles, and made possible by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was launched. The Journey from Bunyan to the Brickworks brings together two key aspects of Bedfordshire heritage; the journey John Bunyan envisioned as he was persecuted and imprisoned for his beliefs, and the journeys of people who came to Bedford after the Second World War to work at The London Brick Company, often escaping persecution and imprisonment to make the journey to, hopefully, a better life. The project will work with schools to bring the two parts of Bedford’s heritage to life through interactive talks and workshops. John Bunyan lived during a time of intense social, civil, and religious upheaval, through the English Civil War, the Commonwealth, and the restoration of the monarchy. after the Restoration, Bunyan was imprisoned for 12 years and wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress. He told the allegorical story of Christian’s journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, and the trials and lessons he learns on his way. It is at its heart a story of escaping evil and journeying to a better life. Following the Second World War over one million refugees could not be repatriated to their original countries. These included, amongst others, Poles, Ukrainians, Croats and Czechs who feared persecution by
the new communist regimes in their countries. The United Kingdom accepted over 80,000 ‘Displaced Persons’ as part of various labour import programs. In Bedford the demand for labour for the brick companies was high, and many of these people moved and settled in Bedford. There was also mass migration from the south of Italy, where unemployment was high and standards of living poor. Many could not afford the costs of emigration, and so “paid passage” schemes by London Brick were a strong magnet, a ticket to a better life.
Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project will culminate in a two week exhibition in The Basement @ Bunyan Gallery. The exhibition will display artwork and written materials created by schools, as well as
artefacts collected from the community. This will celebrate the contribution made to Bedford by people living 350 years apart yet sharing a common bond. a large ‘stained-glass’ effect -window, in the style of the stunning windows in the Bunyan Meeting church will be created and will form the centre-piece of the final exhibition. In addition, two films will be recorded documenting the memories of those who came and their journey, this will be publically shown as part of the final exhibition. Co-Project Manager and cowriter of The Bedford Chronicles, Karen Fryc said: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring this project to life, as the huge impact and lasting legacy which the brickyards created changed the landscape of Bedford forever. Our town has much to celebrate today because of the journey those men made here a mere 65 years ago.” The history, heritage, sacrifice and lasting legacy created by Bunyan in the 17th century and the men and women who worked in the Stewartby Brickyards in the 20th century is something that should never be forgotten!
18 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
SIXTY YEARS OF CHRISTIAN AID
Sixty years ago the first Christian aid Week was launched. This year, May 14th – 20th, thousands of volunteers will again be calling door to door to collect those distinctive red and white envelopes. The donations are a vital contribution to Christian aid’s response to the needs of the poor in our world. Originating in the commitment of British and Irish Churches to help refugees at the end of the Second World War – it was initially called ‘Christian Reconstruction in Europe’ – it morphed into Christian aid with its global focus. Currently the charity works with over 650 partners across approximately 50 countries, using its resources to respond to humanitarian need including today’s refugees and those who suffer from famine. However, Christian aid’s vision is bigger than
THE PRICE OF OUR FREEDOM
It was a solemn Westminster Hall that I walked through on Monday april 10th. I went to the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, the place of worship in Parliament used for hundreds of years, and a haven of contemplation for many of those who work there. While most attention is paid to Members of Parliament, Commons and Lords, Westminster is a place of work for our own staff, civil servants, Parliament’s clerks, library staff, and researchers – all in all perhaps some five or six thousand work there regularly. and for our security staff. Parliament’s own, and the Metropolitan Police, who provide the armed response to any threat.
DOING WHAT IS RIGHT AND PROPER
Those of us living in the more remote Bedfordshire villages and smaller towns, unlike the residents of central Bedford and Luton, can often be unaware of the extent to which our county is one of the most diverse in the entire country. I met last month with Menter, the East of England voice for the Black Minority Ethnic (BME) Community to emphasise this point and will do so quarterly as it is my duty to be a Commissioner for all our communities, without exception. When speaking recently at Tilsworth, for example, the audience was clearly surprised to
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View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
just meeting immediate needs. The driving vision is to combat, and bring to an end, poverty in our world; that poverty which robs people of dignity, freedom and hope, of power over their own lives. I am reminded of some words of archbishop Desmond Tutu, “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” Christian aid do exactly that, when in addition to their relief work, they campaign against the causes of poverty such as inequality and tax
In Focus with
Alistair by Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP I went to the chapel to pay my respects, on behalf of all my constituents in NE Bedfordshire to PC Keith Palmer, who lay in rest in one of the country’s holiest places before his funeral at Southwark Cathedral the same day. In this quiet place, with two police officers standing at either end of the coffin, heads bowed, there was a steady stream of his colleagues, other security personnel, MPs and staff at Parliament. We
Update from the
Police & Crime Commissioner by Kathryn Holloway learn that only twenty minutes’ drive away Bedford primary schools teach pupils speaking well in excess of 40 different languages. That is why increasing diversity in our police force is so critical; Robert Peel said that “the police are the public and the public are the police” and it is both morally correct and a practical necessity for Bedfordshire Police to
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injustice, challenge gender inequality, or respond to the devastating effects of Malaria and HIV aids. Michael is just one of the millions uprooted by conflict and famine in South Sudan. When military forces descended on 80-year-old Michael’s village in Unity State, South Sudan, they showed no mercy. Looting homes and killing indiscriminately, their violent actions destroyed an entire community. Terrified, Michael, who is nearly blind, and his family fled to nearby swamps where they hid for two and a half months. When finally they returned home almost everything was lost – people had died, homes had been looted and livestock stolen. Christian aid was there for Michael and his family, providing them with fishing hooks and nets to replace those stolen from them. a skilled fisherman, Michael was soon able to feed his family regular nutritious meals by catching fish. When the Christian aid volunteers calls for that envelope, please give generously to help the millions in our world like Michael.
had lost one of our own family, and for MPs in particular we will live with the awareness that the friendly faces we see every day all around where we work are prepared to die for our right to be there on your behalf. It is a sobering thought.
It should be for all of us. The line between a free society and one of restriction is a thin one, and the need for CCTV, surveillance and increased powers provokes much controversy and discussion. We live under a threat, though history tells us that this is not new. Threats may be different in kind, from Nazi bombs to the IRa, but our response will be the same. Mostly threats come from those who want to force you to do something you do not want and have no say in. Our response should be a renewed determination to take part on our society, at whatever level, and prove that no democracy will never be cowed by such threats. reflect the public that it serves in terms of appearance and the languages spoken. Recent recruitment has drawn on posters situated in areas of high diversity, recruitment evenings aimed at young people and their extended families have been introduced to better explain the benefits of policing as a career, as has a “buddy” scheme to provide a friendly source of support to our BME candidates who, unlike others, may not have family members or existing friends in the Force. It is a source of enormous pride to me, and the Chief Constable, that recent recruitment has included 34% diversity, as I saw for myself at the passing out parade, which is, sadly, unprecedented in current policing in the UK. This can only build wider confidence in Bedfordshire Police, This is not tokenism; it is doing what is right and proper and long overdue.”
19 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
NEED TO MATCH SKILLS TO JOBS
If, like me, you want to see an increasing number of local, well-paying jobs available in and around Bedford and Kempston, then please be encouraged that, despite local and national pressures, our local businesses are performing well. Over the past few weeks I have listened to the challenges and goals of many local firms: Interfoam, Bourns, Central Pharma, Michael R Peters, aL&G abbott, ark Handling, Ford Packaging, USystems and to many budding entrepreneurs who attended my Community Business School. They have provided invaluable insight into how Government can help, or hinder, their efforts. My recent visits to Interfoam in the Woburn Road Industrial Estate and to Bourns
SUMMER OF G ENTERTAINMENT
at the time of writing the weather has taken a turn for the better. Let’s hope it’s a sign of a warm, dry and bright summer ahead. While the weather can’t be relied upon, however, one thing that is for sure is that there will be no shortage of things to do this summer in Bedford Borough. It may be a River Festival off-year following its record-breaking 2016, but there’s still an extensive array of events and attractions to look forward to. Bedford’s Big High Street Showcase returns on Saturday 3rd June, offering live music, street stalls, sports and a wide range of children’s entertainment. The Bedford International Kite Festival
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In Focus with
Fuller Richard Fuller MP for Bedford & Kempston at the old Texas Instruments site on Manton Lane, provided positive signs for future growth. Strong leadership and an inclusive culture from these two businesses – both of which are family owned – provide a long term basis for decision making and a positive engagement between managers and workforce. There were concerns – most notably about the availability of a skilled local workforce and whether post Brexit there would continue
In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
takes place on the following weekend in Russell Park, where kite flyers from around the world will put on a great spectacle. Included amongst the many performing arts events are a slimmed-down Bedfringe and the Bedford Park Concerts, including Proms in the Park, which has made a very welcome return to Bedford Park in recent years. Summer is of course an ideal time to
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to be access to hiring workers with the needed skills from our European Union neighbours. I believe there will be, but also that we need to do more to develop skills and to match those skills with the needs of local industry. Matching skills needs with those seeking work has been a foundation of a series of meetings I have held with the JobCentre over the past 18 months. I want to get to grips with persistently high levels of unemployment in our town – although unemployment has fallen considerably since 2010, for twenty years our local unemployment level has been above the national average. I want to encourage action that will reduce that and make Bedford a future centre for needed skills. Improving coordination between the JobCentre, local councils and Bedford College must be part of the remedy and a greater focus on supporting start-up businesses here in town. That is the path to higher paid jobs and greater local prosperity.
enjoy our parks and open spaces, while both the John Bunyan Community Boat and the artful Dodger both offer the chance to get on the river for a leisurely cruise.
a common theme across local summer events and attractions is the volunteer effort that goes into them.
The numerous fetes and fairs and village shows, in particular, are powered by a vast resource of energy, talent and commitment on the part of volunteers.
Their efforts are reflected in the entertainment on offer, and I strongly recommend visiting some of the fairs and fetes taking place in the coming months, especially if you wouldn’t normally do so.
They encapsulate the spirit that makes Bedford a Borough of events; a spirit which will be on display in abundance throughout the summer ahead.
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20 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
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MAY IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Summer tubs and hanging baskets
T’S May so time to get those patio pots and hanging baskets planted to enjoy all summer and it is very exciting. The plant breeders have been busy and so I am able to tell you about some amazing new varieties to delight you. With the fungus problem that occurred four years ago in Busy Lizzies we have been encouraged to plant Begonias instead. They perform very well in tubs and hanging baskets especially on a sunny or partly shaded patio and will sustain periods of drought. a really good new variety is Funky Pink which will give an outstanding display in hanging baskets. It is covered in masses of double pink flowers all season. For pots and shallow planters Begonia Nonstop Joy Yellow is a lovely compact variety with beautiful foliage. It is compact and grows to form a neat brightly coloured mound like a ray of sunshine in a pot on the patio. Petunias are well known for the continuous flowering display they give for the whole summer and into the autumn until the frosts come in November. We are familiar with the trailing Surfinia Petunias which if kept watered and fed with a liquid
I
plant food will trail down by one metre from the basket. There are now many vibrant colours to choose from but another group are the Fanfare Petunias. This group is more compact forming amazing cushions in tubs or hug the hanging basket giving a ball effect with a mass of flower. Petunia amore Queen of Hearts is a stunning variety with yellow and red flowers with five striking rosy red hearts on each flower. It flowers its heart out from late spring until late autumn and cascades perfectly from a hanging basket. another outstanding new variety is Petunia Night Sky. The flowers are deep purple blue with white speckles creating a clear night sky effect. Each flower is unique in patterning making an eye catching display. Osteospermums are tender perennial plants that are grown in the UK as summer bedding plants like geraniums and fuchsias. If you can protect them over winter you can propagate the following spring from cuttings. Osteospermum Rioja Red is compact and smothered in deep red daisy flowers from late spring to the first frosts in the autumn. Keep removing fading flowers to ensure continuous flowering.
These are impressive plants for the front of a border and patio pots. It also looks good in sunny herbaceous borders. Osteospermum Sunset, yellow and orange and O. Blue Sunrise yellow and pearly pink are two more single daisy varieties whereas O. Berry White and O. White Lemon have double flowers. Nemesia Plums and Custard is a stunning strong compact plant for tubs on a sunny patio or front of the border. Plant in good compost and this
Nemesia will flower all summer into the autumn. The flowers are bi colour deep violet and luscious buttery yellow and very sweetly scented. With the recent selective breeding of Nemesias there are now many lovely varieties. N. amelia pale pink, N. Wisley Vanilla white, N. Easter Bonnet white and pale mauve and N. Mirabelle which is pale lilac in the paler shades and N. Bordeaux deep rose, N. Fleurie Blue purple blue and white and N. Raspberries and Cream white and deep rosy red the stronger colours. If you haven’t yet grown these bedding plants I recommend you give them a try. Cosmas Casanova is a new group of Cosmos. They are short compact much branching plants which work better in bedding schemes than earlier varieties. The foliage is very attractive fern like and bright green. The flowers are perfect single daisies in white, pink, red and violet all summer. Remove the flowers as they fade to keep the fresh flowers coming by cutting back to the first leaf. I am really looking forward to trying some of these exciting new varieties this summer and I hope you will too.
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 21
out & about May madness Gordon Arms Ent Shed Thursday May 11
Get set for some May madness as Castle Comedy brings you a line up featuring some of the best comics on the UK circuit. So on Thursday May 11th head to the Gordon arms Ent Shed in Bedford where there will be guaranteed laughs… you’d be mad to miss it! Headlining the show is the man who inspired Frankie Boyle to be a comedian; Martin Mor! Martin comes from Northern Ireland, and with almost 30 years experience as a professional performer, he has established himself as one of the UK’s most popular and in-demand comedians. Very much the comedian’s comedian, Martin has been the support act of choice for; Frankie Boyle, Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Jasper Carrot, Steve Coogan, and once Tina Turner! With numerous appearances on
radio and television, Martin has worked at all levels of the industry; being a warm up man, devising and performing his own BBC television show, and writing jokes for some of the biggest names in British comedy. “A comedy institution” The Guardian “The comic least likely to be heckled.” The Irish Post. “Extremely funny.” Peter Kay. Opening the show is Chris Stokes a brilliantly wry and award winning comic. He has appeared on ‘Dave’s One Night Stand’ (Channel Dave), BBC Radio 4, 5Live and Radio x (formerly xFM) and taken four critically acclaimed solo shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Best Show – Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival 2012 “Excellent… Full of interesting ideas” ★★★★ The Mirror Finally Don Biswas brings his killer one liner jokes and cutting political satire to the show. Bedford favourite, Paul Revill, will host the show!
Show starts at 8.15pm and tickets are £10 or £18 with pre show meal & glass of wine. To book call 07736 060541, email castlecomedy@hotmail.co.uk online at www.castlecomedy.co.uk Castle Comedy – Bringing Comedy Royalty to Bedford.
22 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
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Marc Bolan 40th Commemorative Anniversary Tour The Corn Exchange, Bedford 7.30pm Friday June 9
T.Rextasy, presented by Sweeney Entertainments, has been performing all over the world for 25 years, a career that ironically out-lives Marc’s very own T.Rex. In 2017, the band returns to venues across the UK to transport audiences back to the 70s for the Marc Bolan 40th commemorative anniversary tour. Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the original glam rock era. With Bolan’s special ingredient of Rocka-Boogie songs throughout the 1970s including ‘Telegram Sam’ and ‘Jeepster’ he was able to obtain what would be yet another Top 20 record in 1976 that has since become one of the most memorable and everlasting signature tunes, ‘I Love to Boogie’. accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan’s catalogue management, T.Rextasy have been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’. The skilled musicianship of Danielz (Vocals & Lead Guitar), Neil Cross (Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals), Rob Butterfield (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals) and John Skelton (Drums) lets the timeless music and legacy of Marc Bolan and T.Rex live on, performing everything from 20th Century Boy to Children of the Revolution and Telegraph Sam to Hot Love with superb authenticity. Sweeney Entertainments, cofounded by Julie and Peter Sweeney, has been providing a wide repertoire of top quality touring shows for theatre and corporate events for over fifteen years both in the UK and internationally. Julie said: “T.Rextasy is a rock ‘n’ roll show with a generous mix of the popular hits, a 15 minute acoustic slot, play b-sides and album tracks – this is two hours of amazing completely live glam rock!” This full-on concert showcases all of the hits and more, with both electric and acoustic performances, faithfully recreating the energy and performance of Marc Bolan and T.Rex. Bringing audiences to their feet across the globe, the whole family will enjoy the experience of being transported back to the 70s to re-live the experience of attending a Marc Bolan concert live. This rock’n’roll concert is truly about the music - book your T.Rextasy tickets today!
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BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 23
24 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
Chill In The Park Addison Howard Park 1-5pm Sunday June 25,
Chill in the Park returns – this is a much-loved completely free community event in its eighth year of running. The event provides high quality local music and entertainment for all… for free, in the local park. The event organised by Project 229 and Grace Community Church (in partnership), celebrates the diversity of Kempston community, showcasing groups that run accessible local services and provides a way to give something back to the families that they work with throughout the year. The last event in 2015 had 3000+ visitors and was sponsored by a variety of local businesses. Local music promoter Michael Pipe has created a brilliant ‘Ent Shed on Tour’ line-up including Bedfordshire Trio ‘My Girl The River’, who recently supported Suzanne Vega with their americana roots / folk music. ‘Ben Smith & Jimmy Brewer’ will showcase the songs combining traditional storytelling with a modern twist and harmonies that secured them a tour with Joan armatrading and the young talented trio ‘adiescar’ from Bedfordshire bring their fresh eclectic sounds to this high-quality showcase. The event will also see
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performances from local acts ‘Johnny Mudd’ and ‘Sunsinger’ as
well street and contemporary dance from the Urban Funki Munki’s with ages ranging from three to 17 years and a host of other local groups. aLL the children’s entertainment at the event is also FREE including face painting, a bouncy assault course and sports and games throughout the afternoon. Occasions like this bring the local community together. It helps us appreciate the fact that the town has a fantastic green space and celebrates the talent and hard work of our local groups and organisations. Bring a picnic and enjoy a completely free day out! There will also be food vendors selling delicious hot and cold food. If you would like to help sponsor ‘Chill in the Park’ and find out about the exciting sponsorship packages on offer please contact: dave.brear@graceinthecommunity.c om or comments@project229.org or call us on: 01234 840880.
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Bedford Sausage and Cider Festival Bedford Blues, Goldington Road, Bedford a taste of the West Country will be coming to Bedford in May with the launch of the town’s very own sausage and cider festival. The event takes place at Bedford Blues and celebrates real cider made by artisan producers around the country and the art of sausage making. Gareth aldred, operations manager at the Blues, said: “We are looking forward to hosting Bedford’s first Sausage and Cider Festival this May. The festival will take place on our training pitch and
Sat & Sun May 13 & 14
the aim is to make the festival an annual event for the town. Sausages and cider are to rugby what strawberries and cream are to tennis.” The festival will be organised by The Original Sausage and Cider Festival Co., run by veteran festival organiser Crispin Slee. It will be a home-coming for Mr Slee, who grew up in Bedford and played his first game of rugby as a mini for the Blues. There will be live music throughout the event and a free family circus - for kids big and small! Tickets are on sale via Eventbrite. adult tickets are £7 in advance. For up-to-date information visit: http://www.facebook.com/Bedford SausageandCiderFestival
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the place p Folk Nights: Benji Kirkpatrick
Benji Kirkpatrick is one third of acclaimed bloke folk trio, Faustus and was a key member of the recently disbanded folk big band and BBC award winners Bellowhead. He spent three years in the Seth Lakeman Band having featured on Seths successful releases Kitty Jay and Freedom Fields. He has also released four solo albums, the latest Hendrix Songs, saw him strip back the songs of his hero and set them in a new, acoustic light. In summer 2016, as part of the Shakespeare 400 celebrations, Benji was involved in The Fairy Portal Camp at the RSC in Stratford upon avon. Musicians, actors and dancers collaborated to produce new works every day for a week, working up to a final performance which opened the fairy portal Benji has also worked with numerous other artists including Oysterband, John Jones, Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span), Thea Gilmore and Joan as Police Woman.
8pm Wednesday May 3
Far from the Madding Crowd Far from the Madding Crowd is perhaps one of the most endearing
7:30pm Thursday May 4
www.theplacebedford.org.uk/ 01234 354321
and English of Hardy’s novels. It tells the story of the young farmer Gabriel Oak and his love for and pursuit of the elusive and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene. Her wayward nature however, leads her into the path of the dashing Sergeant Troy. The introverted and reclusive gentleman farmer, Mr Boldwood, whose love for her fills him with a fearful sense of exposure culminating almost inevitably in both tragedy and true love.
BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 25
Gregor must now seriously consider his options. One of the most resonantly strange stories ever brought to stage, this highly acclaimed adaptation by Steven Berkoff plunges into the extremity of Kafka’s dark humour, and reveals a tremulous human heart. awe-inspiring visuals in amongst a darkly funny and deeply disturbing modern masterpiece promise a jawdropping, belly-ache of an experience.
From Broadway to Hollywood The songs and stories of how the great successful Broadway Shows were taken to Hollywood and turned into the great and not-so-great Hollywood Musicals. Robert tells the stories and sings the songs from Oklahoma, Guys ‘n’ Dolls, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, Gypsy, Funny Girl and many more. Songs include: People, If I Loved You, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Somewhere, Tonight and many more hits, climaxing in a medley of 20 Tony award Winning songs.
7:30pm Saturday May 6
Metamorphosis
Waking to find himself transformed into a dung beetle one morning,
7:30pm Friday May 5
Plan B 7pm Friday & Saturday May 26 & 27
Plan B is a dark comedy, a satirical response to this new world. The intention behind this piece is to explore ‘who we are’ and ‘where we are’ in civilization. It takes references from Dostoyevsky’s Existentialism. a new piece devised by second year students of the Ba (Hons) Theatre and Professional Practice at the University of Bedfordshire. This short, one act play will be presented as a double bill with work by Ma students.
POP! With his faithful teddy bear, deckchair and fantastic basket of tricks, Christian Lee is all set for a lovely day at the seaside until the day takes a turn and things don’t quite work out as planned. Join our hapless hero and be astounded in this totally word-free clown and magic show that follows his exciting adventures at sea. Mr Bean meets Charlie Chaplin and a MaSSIVE balloon! The most fun-filled show for children and families around!
2pm Wednesday May 31
26 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
———————————————————————— ———————————————————————— KEMPSTON
CAMERA CLUB
Welcomes new members – beginners to very good! www.kempstoncameraclub.co.uk for details of programme Want to gain studio photography experience? There is a regular studio night with professional models
———————————————————————— KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB DaNCING, WHIST, BINGO Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm
at the CENTENaRY HaLL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone:
01234 857011
———————————————————————— 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 KEMPSTON HaMMERS BOWLS CLUB
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6th May 10.30am-2pm at the club 134 High Street, Kempston MK42 7BN Bowls truly is the sport for all regardless of age, sex or physical ability. It is a sport that takes just seconds to learn - and the rest of your bowling career to master. Bowling is a great way to meet people and our members are always willing to help new bowlers take up the sport, bowls is also a relatively cheap game compared to other sports.
OPEN DAY
———————————————————————— WORLD SHIP SOCIETY BEDFORD BRANCH Kempston Constitution Club 196a Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd WEDNESDaY in the month 19:30 for 20:00 start 21 June 2017
Bedford welcomes Jim Charnock for a presentation from another selection of the excellent slides taken by the late Captain Eric Askew. Telephone: 01234 352014
Saturday 20th May
TABLE TOP SALE Christ the King Church Hall, Harrowden road, Bedford MK42 0SP 9am to Noon, Entry 50p Refreshments available For information call 01234 965497 ––––––––––––––– Friday 26th May
email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
BALLROOM DANCING FOR CHILDREN
As seen on Channel 5 NEW! Beginners class
5pm, Thursday 18th May Bedford Guild House
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA
Christ the King Church Hall Harrowden road, Bedford MK42 0SP 2pm to 4pm admission £3 - Tea, cake and dancing For Information call 01234 965497
BRITISH RED CROSS BEDFORDSHIRE Tuesday 9th May FLOWer ArrANGING DeMONSTrATION AND SHOPPING OPPOrTUNITy at Savin’s Wholesalers, Vinegar Hill, Hatch, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 1PR 11am – 3pm, Refreshments, soup & cakes, raffle & tombola. Free Parking. Tickets £10.00 available from Sandra on 01582 589084. Further details on website redcross.org.uk –––––––––– Sunday 21st May, OPeN GArDeNS The Manor House and The Old Rectory, Milton Ernest, Beds., MK44 1RF, 1 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.50 pay on entry. –––––––––– Sunday 11th June OPeN GArDeNS Dragon’s Glen, Clophill, Beds, MK45 4BQ 1.30 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.00 pay on entry. –––––––––– Sunday 25th June, OPeN GArDeNS The Secret Garden, Wymington, NN10 9LS, 1.30 – 5pm, Drinks & cakes, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £4.00 pay on entry. –––––––––– Friday 30th June OPeN GArDeNS West End, Cheddington, LU7 0RP 2 – 5pm, Plant stall, Parking. Tickets £3.50 pay on entry.
Court School of Dancing Tel: 07785 992246
Enrolling Now!
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ENGLISH WINE WEEK
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VINEYARD TOUR
Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden. Saturday 27th May 11.00am and 2.30 pm. advance booking only. Discover the secrets of the medieval vineyard, English wine-making, and how volunteers care for the vines all year round at this community project. £8 for adults (children free). Info and booking at http://www.wardenvineyard.org.uk/tours
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BEDFORD GALLERY QUIRE
First, Third and Fifth Thursdays of every month 7:30 to 10:00 pm Priory Methodist Church We rehearse and perform church and social music from the West Gallery period (1700 to 1850). New singers and particularly instrumentalists (string, woodwind or brass) always welcome. Have a look at our website or give our Musical Director a call. Ken Baddley 01234 310018 www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk
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GRAND OPENING WEEKEND
Friday 28th April to Monday 1st May
SaxON GaMES aND CRaFTS
Saxon Way, Great Denham, MK40 4GP Live entertainment, Have a go gaming and craft sessions, Light refreshments For info and timings call Michael on 07877951630 E: saxongamesandcrafts@hotmail.com aDDISON CENTRE KEMPSTON FUND RaISING
———————————————————————— MON 22nd MAy 2017 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (INCL CUPPa) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
TEA DANCE
BIDDENHaM GaRDENERS aSSOCIaTION Biddenham Village Hall Tuesday 16th May at 7.30
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GREATEST GARDENING TIPS By Steve Brookes Visitors very welcome ––––––––––– Tuesday 20th June at 7.30
CLEMATIS – QUEEN OF CLIMBERS
By Carole adams Visitors very welcome. admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & Refreshment www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk ––––––––––– Tuesday 18th July at 7.30 admission £5 includes raffle & refreshments
AGM
Sing ‘Music for a Spring Evening’
CANTAMUS
Sacred & Secular music for the Evening
St Owen’s Church, Bromham MK43 8LL
Saturday 13th May at 7.30pm adults £8, Child u16 FREE
Tickets at the door: Reservations by phone
01234 825454 or (evenings) 826551 BEDFORDSHIRE FaMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
———————————————————————— 7.15pm Friday 5th May
Interested in Family History? Come along to our next monthly talk
“The History & Beliefs of the Panacea Society” by Gemma Papineau
held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8Px Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk KEMPSTON HaMMERS
———————————————————————— Wednesday 31st May
FUN BINGO £1.00 on the door
Doors open 7pm Eyes down 8pm EVERYONE WELCOME
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
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TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 27
Space+Howlin Owls Bedford Esquires 8pm Saturday May 20
Space are returning to Esquires, the band released the much anticipated new studio album “Give me your Future” in late 2016 and embark on a new tour of the same name in april - June across the UK and Ireland. The new album is being recorded and produced by Grammy and Brit award winning producer Steve Levine who has worked with The Clash, Culture Cub, Beach Boys, Deniece Williams and Gary Moore to name a few. 2015 was a good year for the band with Female of the Species making the top of the album charts with the “TFI album” – (Number 1 in June 2015) Followed by the release of the “Strange World” single and the sold out 30 date UK tour. The bands last album release was ‘attack Of The Mutant 50ft Kebab’- their first new album for nine years. Lead singer Tommy Scott’s influence for the new songs stemmed from his infamous fascination with science and horror films, and he likens the album to a ‘Fifties B-Movie’ for the ears. Proud to note how Space have always stood out from the ‘normal,’ Tommy concedes that their last album has the usual signature Space quirkiness, with some extra ingredients added to the mix - he describes the songs as a mish-mash of SKa, Punk and the classic Space sound. “When we tour, we love playing the old stuff, but I always knew I wanted to record some new material. We know the fans like to hear the old classics from our multi-million selling albums ‘Spiders’ and ‘Tin Planet’, but we wanted to give them something extra.” “The title track on the album is my favourite
song from the record and is the story of how a fifty-foot kebab from a side street takeaway shop wreaks its revenge on the ailing high street. It’s a message about survival in a tongue-in-cheek way. The first single from the album is a track called ‘Fortune Teller’ - keeping up with the mystic vibe!” Space have sold over two million albums worldwide with titles including “Spiders, “Tin Planet” “Suburban Rock and Roll” and “attack of
the Mutant 50ft Kebab” and also released 10 top 40 singles and host of other single releases to-date with titles including “Neighborhood” “Female of the Species”, “Me and You Vs. The World” “avenging angels” “Dark Clouds”, and “Begin again”. Support comes from Howlin Owls Tickets from seetickets, and in person from Planet Boutique, Esquires Bar and Mario’s Hair Design in Kempston.
28 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
‘The Boss UK’ – Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band Bedford Corn Exchange Saturday May 27
“This band is awesome -– mighty, moving and unstoppable…” Amanda Price, The Times) Bruce Springsteen is touring the world – tickets for his stadium shows sold out in minutes – but don’t feel left out! The Boss UK brings all of Bruce’s best-loved hits in a sweat-drenched, ninety-minute show with all the passion, intensity and realism of true Boss. Some say, not just the best tribute to Springsteen, but the best tribute band, full stop. From the blistering opening of
‘Born to Run’ this production becomes one huge sing along so get ready to become part of the show! Bruce has sold over 120 million albums worldwide and is ahead of Queen, abba, Michael Jackson and David Bowie in an all time list of acts with UK no1 albums! 49 nominations and 20 Grammys with Born to Run, Thunder Road, Dancing in the Dark, I’m on Fire, Born In The USa, and the Oscar winning Streets of Philadelphia among with many stellar songs brought to the stage in The Boss UK’s show. LPH Concerts are delighted to bring the band to Bedford Corn Exchange on Saturday May 27. Tickets £20 are on sale now and can be purchased online from The Corn Exchange, also in person from La Piazza, St Pauls Square, Bedford.
Gillian Flack at the Eagle Gallery
One woman show
“Landscape Journeys”
10am – 5.30pm Saturday May 6 – Saturday May 13 Meet the Artist between 10am-1pm FREE ENTRY 101 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QP Tel: 01234 346995 EAGLE GALLERY IS A NOT FOR PROFIT ARTISTS CO-OPERATIVE
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Herb garden Castle Road roundabout Saturday May 20th
Castle Road’s community herb garden open day returns again in May. There will be a big herb sale, a plant swap (bring your spare seedlings!) a cake sale, wildlife information stalls and at 12 noon a talk on foraging by Jane Perrone, Gardening Editor at The Guardian. Weather dependent, it will run from 10.00 until about 3.00 (ending sooner if we sell out of everything). all are welcome. Proceeds go to the maintenance and restocking of the garden which is for everyone’s use and enjoyment. The garden is found on the large Victorian roundabout where Castle Road and Rothsay Road meet. For more information: 07914 606816 or see abundance Bedford on Facebook.
BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017 — 29
Esquires 27th Birthday weekend closing party Kuenta i Tambu + Guests Bank Holiday Sunday May 28
The finest party band in the World are returning back to their second home, as we bring Kuenta iTambu back for the Esquires 27th birthday weekend closing event! Now on their 4th visit to Bedford, Kuenta i Tambu are the only band we could imagine getting down with on a bank holiday Sunday. Last seen on these shores on a nationwide support with Dub Pistols, the amsterdam based fivepiece were our main support on the stage we curated at Bedford River Festival back in July, absolutely slaying a 20,000 strong crowd. Inspired by traditional afro Caribbean music from Curacao and European dance, Kuenta i Tambu (also known as KiT) has created a brand new sound! They cleverly found a balance between electronic sound samples, singing and chanting and the infectious rhythms played by ritual tambu drums. Some call it Global Bass, others prefer labeling it Tambutronic but one thing is... for sure: it’s a wild and colorful explosion of energy, and always seems to set off some serious movements on the dancefloor!
Kuenta i Tambu translates to ‘Stories and Drums’ from Papiamentu, which is the language spoken on the islands of Curacao, aruba and Bonaire (Dutch antilles). The group is based in amsterdam and was formed in 2005 after a series of educational projects at schools and theaters to introduce the music and culture of Curacao to children in the Netherlands. During this period the first songs were written, establishing the sound and identity of the group which nowadays is known for its high energy shows, with a great deal of humoristic highlights, hypnotizing beats and dazzling percussive interplay between band members. Live, Kuenta i Tambu are a nonstop Carnival, a riot of beats and rhythms that take the audience deep into the Caribbean. above all, though, it’s obvious that the
musicians enjoy playing the music and the live percussion thunders through the air. “We have fun,” says Calister, “and that’s the key.” Tambutronic: where Curaçao’s past dances with its future and takes on the world. Tickets are on sale right now – £7 advance from seetickets and locally from Boutique Planet, Mario’s Hair Design and Esquires bar. A full weekend of events POP WILL EAT ITSELF Thurs 25th May (sold out) RONI SIZE Friday 26th May FOODDRUNK Street food and cider festival Saturday 27th May Culminating in party band Kuenta i Tambu on Sunday May 28
30 — BEDFORD BULLETIN MAY 2017
TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952
email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
A Great Music Festival For Lovers of Everything Vintage nce... Following last year’s amazing sell-out success, we are excited to annou
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 HEMMIN
GS • 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 • STICK Y
WICKET • BASIN STREET BRAWLERS • THREE BELL J J KING • THE ZOOTS • LAURA B • BENOIT ES & THE BEVIN BOYS VIELLEFON • THE DAISY CHAINS • CHAMPAGNE CHAR LIE • BAMB OOZLE • BO WALTON & THE BISCUIT BOYS •
THUNDERBRIDGE BLUEGRASS • KING PLEASURE
DUSTY LIMITS • GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT •
MUDIBU
& THE
JEZEBEL SEXTET • LOLA LAMOUR • MOSCOW DRUG
MAT WALKLATE & PAOLO FUSCHI • THE BOBCA CLUB KIERAN TOWERS & CHARLOTTE CARRIVICK • THE TS • THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND • LOUNG KING CATS • GREGGI G • COUNTRY CATTIN’ • E CAT IDEALS JOHNNY & THE JAILBIRDS • COCO BOHÈME • STILL-M OVING DJS • SWING NOIR
...PLUS MANY MORE - STILL TO BE ANNOUNCED!
to kets this year, it is advised tic for nd ma de h hig to e Du d” price. advantage of our “Early Bir e tak to o als d an , rly ea ok bo
824773 OR FOR INFO CALL 01234
CLICK:
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THREE AND A HALF DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FROM FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST
There’s always a warm welcome at Bedford Borough Bowling Club
Bedford Borough Bowling Club is a private members’ club, which has been an active part of Bedford’s sporting activity for one hundred years – 2011 was the Club’s Centenary Year and the indoor bowling green was opened in 1971. The Club provides for outdoor and indoor bowling. The main outdoor green is an all-weather surface of six rinks. There are two further lawn rinks which were part of the original outdoor bowls setup, and are in use during the outdoor season. The indoor green has six rinks, and the surface was boarded by Dales in April 2010, complete with new underlay and carpet. Membership of the Club is open to the whole community. Those with a visual impairment or physical disability are welcome, and the Club hosts a Blind Club section.
We have a free car park for members adjacent to the buildings, and our catering team serve lunches Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes and a Sunday lunchtime carvery every fortnight for club members and guests as well meals for visiting teams.. The club participates in County and National Competitions both outdoor and indoor as well as entertaining and visiting other clubs for friendly matches. The Bowls Shop is well stocked with very competitively priced bowls, shoes, bags, clothing and other accessories. If you would like to try your hand contact us on the number below. FREE COACHING is available including bowls equipment.
Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3NF Tel: 01234 340736 (Caterers: Raff 07734 970552) www.boroughbowling.org.uk OPENING HOURS: Mon–Fri 10a.m until 4.00p.m. Sat–Sun 10a.m until 12 noon (or ring for an appointment)