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BEDS BOROUGH EDITION
ISSN 2634-453X
SEPTEMBER 2020
SOME POSITIVITY WILL SAVE JOBS!
BEDFORD IS OPEN FOR
BUSINESS!
Businesses have been fighting back in Bedford Borough: building trades, garden centres, home improvements, hairdressers and good quality restaurants offering eating-in and takeaway options are responding to customer demand.
Queues could be seen outside big brand eateries in the town centre and the Riverside development, others with terraces overlooking the water, were busy on sunny days. The Government’s August Eat In campaign proved popular with customers by encouraging people to leave their homes and enjoy a meal, safely, in Bedford. Salons and spas have been making huge efforts to keep clear of Covid so customers remain safe. Upon opening after the lockdown they were well booked. But, others struggled to swim against the tide of online shopping and ongoing barriers to casual town centre shopping. The good news that the Bedford Debenhams is open has helped, but cafe society has struggled to regain its former heights. Mill Street Frescoes Coffee Shop owner Kevin Kavanagh, a long time champion of business in Bedford, has spoken up: “We need the support of the council now to help push the message that Bedford is Open for Business. “Whilst we applaud their efforts in keeping people safe with their Covid care campaign, we do need balance. “Businesses are bending over backwards to comply with Government guidelines, while promoting themselves and their offer, but that is not enough to combat the now widespread and embedded idea, that people should stay away from Bedford. “We need more real incentives for people to come into town. “Without them businesses will not survive and the town will die once the life support of Central Government grants and furlough funds are switched off.”
SEE OPEN LETTER TO MAYOR DAVE – PAGE 3
Debenhams combines familiar faces with new offers in town centre.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Pep’s supporting your local hospice this summer Keep up-to-date go to: www.rosettapublishing.com/bulletin
PEOPlE in Bedfordshire are being encouraged to lace up their trainers and take on a virtual running, walking or cycling challenge this summer for a local hospice. With numerous marathons, runs and cycle events cancelled, Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice is searching for people who still want to complete a challenge in 2020 and get that finish line feeling. Sue Ryder’s Virtual Summer Series is an opportunity for people to choose their own activity and distance. They can complete their challenge in their own time, wherever they want, and raise vital funds for the charity. Pep (Giuseppe) Marsala, an MOT tester and mechanic at D.O.M.S Autos in Bedford, signed up to the Summer Series and ran 50km (31 miles) during the month of July. The father-of-two did the challenge in stages of 5k runs around Bedford Park, sometimes accompanied by his youngest child who cycled alongside him.
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Pep has raised £550 for the hospice, which is located in Moggerhanger near Bedford and cares for people with life-limiting conditions. “I supported Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in memory of my nonno (grandfather) Giuseppe, my uncle and our close friends, who spent their days under the hospice’s care,” said Pep. “They were all such loving, kindhearted people and I love that I was able to do this in their memory. “I wanted to support a hospice that is close to my family’s heart and mine. The staff at the hospice are wonderful people, they give everybody in their care the dignity and support they deserve. “It means so much, what they have done for us, for the people we have now lost, at the hardest time of their lives. You can’t put a value on it.” Hayley Webb, Senior Community fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Pep and his family and friends for your kind support and fantastic
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fundraising – we are really impressed by your determination and early morning runs. “We are searching for people to join Pep and sign up for our Virtual Summer Series. If your run or cycle race has been cancelled this year, this is your opportunity to complete it virtually. Or perhaps you want to set yourself a new challenge. Do the distance in your own time, wherever you want, and get that finish line feeling. “You will be helping to raise vital funds so we can be there when it matters for local families at a time when they need us most. for example, £140 could pay for a hospice nurse for a day, can. Sign up at www.sueryder.org/ summerseries” You can support Pep through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/doms-autos To find out more about the Virtual Summer Series, please visit www.sueryder.org/summerseries or contact the hospice’s fundraising team at stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org
WANTED
POlICE have released an image of a man who is wanted to be recalled to prison. liam Moriarty, of Beech Avenue, Northampton, is also wanted for breaching his bail conditions. The 26-year-old has been charged with burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and a number of driving offences. If anyone who knows of his whereabouts, or who recognises the man pictured, is urged to contact police. You can contact police via bedfordshire.police.uk/report or on 101 and request to speak to the Operation Maze burglary team. You can also submit information via independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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BEDS BORO
Open letter to the Mayor of Bedford
Following the relentless publicity on TV and other media about the rate of Covid in Bedford, in which the town centre and by
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020
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Bio ready for business
association its businesses, were featured, we would like the Mayor to now be seen to given equal prominence to the GOOD news: Bedford IS Open for Business. The abiding impression left in the minds of those who see only headlines on local TV and online, has been one in which Bedford is not a safe place to visit. Despite the valiant attempts of the BedfordBID to champion the Open for Business campaign on its Love Bedford platforms, showing how the town is safe and secure, communications by the Mayor, coupled with council publicity online, on Facebook and on Twitter, has added to the commercial damage being suffered by shops, restaurants and retailers. That negative image will not go away without a concerted effort. We want the Mayor and Bedford Borough Council by to fund an equally high-profile advertising campaign, agreed with BedfordBID who represent 100s of town centre businesses. Signed by ten town centre businesses.
Sanitising in progress at the popular restaurant La Fontana in Ram Yard, off the High Street.
A DEAL announced by Love Bedford on behalf of those in the BedfordBID zone signals how seriously safety is being taken by town centre businesses. The professional BioREADY misting means premises can be made safe from viruses and ensure customers and clients feel happy to visit. The system was demonstrated at La Fontana Restaurant and Rob’s Barbers off Ram Yard, and Jagged Edge Barbers on the High Street to signal the re-opening of similar sector businesses in Bedford - and the clean up continues. “We know how hard our busi-
nesses, large and small, are working to ensure customers feel protected when visiting their premises. And we have broadcast that message loud and clear across Love Bedford platforms. “We think the BioREADY deal reinforces the message to those who want, or need, to come into town, that we are Open for Business, safely,” said a spokesperson for Love Bedford. An extra deal has been offered to those running fleets of vehicles or taxi services with in-car cleaning material. In additions gyms can benefit from a BioREADY programme.
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Easing congestion with further traffic light upgrades
WORK has started to upgrade the traffic lights at the junction of London Road and Elstow Road. Over the course of three weeks, these works will see equipment and software put in place to improve the detection and control of traffic, along with new signal heads, re-wiring, and some pavement works at the crossing points. This is part of the wider Transporting Bedford project, which has seen major works carried out on congestion hotspots in the town including Britannia Road and Manton Lane. Part of this project is the upgrading of a number of traffic light junctions with the latest technology so that they operate more efficiently, reduce congestion, and
improve journey times for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. These upgrades will make our traffic light system better connected, better able to respond to demand and help manage traffic. This work at the London Road and Elstow Road junction joins other recently upgraded traffic light junctions including Newhnam Avenue and Goldington Road, River Street and Midland Road, St Peters Street and St Cuthbert’s Street, and Bromham Road and Union Street. Further traffic light upgrades will be taking place at
Prebend Street, Kingsway and Cauldwell Street early next year. Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Transport said “These traffic light upgrades are relatively minor pieces of work when compared with the major structural road changes taking place elsewhere in the town through the Transporting Bedford project. But they are no less important in their impact; by upgrading these junctions and making our traffic management network better connected, we should see congestion start to reduce, and our roads become safer.
“During these three weeks of works at London Road and Elstow Road, there will be temporary traffic lights in place to keep this junction moving and safe for all. Overnight resurfacing works are also taking place further along London Road, minimising future disruption for residents and businesses in the area.” Transporting Bedford is an £18million project to tackle congestion hotspots in Bedford, funded by both Bedford Borough Council and £15.5M funding from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), through the Local Growth Fund and represents the largest ever investment in Bedford’s roads.
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Six months for endangering an aircraft
A MAN who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman and disrupting a flight from london luton Airport last year, has been jailed for six months. Kramat Khan, 36, of Stone Close, Great Denham, was travelling to Tenerife with easyJet on June 29 last year, when he inappropriately touched a member of cabin crew as she carried out an inflight drinks service, claiming it was an accident. later, as she was working alone in the galley, he grabbed her from behind in a tight hug, and kissed her neck, ignoring her pleas for him to stop. Throughout the flight Khan repeatedly left his seat and removed his shirt, despite requests from the crew and pilot over concerns for the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, not to do so. Khan ignored them, and his behaviour escalated to become abusive and aggressive towards the crew and the other passengers, demanding a fight, and being racially abusive towards members of crew who tried to assist. The pilot was forced to request a priority
landing in Tenerife, however, the crew took the decision to report Khan’s behaviour to police on their return to the UK. At luton Crown Court on friday, July 31, 2020, Khan was sentenced to six months imprisonment for endangering an aircraft. for the sexual assault, he was sentenced to a further two months to run concurrently, and one month for racially aggravated harassment, also concurrent. Sergeant James Hart of Bedfordshire Police’s Airport Policing Unit said: “Khan’s behaviour posed a serious risk to the crew and passengers, and he acted disrespectfully towards a female member of the crew, leaving her shaken and distressed for several days after. “We are pleased that the severity of his actions have been recognised by the court in the form of a jail term. “The crew’s primary responsibility is for the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, and Khan’s behaviour put that in jeopardy. “Abusive and disruptive passengers must expect to be firmly dealt with, and this behaviour is never acceptable, let alone on
board an aircraft.” Mick Broster, Head of Security for easyJet, said: “Whilst serious disruptive passenger incidents are rare, easyJet will not tolerate them. We take them very seriously, always push for prosecution, and fully co-operated with the police during their investigation. “The safety and wellbeing of all of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.” Victims of sexual assault can receive support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and its partner agencies, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), as well as support through the criminal investigation process, regardless of how long ago the offence occurred. Call on 101, or report your concerns via our online reporting tool. Always call 999 in an emergency. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, reports can be made to police on 101. You can also contact the SARC through the Emerald Centre, by visiting www.emeraldcentre.org, emailing info@emeraldcentre.org or calling 01234 842750.
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Teenage boy charged with breaching closure order on block of flats
AT THE end of July, the Bedford community policing team secured a partial closure order on the entire block of flats at Chandos Court, Bedford, meaning that only residents, immediate family and support workers can enter. Amid continued patrols by police and members of housing association staff stationed at the property, together with CCTV supplied by Bedford Borough Council, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of breaching the partial closure order. He has subsequently been charged. On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, luton Magistrates’ Court granted a full closure order on another address in Chandos Court, as part of the ongoing major multiagency operation to tackle drug crime and criminal exploitation, and drive out criminality for the longer term. Bedfordshire Police officers continue to work closely with housing association bpha and Bedford Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and resolve local community concerns. Inspector Samantha Hunt, from the Bedford community policing team, said: “We have been working with our partners for months on this ongoing operation and will continue to do so in order to create long term solutions to drive out
crime and protect the vulnerable in our society. “We take reports of these issues very seriously and know the damaging impact drugs and anti-social behaviour can have on our communities, so please continue to report any issues to us. “Our investigation into these issues continues, and we remain committed to stamping out organised crime and exploitation in our community.” Kevin Bolt, bpha’s chief executive, said: “These actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to working with our partners on a long-term plan to reduce antisocial behaviour, and to making these homes a better place to live for our residents. “We hope the message is clear that such behaviour in our properties won’t be tolerated and that we will carry on working in this joined-up way to ensure progress continues to be made.” You can report concerns around drug activity and wider anti-social behaviour via the online reporting tool on Bedfordshire Police’s website. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. The boy has been released on bail and is due to appear at luton Youth Court on 22 September.
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PCC wins third Special Grant of £2.9m for Beds Police BEDfORDSHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway, has won a third consecutive Special Policing Grant for Bedfordshire Police to cover the cost of its outstanding unit focussing on fighting gang, gun and knife crime, after persuading the Home Office and Policing Minister of the need to back Bedfordshire once more.
The grant will total £2.9m and will be paid to Bedfordshire Police to cover the cost of its exceptionally high performing specialist Boson unit targeting Serious Organised Crime groups and others involved in Serious Violence, in 2020-21. This latest grant to the PCC comes just days after the Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse, visited Bedfordshire Police HQ to meet with her and Chief Constable, Garry forsyth, and to see for himself the drugs, weapons and cash seizures achieved by the Boson team and colleagues in the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit so far this year. “It’s entirely fair to say that the Minister, Kit Malthouse, was incredibly impressed by what he saw and rightly tweeted after his visit last Tuesday that Bedfordshire Police is a ‘force on the front foot’ as a result. I’ve been helped by officers within the force and our finance team to make the most robust argument possible again this year that to keep going with outcomes including almost 500 years in prison terms for offenders, we needed the financial backing from Kit to deliver at this outstanding level – and this latest grant proves he was listening. “for the past two years to date, against all the odds and the naysayers and even advice to forces saying that Special Grants weren’t going to be available, I’ve proved that it’s absolutely possible to win extra investment in policing if you prove what more the Home Office gets for more investment. “Boson has delivered the enforcement – together with the community involvement and diversionary input of the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Unit which the Minister has backed with two further grants of £880,000 each to me and they’ve collectively helped to drive Serious Youth Violence in
this county down by approximately 9% and the Home Office understands that this is what success looks like. “Originally, the Special Grants were restricted to paying for events on a single day taking place outside ‘business as usual’ in policing, like a terror attack. The Home Office has accepted my argument that the costs of dealing with the most serious criminals and the violence meted out to control their crime empires, particularly around drugs, as well as weapon supply, is unprecedented for Bedfordshire Police and is also not ‘business as usual’ for a police force funded as ours is. That’s why I’m so delighted that, although the odds were against me in many ways, the right thing is being done and this exceptional work will go on. “It’s a great day for me as PCC having insisted on applying for Special Grants in the first place and, even when things looked bleak, on making another bid and also for every officer and member of staff who can be so very proud of this performance and the quality of the arguments they helped me to make with the evidence of what they do day in and day out but it’s a truly terrible day to be in an Organised Crime Group or violent gang in Bedfordshire!” said Commissioner Holloway. This latest Special Grant follows two years of similar exceptional grants to PCC Holloway to pay for the work of the Operation Boson team of £4.571m and £3m respectively. Over the past six months, Bedfordshire Police’s specialist guns and gangs team has continued its work disrupting these criminal activities, even during the coronavirus lockdown. figures show that from february to July this year, the Boson team executed 43 warrants and made 108 arrests. In this time the team also seized two guns, six imitation firearms, almost four kilograms of Class A and Class B drugs and around £67,800 in cash. The Boson team is also heavily involved in prevention work with partners. In June and July alone, more than 200 young people were referred to multi-agency panels co-chaired by Boson members and those working in youth offending, to develop solutions to stop especially vulnerable young people getting involved in criminal activities and helping them break
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the cycle of gang exploitation. Detective Superintendent Duncan Young said: “This new funding is great news for the force and indeed for the Boson team and will really make a difference in us being able to continue to build on the fantastic work we have done so far in reducing Serious Youth Violence and our fight against gun and gang criminality. “It was extremely beneficial having the Minister for Crime and Policing, Kit Malthouse, visit us last week. It gave us the opportunity to showcase how we have used previous government funding and all the good work that Boson has achieved over the last two years. But we were also able to demonstrate the reality our officers face every day and how the threat from gangs continues to be a significant issue for our communities. “This new funding will help us continue with our multi-agency approach to tackle this county-
wide issue of serious violence, through both enforcement activity as well as prevention and diversion projects for young people.” Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Garry forsyth added: “It was a delight to welcome Mr Malthouse to Bedfordshire last week and I know he was struck by the enormous success we have had in tackling organised crime and exploitation, as well as the scale of the challenge we continue to face around issues such as drugs, gangs and firearms. “Our Police and Crime Commissioner has been a true champion for the force on these issues and has helped us secure an unprecedented amount of government funding to tackle these issues head-on. “This newest multi-million pound grant is just the latest in a long line of successes and the results we have been able to achieve with similar funding to date speak for themselves.”
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Tories call for action over Fusion’s mis-management of Bedford’s leisure facilities
URGENT action is required by Bedford Borough Council, according to Conservative Councillors, to end the lingering uncertainty over the future of its leisure services contractor, fusion lifestyle. fusion’s management of the Borough’s leisure venues has been repeatedly called into question by Conservative Councillors, who have criticised fusion’s persistent failure to maintain standards of cleanliness and service set for them by the Council. In addition, users of the Borough’s leisure centres have
been left wondering when many of their cancelled classes will resume. further uncertainty has been brought about after stories of redundancies and financial pressure on fusion. Bedford’s Conservative Councillors believe that the failure of fusion is so serious, that the time has
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come to take the leisure services contract back from them. The Council has always been fearful that taking back the contract would increase costs to the Council, but Conservatives believe that the Borough should take the initiative and establish a trust or other armslength body to manage its leisure centres. That way
the tax benefits that fusion currently enjoys would not be lost, thus avoiding costs to taxpayers. Conservative Group leader, Cllr Graeme Coombes commented: “The experiment with outsourcing the Borough’s leisure services to fusion has proved a flop, with a poor choice of service provider in fusion and a contract which clearly favours the provider rather than Bedford residents. Conservative Councillors have repeatedly questioned fusion’s ability to deliver, and time and again fusion has failed and we have been proved right. In addition to the poor contract, users of the Borough’s swimming pools and sports centres feel short-changed by the shabby facilities and uncertainty over when cancelled exercise classes will resume. fusion has been a disaster for residents of Bedford from beginning to end. It’s time we cut fusion loose and found a way to bring leisure services back under Borough Council management, whilst ensuring that there is no additional cost to Council taxpayers as a result.” Bedford Borough Council has ongoing discussions with fusion lifestyle and the Borough Council, both around the longterm and an interim solution that will enable some leisure facilities to open in the near future. Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for leisure said “As a Council we are doing all we can to try and find a solution that works for residents and users of the leisure centres, that is safe and financially viable for everyone. “We look forward to fusion confirming the safe reopening of the sites soon and look forward to seeing the facilities in use again.”
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LOOK AFTER OUR £5 million boost for college GARDEN BIRDS BEDfORD College is one of 188 across the UK to receive a share of £200 million funding announced by Department of Education
“We want to build a world class further Education system which delivers for the whole nation, and a key part is ensuring
colleges are fit for the future - with in the country Bedford College better facilities,” said Gavin will receive £2 million initially which will really help us upgrade Williamson Education Secretary. Earlier in the year Prime some of our oldest buildings at the Minister Boris Johnson said of the Bedford campus. “This comes on top of the addiinvestment it was important to: “…lay the foundations for a country tional £2.9 million we will receive where everyone has a chance to suc- thanks to support from SEMlEP ceed, with our younger generations to allow us to develop a new offsite-construction centre. front and centre of this mission.” “It feels like government is Ian Pryce CBE, Principal and CEO of The Bedford College acknowledging the importance of Group said: “We applaud the gov- colleges in helping the country ernment’s decision to invest £1.2 recover economically from the billion to improve further educa- Covid-19 pandemic, and the need tion college buildings, Radwell Roadand (justtooff to theinvest A6) in technical skills. The £5 million “building” release £200 million of that Milton Ernest MK44 1SH bonuses for Bedford will be availstraightaway. “As one of the largest colleges able for projects starting in 2020.
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Finalists at the SME Business Awards 2020
THE Cartridge Depot based in Bedford, have been successful in reaching the finals of the SME luton & Bedfordshire Business Awards! They are finalists in two categories which are the Green Award and Positive Impact Award! Cartridge Depot supply print consummables to commercial business and home users. They began trading in March 2012 from a shop in Bedford town centre. The Cartridge Depot team look forward to attending this year’s Bedfordshire Business awards ceremony, which takes place on Monday, November 9. The two categories they are finalists in are: ‘Green Award’, this is in recognition of the recycling service they offer for empty printer cartridges, and ‘Positive Impact Award’ this is in recognition of how they have changed the services they offer to help out during the covid-19 pandemic. The businesses partner’s Guy and Vincenza commented: “This year has been hard for all of us and we have done our best to help as much as we can. It is hard to see when and if things are going to get back to normal, but one thing we can all take from this is that if we all work together and support each other we can achieve great things. “Making the finals in one category is a feat in its self, but to make the finals in two categories in one year is overwhelming.”
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BEDS BOROUGH
Julia is at home at Bedford Debenhams Former St Thomas more schoolgirl, Julia Horsman, aged 30, is delighted to be in charge of Debenhams in her home town of Bedford. Julia, who has a retail management degree from Bournemouth University, worked at eight Debenhams stores, including oxford Street, since joining the company in 2013, but always dreamed of taking over the Bedford branch. That ambition came true in February, but sadly the Covid crisis then hit. The good news now for the town centre is that while other branches have been closed, including the high fashion one in milton Keynes, Bedford Debenhams is still in business. Julia fronted the Love Bedford: open for Business campaign run by the BedfordBID (District Improvement District) and was interviewed on TV and in the Press about the revitalised store on June 15th when lockdown ended. “We had a great week with lots of customers who were relieved to get back to some sort of normality by visiting their own Bedford Debenhams. many of them were so glad to see the store reopen, especially since Beales and m&S has gone,” said Julia, whose mum Kathy worked at m&S in the past, “People do feel an affinity with this department store. We think that in long-standing local families, everyone knows someone who has worked here at one time or another. many of our staff have been here for decades and are familiar faces. “I love this town and this store is very personal to me so I want to make the most of it and encourage locals to think of popping and shopping here. “We have used the social distancing to revamp the store so it feels more open, less jumbled. “We have also acquired some of the more upmarket stock from milton Keynes which people
Julia with Frank Ansah-Dallas, Sales Manager.
will be excited about - and we’ve had some great deals. “I do take it personally when people post negative stuff on social media about the town and the store. There were problems in the past but the lifts and escalators are now all working - so easier to get up the higher floors. “There are some exciting developments coming along and we will be sharing those on the Love Bedford social media.”
E. P. Rose – a trip down memory lane
BeDForD Debenhams has always been the biggest department store in town. Locals will remember when it was called eP roses. The You’re from Bedford UK FB site has been running some old photos of the store. Julia of Bedford Debenhams has been adding to the posts with some treasures she has found. others have been joining in with memories of their own about the location – the corner was a famous meeting spot. The beloved Blue Cross sale came back to Debenhams in August. There will be offers on-
going in the autumn, and plans for a festive fun at Christmas. So, if you are nostalgic for a Christmas of old when people took a special
trip into town to do their seasonal shopping, then make sure you look into Bedford’e best loved department store.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020
BEDS BOROUGH
— 9
Top results at The Bedford Sixth Form STUDenTS at The Bedford Sixth Form in Bromham Road, Bedford have shown that, despite all the controversy, the very best a Level results were possible at a state sixth form, with a range including a* stars, as well as, Distinctions in extended Diplomas. Here are their scores and their preferred destination universities: These students all achieved a full set of A or A* grades at A level: Brightman, Emily: a* a a – University of Birmingham – international Law and Globalisation
Shaw, Katie:
D*D*D* & B – anglia Ruskin University – Psychology with Clinical Psychology
Paul, Manisha:
D*D*D* & B – University of Birmingham – Master of nursing
Kelly, Daisy:
These students got very high A levels including A*: Gochev, Daniel:
a* a a – University of Warwick – english Literature
a* a B – University of Birmingham Mathematics
Rodden, Jack:
Tumani, Lucian:
brilliant teachers that led me through. “This year was different to any other and that came with a lot of anxiety and stress but TBSF equipped us with all the tools we needed to get through such a tough time.”
D*D*D* & B – Durham University – Marketing and Management
a* a* C – Kingston University – Creative and Cultural industries
a* a* a* a* - University of Oxford – Biochemistry
KaTie Shaw, 19, from Sandy is off to Durham University to study Marketing & Management. “i’m glad to have got into my first university choice. “Studying at The Bedford Sixth Form has been a delight and i truly owe my success to the
Lalsie, Luca:
a* a a – University of Lincoln – Graphic Design
Morgan, Emily:
Durham bound to study marketing
D*D*D & a* - University of Southampton - Psychology
a a a – nottingham Trent University accounting and Finance
Rogers, Oliver:
These two students got the highest possible grades across an Extended Diploma and an A level: Church, Lillith: D*D*D* & a* - London School of economics and Political Science Sociology
D*D*D* & a* – Loughborough University – Sport Management
Gray, Amie:
These students got a very high combination of an Extended Diploma and an A level: Betts, Eleanor: D*DD & a*
a* a B
Hollingsworth, Ellie: Loeffler, Emma:
a* a B – King’s College London english
Richmond, Katy:
a* a B
Scorer, Ellie:
These students got Three Distinctions in their Extended Diplomas and also passed an A level: Thorman, Ashleigh:
D*D*D* & C – St George’s, London – Paramedic Science
D*D*D* & C – University of Bedfordshire – Physical education QTS - Secondary
Watts, Ruby:
D*D*D* & D – University of Bedfordshire – Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Ping, Chloe:
Tanaya gets grant for geography
STUDenT Tanaya Singh is off to Kings College London to study geography thanks to her three a Level passes in Geography, Govt & Politics and english Literature & Language. The 18-year-old from The Bedford Sixth Form has her sights set on career in policymaking in the Government. The first in her family to go to university, Tanaya has already won a valuable bursary from the Peter Roberts Collab Group of £2,500. in addition, she has is being helped with a £3,500 grant
from the Harpur Trust. “The funding will help me buy equipment for extra curricular activities and fields trips on my geography course, which i start in September. it will enable me to take some extra steps towards employment in Government where i hope to get a role when i have completed my degree,” said Tanaya. in the meantime she hopes to set up a YouTube channel sharing her experiences of the course and what she is learning as it it unfolds.
Oliver Rogers, 18, of Toddington, Mid Beds upgraded his degree course to Accounting and Finance as a result of getting the grades which added up to a better score than he had expected.
“We have shown consistently improving results for our students since opening less than a decade ago.”
Emily Brightman, aged 18, of Bedford hopes to become a lawyer when she has completed university.
Off to Oxford University to study BioChemistry is Jack Rodden who gained four A stars at The Bedford Sixth Form. He lives in Olney on the Beds/Bucks border.
Emily Morgan, 18, of Sandy, Beds was inspired to take up Graphic Design after seeing brand-making challenges on the The Apprentice.
Paul Clarkson, Head of The Bedford Sixth Form
10 —
SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Comedy is bouncing back
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Works completed on Britannia Road THE Transporting Bedford project on Britannia Road is now complete, bringing congestion easing measures to this well-known traffic hotspot in Bedford. Britannia Road links two major roads in Bedford; Ampthill Road and Kempston Road, past Bedford Hospital South Wing. This project has delivered a major change to the road layout, widening the road to create more space for traffic to flow, a new traffic light junction at King’s Place, and upgraded traffic lights along the length of the road to improve traffic flow. There were also improvements carried out to the layout of the main Hospital car park and existing drop-off areas, helping to improve traffic flow down Britannia Road. Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways said “I am delighted that this next phase of the Transporting Bedford project is now complete and this road is completely reopen to the public. “This scheme is one element of this wider project, and will link in with works on Ampthill Road expected to start later this year, delivering improvements along this whole corridor coming into Bedford from the south. “The completion of the Britannia Road works was unfortunately delayed, not least due to the coronavirus outbreak, and our thanks go to business, residents and commuters for their patience during these works. “As more and more of the Transporting Bedford project comes to fruition, I hope that people will really start to see and feel the improvements, with
changes to the roads, improvements to traffic signals and more helping to ease congestion and make our roads safer.” Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive at SEMlEP added, “We are delighted that Britannia Road is now complete and open for public use. “We look forward to seeing the refurbished road have a positive impact on our local economy enabling greater business productivity in the town centre by improving traffic movement. SEMlEP are proud to have awarded the Transporting Bedford project £15.5 million of local Growth fund investment, continuing to use our area’s connectivity to shape business opportunity.” Transporting Bedford is an £18million project to tackle congestion hotspots in Bedford, funded by both Bedford Borough Council and £15.5M funding from the South East Midlands local Enterprise Partnership (SEMlEP), through the local Growth fund and represents the largest ever investment in Bedford’s roads.
CASTlE COMEDY is ready to save your summer with two brilliant outdoor comedy shows. The outdoor comedy specials are on Thursday September 3, at Henlow Bridge lakes and Saturday September 12, at The Rufus Centre, flitwick. They will feature star names, lovely surroundings and big laughs all in a safe environment. Opening the show at Henlow Bridge Lakes is Suzi Ruffell. She is regarded as one of the best up-and-coming acts, Suzi won Best Club Comic at the 2019 Chortle Awards. Suzi has most recently appeared on live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, Roast Battle, Ultimate Worrier, Hypothetical, The last leg and The Jonathon Ross Show.
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Suzi is co-host of the hit podcast like Minded friends with Tom Allen. “On the cusp of stardom” The Evening Standard Closing the show is Simon Brodkin. He was named “the world’s most famous blagger” by The Daily Telegraph, he is an untameable prankster and acclaimed character comedian. Of his many characters, Simon is best known for his irrepressible, south london wide boy lee Nelson! Simon’s television appearances include live At The Apollo, Sunday Night at The Palladium (ITV); The John Bishop Show & Channel 4’s Comedy Gala. “Never less than ingenious” The Times Castle Comedy is teaming up with The Comedy Cow to put on the show at The Rufus Centre in
Flitwick. Headlining the show is Paul Sinha. He is best known for his starring role in ITV1's The Chase, where he regularly chases down opponents in his guise as 'The Sinnerman'. He has appeared doing stand-up on Comedy Centrals The Alternative Comedy Experience and ITV1’s Tonight At The london Palladium. finally, he gained a legion of new fans for his cult performance on Taskmaster. ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News All the shows will feature support from top UK comedians and be hosted by Castle Comedy favourite, Paul Revill. Doors Open at 6pm and the Shows Start at 7.30/7.45pm. Tickets for the shows are £15 from www.castlecomedy.co.uk
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The times they are a-changing
THE massive changes being inflicted on creative industries by Covid, and ensuing financial cutbacks, means that it is vital for young people understand how they can make a living in media and music. There is no doubt that having the latest technological skills, and understanding the fast-paced changes in how media and music is accessed by audiences, is going to be vital. The South Bank Arts Centre, at the riverside Bedford College campus has a longstanding reputation of links with those actually working in the media and music industry. Keeping in touch with how that is changing in the coming few years will give students a huge advantage. New from September is a top up degree taking those who have an level 5/HND in Media Production or Music Technology to a full BA (Hons) in just one year. The course can be paid for in instalments and the schedule allows students to keep on work and family commitments. “We’re very excited about this progression course and delighted to be working with the University of Bedfordshire in delivering, close to home in
Bedford, a degree which will set students on the right path to a future in media and music,” said HE Performing Arts Course Manager Sean Doyle. Sean and team have seen a wide range of former media and music students go on to produce their own movies, complete with film premieres or online launches, and forge careers in the studios or via the internet, in the music business. The Media Production course covers sound, image and interaction, research and how the industry is developing, a special project and working with contemporary practices. Visiting speakers from the industry, or online sessions with them, will help to inspire students. The Music Technology course can lead to careers which will still exist post Covid such as broadcasting sound technician, instrument technician, sound engineer, or music producer. It covers composing, recording and mixing. “Despite all the doom and gloom about theatres and venues closing, the upside is there are fantastic opportunities for people to create their own sounds and reach out to audiences direct,” added Sean.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020
— 11
Students show remarkable resilience in ‘A’ Level studies STUDENTS at Mark Rutherford School are extremely pleased with their A Level results despite the challenges this academic year has brought due to the COVID-19 pan demic. Commenting on the results, Mrs Foster, Deputy Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form said: “We are very proud of the students and the resilience they have shown through such unprecedented times with the majority moving on to their first choice options of university or apprenticeships.” “Those moving on to university have secured a number of competitive places to read a wide range of subjects. “The majority of the subjects we offer were achieved with a 100% pass rate. The percentage
of A* and A grades also saw an increase on last year; over 38% of all students achieved at least one A* or A grade. “A number of subjects achieved excellent results including: Spanish, French, Music, Further Maths and English Literature with 100% A*-C grades.” “We always look forward to hearing from the students and their successes as they start the next phase of their journey as confident and independent young adults. “If you are interested in joining our high achieving and very successful Sixth Form, where students are supported and cared for by our dedicated and experienced teachers, please contact the Sixth Form Team via the school website.”
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12 —
SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Higgins Bedford Reopens
AfTER being closed for five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Higgins Bedford has reopened to the public. Visitors will once again be able to enjoy displays telling the story of the local area, alongside nationally significant collections of art and design. New measures will be in place for the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff, and to help ensure an enjoyable experience for all. This has included reducing the capacity of the museum to ensure that people can socially distance. Visitors will need to book a free timed entry ticket visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or by calling 01234 718044. Everyone visiting The Higgins Bedford must wear a face covering, except for children under 11 or for the legitimate reasons set out in Government guidance. Visitors will be able to view the popular Dreams and Nightmares exhibition, featuring artworks selected from the Cecil Higgins Collection, which has been extended to Sunday 20 September 2020. As well as being able to visit the galleries, the museum shop will be open while The Higgins Pantry café has already reopened its doors (opening times can be found at www.thehigginspantry.co.uk).
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Peeing out of my belly button
D’Parys reopens to strong sales and earns Travellers’ Choice award fOllOWING a challenging few months due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, the d’Parys on De Parys Avenue, Bedford, has hit the ground running, with an impressive level of trade in its first few weeks of reopening, and has picked up a prestigious new accolade to celebrate. The d’Parys team has worked tirelessly to create an environment that’s safe yet social, controlled yet welcoming, and their efforts have paid off; despite the ongoing trading limitations imposed by Covid-19 restrictions, food and drink sales are now approaching pre-lockdown levels, just a couple of weeks after reopening. Tor Humpherston, Operations Manager at the d’Parys, explains: “We worked hard during lockdown to provide the best service
we could in the form of takeaway meals, drinks and grocery boxes, both to help our local community and to ensure that the pub’s name was front of mind when the time came to reopen.” Speaking of positive feedback, the d’Parys has additional reason for celebration in the form of a
coveted Travellers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor. Every year the world’s largest travel platform pulls together all the reviews, ratings and bookmarks logged on its website to shine a spotlight on the very best in the hospitality field, and the d’Parys has made the cut for 2020.
Charged with sexual offences
A 39-YEAR-old man has been charged with sexual offences after two incidents in 2018. James Hargreaves, 39, of Bedford, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of possession of a bladed article in connection with two separate incidents in 2018,
one in Irchester Country Park and one in East finchley woods, where women in their 20s were taken and sexually assaulted. Hargreaves appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 17 and will next appear at Northampton Crown Court on Thursday, September 17.
WHAT do you do when notice a little bit of blood in your urine? If you have any sense you will see a doctor pronto. That’s just what Kempston resident Nicky Johnson did. She had a small trace, visited the doctors and eventually was diagnosed with bladder cancer in May 2018. This type of cancer is more common older people and especially men but little is known about it. Nicky was baffled, she being 49-year- old female and a non-smoker had led a pretty healthy life-style up until this. She underwent surgery to remove her bladder and now has catheter in her belly button. To share her experience she has recently published a book entitled: ‘The parts of me I can live without’, which is available from Amazon. All royalities from the book sale go to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.
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View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
TOUCH MATTERS
As a Bishop I get sent material from all sorts of organisations and causes. Some are frankly bizarre; others don’t interest me; some catch my attention. One of the latter was an email from Julia Jones about John’s Campaign. founded in 2014 after the death of Dr John Gerrard and based on the reflections of his family that things would have been so much better if they had been able to continue to care for him, alongside the medical provision, the purpose of the campaign is simple. It is ‘the belief that carers should not just be allowed but should be welcomed and that a collaboration between the patients and all connected with them is crucial to their health and well-being.’ In the best of times there is more to do to enable this essential partnership in hospital and care. I recall visiting my father towards the end of his life in hospital, and despite some excellent staff, thinking that the system could do more to recognise us, his family, as co-carers. More recently the strictures of Coronavirus have made everything so much harder. My mother with very advanced dementia couldn’t be visited for over four months. Seeing us on a small iPad screen made no sense to her. Even now that visits can happen, we rightly wear masks and sit at a distance. That essential gift of touch which is so important to the frail is denied. for once I don’t know the answer. I know that were I to be a conveyer of infection, it wouldn’t just be my mother at risk but also the other thirty-five residents with their frailty. That would be irresponsible. All I can do is feel the pain of not being able to hold my mother’s hand as part of an elusive connecting with someone whose mind is far away. It is no surprise that Jesus in the Gospels often touches people. He touches the sick, the leper and the outcast. Healing is more than just words – we all need quite literally the healing touch. Not being able to touch, and hold hands, and embrace is one of the sad consequences of the virus. I hope and pray that when the time is right we truly value the gift of touch, not least as part of that vital task of family and carers being partners in the care of those with dementia.
In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP MERGER
from 1 April 2021, Bedfordshire, luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups are planning to merge into one single NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). This will have an impact on how they operate as commissioners, (commissioning is the process by which health and care services are planned, purchased and monitored) and how they will work together in the future. My Executive is opposed to the creation of a single CCG covering Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. What we, as elected representatives of Bedford Borough residents want to see, are high quality, responsive health services. We are opposed to this merger as we have not been convinced that there is a medical rationale, that is, we don’t believe it will deliver better health outcomes, and we anticipate the creation of larger CCG will result in a more remote organisation, less likely to listen to local views. We are convinced that what Bedford Borough needs is more localised provision and oversight of health services, including primary care. That local organisation could nonetheless collaborate with other organisations. In our view, a Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes CCG would not provide this. We have already seen a number of issues where the current CCG has been found to be too remote and non-responsive to the needs to Bedford Borough, for example when they wanted to close Putnoe walk-in centre. Another example of this came during the current Coronavirus pandemic, when the surgery at the Church lane busy shopping centre was made a ‘red site’ without the CCG having carried out an appropriate risk assessment and implementing mitigation measures and responding with indifference to requests from the Borough Council to undertake a risk assessment. The Commissioners have set up at survey and are asking for views ahead of submitting a final application in September 2020, you can have your say at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/ r/OneBLMKpublic — until Sunday 13 September.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020
— 13
Crossing safety warning as trains return to Marston line
405040. In an emergency always NETWORK Rail today warned dial 999.” people to take great care when On the Marston Vale line there using levels crossings on the are thirty-two public and private Marston Vale line. level crossings which are always This safety advice was issued being reviewed for safety. before train services resume on the Three public foot crossings, in Bedford-to-Bletchley (Marston lidlington, Millennium Park Vale) following a period of Covid crossing near Millbrook station, inactivity. and school crossing in Woburn london Northwestern Railway Sands, are scheduled to close when passenger trains will start running train services return on 24 August. again on Monday, August 24 for Alternative barriered crossings are first time since the country went available nearby in all three places. into lockdown in March. Train drivers have reported a With increased numbers of train series of near misses with pedestricrew available and more people now using the railway, services dangerous and can result in death Treat the railway with the respect ans and trespassers at Woburn and caution it deserves. Don’t risk Sands crossing in recent years. will resume in the morning and or serious injury. “Officers will be proactively yours or others’ lives to save a few Because of the potential risk to evening peaks in seven days’ time. Johnny Amadi-Ahuama, level engaging with users of road and minutes of time. Anyone witness- crossing users in these locations crossing manager for Network foot crossings and won’t hesitate ing criminal acts can report them Network Rail has chosen to close Rail, said: “Not following the rules to prosecute those flouting the law. via text on 61016 or phone on 0800 them before a tragedy occurs. when using road and foot crossings over the railway can have devastating consequences. With so few trains running on the Marston and Abbey Vale lines over recent months, I’d like to remind people that it’s really important that they treat the railway with the caution and respect they need to. “I’ll be working hard with my colleagues, the British Transport Police and train operator london Northwestern Railway to get this message out there so everyone in the area stays safe when passenger services return on August 24.” lawrence Bowman, customer experience director for lNR, said: “I would like to thank our customers onRadwell the Marston Vale lineoff the A6) Road (just for their patience andErnest understandMilton MK44 1SH ing while we have been working hard to bring back their train service. “The coronavirus had an unprecedented impact on our train crew and we had to make hard decisions on how to use our available resources to move the maximum number of passengers. I am pleased we will once again see passenger trains on both routes from next week and we hope to run an even fuller service later this year.” Teams from Network Rail and British Transport Police will be patrolling the area and giving advice to people. Trespass, vandalism and welfare patrollers will work in addition to BTP patrols to engage with members of the public and remind people it is against the law to trespass on the railway or break the rules while using level crossings. Inspector Martin Turner, Sector Commander for the British Transport Police, said: “My offiRadwell Road (justasoff the A6) We put your safety first at all time – During the Corona Virus pandemic, cers will be increasing patrols we have continued to provide all of our services. We have made over 10,000 hours of home Milton Ernest MK44 1SH the lines reopen. Trespass, vandalvisits without incident. This is due to the diligence of our team in following the additional ism and anti-social behaviour on or safety measures we introduced at the beginning of March 2020. near the railway line is extremely
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SEPTEMBER 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Boyds of Bedford classic and custom car and bike meet
BEDS BORO
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Goldington Road, Bedford, August 16, 2020 Photography: Keith Mayhew/peoplepress
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A
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gardening POSITIVE outcome of the Covid Pandemic this spring has been that a lot of people locked down at home became ’Gardeners’. There has never been so many people taking up this wonderful pastime and discovering the Active, Creative, Interesting, fascinating, fulfilling and Rewarding hobby of growing plants we call Gardening. It was very difficult in the spring to fill Patio Pots and Hanging Baskets with colourful plants for summer because when Garden Centres were allowed to open in the middle of May there were very few summer bedding plants with which to fill our containers. Many millions of these plants had been assigned to the compost heaps by the commercial nurseries because they had passed the sell by dates. It is now time to change the scene and replant to make the Patio colourful through autumn and winter. Any container can be used if we follow a few basic guide lines. The container should be big enough to ensure it holds enough compost to prevent drying out too quickly which happens even in winter. Also it should hold a good layer of draining material at the bottom to prevent waterlogging like gravel or a drainage saucer. Also raising the container from the ground with pot feet is a good idea. By using a Multi compost with John Innes and 10% added grit both plants and bulbs will benefit. It is not as important in winter if the pot is in sun or shade but
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2020
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with Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Yay! We’ve discovered the best pastime ever positioning away from icey blasts in December and January is good. Traditional autumn plant combinations are Pansies or Violas which will flower autumn winter and spring under planted with dwarf daffodils like Tete a Tete and tulips like Red Riding Hood with attractive stripey foliage. Another good scheme is Primroses in flower in autumn and spring with crocus flowering from January onwards. By including bulbs in the mix gives another dimension and a promise of added interest later. It is
so exciting to see the first bulb shoots appearing in the dark winter days. Combinations of small shrub and herbaceous plants attractively arranged coordinating colour and shape themes also under planted with small bulbs is another suggestion. A couple of recipes to try are: Maroon Pansies, Pinky Grey Succulent, Deep Red flowering Heather, White Cyclamen and a Variegated Hebe planted in a 45cm Terracota Bowl under planted with White Crocus. Solanum, Yellow feathery Santolina, Heuchera Silver frost, and a Red leaved Cordyline under planted with Tulip Peaches and Cream. Stand a Pumpkin nearby and there’s a display for Halloween. Autumn flowering Chrysanthemums give many weeks of colour way into winter when planted on their own in a 30cm container. Daffodils can be planted in layers in a deep pot. Put 10 cm of compost on top of the drainage material and then a layer of daffodil bulbs about 10cm apart. Add another 10cm layer of compost and another layer of bulbs and if there is enough room repeat this ending with a layer of compost. The bulbs will all grow to the
same height and burst from the pot. What about planting a deep container with some layers of potatoes for New Potatoes to eat for lunch on Boxing Day? I use Jacks Magic Compost for this. Also for fresh herbs for the Turkey stuffing plant a pot with Sage and Thyme. Hanging Baskets are another source of winter Plant Pleasure. It is better to plant one large basket for winter and spring interest so choose a 40cm basket. Using Jacks Magic Compost half fill the basket and add the layer of dwarf daf-
fodils tulips or crocus. Then anything goes and all look good. for the trailing edge plants choose Aubretia, Ajuga, lysimachia, lamium, Variegated Thymes, Ivy, Heathers or Trailing Violas. for the upright middle plants look at Helichrysum, Heuchera, Grasses and Dianthus. If you have just started growing plants rekindled an old interest or like some of us unable to live without a potter in the garden every day enjoy the best hobby The Garden. It will keep you sane.
“Autumn flowering Chrysanthemums give many weeks of colour way into winter”
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SEPTMBER, 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
BEDS BORO
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Eagles strengthen their squad with return of Rene Howe
WELCOME to the new monthly Bulletin report from Bedford Town Football Club. Here you will find the latest information from The Eagles, both on and off the pitch. It is certainly the ideal time to start after the unfortunately premature end to last season, and the buzzing with expectation for the start of the 2020/21 campaign which is just a couple of weeks away.
No time has been wasted in the extended close season and widespread improvements have been made to the ground and clubhouse to ensure its as welcoming and safe as possible for the new season. close fought match, which featured several On the pitch manager Mark Ducket has by Michael Jarman-Webb been busy strengthening his squad from last term. It will be his first full season in charge, since joining from Eynesbury Rovers in January. His highest profile new signing sees the return of Rene Howe. He last played in an Eagles shirt some thirteen years ago when he left to embark on a professional career that saw him play for league teams including, Peterborough United, Torquay United, Burton Albion and Newport County. He also appeared 150 times, in two spells for Kettering Town, scoring over 70 goals. His career with Bedford Town started as a nine-year-old and continued through the youth system until he made his first team debut as a teenager, going on to score 40 goals in the first part of his Bedford Town career. Speaking about his return to the Eagles Howe said, “I think this was always
going to happen, having been born and bred in Bedford, I have this club in my heart. Left a boy, came back a man. I really am excited to get going at the Eyrie once more.”
Another player to recently put pen to paper for another season is Matt Harriot, he re-joined the club for his second spell last November and became an integral part of the midfield. Preseason matches are well underway, initially held behind closed doors, the latter matches have allowed a limited, socially distanced attendance. Entry is (at the time of writing) by pre-booked ticket only, available from https://bedfordtownfc.ktckts.com/ The first friendly saw Potton United visit, who emerged as narrow 4-3 winners in a
MATT HARRIOT RE-JOINS
trialists and youth players. Next came near neighbours Bedford FC, where the Eagles were 4-1 winners, with Connor Tomlinson scoring a hattrick. He got another two goals against March Town United in a 3-0 away win. From the division above a strong Peterborough Sports side battled a 3-1 win after Town went ahead initially through a Drew Richardson goal. Another tough encounter saw the visit of Royston Town, where despite Howe making his debut, the home team lost 2-0. The Southern League Central Division One starts on Saturday, September 19, fixtures should be available at www. bedfordeagles.net by the time you read this. The week before the first competitive match of the season will be in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on the September 12, when Daventry Town are the hosts.
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