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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
ISSN 2634-453X
JULY 2021
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Time to reclaim our streets
THE ‘Bulletin’ is calling on the new Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye; Mayor Dave Hodgson; Mohammad Yasin MP; Richard Fuller MP; Andrew Selous MP; Nadine Doris MP; Rachel Hopkins MP and Sarah Owen MP, to put pressure on the government to give extra funding to Bedfordshire Police.
The new PCC Festus Akinbusoye was very active on social media during the recent election campaign calling for more stop and seach but was quoted as being ‘speechless’ at the news of the murder of a 16-year-old iin Luton. It has been widely trumpeted that Bedford is to receive £22.6m for improvements to the various parts of the town, including Midland Road. Rather than more superficial projects like cycle racks, which is like moving the deckchairs around on the Titanic, this money should be spent on making our streets safer from serious crime. How many more police could £22.6m fund? Another 50 each year for five years? It would be a start. Businesses could then start to revive their own areas, free from fear of theft, vandalism and worse. Police intelligence probably can pin-point any number of villains, schools have a part
Knife ‘crimes’ on streets of Bedfordshire
ON Saturday, June 5, a former Bedford Borough Councillor and local businessman received life changing injuries when he was slashed with a knife several times whilst getting into his car in Maitland Street off Midland Road, Bedford. Following this attack Mahmood Amime, 21, of Iddesleigh Road, Bedford, has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm, attempted robbery, affray, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, burglary and theft of a pedal cycle. On Tuesday, June 8, Humza Hussain a 16-yearold boy, was stabbed to death in Luton out side a school. A teenager has been charged with his murder.
to play, teachers know who the likely suspects are and should be allowed to speak up. It’s time to crack down hard on up and coming crooks and gang members, more stop and search, more harassment of the known serious criminals. The woke brigade should be ignored, let them can cry over their spilt skinny lattes and avocado on toast and instead clamp down on crime hard. Luton has a mountain to climb in terms of the level of drug-related crime, the government needs to spend what it takes to sort this mess out. It has long been recognised as equivalent to the worst sort of London Borough. It starts with the Home Secretary, Priti Patel who could be made to listen to a cross-party voice from Bedfordshire. There will come a time when the ordinary people of our Bedfordshire towns will have had enough. Time for those in power to act decisively.
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JUNE 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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On May 22, 2021, Chachi Ji’s was officially opened by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Mr Eric Masih. With a lot of razzmatazz and a traditional Punjabi drummer the deli put on a running buffet for local residents in Castle Road to sample authentic Indian food. The residents and visitors now have a deli with a difference – Indian food alongside continental cheeses! Chachi Ji’s is the brainchild of Saroop Chandhar who has been nurturing the idea of bringing a flavour of the Punjab to Bedford for a some time. Running the ‘shop’ is Pete Chandhar, Saroop’s son, who also has a number of other business interests, including property renovation and an events company.
Clarification:
In our June issue we published a press release from the CPRE as a letter and incorrectly attributed this to Shelley Dennison, we apologise for any
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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
We will go ‘One Million Miles’
PEOPLE in Bedfordshire are being asked to walk, swim, run, row, cycle, roller-skate or even dance to generate their miles!
The One Million Miles challenge will raise funds towards a new Children’s A&E and a dedicated stateof-the-art Computerised Tomography (CT) scanner for the recently extended and upgraded A&E department at Bedford Hospital.
Work is already underway on the paediatric addition to the existing A&E. The new CT scanner will be located within A&E immediately adjacent to the adult and children resuscitation areas and will enable a much faster diagnosis using state-of-the-art equipment. Indeed, around 20 patients per day, both adults and children, who attend A&E currently require urgent CT scans within an hour of arrival and some within 30 minutes. This new CT scanner will allow a much better standard of care and assessment of these patients and all as swiftly as possible. the miles from their practice runs Businessman Ismail Anilmis and their actual marathon miles! DL is leading the One Million All contributions will be grateMiles campaign which will feed fully received - everyone can help into the overall £1 Million A&E and know they are supporting our Appeal for these new additions to local hospital and the life-saving the A&E department. services it provides to children “We want to do something that and adults alike. is accessible to everyone, while The One Million Miles helping them keep active,” said campaign will be heavily Ismail, whose multi-franchise promoted on social media to McDonalds restaurant group has encourage people to post their raised thousands of pounds for own photos as they raise cash for charities over the past decade. the charity. So that we can follow People can register to join the your activity, it would be great if challenge here www.onemillionyou could use #OneMillionMiles miles.co.uk/#register and in return when posting on social media. they will get a welcome pack Thank you! This campaign will be which will include one of the at no cost to the charity. The branded reusable water bottles. campaign is now launched and Once registered, people can set up will run until the end of the year. a fund-raising page via www.oneWe look forward to getting to millionmiles.co.uk know you and seeing your photos Those taking part could be a during this campaign! parent or grandparent pushing a The overall £1 Million A&E pram, dog-walking or perhaps Appeal will be taking donations even ‘mother and toddler’ groups, from various other sources includschools, teenagers who walk to ing events planned for 2022. school rather than going by Some of the reusable water mum’s taxi or people walking the bottles have already been donated golf course. Those planning to to the extended NHS by Ismail take part in any of the local or and Ann-Marie, his wife, of I&A national marathons could add both Restaurants. They have been
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given to the vaccination and volunteer teams at the vaccination centres, in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, to save on the waste of plastic bottles. None of us know when we will need the support of our caring A&E staff - hopefully, not soon, but we can all take comfort in the knowledge that we helped make it a better facility for everyone in our “hour of need.”
HAIR AND BEAUTY QUEEN OFF TO BLACKPOOL STUDYING at Bedford College’s Hair and Beauty Department, Madison Wing was surprised to receive a email telling her that her name was in the hat to go forward to the finals of ‘Miss Teen Pageant Girl UK’, at Blackpool’s Globe theatre in October . The 17-year-old from Sharnbrook had almost forgotten she had entered the ‘Miss Bedford Teen Pageant 2020’ way back before pandemic started. Out of the blue came the notification that she had won the Bedford round of the competition, which really took her by surprise. Madison is ready to start a Level 3 ‘UAL’ course in Theatrical make-up this coming September. Her ambition is eventually to get a job in film production. Here at the Bulletin we wish her good luck in the finals and every success in the future.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN JULY 2021
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JULY 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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New council chief executive steps down due to ill health A Borough Council spokesperson confirmed: “Sadly due to illness Terry Collins has had to stand down as interim Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council. “We wish Terry a speedy recovery and thank him for his time at Bedford Borough Council.” Bedford Borough Council has scheduled an extraordinary meeting of the full council at 2pm on Friday to decide on an acting chief executive in advance of a full time appointment.
by David Tooley Local Democracy Reporter
BEDFORD Council’s chief executive has stepped down due to ill health after little over a month in the post.
Terry Collins was only appointed to the £185,000 a year role in April but by May 13 Bedford Borough Council had begun the process of advertising for the job.
The spokesperson added: “The upcoming full council meeting will appoint someone to the post, while the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive is ongoing which is expected to complete in July.” The elected members have been recommended to appoint Mark Stephens to the role from June 14 until a permanent appointment is made. The full council of mayor Dave Hodgson and 40 councillors have to be
involved in appointing the chief executive. The council’s chief executive is the principal policy advisor to the council and is head of about 2,600 employees and is accountable for a budget of £370 million. Previous chief executive Philip Simpkins had been in the top job for 12 years, capping off a long career in local government for the Bedfordshire born council head. The council’s advertisement for Mr
Collins’ replacement, which had a deadline for applicants of June 1 said: “Our next chief executive will join an organisation with not only a great track record, but also a vibrant culture of creative, collaborative and place-focused decision making. “With a highly-regarded elected mayor, and members who are totally committed to improving the lives and opportunities of all, the built-in advantages of our unitary structure mean we can innovate quickly and effectively.”
Man jailed for 15 years following Bedford robbery and GBH attack by Crown Court Reporter
A WOMAN who suffered a broken thigh bone when an intruder burst into her flat, took 30 minutes to crawl across the floor to reach her phone and call her family for help.
Kathleen Wright was already getting over a broken hip when drunken Patrick McCann broke in and threw her walking frame across the room. Two months later Kathleen, who lived on her own in Bedford, died and on Thursday, June 24, 2021, her son came to court to tell McCann his actions that night had brought about the untimely death of his mother. McCann, 51, of Queen Street in Bedford pleaded guilty to robbery and inflicting grievous bodily harm. Luton Crown Court was told how over the years he had targeted
elderly and vulnerable women carrying out a string of robberies and thefts where he snatched their hand bags and purses. He had only recently been released from a long prison sentence passed for the public’s protection. He had been jailed for a series of similar offences and was on licence at the time he forced his way into Kathleen’s Home. On the evening of January 29, this year he had been passing her ground floor flat in Stanley Street, Bedford when he saw the 67-yearold through the window and decided to rob her of any cash she had to buy alcohol with. Prosecutor Richard Hutchings said she had suffered a broken hip in 2020 and needed a zimmer frame to get about. The court heard it was just after 8pm when she went to close the blinds and heard a loud banging on her front door. Looking through the spy hole
she could see a man outside in a high visibly jacket with a torch and thought he might be someone official. Mr Hutchings said as she opened the door she could see McCann who had been drinking, and realised instantly it wasn’t an official visit. She tried to slam the door shut saying: “You can’t come in, you can’t come in,” but McCann forced the door open and came in, hurling her frame across the room as he did so. The court heard Mrs Wright lost her balance and fell heavily to the floor fracturing her right femur. As she pleaded to McCann: “Please don’t hurt me” he clamped a hand over her mouth and then grabbed her handbag, shaking it in the woman’s face. Judge Gary Lucie hearing the case was told Mr Wright was in pain on the floor and told McCann: “Take it, take it,” and he made off moments later.
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The prosecutor said to reach her mobile phone on the other side of the room, Mrs Wright had to slowly crawl and it took her 30 minutes before she was able to summon help. As McCann made off along Roff Avenue where a father and son saw him with a ladies’ handbag which he shoved under his top. Shortly afterwards McCann tried to get into a property in nearby Garfield Street where a 90-year-old woman lived, but was sent packing by her son. The court was told McCann was arrested on February 3, after he was recognised on cctv. Mrs Wright had suffered a broken right femur in the break in at her home. The prosecutor said in hospital she underwent surgery, but the effect of the fracture was to exacerbate the previous injury to her hip and ulcerated leg. “Very sadly since then she has passed away,” said Mr Hutchings. Mrs Wright’s son Peter read out a a victim impact statement in the court and said his mum had died in March of this year. He said when McCann had forced his way into her flat, it had taken away her confidence and “fragile recovery.” Peter Wright said the incident had further weakened his mother’s heart and she was in constant pain. He said the robbery in her home that night had “left her broken and having to endure weeks of pain.” Mr Wright said “He put her health and recovery ever further back,” and he said McCann had taken away family time that could have been spent with her. “It’s our opinion her untimely and premature death was brought about by the events of that evening,” he said. Before he sentenced McCann Judge Lucie addressed Peter Wright and other members of Mrs Wright’s family who sat in the public gallery,
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telling them: “Whatever sentence I pass today can’t change what has happened but I do send my condolences to you and your family. The judge said the motive for the offences had been to get money to buy alcohol and Mrs Wright’s home had been ransacked as a result. He said McCann had a history of targeting elderly and vulnerable women either in their homes or in the street and for similar offences he had been released from prison in April 2019. “I am not sentencing you for causing her death, but for your actions it’s likely she would not have died. When she did it was clearly a contributory factor,” said
the judge. Because of the risk McCann poses to elderly people the judge said only an extended prison sentence could be passed. He sentenced him to extended prison sentence of 15 years. The judge explained that the custodial element of the sentence was 10 years, of which he must serve a minimum period of two thirds behind bars before the parole board can consider if he is safe to be released back into society. If they feel he can’t be released at that stage McCann could end up serving the whole 10 years. Whenever he is released he will then be on licence meaning he can be recalled to prison up until 2036
Cibo Deli and Kitchen opens in Newnham Street
Left to right are: Giovanni Bosco, Pierre Koffmann and Roberto Bosco.
BEDFORD’S food scene is so exciting at the moment with new businesses emerging from lockdown kitchens, crowd funders and collaborations and now another independent business is set to open a brandnew Gastro-Deli in the town. Cibo Deli and Kitchen focuses on great quality food, drink and quality ingredients. Providing eat-in and delistyle food to takeaway. Based in the old ‘Fred’s Chippy’ on Newnham Street, Bedford, the shop has been transformed into an open kitchen, deli counter and comfortable seating area. Created & run by the Bosco family, who began AB Fruits in the town back in 1982, the new store will stock high quality and speciality ingredients: fresh pastas, sauces, eggs, meats, hand-picked regional Italian wines, and locally sourced goods.
Working with Bedford’s own mozzarella makers Valerio’s, they will be providing special hand-made cheeses for the store, returning to traditional methods of producing mozzarella. Cibo will also be running special evening foodie events and collaborations with guest chefs, friends and producers. Opening day was on June 1, with legendary French chef Pierre Koffman opening the doors – one of just a handful of UK chefs to hold the coveted three Michelin stars, with his Tante Claire restaurant in London, and at The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge Co-owner Roberto says: “Cibo’ is Italian for food and nourishment. Our new gastrodeli is based on using only the best quality ingredients we can source. Hand-picked regional wines from small producers in Italy to our very special Ligurian coffee.”
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Former Bedford School pupil to compete in Tokyo Olympics
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN JULY 2021
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SHOWING OFF THEIR PLUMAGE
HOWARD Street in Bedford became a ‘beauty spot’ when students from Brooks Hair & Beauty training salon took to the streets for a photocall. The part-time students were marking the completion of their course with a display of creative skills and stepped out into the sunshine to show off their plumage and costumes. Bedford College Advanced Practitioner Melissa Peacock said: “Social distancing has made this a particularly challenging year for Hair and Beauty students but they have come up trumps and proved they are not only resilient but also talented. “I’m looking forward to seeing their progression within the industry, some have already secured new employment. If the lockdown has proven anything, it is how much we value our professional beauty therapists and hairdressers.”
Former Bedford School pupil Ethan Vernon racing at the European Championships in Bulgaria 2020.
FORMER Bedford School pupil, Ethan Vernon, who left school in 2018, is set to represent Team GB in the track cycling Team Pursuit event at the Tokyo Olympics in August. A life-long dream has come true for former Bedford School pupil, Ethan Vernon, who has just found out that he will represent Team GB in the track cycling Team Pursuit at the Tokyo Olympics in August. Ethan, who competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games while he was still at school, will form part of the star-studded GB cycling team, demonstrating that all his hours of hard work and dedication really paid off. Ethan’s cycling career started on the BMX track at the tender age of just four. A sport he adored and which he would continue to the age of 15 with a title of British and National Champion, and European number two under his belt before switching to road and track racing. From here he went from strength to strength and when he smashed 2.5 seconds off the world record in the Commonwealth Games aged just 17 years old, he knew then that his dream of competing in the Olympic Games was well within his grasp. Ethan and his team will be aiming to win their fourth consecutive team pursuit Olympic gold medal. He will form part of the men’s endurance squad and will be joined by Ed Clancy, Ethan
Hayter, Matt Walls, and Ollie Wood. Speaking about his upcoming Olympic debut, Ethan said: “I was absolutely buzzing when I found out about Olympic selection. It’s only now that it’s starting to sink in – upon receiving emails regarding travel arrangements to Tokyo. We are going out to win, as I’m sure every nation is, but we are reigning champions from the previous three Olympics in this discipline, and we are looking to make it four in a row.” Ethan’s mental fortitude during his school years was admirable. With a full academic timetable and a gruelling training schedule on the track, Ethan’s ability to juggle both successfully was testament to his character and unwavering focus on fulfilling his dream to become an Olympian. Ethan’s former school Housemaster, Laurence Holt, remembers Ethan’s dedication well. He told us, “I am delighted to hear that Ethan has made the team. He is such a lovely young man and absolutely driven to do his best. In his Upper Sixth year, he once arrived a few minutes late to my lesson (period one) on a Saturday morning, but the mood soon lightened when he explained he had cycled to school via Cambridge, which was a 90-mile ride. He had left home at 5am to fit it in!” The track cycling Team Pursuit will be held between August 2 and 8.
Mike Stubbs dreams of Escaping Gravity Exhibition: The Higgins Sat July 10–Sun November 28
MIKE Stubbs is an observer of the idiosyncratic compulsions of British culture. His work often references the experiences of his youth in Bedford, from car culture and Santa Pod to flying days at Shuttleworth and the surrounding engineering and innovation plants of Bedfordshire. Escaping Gravity, Stubbs first new major commission since returning to his artistic practice, goes beyond his own experiences to airships and the human desire for progress, adventure and the unknown. Commissioned by Bedford Creative Arts, Escaping Gravity is a large-scale cinematic video installation with accompanying symphony created with a creative team. It has been created in response to Bedford’s identity as the historical centre of the U.K.’s airship industry, past and present. In making this work, Stubbs has
Independents’ Day & month is live! Bedford’s ready to welcome customers safely through the summer season. From café society to outdoor markets, shopping centres and arcades, evening eating and drinking, your county town has so much to offer the whole family. Spend a ‘Staycation’ day alongside the river, walk into town to visit any of 100s of independent businesses and ‘Buy into Bedford’.
been inspired by the scale, excitement and mystery of airship engineering, innovation and ultimate failure. The work interrogates the tension that existed between the optimism of pioneering endeavour and the consequences of hubris, ambition and folly behind the Imperial Airship Scheme of the 1920s, as a reflection on our contemporary political and cultural landscape
A full list of events and activities, and a directory of all town businesses, can be found on lovebedford.co.uk and daily updates are posted on Social Media.
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JULY 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Bedford Run Fest – more than just a running race BEDFORD Run Fest are bringing a full weekend of festival fun to Bedford this September. Organisers of the Bedford Running Festival have been working hard behind the scenes to bring an exciting, new, festival programme to Bedford this summer. The weekend-long festival lineup is set to include Bedford’s Taste Bedford, an open-air cinema, stand-up comedy with comedian Sara Pascoe, Live music, a street
food market, yoga classes and more. Runners and non-runners alike are encouraged to bring as many friends and family members as possible to join in the fun and to celebrate all that is good about Bedford. Event Director Mark Draper, said: “The past 15 months of this pandemic have been incredibility hard for everyone but we are now immensely proud to be able to pro-
vide a safe, but fun event that everyone, including people who aren’t running, can look forward to and enjoy later this summer. “Although the event is focused on running races, this year, more than ever, we have tried our best to create an event that everyone can enjoy. “We’ve already team up with other local event businesses including Taste Bedford, the Comedy Cow and Sundown Cinemas but
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we still have more to announce soon. “It would simply be great to see people safely back together, enjoying themselves and having fun!” The events much-loved festival is free for everyone to attend is set to return on September 3-5 2021. For more information and details on the festival elements or to get involved, please visit: https://www.bedfordrunfest.co.uk/ festival MONTEGO’S FOOD MARKET in Mill Street is bringing a genuine taste of the Caribbean (and Montego Bay) to Bedford. The butchery, fresh produce, grocery and off-licence has everything you could want to recreate a meal in paradise. From three type of sweet potato, yams and plantain to every type of spice, Caribbean cuts of fresh meat and unusual packaged items. Owned by Darren Richards with his partner Rodney Oates, known to Bedfordians for having run a similar business two decades ago, this is a modern take on retail.
Corner shop had 14,000 counterfeit cigarettes by David Tooley – Local Democracy Reporter
A CORNER shop found to be storing 14,000 counterfeit cigarettes could be put out of business if its alcohol licence is revoked, a meeting heard. Trading standards officers and Bedfordshire Police have called for the alcohol licence for PJ Supermarket, in Aspley Road, Bedford, to be revoked following a visit to the shop last November. As well as 14,000 counterfeit cigarettes and 5kg of hand rolling tobacco, trading standards and police discovered Indian chewing tobacco that cannot be sold in this country. Although alcohol licences do not regulate the sale of cigarettes, a committee meeting on Tuesday, June 23, was told there is a link to promoting the licensing objectives. These are the prevention of
crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. “The loss of income from alcohol sales would make it impossible for the shop to continue to trade,” said Jennifer Brenton, a barrister, on behalf of licence holder, Param Jit.
Miss Brenton then told a meeting of Bedford Council’s licensing sub-committee that the grocery store has support from customers who find it a safe and convenient place to buy goods. She did not contest the facts put to the three councillors who were meeting to decide what to do about the shop’s licence. The discoveries followed a tip-off. Miss Brenton instead suggested that the committee should suspend the licence for three months, and to remove Mr Jit as licence holder. Claiming that the issues were to do with poor management, she said stronger conditions could be slapped onto the licence, which had been in place since 2007. “The aim of the licensing legislation is not to punish but to uphold the licensing objectives,” she said. Miss Brenton was quizzed about an immigration raid in 2014 when an illegal worker was found and the shop paid a reduced £7,750 penalty. Miss Brenton said Mr Jit was unaware that the person did not have a correct student visa. “It happened six years ago and was a one-off,” she said. In a summary to councillors Mr Brennan said he believed that revocation would be “correct and proportionate”. But he accepted that a “pragmatic approach” may be to go with the suggestions of Miss Brenton. “It’s up to you,” he told the committee as they retired to make their decision. The meeting was told that the decision would be posted on the council’s website shortly.
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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN JULY 2021
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JULY 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Medal for cyber Master Daniel New bike shelter opens COMPUTING Course Manager Daniel Hulatt has won bronze in the national BTEC Teacher of the Year Award. Against fierce competition across the country, Bedford College’s Daniel joins the medal podium online on July 7 when a presentation ceremony will be held. Said the Pearson/BTEC organisers: “Congratulations to your nominee and thank you for taking the time to nominate your incredible BTEC candidate.” They added that “they had been overwhelmed by the high quality and extraordinary stories of nominees”. Paula Hobday Head of Computing at Bedford College said: “Daniel started in the department in 2017 at a student teacher. On completion of his PGCE he became a full-time teacher and in July 2021 took on the Course Manage role with the responsibility of running BTEC courses from Level 1 to Level 3. He has taught on all levels up to and including Level 6 degree.” “Daniel is an exceptional teacher because of his personality and motivation to do what is best for our students. Students find him very approachable and enjoy his
lessons. He is very hardworking and feedback from students is always extremely positive.” “During lockdown he sourced software that enabled students to continue with practicals from home. He organises trips, and external speakers to enhance the student experience. Daniel is our EDI Ambassador; a voluntary role, the purpose of which is to
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promote diversity and inclusion in the department. He has carried out this role so thoroughly and effectively that he now mentors other EDI Ambassadors within the College. “Daniel works collaboratively with staff inside and out of the department. For example, he worked with our Teacher Education Department to deliver technology workshops, such as smartboard training for teachers. “He works with our Work Placement co-ordinator to organise our yearly employer event and this year, due to lockdown, came up with the idea of asking employers to carry out mock interviews with students instead of running a physical event to enhance their employability prospects. “Daniel teaches a range of units on the BTEC courses, but his specialism is Security. This year he completed a Masters in Cyber Security to further his knowledge for the benefit of his students. Daniel has dyslexia and rather than trying to hide this he acknowledges to students that his spelling is weak and encourages them to help him develop strategies to work with this.”
in Bedford town centre A NEW bike storage shelter has now opened in Bedford town centre, near Harpur Square enhancing the bike racks that are currently there. To access the shelter, cyclists just need to email Sustainable.Transport@bedford.gov.uk with their full name, address in Bedford Borough and phone number. They will then receive details on how to access the unit and will need to download the ‘Okey Access’ app on their smart phone. The bike storage unit uses secure encrypted Bluetooth and ‘Near Field Communications’ to communicate between your phone and the shelter, you do not need internet access. This is the UK’s first ever cycle hub to feature an app-based locking and booking system that can be managed from your smart phone or tablet. Councillor Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning, said: “Safer cycle parking was something raised during consultations on our Town Centre Plan. This will help to encourage more people to cycle into the town centre and visit our beautiful Embankment, amazing independent retailers, and leisure and cultural businesses and activities. “Cyclists will still need to lock their bikes in the shelter, but this added security will help to keep bikes safely in store and is part of a host of measures to encourage more people to visit the town. “This shelter is being funded as part of the Government’s £1m Town Deal Accelerator Fund. One of the other projects is cycle signing of 27 routes into the town centre and a circular route around the town to encourage more people to cycle.” Peter Blakeman from the Cycling Campaign for
North Bedfordshire said, “This new secure cycle shelter in Harpur Square should help encourage more people into town and we hope it is a first step towards tackling bike thefts and encouraging people to use our town centre more. “Returning from shopping to find your trusted old or expensive new bicycle missing is not a nice experience. For your peace of mind we always recommend when leaving your bicycle – no matter for how short a time – that it is secured to a one of the many ‘Sheffield’ type cycle stands dotted around the town centre using where possible two different locks such as a chain and D lock.”
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Carli Pfurtscheller (formerly Hall) has seen her design for the Wells & Co Brewpoint on the A6 Bedford win a Platinum Award for the Best Unique Logo Design in the UK, and then take the GLOBAL prize for the same this month (May 2021). The Craft Beer Marketing Awards (the Crushies) saw the best brewers marketing teams from across the world competing for prizes. Wells & Co also picked up gold for the On Point Pale Ale can design by Carli, making it a hattrick of prizes.
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Sara Sayer is now producing a fantastic range of custom gifts such as drawings of your home, and tea towels featuring local pubs of Bedford. Some of these are on sale at The Ark art shop and Gallery cafe under the Lurke Street car park (run by the Gillett family, longtime supporters of the arts). Sara completed an HND with Bedford College in 2018 and, with a partner, won a national YCN art competition. www.sarahsayer.com
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BEDFORD College has an impressive range of alumni from its arts courses. Here are three who are currently succeeding.
In April 2021 Carli unveiled a commission of a 155ft vector illustration of St Neots, commissioned by Govia Thameslink Railway & Neotists. The ‘building bridges’ artwork spans the walkway to the station from the local community. Carli, (pictured) who was a BA Graphic Communications student at Bedford College’s South Bank Arts Centre, had previously received an international Creative Conscience award for her final major design project ‘Refabric8’ a branding concept based on the idea of up-cycling second-hand clothes to tackle the growing issue of ‘fast fashion’. Carli’s entry can be seen at: https://www.creative-conscience. org.uk/winners/carli-pfurtscheller/ As featured: HuffPost TEDx
Hannah Underwood has been nominated for a Prestige Award as a Creative Design Service. Hannah is an alumni of Bedford College and her talent was spotted by the YCN and D&AD. She now has her own agency and is offering opportunities for internships to BA students. Hannah was also highlighted in the National Westminster Women in Social Enterprise for her community art services during lockdown, enabling 1,000s of downloads by families struggling with home schooling. https://www.hjucreative.co.uk/
Talent spotted
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SOMETHING S ‘Independents Day’ is July 4, but the whole month is being given over to promoting small businesses. The Arcade is a Jewel in the Crown of independents in town, just off the High Street in Bedford. We have businesses old and new which are a delight to discover. At The Arcade, founded in 1903, independents have survived two world wars, recessions and more, to keep customers coming in off the High Street.
Arcadia Sweet Shop, established in 1905 is the oldest retailer in town. Whilst the shop retains its Edwardian charm, a new website has been launched to enable sales far and wide. arcadiasweetshop.com
The latest style in the parade is Finest Golden Stitch where Zabi is putting into practice 10 years of experience working with his family, to open his tailoring shop. If recycling is your passion, then do what our grandparents did, buy something lasting, alter it and make it last, with the help of a trained tailor. finest-goldenstitch.business.site
Talking of up-cycling, the IMPAKT charity shop (formerly the YMCA) is the new brand of this dedicated Bedfordshire charity. With various outlets and fund-raising platforms elsewhere, IMPAKT in The Arcade is a super special up-cycling sales room with unique items for sale. impakt.org.uk
SPECIAL EVERY DAY IN JULY See hear for great service: Donne & Browning are specialist opticians and hearing care who offer a friendly service. Practice Manager Sue Emms is a smiling face at the highly professional company. They offer all the very latest testing technology, as well as huge range of retail choices. Big brands include: Maui Jim, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo, William Morris, Longchamp, Tom Davies.
SUMMER SPECIAL: Prescription sunglasses by Ted Baker for £120 T&Cs apply www.donneandbrowning.co.uk Slide Record Shop is a destination for vinyl fans. The independent store supports national record events and regularly has queues when a rare or exciting new disc comes into stocksliderecordshop.com
Arlo Arts offer so much in the way of arts and crafts, with expert advice from the owner. More than that, the news that weddings are going ahead as hoped, means the shop has been busy creating paper wedding bouquets, button holes, church and reception venue decorations. www.arloarts.co.uk
Meet, Chat, Eat & Drink Coffee Republic, Upper Crust & Gallones offer coffees, food, sweet treats and a place to rest your feet.
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JULY 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF BEDFORDSHIRE PASSES
PAUL FULLER CBE died after a short illness on June 7, 2021, he was approaching his retirement later this year, after serving 19 years as Chief Fire Officer and CEO of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service said: “We are very saddened to announce that our Chief Fire Officer Paul M Fuller CBE passed away peacefully after a short illness, in the early hours of this morning with his family at his side.” HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis said: “Paul Fuller, Chief Fire Officer of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was a key member of Team Bedfordshire for decades, using his professionalism, humour, warmth and practical approach to bring partners together harmoniously to effect significant change which impacted so positively on the life experiences of people locally and nationally. “His wisdom, calming hand and generous hospitality was valued highly and he was able to convene people with different perspectives to come together in a convivial atmosphere.æAs a muchrespected Deputy Lieutenant, his cheerful “can do” approach to lead-
ership meant that he made a huge difference to the way in which we do our work. “Paul was also a huge supporter of charities, boldly and persuasively encouraging others to get involved and play their part. “I pay tribute to all of Paul’s great contributions, for the lives he saved and changed, for being a role model to youngsters who will now follow in his footsteps, and for being a true and trusted friend to many. His light will shine brightly in our lives always. A loving husband, father and grandfather, we send our sincere condolences to his family.”
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Nollywood calling
BATTLE Within, a movie by former Bedford College and University of Bedfordshire student Matthew Jolaosho has been selected as an entry for the ‘Nollywood’ section of the Toronto Film Festival. Filmed in his home country of Nigeria pre-Covid, Battle Within has since been going through marketing stages and acquisition by Television and online buyers. Matthew has now seen it attract the attention of the Toronto Film Festival (TiFF) and Lift-off global network sessions 2020. The film is about domestic violence and men’s mental health, a specialist subject for Matthew who currently works within the mental health sector. Matthew who is Nigerian and British, has great hopes for the overseas market via Nollywood, as the Nigerian film industry is called. He directed the film, it was produced by Imoh Umoren, and the cast included: Nollywood Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, Joseph Momodu, Babaseun Faseru and Valerie Dish Matthew joined Bedford College’s much admired South Bank Arts Centre, not least because he “Loves Bedford” and was a regular visitor to the town before signing on for a Foundation Course. He then topped his studies up to a degree - a progression route which so valuable for FE students who want to achieved HE qualifications. “Bedford College is good environment and a lovely location,” said Matthew. He also produces music videos. The “Afropop” genre has massive potential.
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Find out more about Matthew’s work on his website 27thgeneration.com Want to become a filmmaker? To enrol on the HE Media Production Course at Bedford College apply through the University & Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) using the institution code B23 and the course code P310. Visit www.ucas.com or call us on 01234 291000 or https://www.bedford.ac.uk/ourcourses/subjects/media/mediaproduction-foundation-degree-fda -levels-45
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The Government claims that the new Planning Bill is being introduced to ‘create a simpler, faster and more modern planning’ system, with three new zonal systems to replace the current system of applying for planning permission. In reality, these changes will lead to local people and Councillors no longer having the ability to formally object to inappropriate developments in their own street or neighbourhood with participation limited to consultation on the area’s local plan every few years. I have voted in the House of Commons to block the hated Developers’ Charter, to stop the hand-over of planning decisions to Tory supporting developers and gag communities from speaking out against inappropriate developments in their area. The Department for Transport and East West Rail proposals and subsequent consultations have shown how unsettling it is for communities when they don’t feel their objections are being heard to planning issues that affect them. I have been honest about supporting the restoration of rail infrastructure in our town that I truly believe will bring much needed investment, connectivity, and job prospects for the people of Bedford and Kempston. The project until very recently, has had cross-party support. But I was shocked that new six track proposals were shoe-horned into the last consultation, meaning homes are now under threat in my constituency. There was no whisper of this in previous consultations which is why I am opposed to the plans in their current form. The same cannot be said for the 2019 consultation, where the routes were quite clear and I am surprised to see local representatives, who welcomed the preferred route E option at the time, now appearing to oppose the plans their Government fully supports. Planning will always be a difficult issue because every infrastructure or housebuilding plan will have pros and cons; will please some and not others. A person desperate to finally get on the housing ladder for instance obviously has different interests to a homeowner who has enjoyed the beauty and tranquillity of walking their dog in their local greenspace. Both stances are right and important – that’s the problem, and we must be able to have these conversations locally in a constructive, less belligerent way. The important thing is to make sure those pros and cons are clearly stated, that local people have an informed say, that they will be properly listened to and for those who are affected to be properly and fairly compensated.
VACANT FLAT
St.John’s Homes, Bedford Road, Kempston St.John’s Homes currently have a vacant one bed flat. The property is situated at the rear of the property in Bedford Road and is on the ground floor. The property consists of lounge, kitchen, bedroom, box-room and bathroom. St.John’s Homes were built and endowed by Mrs Anne Jane Charles-Williamson under a deed of grant dated 19th December 1881 as a memorial to her husband. The criteria required to obtain residency (as laid down by the Charities Governing Document) is as follows: The homes are for the use of needy persons of good character who are of Christian faith and who have resided in Kempston for not less than 15 years, or if born there, for 10 years. There are 20 self-contained flats and residents are expected to be able to look after themselves. There is a resident warden but nursing or care facilities are not provided. Should you or anyone you know who lives locally be interested in making an application for this vacancy, please contact the following for an application form. Closing date for applications is 22 July 2021. Write to: Miss J Eros – Clerk to the Trustees. St. John’s Homes, 341 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PY Or: telephone and leave or a message on (01234) 853669 Email: stjohnshomes341@gmail.com
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
On a recent visit to All Saints’ Milton Ernest I spotted the dole board given in memory of Susanna Rolt in about 1726. In her will she bequeathed money to provide twelve small loaves of bread for the poor to be provided ‘every Sunday for ever’. The dole board (the bread cupboard) has twelve slots into which the weekly loaves would be placed and then taken by the poor of the parish. It was a common piece of furniture and act of charity in parish churches. Sadly, despite her desire, the tradition of handing out loaves has ceased. Yet, equally disappointingly, the need for the poor to be fed remains. Especially during the pandemic there has been remarkable generosity as the numbers requiring food support have risen. The Trussell Trust, the largest network of foodbanks, reports that between April 2020 and March 2021 two and a half million emergency food parcels were distributed to people in crisis. Over the past five years the need for foodbanks within their network has increased by 128%. Many of all faiths and beliefs are involved in helping those in food poverty. In Farley Hill in Luton the church has reached out over this pandemic. They were already responding to issues of school holiday hunger through their Kids Can Cook Club, but this was extended to include the distribution of hampers to several hundred families in need. More recently they have opened ‘pop-up’ shops where local residents can come and find the things they need. This is then echoed in different ways across our County, from the larger foodbanks in Bedford and Luton, through to the very local and more modest food pantries that local churches and others are offering. The dole board may be an interesting historic relic on the wall of the church in Milton Ernest and elsewhere, but what it represents is a continuing and growing need. It is estimated that one in twelve households experience ‘food insecurity’ where there are real worries that the money will run out before there is more money to buy food, or that simply the money didn’t stretch far enough. This is an indictment of our wealthy nation. Feeding the hungry is part of the work of the Kingdom of God. What more can you do? How do we ensure that the foodbank becomes as much a historical item as that dole board in Milton Ernest!
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
POSTPONEMENT OF RELEASE FROM LOCK-DOWN A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT
As you will have seen the Prime Minister has announced that Step 4 of the Roadmap to the end of Lockdown has been postponed by four weeks until 19 July. No doubt this will have disappointed many, but we need to now use these four weeks to get as many residents vaccinated and also stop any further spread of Coronavirus locally. The postponement will adversely impact a number of our local businesses and I have written to the Prime Minister asking for additional financial support for these businesses. I have urged the Prime Minister to provide another round of Business Support Grants to help businesses and ensure that our economy can rebound once the restrictions are lifted. I have also urged the Prime Minister to provide an extension to the Business Rates Holiday. We have seen over 100,000 adults receive at least one dose of the Coronavirus vaccination so far and the Government are now allowing anyone 18 or over to be vaccinated. There are a number of drop-in sessions available. Please visit the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group’s website for the most up to date information at www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/ drop-in/ You can also book to get a vaccination by making an appointment either by ringing 01234 718077 or by going online at www.bedford.gov.uk/vaccinations Please also continue to follow the Hands – Face - Space - Fresh Air advice to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. By following this advice and getting vaccinated you can protect your family, your friends and your communities and this will also allow us to exit Lockdown as soon as possible.
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Ian’s in the hot seat for another year BEDFORDSHIRE Police and Crime Panel will be chaired for a further year by Conservative Central Bedfordshire councillor Ian Dalgarno. The Arlesey ward councillor was re-elected to lead the panel at an informal meeting to welcome the county’s new Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye. Councillor Dalgarno was elected unopposed for a second term, having taken over from Independent panel member Paul Cain 12 months ago. Former Central Bedfordshire councillor Paul Downing was elected unopposed as the panel’s vice-chairman. He served on the local authority for four years, but opted not to stand again in 2019. Mr Downing chairs Ampthill community safety group and is a director of Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire. As well as hearing from Mr Akinbusoye for the first time, the panel received the final annual report of his predecessor
by Local Democracy Reporter covering her fifth year as PCC. As Ms Holloway said in the report: “I had expected to stand down voluntarily at the end of my allotted four-year term as Bedfordshire PCC. “But the government postponed the election until May 2021. I remained in post for a fifth year, as I could not in all conscience desert my team, the public, Bedfordshire Police and victims of crime at a time of national emergency. “I arguably ended up being the right person, in the right job, at the right time, as the Cabinet Office’s emergency planning college was a previous client for eight years before I became your PCC. “I’d also spent 17 years as a consultant specialising in crisis management, particularly in relation to mass fatality events.
“Throughout my term in Bedfordshire, I’ve been the civil contingencies portfolio lead for all 43 forces in England and Wales for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. “During the pandemic, I’ve done two jobs in effect, in Bedfordshire as PCC and nationally by upholding the interests of the whole police service in relation to fast-changing Covid-19 regulations and enforcement.” Ms Holloway also referred to “one of the most important projects to me of my entire term” in her final annual report. “Following the death of George Floyd in America and the emphasis this placed on the relationship between our Black residents and policing, I dedicated 100 hours to compiling a report of the same name,” she explained. “This involved hearing in person from as many of Bedfordshire’s Black residents as possible, from teenagers to those in their eighties, between July 2020 and February 2021.
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ROBERT REYNOLDS SDC co-founder Robert ‘Bob’ Reynolds has died at the age of 81. With the late Dave Ledsom, who died in 2008 aged 62, Bob formed the Bedford-based building company which was to become the toast of the town and is now close to celebrating its 50th anniversary. Bob was rugby fan and SDC backed the Bedford Blues, as well as sponsoring motor racing as part of its high profile activities under the multi-million pound company’s eyecatching blue and white logo.
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JULY 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
Topped 100 Business Team
THE Business Development Team of The Bedford College Group are in a class of their own. They have clocked up more than 100 years experience in the challenging field of bringing employers ever closer to education and training in the South East Midlands Region. Business Development Director Gina Bubbins 15 years and counting in Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire’s Julie Hoult, five years at Tresham College, lead a crack squad which are putting that practise to good use in helping companies get through the pandemic. “Because we understand the world of business, the challenges faced by companies in the Covid climate, we are able to offer genuinely useful help to organisations in the SEMLEP (South East Midlands) area. “This is great time for companies to come to us to help create the next generation of apprentices” said Gina. Julie added: “We work very closely with employers and have a great relationship advising them on all the options now available to businesses from apprenticeship deals to a vast range of free upskilling courses which can be accessed online allowing staff to still be ‘at work’ while gaining new qualifications.” A wide range of full or parttime courses are available from The Bedford College Group online or via their many locations stretching from Bedford, Biggleswade, Kempston, Kettering, Wellingborough and Corby. To see what is on offer go to www.bedford.ac.uk
letters Who owns the bridge? TO THE EDITOR:
In December last year an important bridge was closed from Great Denham to Kempston due to rotten planks. The Kempston Mill bridge is used by dog walkers, ramblers anglers and cyclists that is used for transport instead of either using the Frank Branson Way or Whitbread Avenue Bridge . We are now in June and in six months nothing has been done as there’s a ownership issue to the bridge and that the council haven’t actually made any suggestion like a temporary floating bridge. I have tried to get a response from Cllr Valentine that operates in that part of Kempston without any response since March . With lockdown easing and a great need for well being to promote exercise this route is important for everyone, especially as I intended to use this route in my Mindfulness walking this year on
supporting those with mild depression and anxiety, but heard on the grapevine nothing will be completed probably until Autumn. There has even been people that have climbed the fencing just to get over to the other side which is a danger . I’m a keen walker and have travelled on walks all over Bedfordshire for over 35 years and never experienced a situation like this before. Richard Compton
LETTERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Letters to the Editor are welcomed. However the Editor retains the absolute right to edit, omit as he/she sees fit, without reference to the author. Please email your contributions to: editorial@rosettapublishing.com with “Letters to the editor” in the subject line.
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KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL Mayor’s Charity The last year or so has been very difficult for many, but particularly for those relying on social events. It has been no different for Kempston Town Council. Sadly it has not been possible to organise occasions in order to raise funds for the Kempston Mayor’s chosen charities. In the past, many people have been very supportive in helping the Mayor to raise substantial sums of money. Councillor Carl Meader has been re-elected Mayor of Kempston and he is hoping, like all of us, that the Coronorvirus restrictions will ease and enable us to fundraise again! Carl has yet to choose a charitable cause to support this year. Maybe you have a suggestion!
six / two households. Keep windows open. Fresh air will help blow COVID particles If you have trees or hedges that overhang away. the footpath or cycleway please ensure that Keep 2 metres apart from people that we they are trimmed back. don’t live with (unless we have formed a Overgrown shrubs, trees or hedges can support bubble with them), this includes cause accidents by obstructing cyclists, friends and family we don’t live with. mobility scooters, wheelchair users and For more information visit: pedestrians. www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-andcannot-do
Cut back
Remain cautious
The rules and regulations surrounding Coronovirus seem to change frequently and people get confused. Whatever they are, the message is that we must all continue to remain cautious. The COVID-19 Delta variant spreads more easily from person to person. To help stop the spread we need to take particular caution when meeting people outside our household or support bubble. Where possible, we should try to meet outside rather than inside. Remember that inside it is still the rule of
PLANNING COMMITTEE 6.30pm Tuesday, July 13
FUTURE MEETINGS
FULL TOWN COUNCIL 7.30pm Tuesday, July 13 All future meetings will be held in Centenary Hall until further notice
KNOW YOUR TOWN COUNCILLOR Kempston North
Sam Blacklaws
Kempston Central and East
c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG sgblacklaws@gmail.com 07513 705791
Ali Akbor
Sue Oliver
Kay Burley
4 Loveridge Avenue, Kempston MK42 8SD sue.oliver@bedford.gov.uk 303029
7 Westdale Walk, Kempston MK42 8NX gordoncolling@btinternet.com 843805
Kempston South
Fiorentino Manocchio
Shaun Bowman 5 Harrier Way, Kempston MK42 7TY shaun-bowman@virginmedia.com 07905 780603
Carl Meader 39 Highfield Road, Kempston MK42 7JH carl.meader@bedford.gov.uk 857621 or 07557 800156 Kempston West
Steve Conway c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG steve@steveconway.net 07592 483336
Terri Conway c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG terri@steveconway.net 07592 483336
c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG aakbor@hotmail.com
32 Hartwell Drive, Kempston MK42 8UY fiore.manocchio@gmail.com 07818 426266
Mohammed Masud 46 Henderson Way, Kempston MK42 8NP cllrmasud@bedford.gov.uk 07974 276944
Mohammed Nawaz c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG mn4bedford@gmail.com 07786 160607
Ross Purves c/o 104 Bedford Road, Kempston MK42 8BG rmpkempston@gmail.com 07732 969871 MAYOR AND DEPUTY: Cllrs Meader and Blacklaws
104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BG Tel: 01234 851005 www.kempston-tc.gov.uk Email: clerk@kempston-tc.gov.uk Office hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday
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Meeting hears concerns over double yellow lines A SWEET-TOOTHED local councillor says she hopes an ice cream van can still park near one of two sites where yellow lines are being introduced in Biggleswade. One of the schemes to benefit from new waiting restrictions is close to Saxon Park and the Biggleswade Skatepark, a popular location for the trader. The yellow lines were approved at the junction of Chambers Way and Lilac Grove at a Central Bedfordshire Council traffic management meeting, as well as for a separate scheme covering part of Fairfield Road. Principal highways officer Lisa Wright told the meeting: “A consultation was held over two locations in Biggleswade about having double yellow lines because of vehicle obstruction and visibility issues. “At Fairfield Road, there were concerns raised about when vehicles enter it from Sun Street they’re forced on to the wrong side of the road,” she said. “There’s a short section of yellow line already, but it was asked for this to be extended to Vickers Close and there were no objections. “The second location is the Chambers Way junction with Lilac Grove by Saxon Park and the skatepark, with parking causing problems especially at weekends.
by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter “One area highlighted was by the entrance to Lilac Grove, where there are two informal crossing points. “The double yellow lines are proposed to cover the junction and extend past those crossing points to keep that section clear.” One comment was received in favour of the Fairfield Road proposals, according to a report to councillors. There were four responses to the Chambers Way junction plans, and one objection, with three in support and one objection, including a request for the lines to be extended further.
“We’ll consult with councillors to see if there are any other sections of Chambers Way, which require yellow lines,” she added. “A particular area is down near the junction with London Road, which I’ve spoken to ward members about.” Independent Biggleswade South councillor Hayley Whitaker said: “There are issues pulling out of Lilac Grove and into Chambers Way where you end up facing oncoming traffic. “The idea of having more yellow lines at the junction of
MORE YELLOW LINES
Chambers Way with London Road would be welcome. “But I’m also aware that we don’t want to lose the ice cream van which parks close to the skatepark. “And some parking along that road is useful to slow down the traffic,” she added. “Another thing to consider is that road is going to become a lot busier with land east (of the town) moving forward.” Conservative Biggleswade South councillor Mark Foster said in a statement: “The issue here at peak time, during the warm weather, is the use of the play area increases illegal parking close to the junction with Lilac Grove.” Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Steve Watkins said: “If I can cheekily suggest if you’d also like to put in a roundabout at the junction of Chambers Way and Lilac Grove I’d be incredibly happy. “The Fairfield Road yellow lines are welcome. There’s a problem with people speeding down Sun Street and parking to use the nearby fish and chip shop.” Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno, who chairs the meeting, said he would implement the scheme as laid out.
Slimmer’s complete moonwalk marathon
SLIMMER’S from Great Denham complete their cancelled moonwalk locally in Bedford, raising over £1200 for Walk the Walk breast cancer causes. Walk the Walk came into being 1996 when just 13 women Power Walked the New York City Marathon in their bras to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. What started out as a one-off fundraising event, has blossomed into a thriving multi-million pound charity, raising to date in excess of £100 million for vital breast cancer causes. Gail, a Slimming World consultant (& retired detective) was invited by a friend to do the walk the walk Moonwalk last year in London, the year almost everything got cancelled. However Gail managed to complete it virtually this year, and completed the marathon distance around Bedford on the May 15, 2021. Gail was not on her own, she was joined by members of her Slimming World group, Sarah, Monique and Trudi as well.
Flitwick Scouts just getting on with it!
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FORTY-EIGHT Cubs Scouts (boys and girls aged 8 to 10) spent a day at Great Barford Activity Centre enjoying a wide range of activities. The activities included, archery, camp gadget making, cooking, games, problem solving, rifle shooting, science, team work and a 3 mile walk. The Group had been unable to camp for over 12 months or to be able to carry out some of the traditional activities Cubs would normally do. The children and their parents/carers managed social distancing very well, with staggered times for arrivals and departures, and small groups doing the activities. Adult volunteer, Karen Fletcher said, “It was great to see all of the children out in the open air just enjoying themselves. Even when it rained the children hardy noticed it and carried on cooking on the open fire, playing some sports or going out for a walk.” Jamie Ng Miller said, “I really enjoyed the day. My best activity was making the ‘screaming balloons’ and it was great to see so many of my friends.” Parent, Vanessa Beddow said, “Thank you for an amazing day and a big thanks to all the leaders and helpers for giving the children an amazing experience! Finley really enjoyed today.” The Cubs have also had a knotting evening where they were taught five different knots and hitches. They also had an evening visiting the local Church where they explored the outside as well as the inside of the building. This included the children finding out what some of the different coloured stoles meant for different times of the year and who some of the people were depicted in the stained glass windows. The Beaver Scouts (boys and
girls aged 6 to 8) have enjoyed some dry and some muddy walks, visiting Flitwick Woods and Manor Park where they have tried to find and identify particular spring flowers. They have also been toasting marshmallows over an open fire and learning how to pitch a tent. They have planted potatoes and will be harvesting them in July to see who managed to grow the biggest crop. The Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 13) have been walking, carrying out bicycle maintenance in preparation for a cycle ride and have been taught how to use a knife so they could carve their own tent peg. They also had a scavenger hunt (for pre-hidden bones) in Ampthill Park. They have been using some of their new camping stoves in preparation for some hikes in the future. Lead volunteer for the Group Darren Reeve said, “Since we’ve returned from lockdown we have been inundated by requests from parents/carers for children to join the Group. With full sections already, we really need some more volunteers to help out with any of the age groups. If you know someone who might be a great volunteer with Scouts, please contact us.” www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk/
Gail personally raised £631.00 + gift aid and Sarah raised a fantastic £617+ gift aid by walking the 26.5 miles around Bedford in bright pink outfit with bras on show. Other members of the group, Trudie and Monique (who has lost a whopping 8.5 stone with Gail, and certainly couldn’t of walked that far before her weight loss success) completed the training and marathon simply to support the efforts and raise awareness of the cause. I know a lot of virtual events have focused on the total miles being completed at your own pace, however these ladies completed a full walking marathon training plan, and on the 15th May, they completed the full 26.5 miles all in one day walking round Bedford raising eyebrows and spirits as well as the money for charity. Gail runs the Great Denham Slimming World group, which meets at the Community Hall on Thursday evenings and her number is 07540 247748 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
See your chocolate creation brought to life!
LOCAL charity Creating Memories has teamed up with award-winning Bedfordshire Chocolatier Aneesh Popat to grant six lucky children the chance to become a mini chocolatier for the day and make their very own chocolate creations! The pair are inviting all local children with special educational needs, disabilities or life-limiting illnesses who are aged eight and over to come forward with their incredible designs to be in with a chance of winning! Entries will be judged by award-winning Bedfordshire chocolatier Aneesh Popat (pictured), 5/5 AA Rosette and multi-Michelin Star awardwinning Chef Jean Christophe Novelli and founder of Creating Memories Pritti Saggi, in early September. The lucky winners will then (health and safety and COVID-19 restrictions permitting) have the opportunity to experience how chocolate is made and have the chance to give it a go themselves.
Each winner will leave with their own creations and a box of the six winning chocolates from The Chocolatier himself!
Beds Uni ‘Gets results’ for local economy & community THE University of Bedfordshire is shining a light on some of the important research projects and local business support it has provided during the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of Universities UK’s (UUK) latest campaign – #GettingResults. Through the launch of this initiative, UUK aims to put universities at the heart of the economic and social recovery from the pandemic, by raising awareness of the important work and impactful research that higher education
(HE) institutions continue to facilitate and conduct. According to a study commissioned by UUK, universities across the East of England, including the University of Bedfordshire, will: • Provide over 8,600 years’ worth of upskilling and training to businesses and charities • Help 1,678 new businesses and charities to be formed • Train 14,000 nurses, 3,000 medics and 6,000 teachers
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film review 007 – No time to die
Scheduled release: 30 September Runtime: 2 hours 43 minutes Bond is back. This time, Daniel Craig’s fifth ‘007’ movie arrives rather late due to multiple postponements caused by a global health crisis. ‘No Time to Die’ is the 25th instalment in the ‘James Bond’ film franchise. Craig himself has said this will be his final Bond film, which is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga from a screenplay by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Fukunaga, and ‘Fleebag’ actor-writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Five years after capturing supervillain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, James Bond (Daniel Craig) is now
a retired MI6 agent, leading a normal life in Jamaica. His peace of mind is ruined when his CIA friend Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) turns up asking for help. He is tasked with finding a missing scientist, Valdo Obruchev (David Dencik). His rescue mission leads him to the discovery of a terrorist plot that could destroy the world. ‘No Time to Die’ is what Daniel Craig deserves to end his Bond era. Craig saw no small amount of negative vitriol thrown at him when he was cast as agent 007, and this film is his ultimate way of proving the haters wrong. What makes Craig’s performance so good is he is able to show multiple sides of the legendary spy character. The
layers in this movie are interesting as they give each character, even the minor ones, unique traits. The film also has a myriad of brutal, but not over-the-top, action sequences. Every move is intricately set up and the editing does justice to the beautiful fight choreography. The production team put extra attention on the sound design as it becomes a highlight, too. ‘No Time to Die’ was initially set for release in November 2019, but it was postponed due to Danny Boyle’s departure. It has also been postponed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but MGM later stated that the movie is set for release on September 30.
mealtime Pepper and feta frittata Serves 4
Frittata is a great way of creating a simple but tasty meal from eggs and a selection of vegetables, particularly leftovers. This Greek version is delicious cut into wedges and served with salad or fresh bread. INGREDIENTS - 2 tbsp olive oil - 2 onions, sliced - 3 red peppers, seeded and thinly sliced - 2 sprigs of fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried - 2 garlic cloves, crushed - 50g stoned black olives, chopped - 200g feta cheese, roughly chopped - 3 large eggs, lightly beaten - freshly ground black pepper
METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. 2. Grease and line the base of a 20cm sandwich tin. 3. Heat the oil in a deep heavybased frying pan. Gently cook the onions for five minutes until transparent, before adding the peppers and thyme. Add the garlic and cook for 20 minutes over a medium heat, stirring occasionally. 4. Add the olives and cheese to the vegetables, remove the thyme sprigs, if using fresh, and take the pan off the heat. 5. Season the beaten eggs with black pepper, then stir into the vegetables and mix well. Pour into the tin and bake for 35 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. 6. Remove frittata from the oven and let it rest for three minutes. Turn it out onto a large plate, then flip it back onto a plate so it is right side up. 7. Cut into wedges and serve either warm or cold.
Sausage cannelloni Serves 4
Cannelloni can be tricky to make but this sausage version is ready rolled! Use good quality pork sausages to ensure the best flavour. This recipe uses a can of white sauce but this could be made from scratch. INGREDIENTS - 8 sausages - 8 sheets fresh lasagne - 350g jar pasta sauce - 100g mozzarella, grated - 470g jar of white sauce for lasagne - 25g Parmesan cheese
METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 190 . 2. Fry the sausages in a non-stick pan, turning regularly, until browned. 3. Dip the lasagne sheets into boiling water to make them flexible. Spread each with 1 tablespoon of the sauce; place a sausage on top and roll up. 4. Pour the remainder of the sauce into a baking dish and place the filled cannelloni in the dish, side by side. 5. Scatter the mozzarella over the cannelloni and pour over the white sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan on top. 6. Bake for 40 mins until goldenbrown
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gardening with Milton Ernest Garden Centre
How to create the perfect
cottage garden
T
by Maureen Catlin
HE true cottage garden is very informal with a mix of plants from climbers to bulbs planted close together so when one plant stops flowering another will take over and fill the gap. The garden is then full of bright colour and interest from an apparent hap hazard random mix of plants without planned colour schemes or design. Plants should be allowed to set their seed and spontaneously appear wherever the breeze and insects or birds take them. Include honesty, with its fragrant purple flowers in spring which attract pollinating insects and is a host for the orange tip butterfly caterpillar, forget me nots, columbine, foxgloves, nasturtiums, snowdrops and bluebells. All these will increase the density of plants or be found in nooks and crannies in paths, paving and walls adding to
the random overall informal appearance. The crowded planting should also minimise weeding maintenance and allow plants to support each other although of course this needs to be managed until established.
Historically cottage gardens provided for the cottagers way of life with fruit, herbs and vegetables grown amongst ornamental flowers which provided a source of plant material for medicinal or cleaning preparations. A bee hive supplied honey and chickens and ducks foraged producing eggs and meat to supplement the diet. Lavender was always grown for Pot Pourri to scent the home or added to white vinegar as a cleaning agent for hard surfaces and windows. The flowers of thymes were used to deter moths and other insects from destroying fabric or for perfuming homemade soap and mouthwashes. An infusion of Rosemary flowers and leaves was an ingredient for washing hair. Yes, medieval cottagers were clean certainly in country locations. Today cottage gardens are mostly ornamental but herbs and veg like runner and broad beans, carrots, chard and garlic are easily added annually to the mix. Spring bulbs like snowdrops and bluebells readily spread and colonise if left undisturbed for the foliage to die back after flowering. When building a cottage garden it is important to start
with a few basics before introducing any plants. The site should be sunny with only a little partial shade. The soil should be weed free and it is worth spending time achieving this and adding a mulch of rotted down garden compost or horse manure to ensure organic material is incorporated to help maintain moisture in the soil. Now is the time to also build any rustic structure to support climbing plants like honeysuckles and old fashioned climbing roses. Grass is not a feature of cottage gardens so paths should meander through the planting areas where alchemilla, mint, chives, nasurtiums or marigolds like calendula art shades can drape the edges as the grow. If the paths are constructed from stepping stones, gravel or bark the seedlings may encroach and appear between the stones adding to the casual
relaxed planting you are trying to achieve. Picket or woven Willow fences make authentic boundaries and backdrops and will also support species clematis like tangutica or viticella, morning glory or sweet peas. A weathered bench and a bird bath add interesting features. It is good to have a skeleton planting of shrubs for winter interest like winter flowering viburum tinus, mahonia, winter sweet, and winter flowering honeysuckle and holly J C Van Tol for red berries at Christmas. Honesty with its papery seed pods are also excellent winter interest as are the seed heads of sea holly and sedums with their ghostly appearance when covered with an early morning frost. Hydrangeas are long flowering cottage garden shrubs. Leave the faded flowers on the plant throughout winter to protect the delicate shoots below and also add to the lovely spectacle after a heavy air frost. And let’s not forget the Christmas roses. After the spring flowering bulbs the perennial wallflower erysimum bowles with purple flowers and alliums which readily set seed have lovely seed heads for winter interest to follow. Now for the summer colour which is endless. The perennials for the permanent planting should include lupins, delphiniums, foxglove, phlox, geraniums, pinks, alchemilla mollis, hollyhocks, paeonies, campanula, michelmas daisies, heleniums, aquilegia, red hot pokers, and campanula. these can be supplemented annually by sowing seeds of larkspur, californian poppy, candytuft, cornflowers, sweet rocket, rudbeckia and the climbing morning glory which is good to cover the picket fence. A cottage garden will bring a breath of the countryside to any space.
LOTS OF PLANTS FOR SUMMER
Large pots of summer colour for tubs and borders
Any 4 for £10
CKS LAST WHILST STO
www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk
Normally £3 each
MILT ON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Tel: 01234 823033
Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
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out & about
In the beginning!
Castle Comedy’s Christmas Special
Aaron Twitchen completes the bill. He is a stand up, actor, and living stereotype. Camp, catty and fabulous! He has featured on BBC Radio 4, is a finalist of Mr Gay England 2020 and has provided tour support for Luisa Omielan. The ‘Best Of’ Castle Comedy Special is on Sunday August 1. Once again three UK comedy favourites will be taking the stage for the ultimate comedy show.
Freelance performance artists come from all over the UK to create concerts in the River Ivel area. St Andrew’s Festival events will be Covid-secure of approximately an hour, in and around St Andrew’s Church, Biggleswade SG18 0AT visit www.collectivel.org
Headlining the show is Shappi Khorsandi who is a comedian, author and cultural icon! Feisty, flirty and effortlessly funny she handles every subject with a razor-sharp wit, softened only by her deliciously dizzy delivery and endless charm. She has appeared on TV & Radio shows including Live at The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Road Show, Hypothetical, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Have I Got News For You, QI and I’m A
Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! “Makes live comedy thrilling” Evening Standard Opening the show is Luke Toulson. He is a Perrier Comedy Award Nominee and Castle Comedy favourite! Luke is in demand at the top comedy clubs in the country and has a deserved reputation, of being an act that guarantees big laughs. He has starred on BBC3’s Russell Howard’s Good News and is also a regular voice on the radio with credits that include being a guest on The Back End Of Next Week (5live), Loose Ends (Radio 4) and Hawksbee and Jacobs. Finally, you will see Olaf Falafel the Swedish comedy sensation and multiple award winner. In 2019 he
won Dave’s Best Joke at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! With a unique mixture of one-liners and Scandinavian-tinged stories he has earned the purely fictitious title of ‘Sweden’s eighth funniest comedian’. Doors Open at 7.45pm and the Shows Start at 8.00pm. Tickets at the Quarry Theatre, Bedford, are £16 (plus booking fee) from www.castlecomedy.co.uk
The Place outdoors Farewell Leicester Square
July 1-2 Farewell Leicester Square’ tells the story of Bedford’s own Joe Clough, Britain’s first black bus driver. When hundreds of people travelled from Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad to work on London’s transport network and drive London’s buses, following a recruitment drive between 1956 and 1970.
Tess of the D’Urbervilles July 9 “Why didn’t you tell me there was danger? Why didn’t you warn me? Ladies know what to guard against, because they read novels that tell them of these tricks; but I never had the chance of discovering in that way” Perhaps Hardy’s fictional masterpiece, Tess of the D’Urbervilles traces the life of the young country girl Tess Durbeyfield. Driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D’Urberville family.
Rascally Diner July 10 Everybody clap your pans – it’s time for The Rascally Diner! Cook up a stink as part of Rufus Skumskins O’Parsleys’ kitchen crew or bring a pot to bang and ward off
evil cakes in this fun-filled, messy performance about food.
Swan Theatre’s The Tempest July 20-24 Prospero, a Magician, was usurped from his Dukedom by his brother Antonio aided by Alonso, King of Naples. Exiled with his three-yearold daughter Miranda, they have for many years lived on a remote island. Swan Theatre Company are thrilled to present their first ever outdoor production of one of Shakespeare’s best loved plays.
Suitcase Shakespeare – Romeo & Juliet/Macbeth July 27-29 In Suitcase Shakespeare two actors bring to life an entire Shakespeare play using only what’s in their suitcases! From three extremely weird sisters to two soppily starcrossed lovers and every messenger, warrior, queen, king and nurse in between, you can expect side-splitting comedy and toe-tapping live music in these fantastic 45 minute versions of Shakespeare’s most popular plays! The show will include a picnic interval between the two plays. For tickets: www.theplacebedford.org.uk
“Sweet as a nut”
by Tony Hendrix Genesis Elijah born July 1, 1981 has consistently wowed fans with his original and his unpredictable style whether on the Glastonbury stage or Wembley Arena. The Brixton born songwriter and producer is certainly a prolific and well-known MC within the London dance music scene, he has credited several releases to his name, ‘Jah Bless’ this was released as a 12 inch single, then a full length Album came soon after “ Deh On Road Bedford promoter Warren Temple of The Sound Temple, said: “It has been a long time since I have put on a gig in my home town in this capacity. “I’ve definitely wanted to get back involved and put on live events and I thought it would be good to get out there with a live show in support of all the fantastic local talent I showcase weekly on my radio show. The support acts are all artists I’ve championed in the last 12 months on air.
“Esquires have been fantastic, I’ve known Gareth Barber for a number of years and when I reached out to him he was super accommodating. Obviously Esquires has a great reputation for live music so it was a natural fit. ‘Genesis has a solid and well earned reputation in the music industry and again the relationship I have with him is one that’s been built over years and as a genuine fan of his, coupled with fact it’s been a while since he graced a stage in Bedford. I thought who better to headline what will hopefully be the first of many events.” Elijah has performed world wide as well as starring in International advertising campaigns (Magners Irish Cider, Tullamore Dew Whiskey, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Roberts Speakers). He has been championed by DJs like Zane Lowe and Charlie Sloth as well as Hollywood A-listers such as Ricky Gervais. His body of work includes cult classics like Jah Bless, Fathers Day and Phantom Dread Syndrome which was featured in the movie Brotherhood. Elijah will be backed on Friday, July 9 at Esquires by up and coming local acts Carlito Daboy with Mini Man, Geo Gritz, and Wkd Whisperz. Tickets are available now at https://www.skiddle.com/whats -on/Bedford/Bedford-Esquires/TSTRap-Show-Live-Presents-GenesisElijah--Special-Guests/35815729/
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On Sunday July 25 you can celebrate at the Castle Comedy Christmas Special… yes you read that right! The show was planned for December but it’s now in July. The headline act is a Mystery Guest Star! It’ll be a surprise just like unwrapping a present on Christmas Day. We can tell you they have numerous TV credits including Live At The Apollo. Opening the show is Patrick Monahan, an audience favourite who blends a high-energy comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material. “Supremely engaging, adored by audiences” The Scotsman
SNOOKER £3 PER HOUR
Saturday July 10
LUCAS
VOCALIST 80s & 90s MUSIC
Saturday July 17
JENNY (ROCK CHIC)
Saturday July 24
ALLTORQUE BAND Saturday July 31
DR PHIL SOUL
POOL TABLES FROM 50p A GAME
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Eagles play host to Posh and the Hatters
sport
BEDFORD Town get their home preseason underway as the big guns arrive at the Eyrie in the shape of Championship sides Luton Town and Peterborough United. These matches are the highlight of the Eagles extended preseason campaign which also see’s matches against quality non-league opposition.
Things got underway with a charity match between Bedford Town and their new ground share partners Biggleswade FC who raised much needed monies for their respective charity partners the East Anglia Air Ambulance and the Teenage Cancer Trust. The Eyrie will be home to Biggleswade FC until their new
out & about DIARY Yoga: Priory Methodist Church,
Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. 2pm Mondays Contact June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk 8/21
Car Boot Sale: Milton Ernest
Garden Centre, Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH, Cars £5, vans £10. Sellers setup 9am, Buyers 10am-2pm. Sunday 4th July, Sunday 1st August, Sunday 5th September and Sunday 3rd October. No need to book a stall, bring your own table Contact: (01234) 823033 or enquiries@miltonernestgarden centre.co.uk
by Michael Jarman-Webb
more local ground is completed. This will mean there will be matches at the Eyrie every Saturday as well as Tuesday and Wednesday evening matches. Preseason proper gets underway on July 3 with a trip up the A1 to Peterborough Sports, the step 3 side currently play in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central after gaining promotion from Bedford’s division a couple of seasons ago. Next The Eagles travel the short distance to Newport Pagnell in a midweek fixture, before the first of the Championship sides visit the Eyrie. Bedford’s Barry Fry has long been associated with Both Bedford Town and Peterborough United and he brings the Posh to the Eyrie once again on Saturday July 10. Manager Darren Fergusson led his team in a fantastic season last term, which saw them gain promotion and join Luton Town in the Championship. The Hatters, who joined England’s second tier the season before finished mid table last season and will be looking to build on that this season. Their midweek visit to Bedford on
Wednesday 14 July will be a popular event and tickets which must be purchased online are selling fast. Other highlights to Bedford’s home preseason include visits by National League side Wealdstone and National League South side St Albans City. Other away trips include Southern League Premier Central sides St Ives Town, Stratford Town and former rivals Hitchin Town as well as more local opposition in Potton United. Tickets to all home preseason matches are available now, including special packages for multiple matches. Due to Covid restrictions, it is likely the capacity will be reduced for matches,
Bedford Town v Luton Town in a previous preseason fixture.
particularly the big games, so early ticket purchase is advised. See: bedfordtownfc.ktckts. com to purchase tickets and www.bedfordeagles.net for the latest updates.
FULL PRESEASON LINE-UP Saturday 3rd July - 3:00pm ........Peterborough Sports ....Away Tuesday 6th July - 7:45pm .........Newport Pagnell Town .Away Saturday 10th July - 3:00pm.....Peterborough United ..Home Wednesday 14th July - TBC ......Luton Town ...............Home Saturday 17th July - 3:00pm ......St Ives Town ...............Away Tuesday 20th July - 7:45pm ......Harborough Town........Home Saturday 24th July - 1:00pm ......Wealdstone ................Home Tuesday 27th July - 7:45pm .......Potton United..............Away Saturday 31st July - 3:00pm ......St Albans City .............Home Tuesday 3rd August - 7:30pm .....Hitchin Town ..............Away Saturday 7th August - 3:00pm ...Stratford Town.............Away
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