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BEDS BOROUGH EDITION
JUNE 2020
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LIFTING the lockdown is taking place, very carefully, in Bedford Town Centre. Essential businesses have never closed. But, now a few more are tentatively opening.
The message is clearly ‘Safety First’, as shown by council signs on St Paul’s Square, where market stalls selling basics have been open throughout.
Opposite “socially distanced” queues have been seen outside Wilkos and the Nat West Bank throughout the lock down, and these continue. Behind the scenes restaurants have been staying alive by delivering food or offering customer-collected takeaways. Amici is now promoting its Fogizac super clean to reassure customers of the safety of their premises in St Peter’s. Long established Michael R. Peters of The Broadway have been running an important service for those needing fridges or other white goods. For some the lockdown has even created opportunities with Cartridge Depot of St Loyes offering discounts for those using their computer printers whilst Working From Home. And Gallones of The Arcade have been delivering ice creams far and wide. Now some offices are coming back to life with estate agents like Lane & Holmes welcoming clients – with social distancing. Libby Lionetti at La Piazza on St Paul’s Square says: “We are now selling take-away coffees, no chairs and no congregating. It will be a slow process
Major Laycock helping to build the Nightingale Hospital at NEC
WE’VE heard so much over the recent weeks about Sir Tom Moore and his amazing success in raising over £30 million for the NHS charities – what fantastic result!
Another Bedford star is Major Angela Laycock, a commanding officer in the Royal Engineers. To page 2 *
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FREE WILL VOUCHER but we will rebuild Bedford.” Love Bedford and Bedford Borough Council are co-ordinating their messages and activities to make sure people know what they can expect when visiting the town. The latest information about shops and services can always be found on lovebedford.co.uk or by phoning Tel 01234 404500
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JUNE 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Beds Police exceeds recruitment targets BEDFORDSHIRE Police has exceeded police officer recruitment targets set by the PCC and the national uplift funding from the Home Office for 19/20, as the number of people applying to join the force almost doubles. Latest figures show that the force’s recruitment drive has seen officer numbers rise to the highest levels in the last 10 years. The figures reflect the tremendous commitment from the force to populate the frontline and the number of people wanting to be part of making a difference. In the first three months of the year 350 people
Bedford man put on sex offenders register
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applied to join Bedfordshire Police as an officer, which is an increase of 91% compared to the same period in 2019. In 2019/20 Bedfordshire Police had a target of recruiting an additional 78 officers, on top of their annual target of 100. The funding for the extra officers was allocated from council tax precept, by the PCC, and national uplift subsidy. Last week, national figures showed that the nationwide recruitment drive for officers is on track with over 3,000 new recruits coming through in the past seven months.
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A FORMER Bedford scout leader was caught with child sex abuse and extreme pornographic images. Alan Sewell, who had been involved with the Scouts and Cubs for 30 years, was arrested after he had uploaded a picture to the internet. Police raided the married 65-year-old’s home on September 14, 2017 and seized a Dell laptop and other computer devices, Luton Crown Court heard on Thursday, May 7 2020. Prosecutor Fern Russell said investigators found a total of 55 images. nine movies and five stills were at Category A, the most serious level. There were one movie and eight stills at
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Category B and 26 Category C stills. In addition, there were six images of extreme pornography. Ms Russell said most of the images were of male and female children aged between 10 and 12. The extreme pornographic images were of women having sex with animals. When interviewed last year Sewell told the police he had been involved in the Scouts for over 30 years and had been a leader of a Cub group. He said he had not looked at child abuse images since the 2017 raid. Sewell appeared for sentencing via Skype having pleaded guilty to making (downloading) Category A, B and C images of children and
possessing extreme pornography. Defending, Chantelle Stocks said the offences went back to 2017 and he was of previous good character. Judge Rebecca Herbert said he had “developed an unhealthy attraction to children.” She said: “You are 65 and for many years had volunteered to work with the Scouts, latterly as a leader.” The judge passed an 18 month community order with a condition that he attends 30 rehabilitation activity days and pays a £500 fine. He must register as a sex offender and abide by the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
Very ‘Special’ staff at Bedford Sixth Form STAFF at The Bedford Sixth Form are all special but Deputy Head Alex Townsend goes above and beyond the call of duty as a Special Police Constable. “I have been a special since September 2018,” says Alex, who teaches Business at The Bedford Sixth Form in Bromham Road, Bedford. “Training was 16 weeks and I have all the same powers as regular officers and can drive vehicles too. “We cover a variety of events across the year such as football matches and local fetes / parades but also conduct night time economy (bars and nightlife)
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patrols on the weekends and other duties like exercising warrants for people who are wanted. “During the current crisis we have been patrolling lots of local areas across the country being visible, answering questions and advising people about the restrictions to make sure they stay safe.” Image shows Alex in Bedford Town Centre with a police colleague Lisa Miller. Would be students can join a live chat with Student Services Careers team Monday-Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm https://www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk
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build the NEC Nightingale
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What has this 38-year-old soldier done? Well at the age of 24, Angela won the coveted Sword of Honour prize at Sandhurst. It was expected to be awarded to the future King of England, Duke of Cambridge, William Windsor but Angela
beat him to it. The award is for the most outstanding student at the military academy at the end of their 44-week training course. Angela is not from a military background and was state educated in her home town of Bedford. ‘A’ Levels at Welbeck college followed school, then onto a place at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. After her Sandhurst training she went on to tours of Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. Angela managed the construction of a boat slipway at Basra Palace, Iraq. Further study resulted in Angela becoming a Chartered Civil Engineers. That was years ago, what about now? Major Angela Laycock and her team of Royal Engineers have supported NHS staff and civilian contractors to design and plan the construction of the new NHS Nightingale hospital located in the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham. Last August Angela was involved in the emergency operations at the Toddbrook Reservoir, where the dam collapsed threatening the local population. A wonderful example to any teenagers contemplating their options when leaving school shortly, this lady has to be a role model for them all. So hats off to yet another Bedford star.
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ARMED police were scrambled to Luton bus station after a Bedford woman received gun threats from her jealous ex-boyfriend. by Jane Bird
Daniel Greenshields, 25, had sent the woman a WhatsApp message in which he brandished a gun and said he was going to “blow her kneecaps off.” Two days later, on September 9, last year, he said was “beyond mad” and was coming to see her in Bedford. Prosecutor Daniel Wright told Luton crown court: “He sent two messages that gave her the impression he was going to carry out the threats. She called the police and the defendant
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was intercepted by armed police.” Inside his bag was an imitation Glock 17 pistol and a lock-knife. The court heard the Bedford woman had been in an 11 month relationship with Greenshields, but they had split up in May last year because he was controlling and obsessive. He believed she was seeing other men and was angry when she had ignored his calls. Greenshields, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence on a video link from Bedford prison. He had been convicted by a jury of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear and had admitted possessing a lockknife. He had five convictions for seven previous offences. Defending, Adam Butler said: “The firearm
was never brandished. He had sent her a photograph of himself with it in his possession. It was an imitation gun and could not be used.” He said Greenshields had spent eight months on remand and had made good use of his time in custody. He had attended courses for mental health, alcohol and drug abuse. On his release, his intention is to work as a chef and live with his mother in Norfolk. Judge Lynn Tayton QC told him his victim had been scared and was “in fear of her life.” She had suffered anxiety, isolation and depression. The judge jailed him for 18 months and made a restraining order banning him from contacting the victim or going within 100 metres of her.
New technology giving parents comfort during the pandemic A NEW video service for parents of children in Neonatal Intensive Care has been introduced. The Luton & Dunstable University Hospital and Bedford Hospital are offering the service to enable parents to see their children when they are not able to visit the hospital for various reasons. The service is call vCreate, staff use an iPad to video or take still photographs and upload them the vCreate website. These images are then sent to
the parents’ smartphones. The service has been intro-
duced at the time of the Coronavirus ‘lock-down’ when visiting is severley curtailed. Funding for the service has been provided by the East of England Neonatal Network. A new video service for parents of children in Neonatal Intensive Care has been introduced. The Luton & Dunstable University Hospital and Bedford Hospital are offering the service to enable parents to see their children when they are not able to
visit the hospital for various reasons. The service is call vCreate, staff use an iPad to video or take still photographs and upload them the vCreate website. These images are then sent to the parents smartphones. The service has been introduced at the time of the Coronavirus ‘lock-down’ when visiting is severely curtailed. Funding for the service has been provided by the East of England Neonatal Network.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN JUNE 12, 2020
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Max and Keira’s Law Himmler’s fake identification LETTERS TO THE EDITOR comes into effect papers to go on show at JUNE 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Chicksands museum MAX and Keira’s Law – the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act, came into effect last month. Under the new law, all adults in England are considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate (known as ‘opting out’) or are in one of the excluded groups. Those excluded will be people under 18, those who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the neces-
sary action; people who have lived in England for less than 12 months; those who are not living here voluntarily and those who have nominated someone else to make the decision on their behalf. In cases, where the individual hasn’t expressed a decision, specialist nurses will support families to make a decision, based on what their loved ones would have wanted. If the decision is not to donate, this will be honoured and upheld.
Boost for cyclists as new routes to be opened up
BEDFORD Borough Council has published a proposed traffic regulation order to implement a new scheme, which exempts cycles from one-way and no-entry restrictions on Denmark Street, Dudley Street, George Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and Greenshields Road, all off Castle Road. Details of the plans to exempt cycles from the existing oneway and prohibition of entry restrictions in the affected streets are available on the Council’s website at www.bedford.gov.uk/tro, with notices also on display in the area. Consultation on the plans is open until 12th June 2020.
AT the end of WWII the Nazis were fleeing the attention of the allied forces. Heinrich Himmler head of the SS and the Gestapo tried to escape using fake ID documents. As one of the masterminds behind the holocaust he was one of the most wanted members of Hitler’s team. Himmler had managed to evade recognition on several occasions until he was finally caught trying to cross through Meinstedt in Bremervörde, northern Germany, on May 22, 1945. Himmler’s fake documents identified him as a sergeant named Heinrich Hizinger. Key to his capture was the fact that his documents displayed a unique stamp that British military intelligence has been briefed to look out for. This stamp identified him as being an escaping member of the
SS. Anybody using this type of document was to face immediate arrest. MI5 officers were called to
interrogate Himmler. An army medic tried to remove a cyanide capsule from Himmler’s mouth, but Himmler chewed the capsule resulting in instant death. One of the interrogation team is thought to have been a Lt Col Sidney Noakes, a former lawyer before being seconded by MI5 in 1943. Noakes’ superiors allowed him to keep the fake documents. Himmler’s braces and personal effects were kept by other MI5 officers. 75 years later, the fake ID has been donated to the Military Intelligence Museum at RAF Chicksands, Shefford, by Colonel Noakes’ great niece. The documents will go on public display when the museum reopens later this year. Chicksands is now the home of British Army Intelligence Corps.
On the run criminal sought after his gang members get sentenced to prison
FOUR men have been jailed for committing a series of burglary offences across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Specialist Investigation Team launched an investigation after a number of burglaries were committed between April and July 2019. In most cases the offenders forced entry into homes during the night to steal car keys and other small items. They would then steal the car. The approximate value of the property stolen was in the region of £125,000. Nineteen offences were committed in Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden, Caddington, Winslow, Leighton Buzzard and Chesham and the offenders would commit a number of offences in the same night. Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Specialist Investigation Team, took on the investigation after a pattern of burglaries began to emerge. Using a number of techniques, including piecing together CCTV images from the offence areas, they were able to link the offences and gather together the evidence in order to identify and arrest the men. They were sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Thursday, May 21, 2020, following an earlier trial at St Albans Crown Court in January. Joshua Anslow, aged 20, from Church Road, Studham, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to two years and eight months. Tyler Ogden-Hooper, aged 20, currently of HM Prison, St Loyes Street,Bedford, was sentenced to four years and two months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles. He was also sentenced to nine months, to run concurrently for the dangerous driving to which he pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. He was also disqualified from driving for 40 months (three years four
months) and will have to take the extended driving test. George Wadsworth, aged 19, from Hillborough Crescent, Houghton Regis, was sentenced to three years and six months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles. Reece Wheeler, aged 20, currently of HM Prison, St Loyes Street, Bedford, was sentenced to four years and two months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles.
Increased need for bereavement support
TO THE EDITOR: As a result of the growing Coronavirus death toll, national healthcare charity Sue Ryder is seeing an increase in need for its bereavement support, which we are struggling to keep up with. In addition to the tragic increase in deaths that the UK is seeing, the grief that those around us are experiencing now is unlike anything we have ever witnessed before. As a result of the lockdown restrictions, loved ones of those dying from all causes not just Coronavirus have been unable to be at their loved one’s bedside when they died. They have been prevented from holding their hand or saying goodbye. Many people have not been able to attend funerals or find solace and comfort, physically, in the arms of their support networks. Normally, our usual routines of school, work or activities can provide us with a sense of safety, like an anchor to life before our loss. This consistency can help with the process of grieving, but the lockdown and social distancing measures have meant that feelings of grief are being intensified and compounded. Sue Ryder now has a waiting list for our free video bereavement counselling. This means there are grieving people in need of our support right now, who we are currently unable to reach. Coronavirus is impacting so many of us all, as well as our friends and neighbours. We are asking your readers to please give what they can afford, however small. We need their help to help those struggling with grief at this very difficult time. Every little bit will help us to recruit more trained counsellors for our free bereavement counselling service. If any readers are struggling with the loss of a loved one and would like to find out more about our support services they can visit www.sueryder.org/support. Heidi Travis Chief Executive at Sue Ryder
Suspected arson attack in Wootton
A fifth man is wanted in connection with these offences. Reece White, aged 22 and of High Street South, Dunstable has been summoned to court after failing to appear at court for his trial. If anyone knows of his whereabouts they are asked to contact police immediately. DC Simon Smith, from the Specialist Investigation Team said: “These were relatively young offenders who had started out on a life of crime. Their crimes were of particular concern given the nature of breaking into homes, during the night whilst the occupants were sleeping. “This was a very involved investigation, but one where the pieces of the puzzle came together and led us to the gang.”
AT around 4.50am on Saturday, May 23, 2020, emergency services were called to a block of flats in Harris Way following reports that a fire had broken out. The ccupants were evacuated safely. PC Zoe Keepin, investigating, said: “This is a terrible incident and fortunately residents were quickly and safely evacuated. “We believe this fire was started deliberately and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen someone they don’t know enter or leave the building.” Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, or use the online reporting centre, quoting reference number 40/27669/20. Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
North East Beds MP highly critical of Luton’s request for financial help TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
THE GUARDIAN newspaper reports that Luton Council is drawing up emergency cuts to avoid bankruptcy.
My view is that the UK government should not provide extra taxpayers’ money to bail out Luton Council above and beyond what is already being provided to Luton and to other councils. Luton got into this financial mess because it has for years benefitted from an annual dividend from its ownership of Luton Airport. Last year, Luton Council raked in dividends of over £20m; the year before the dividend was over £19m. No other council, I think, has the good fortune to own such a lucrative asset: certainly not
Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough which have relied on local rates, council taxes and central government funding to provide their services. MP North East So what did Luton Council do with their good fortune? Rather than saving these windfalls for a rainy day, the dividends were spent to cover additional annual expenditure. Extra money – extra services. Lucky for Luton residents, but that was a choice that other councils did not have and those councils managed accordingly. Now that the source of extra funding for Luton
MEG – a move for Bedford College Group into HE
THE Bedford College Group is raising its game in the provision of Higher Education (HE), or degree level learning, by joining a national organisation dedicated to increasing HE in FE (Further Education).
The Mixed Economies Group (MEG) serves as a network for senior practitioners of HE in FE, enabling them to discuss policy and practice informally between regular termly meetings. MEG carries out research on a regular basis and is regarded as a source of informed opinion by a range of Government, academic and employer organisations. “It’s a powerful platform for The Bedford College Group to be a part of and sits perfectly with our local, regional and national aspirations to evolve ever widening participation in degree level learning,” says Alex Mortby, Director of Higher Education. Bedford College has a long historical association with what is now generally called Higher Education or degree level learning. Originally it was the part of the Bedford College of Higher and Further Education and known as Mander College. The Polhill and Landsdowne campuses delivering sports and teacher training degrees, became part of De Montfort University in the last century. Those elements later joined with the University of Luton to become the University of Bedfordshire. Meanwhile, what was Mander was rebranded as Bedford College, and under the leadership of Ian Pryce CBE, has gone on to become one of the most successful colleges in the UK offering 16 to 60-yearolds the chance to gain a degree though a variety of routes. Recognised as the leading regional provider of education and training for the 21st Century, where more modern ways of studying are made possible by
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using technology, The Bedford College Group is helping people to be ready for the fast changing world of work. Already, The Bedford College Groups offers degrees in across its campuses in Bedfordshire and Northants: • BA Fashion • Fashion (Textiles for Fashion) • Photography • Graphic Communication • Media Production • Music Technology • Psychology and Criminal Behaviour • Child & Adolescent Studies • BScEngineering • Agriculture • Animal Science Foundation degrees and other forms of Higher Education studies are also on offer as well employerrecognised HNC/HND qualifications which can be studied full-time or part-time across range of subjects. “These all add towards degree qualifications which are more closely aligned with what the work-place requires compared to three years of some university courses,” added Alex,“Our emphasis is on making sure the student is in tune with the very latest changes and requirements in the sectors in which they want to work. “Whilst employers increasing want skilled and educated candidates, they value evidence of proven understanding of the industry they represent. Such engagement is embedded in all courses for all ages. ”Funding for our HE courses can be supported via Student Loans, in the same way as a “university loan”.
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Council has temporarily dried up, the temptation for the Council will be to ask the UK government for a bailout. It should not do so, but if it does, the government has Beds every reason to say no. Here are some of those reasons. First, all councils should be treated on an equivalent basis in meeting their additional costs: replacing money from commercial ventures should be excluded. Second, despite the impact of air pollution, noise pollution and congestion from the airport on surrounding areas, Luton Council does not share its dividend with other affected councils or resi-
IN MY OPINION by Richard Fuller
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN JUNE 12, 2020
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dents. Such lack of regard for one’s neighbours should not be encouraged by a bailout. For years, Bedfordshire Police has been underfunded with policing resources being drawn disproportionately to assist in Luton. Why was there never any consideration of direct, say just half of the dividend to Bedfordshire Police to help repay some of those costs? Third, Luton Council may have the capacity to borrow: they certainly found capacity to provide the airport with a loan facility of over £280m. Fourth, and this perhaps gets to the heart of the matter, the Council’s shareholding in the airport is an asset. If Luton Council needs additional money, it could sell part of its stake in the airport. Selling 25% of the airport, even in these straightened times, would provide Luton Council with more than enough money to plug its gap.
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JUNE 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
BEDS BOROUGH
Rotary continue to support Prebend Centre through very tough times ON May 19, 2020, Bedford Park Rotary showed their continued commitment to the SMART Prebend Centre by donating an extremely generous £2000. The Prebend Centre for the homeless of Bedford relies on the support and kindness of local groups like Bedford Park Rotary. Sadly, due to lockdown, many core supporters are no longer able to meet and raise funds to keep the centre going. The service CANNOT survive without this vital income. SMART Staff and volunteers work relentlessly to run the centre, offering a safe place for the homeless and socially isolated of Bedford to eat, shower and access advice and support. The team provide hope to people who find themselves at the lowest point in their lives, but this is not possible without financial support. The centre has been hit hard by COVID-19 and is currently closed to conform with government guidance. But this has not stopped the team, who have relocated to hotel accommodation, with a revised service model, allowing rough sleepers to self-isolate, helping to protect the NHS and keep everyone safe. The changes to operations has created unforeseen and unplanned costs, which is why donations are so important at this time. Due to current social distancing rules, Mark Ward, President of Bedford Park Rotary, presented a virtual cheque for £2000 to SMART CJS CEO, Anita McCallum, pictured. “We are thankful to the loyal and constant
support from Bedford Park Rotary – not only for their generous financial donation, but also for all that they do to help in many other ways. Heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support – we could not do it without you. “The money donated will go towards the £25,000 emergency COVID-19 appeal. The fundraiser has been launched to raise money to replace lost donations due to the current crisis and to provide essential services from our
emergency rough sleeper base in Bedford. Thanks to our incredible supporters, we have raised more than £10,000, but this is not enough to fill the gap. More people will become homeless due to the pandemic and the centre will be relied upon more than ever before. Please donate, so we can keep going right now and so we can reopen the centre as soon as safely possible.” said Anita McCallum, SMART CJS’s CEO.
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Mountain bike pro raises £41,000 for Sue Ryder
PROFESSIONAL mountain bike rider and Red Bull athlete Matt Jones has put his fundraising into top gear, raising an incredible £41,199 for a Bedfordshire hospice. Matt, who competes internationally and has won the Colorado Freeride Festival and Farm Jam in New Zealand, was inspired to support Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice after hearing the hospice needed public support during the coronavirus crisis. The hospice, located in Moggerhanger near Bedford, provides expert palliative care for local people with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. Matt, from Milton Keynes, decided to offer his fans the chance to win an experience riding with him at a later date when it is safe to do so, plus the chance to win a new Marin Bike – in return for a donation to the hospice. Matt said: "When my fiancée Rebecca saw on social media that Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice was in desperate need of support, we knew we had to do something to help. With a target of £10,000 we
never dreamt we could reach such an amount as £41,199. The generosity of people at such an uncertain time has been incredible – thank you!” Hayley Webb, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “It was humbling to hear from Matt and Rebecca when they asked if they could use their following to help our hospice during this difficult time. The prize was a once in a lifetime prize for a fan and it was amazing to see the donations go up every day. Matt and Rebecca have used their time in lockdown to not only keep their fans entertained, but to raise awareness about our hospice. “To raise over £41,199 in two weeks is incredible and shows the difference lots of donations together can make. This will help us to continue to provide our expert palliative care and be there when it matters for people at the most difficult time of their lives. A huge thank you to them both for thinking of us and to everyone who donated.” Find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice at www.sueryder.org/stjohns
Council’s deputy speaker
AT THE first ever ‘virtual’ Annual Full Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, Mohammed Nawaz, Labour Councillor for Kempston Central & East was appointed Deputy Speaker of Bedford Borough Council. First elected in 2011, Mohammed is now in his third term as a Borough Councillor. He is presently Chair of the Audit & Standards Committee, and also sits on the Pension Fund Committee.
Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire
ADVICE SURGERIES Richard holds regular surgeries across North East Bedfordshire. If you would like to book an appointment, please call 01767 313385
Violent robber gets 18 months detention TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDS BOROUGH
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN JUNE 12, 2020
A 16-year-old boy who waged a campaign of violent shop robberies in Bedford in the early part of this year was given an 18 month detention and training order on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
The boy was part of gang of youths who targeted small corner shops and then struck with their faces masked. A judge said they had behaved like a “pack of hounds.” In the main, they carried out the robberies late in the evening when they knew there would be just a one or two members of staff working and few customers. Cigarettes and alcohol were what they were after. £1600 worth of goods was the haul from one shop and £2000 worth from another. But behind the figures, the gang were responsible for inflicting lasting fear and trauma on their vulnerable victims. The boy, who can’t be named because of his age, appeared at Luton Crown Court via a video link from the detention centre where he has been held on remand since his arrest in February of this year. He pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiring to commit robberies. In the public gallery was the boy’s mother, who was able to see her son on a giant video screen. Alexander Wright, prosecuting, said the boy and his other codefendants, who had yet to be dealt with, had been involved in five shop robberies. Amazingly, the court was told that in January of this year in the middle of his campaign of terror, the 16-year-old appeared at a youth court in Bedford and was handed a referral order after pleading guilty to a robbery offence. Within days of being handed the order, the boy was back out on the streets committing further robberies. Mr Wright said the boy and other gang members had first struck on January 5 this year at MK Food and Wine in Elstow Road, Bedford. At around 9.40pm they had entered the shop with their faces hidden. One youth had shouted at the lone shop keeper: “Give me all your alcohol” before another youth vaulted the counter and began grabbing bottles. Judge Barbara Mensah, hearing the case, was told CCTV images had identified the 16-yearold defendant as being involved. Two weeks later on January 19 the boy and his associates struck again, this time at Chiltern Stores in Chiltern Avenue, Bedford. All had hoodies on that were pulled up and one robber picked up a bottle of Budweiser to threaten a shop worker with.
When the bottle was later examined for forensic clues, fingerprints belonging to the 16year-old were found on it. On January 31 the gang struck again at the same store. A shop worker worker was struck on this occasion by a baseball bat and £1600 worth of goods were taken. Then, on February 1, the Costcutter shop in Library Walk, Bedford was the scene of another robbery carried out by the boy and some of his fellow gang members. Four youths were in the shop, again with their faces hidden. One of the gang jumped over the counter to steal goods. The shop worker who was present had a bottle of wine hurled at him and, by the time the gang made off, the floor of the store was covered in broken glass. Just 24 hours later the gang struck again, this time at a Londis shop in Queens Drive, Bedford. £2000 worth of goods were taken and the member of staff who had been present was to tell police later it had been the most frightening experience of his life. Judge Mensah was told that police attended the shop and, as a result, a police dog led officers to a house nearby where the defendant was arrested. Two black bags were recovered by the police with gloves and face coverings that had been used for some of the earlier robberies. Thirty-eight boxes of cigarettes were also found by officers. Daniel O’Malley, defending, told the court that his time in custody had given the boy time to reflect on his behaviour and think about the seriousness of what he’d done. He said the boy was now remorseful and, at the time of his offending, hadn’t thought through the consequences of his crimes. The court was told how the boy had been drinking alcohol which had played a part in what happened in January and February of this year. He needs light at the end of the tunnel and perhaps the court can give him that today,” said Mr O’Malley. Passing sentence on the boy, Judge Mensah told him: “You and your friends targeted individuals who you knew would be vulnerable.” Judge Mensah said it appeared the boy had thought it “cool and clever” to hang around with a bunch of wasters, but she said if he didn’t learn from this he was “doomed” to spend much of his life behind bars. She sentenced him to 18 months detention.
Local electrical shop steps up to the plate Even in these terrible times local independent businesses still show extreme generosity and support to the community. The Sue Ryder Hospice at Moggerhanger needed a replacement tumble dryer after theirs gave up the ghost.
A request to the team at Michael R Peters, of the Broadway, Bedford, resulted in the hospice receiving a brand new Bosch tumber dryer free of charge. The delivery duo of Steven and Stephen (sounds like a firm of solicitors!) are pictured here delivering the dryer to the hospice.
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JUNE 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Strong support for much loved Bedford music venue AS the nation adjusts to the new reality of life under self-quarantine in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, a number of artists and musical institutions are taking the show online to share some musical joy during these trying times. With venues and bars on lock down across the country, there are plenty of things you can watch from the safety of your couch, thanks to everyone from Miley Cyrus to the New York Metropolitan Opera and the fine folks at Disney. Across the UK, we also have local talent who have taken to the screens broadcasting hours of their music live through social media, DJs have also joined in the entertainment many of whom have set up rigs in their house and some have gone that step further and have set up shop in their front and rear gardens, this is certainly one way of keeping music alive through the lock down and has received a lot of local support. In 2019, the number of small pubs and bars in the UK increased for the first time in 15 years, according to the Office for National Statistics. Staffed by around 457,000 which is certainly a chilling figure to digest, the pandemic will certainly claim a few victims here, however you can help save your local pub, bar or club by crowd funding events. The otherside of the close down many of these venues will be faced with huge rent arrears demanded by greedy landlords, out-ofdate beers and customers too frightened to come back. Bedford Esquires one of the UK’s best loved independent music venues set out to raise
by Tony Hendrix
£20,000 during Covid-19 but reached an astonishing £43,051 from 990 supporters! The venue has been offering the people of Bedford and beyond live music since 1984, they realised that as a result of Lock Down they calculated that their finances would not take them past late June, so reluctantly they entered a crowd funding initiative looking for what they thought was a very optimistic figure of £20,000 to help balance the books and keep the venue alive. Within just six hours this figure was achieved and kept rising till time out at £43,051. Gareth Barber took over the venue in 2016 and was looking forward to Esquires’ 30th anniversary this year, he has been overwhelmed with the support the venue has been given and would like to say a big thank you to all the 990 supporters for helping the venue through this crisis.
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Giving children ‘Country Days’
A CHARITY that specialises in showing children the benefit and understanding of the rural environment has received a donation from the Connolly Foundation. Country Days was the brainchild of Ann Hadfield MBE, who believed that children should understand and enjoy the rural environment. A six-acre field at Felmersham was developed as a nature reserve to host courses for children in Bedford. It has 33 varieties of trees, deciduous, evergreen and fruit bearing and comprises of one third natural woodland with a pond area hosting great crested newts, a sports area and a rain shelter. Ann funded the two pilot courses prior to her death in July 2018, which proved to be a huge success and was the inspiration to form the charity. There is now a team of teachers and staff that run
courses that are so popular there is a waiting list. The courses provide the opportunity for children to learn outside in a natural environment and develop skills which can make a vital difference to their future. It seems that with the advent of Covid 19 recognition of the importance of spending time outdoors and ideally in a natural environment has gained considerable momentum. Helen Orssich, co-founder and trustee said, “We are thrilled and delighted by the generosity and support we have received. It is critical that we provide children, particularly those with little or no access to the outdoors, the opportunity to learn in and enjoy a natural environment. “The Connolly Foundation’s donation makes a great deal of difference to the future of Country Days going forward and we are really delighted to have it."
SEMLEP invests £15.5m in Bedford road improvements
WORK has restarted on Britannia Road next week, which is part of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) backed ‘Transporting Bedford’ project. This project is delivering major improvements to this well-known congestion hotspot, which links two major roads (Ampthill Road and Kempston Road) by the South Wing of Bedford Hospital. To date, a host of underground utilities have been moved, and widening works on the eastern side of the road have been completed. When the project had to be paused due to the coronavirus outbreak, works were ongoing to create a new lane going north towards Kempston Road and
to make improvements to the road junctions. These works have now restarted. With the introduction of social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of coronavirus the decision was made by the contractor, with the Council’s agreement, to pause works until they could safely be restarted. This, in addition to the pause in works, means that the contractor is now expecting this project to be complete and the road re-opened this summer. The ‘Transporting Bedford’ project is an £18million investment to ease congestion, £15.5m of which came from SEMLEP through the Local Growth Fund and £2.5m from Bedford Borough Council.
Help keep young trees thriving in your neighbourhood BEDFORD Borough Council is joining with the Arboricultural Association, London Tree Officers Association, Municipal Tree Officers Association and the Association of Tree Officers in their campaign to ensure that newly planted trees are watered regularly over the summer months. Maintenance and watering of young trees is just as important as planting, and newly-planted trees need to be watered regularly over the summer months if they are going to become established and thrive. The dry weather which much of the UK experienced during April raised the question about how trees might be affected by COVID-19 if those people who ordinarily water them are no longer able to do so Bedford Borough Council has
planted over 900 trees in the last two years but due to the dry spring, many of these trees are struggling to survive. We are encouraging residents to get involved by watering newly planted trees – if you have a tree outside your home, or you pass by one while out exercising you can help. Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “Planting and ensuring trees become established and thrive is great for the environment, for local neighbourhoods, and to keep our Borough looking its best. “With the dry weather being experienced across the country, national organisations are encouraging people to help keep new trees watered and the Council is pleased to our add our voice to this locally.
“Every bit of water helps, so if have a newly planted tree outside your home or nearby please do help us keep these trees healthy and growing.” If you would like to report a young tree in need of water, contact the tree team by email at customerservices@bedford.gov.uk or by calling 01234 267422.
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Lord Lieutenant does the honours for Captain Tom on TH his 100 birthday
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, was delighted to present Captain (now Sir) Tom Moorewith a 100th birthday card from Her Majesty The Queen on April 30, 2020.
Following advice from Public Health England and strict social distancing measures agreed with the family and Bedfordshire Police, the LordLieutenant was pleased to wish Captain Tom a very happy birthday on behalf of Her Majesty and the people of Captain Tom’s home county of Bedfordshire. HM Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis said: “It was an honour to present Captain Tom Moore with his 100th birthday card from The Queen. “While observing strict social distancing rules, it was a pleasure to meet this wonderful gentleman who has inspired so much generosity towards the outstanding staff of our NHS. “We in Bedfordshire are incredibly proud of
his contribution, which alongside the thousands of people who are working incredibly hard to keep us safe and well, demonstrate how individual acts, as well as people working together, can help us to build strong, compassionate and courageous communities.” On behalf of the people of Bedfordshire, Captain Tom was presented with a certificate showing a section of the Forest of Marston Vale, (recently accredited as part of The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy) which has been named in his honour as “Captain Tom Moore’s Spinney.” An inscribed copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress, written by John Bunyan, one of Bedfordshire’s most famous sons, was gifted to Captain Tom as his name joins those who have written the rich story of this remarkable county. He has become a symbol of generosity, steadfastness, resilience and kindness during this difficult time. Cranfield University will recognise Captain Tom Moore’s services to the local community and the country by awarding him an Honorary Degree later this year.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN JUNE 12, 2020
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JUNE 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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With her UK tour cancelled Danni Nicholls tells the Bulletin about her plans for 2021 A
by Tony Hendrix
S WE speed towards the summer there appears to be a small glimmer of hope that restrictions are being relaxed to help repair the shattered economy, It will be some time before we return back to what we knew as ‘normal’, however there is talk that beer gardens could well be back on the menu as soon as July but they certainly will not be restrictions free! When will we see live entertainment back at our local venues, how will pubs operate, will nightclubs reopen, these all questions we would love to know the answers to, time will tell ! Those of you who follow bedfords live music scene will undoubtedly be familiar with the name Danni Nicholls. Danni is an exceptional singer/songwriter based in Bedford, she is visually stunning with a voice that can only be classed as sheer artistic elegance, in my opinion Danni is the UKs answer to Carly Simon, she portrays her vocal and musical attributes with deep passion and emotion. Over the past years Danni has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Shakin Stevens, Lucinda Williams, Sturgill Simpson and other notables. We are proud to
have Danni as part of the Bedford community where she can often been seen at local live music events within Bedfordshire. During the midst of lockdown I had the pleasure of a question and answer session with Danni: How have you kept yourself busy during the lockdown ? I’m not someone who gets bored easily so I’ve found lots of things around the house to do – those things that need sorting that you put off because there never seems to be the time when the normal schedule of life is happening. I love plants so I’ve been tending to the ones in my house and some new ones in the garden… thankfully the weather has been amazing. I also have been exercising my creative brain by making lino prints (available to purchase on my website). I have a lot of things in the works that I’m excited about and am gearing up to them but honestly I’ve taken some down time. Have you done any online shows, if not do you have any in the pipeline ? Yes! I haven’t done many because, like I said I’ve tried to take a moment to gather myself, adjust to a new way of living and have a break but the one I did do was really fun, lots of people joined to watch and were so generous with their donations. I played for an hour and definitely plan on doing another, maybe a few so keep an eye out for announcements on my social media pages. During lock down have you been working on any new songs? Yep, there are a few in the works! Do you think you will see out any tours arranged for later this year, if not when realistically will we see you back on stage ? We’re keeping a close eye on how things develop and have some potential dates in the UK in October but the rescheduled ‘Hear Your Voice Tour’ to support my latest studio album ‘The Melted Morning’ will now be going ahead in April/May 2021 and I really can’t wait to get back out there. Dates and links are now up
on my website and if anyone had tickets for 2020 they’ll be vaild for the rescheduled shows. Do you think live music and the leisure industry will struggle to bounce back from Covid-19? I think it’ll be a challenge for sure but I also think that audiences will be eager to get back into venues more than ever once restrictions are lifted so if they can hold out then they should bounce back. Many local venues are running crowd-funders and online shows with artists supporting them so if people have the means to, they could look out for these ‘events’ and support whilst lockdown is happening that’ll really help them. How can devoted fans help support you during these uncertain times?
Sign up to the mailing list to be in the loop and to receive exclusive news. Keep listening to the music, let me know if you are and how you feel about it via social media or email, I love to hear from people, it keeps my spirits up. Share on socials, spread the word and look out for online shows/content – tune in/tell your friends! Purchasing music and merchandise from my website is really helpful. All of those things would be so appreciated. Can fans access any of your material and merchandise, if so how ? Yes! It’s everywhere! Ha! Whatever your preference for consuming music, be it digitally or physically, my music is out there on all platforms from streaming on Spotify, downloading from Amazon, to spinning on vinyl. The most directly helpful to myself and most independent artists is straight from my web store danninicholls.com/shop where you’ll also find exclusive and limited merchandise items. If you could string together a few words to your fans, what would you say ? Stay safe and I can’t wait to reconnect with you out there for real! I honestly feel like the luckiest gal in the world having such incredible supporters all over the globe and I appreciate each and every person who listens to my music and keeps me going in this strange and wonderful job. Should you ever get the opportunity to see this lady perform, I can guarantee she will blow you away! This lady is going big places soon, please give her all the support you can!
Win a limited edition Danni Nicholls 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Question: What is the name of Danni’s latest studio album? Email your answer to: editorial@rosettapublishing.com – with your answer and please put ‘DANNI’ in the subject line.
View from the Rt Revd
In Focus with
In Focus with
Richard Atkinson
Yasin
Dave
The Bishop of Bedford
MP for Bedford and Kempston
OPEN ALL HOURS
PARENTS WORRIED OVER RETURN TO SCHOOL
Recently I have been bi-locating. I have cracked how to be two places at once! The answer, of course, is obvious. The necessity for church to go on-line, like so much else, means that I can be present at a zoomed service, whilst a recorded sermon is being heard elsewhere. At the same time my contribution to Messy Church will be received by children and their families, and quite possibly there are other ‘appearances’ elsewhere. Later in the week I can catch up on recordings of services from across the county. Moving out of our church buildings hasn’t been easy, but the need to stay safe and to follow government instruction has been paramount. At first some of us struggled with unfamiliar technology – Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a whole host of on-line platforms had either been unknown or things that we stayed away from. As I phone round our clergy, and connect with their on-line offerings, I have had increasing admiration for the worship and other prayer resources that they and colleagues are making available. It isn’t the same. Nothing will replace physical presence and contact with others. But the opportunity to pray together, reflect together, and talk together is there and is much valued. There is often also the chance to sing together. For those like me who can only warble out of tune the mute button is a great bonus! Most important of all clergy and others have worked hard to include those who aren’t on-line. A number will phone in and participate in that way. Nationally the ‘Daily Hope’ phone line (0800 804 8044) is being appreciated by many. When we return to our treasured (and at times frustrating) church buildings there will be much that we value and appreciate in a fresh way. Going on-line focuses for us issues of how we communicate effectively. We will also seek to continue this on-line presence, not least because it allows people to worship at a time that fits their commitments. The evidence is that, as well, it enables people new to church to join in. All of us, what-ever our beliefs, require spiritual sustenance. Why not explore what’s available – visit your local church (and other faith traditions are doing the same) on-line and join in. In the words of Arkwright and Granville ‘we are open all hours’.
On 10 May the Prime Minister announced that Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 would be the first to return to school on 1 June. Teachers’ unions, backed by the British Medical Association, have since expressed concern about the safety of classrooms. Parents in Bedford and Kempston now face the agonising choice between the obvious benefits of their child returning to school versus the unknown risks of compromising the lock-down when the infection rate is still not under control. Scientists are still divided on the risks to children. Some studies show pupils are less likely to become ill if infected and their ability to transfer the virus is low, while others show children are as infectious as adults. When I asked the Secretary of Health if he could reassure parents and teachers it was safe for young children, unable to socially distance to return to school he said that parents can be “confident that school is a safe environment for them”, but Michael Gove on the Andrew Marr Show was unable to offer such guarantees. The Government is losing public confidence when it’s most needed to persuade anxious parents to send their children to school. It’s been eroded by contradictory advice and slippery pledges on PPE and testing made to fill front pages for a day, that are exposed as untrue soon afterwards. The myth the Government “put a safety ring around care homes” has been exposed by the truth of the horrific death toll. In a few weeks’ time, the picture may look different. We are all coming to terms with living with a different level of risk until a vaccine can be found. Bedford Borough have committed to opening schools when it is safe to do so. But the Government must address teacher’s concerns, and put in place the plans to test, trace and isolate before teachers and parents can be confident that sending children back to school won’t trigger a second deadly peak..
COMPETITION:
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
LOOKING FORWARD
I am writing this in mid-May, and hopefully by the time you read this we will have started to see a bit more normality returning – although I know we will not be over the Coronavirus pandemic for a while and we will have to social distance for a long time. I wanted to take the opportunity of looking further forward. We are working on plans for both Bedford and Kempston town centres, our villages and looking even further forward and planning events in 2021 such as the River Festival and Kite and Motoring Festival, which we had to postpone this year. Over the last weeks we have managed to keep the Markets in both Bedford and Kempston running, providing essential food and other household items at first and slowly introducing more stalls such as the flower and plant stalls. Thank you to everyone who has supported our Markets. I am working with our Town Centres Portfolio Holder Councillor Henry Vann and Leisure and Culture Portfolio Holder Councillor Doug McMurdo on events we can hold once we are able to come together again. I will write more about these in a future column. The River Festival will take place on the weekend of 17th and 18th July 2021. There is a dedicated website at https://riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk/ which will keep you up to date with information about all the planned events and also sponsorship and trading opportunities as well as a countdown clock which shows there are just over 400 days to go! Before the River Festival, the Bedford Kite and Motoring Festival will return to Russell Park and the Embankment on the weekend 12th and 13th June 2021. This is a fantastic, free event for the whole community and one I particularly look forward to. Again there is a dedicated website for this event at https://www.bedfordfestivalofmotoring.com/ In the meantime please do keep safe and remember to regularly check the Government’s Coronavirus advice at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
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gardening
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN JUNE 12, 2020
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with Milton Ernest Garden Centre
A
Achieving another dimension in your garden VERY important thing to consider is the structure in our gardens. We build our house define the boundaries lay the patio and buy a shed. To blend these all together we need plants. However plants themselves provide structure. Trees provide an interesting skyline and screen the neighbours. Larger trees like Acer Kelly’s Gold and Sorbus Hupehensis have wide canopies and lovely coloured foliage but lose their leaves in winter time. The conifers like Chaemacyparis Lawsoniana are evergreen with green blue or golden leaves give all year interest and provide nesting cover for birds. Narrow upright trees like Betula Snow Queen with gorgeous white bark, Prunus Amanagawa and Malus Red Sentinal both flower in spring and are suitable trees where space is a premium. Hedges can be planted to mark the boundary of your property and are more interesting than fences providing nesting places for birds and squirrels and a safe haven for a plethora of insects and butterflies. Leylandii gives a quick screen but must be maintained regularly to stop it becoming unmanageable and a bone of contention with the neighbours. Thuya Plicata is slower growing but a lovely colour green with aromatic foliage. Photinia Red Robin, Taxus Baccata (Yew) and Viburnum Tinus are all good evergreen alternatives to Conifer hedges. If you need an immediate taller screen approximately 3 to 4 metres plant Carpinus (Hornbeam) or Tilia (Lime) trained as espaliers with yew planted below. It is expensive but is a stunning structure in any garden. Large shrubs can be planted in borders in front of fences and walls to give interest and need little maintenance. Photinia Red Robin with bright red young leaves, Viburnum Tinus and Mahonia Charity (winter flowering) and Ceanothus and Choisya Tenata
(spring flowering) are all evergreen while Forsythia, Cotinus, Philadelphus, Berberis, Sambucus Ivory Tower and Viburnum Opulus lose their leaves in winter but are quick growing and provide extra seasonal interest. Feature plants used successfully provide points of interest in borders. Taxus Baccata Fastigiata Aurea, Juniperus Virginiana Blue Spire, Berberis Helmann’s Pillar, Miscanthus Karl Forster or Miscanthus Zebrinus, Phormiums or Buxus trained as pyramids are all excellent feature plants giving focal points and structure in mixed borders. Small top grafted trees which only grow to about 1.5metres do the same. Some examples are Cotoneaster Juliette, Salix Nisiki Variegata, Holly and Euonymus. These can also all be grown in tubs on the patio and can be moved around to change the scene.
Standard roses can also be planted in rose beds for height and definition. Something special is Wisteria and Canary Bird Rose trained as standards. Both are breath taking when in flower but interesting shapes for the rest of the year. Bamboo is another superb structure plant. It is evergreen and can be used to accent or screen. Paths and walkways look more inviting when planted with low hedges. Lavender and Buxus are ideal plants for this but Thyme, Catmint and Heucheras are also recommended. Low walls and rockeries are garden structures that need decorating with plants. The alpines are brilliant plants for these situations because they grow tumbling over rocks in the natural environment. Aubretia, Alyssum Saxatile, Saxifrage, Thyme, Saponaria, Alpine Phlox, Helianthemum and
Campanula Carpatica between them give displays throughout the year. We can also introduce permanent features to give interest. Archways, Pergolas, Sitting Nooks, Rope Walks and Obelisks however ornate need plants. Arches that cover paths and Sitting Nooks need plants with soft stems and perfume that will train easily. You don’t want to be grabbed by rose thorns when you attempt to walk to the garage or sit sipping your Chardonnay! Plant these structures with different varieties of Honeysuckle to make a feature all year. Lonicera Belgica (early flowering), Lonicera Serotina (late), Lonicera Princess Kate (highly scented), Lonicera Hall’s Prolific and Mint Crisp (evergreen) make the arch a year round interesting feature. Pergolas being larger will accommodate Wisteria, Clematis Montana, Jasmines and Climbing Roses. Rope Walks are good for Rambling Roses because the rampant growth quickly drapes the posts and ropes. The new varieties like Rose Albright (pink) and Malvern Hills (yellow) are exciting because they repeat flowering throughout the summer. Obelisks, the Victorians and Tudors loved them and painted them bright colours. I like to use them to decorate herbaceous borders and to give height in tubs. Planted with perennial sweet peas, hybrid clematis and as in the cottage gardens with runner beans you can achieve another dimension in garden structure. Finally some structures like the shed can be an eyesore. Cover them up with plants like Polygonum Baldschuanicum, Clematis Montana, Virginia Creeper and Variegated Ivy. The best structure of all of course is the lawn. It sets off the rest of the garden and keeps the Man in the House amused for hours each week.-
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JUNE, 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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New dates for Bedford’s Kite & Motoring Festival
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Motoring Festival to happen next June. Thank you to everyone for their work so far on the event and along with the Bedford River Festival, we are hoping to bring all of our planned activities, displays and events back to Russell Park and the Embankment next year. “I am pleased that we have set a date for next year’s Kite and Motoring Festival, June 12 and 13, 2021, bringing this fantastic, free, local community event back to our town.”
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BEDFORD Kite and Motoring Festival will return to Russell Park and the Embankment on Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, 2021. The 2020 Kite and Motoring Festival was postponed earlier this year due to the coronavirus outbreak, and the Council and its partners had initially hoped to bring the Festival back later this year. With ongoing guidance against mass gatherings for public safety, together with partners in this event such as the kite flyers, car enthusiasts, and other entertainments at the Festival, and to provide certainty for the public it has been decided that the next Kite and Motoring Festival will be in June 2021. Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “It is disappointing that we aren’t able to deliver this event this year but we feel this is the right decision in these unprecedented circumstances. “Hopefully, the country will be in a position for the Kite and
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