Bedford Borough Bulletin – April 2022

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2021 ESTATE AGENT IN BEDFORD

BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

PETITION SEEMS TO WORK!

THE lack of road crossings in Wixams is due to decisions made by the former county council and is not down to Bedford Borough planners, a campaigner was told.

by John Guinn In January, an 11-year-old girl was hit by a car Local Democracy Reporter travelling on Brooklands Avenue, in Wixams. In a petition to Bedford Borough Council, the girl’s mother said fortunately the car wasn’t speeding and the driver was paying attention.

Leon Staszak, from the Wixams Community Group, presented the petition asking the council to install crossings to improve the safety for pedestrians and to help slow down the traffic to the full council meeting on Wednesday, March 16.

“For years now, worried parents have been expressing safety concerns or have commented that their child was nearly hit by a car on the way to school,” he said.

“Former members of the Wixams Parish Council even highlighted concerns about building the schools in 2017 without a crossing in place.

“Yet so far, no crossings have been installed near any of the schools to protect those children.

“We currently only have one crossing in Wixams, which is on Bedford Road and it was installed only a year ago.

“It’s definitely an important location for a safe crossing point, but there are other areas which should have been prioritised, particularly near to the schools” he said.

Mr Staszak said the Wixams Parish Council recently voted to fund crossing feasibility studies at four locations across the parish. But as costs for a crossing start at around £45,000 it can’t afford to pay for them.

“The petitioners are therefore demanding that this council work directly with the parish council and the wider community to determine where crossings are needed and allocate the relatively low funding to pay for them, “ he said.

Cllr Charles Royden (LibDems, Brickhill Ward), the portfolio holder for environment, highways and transport, said: “I’m very sorry to hear of the lead petitioner’s daughter being involved in an accident.

“I was pleased to hear that she suffered only bruises, nothing worse, but desperately sorry that a child has been hurt because that is something that we are desperately keen to avoid.

“The petitioners have called for action from the borough council, and I believe they will see that we are taking action to keep residents safe.

“Firstly, I have asked officers to introduce a 20 mile an hour speed limit on Brooklands Road that will be introduced as part of our 2022 program of works.

I’ve also asked for a weight limit to be placed on Brooklands Road.

“Secondly, we will be introducing a new zebra crossing on Fisherwood Road to complete a safe walking route from the retirement village into Village One. “Turning to the road, Green Lane, outside the schools. The council’s hands are somewhat tied because the developers have not yet given this section of road to us for adoption.

STYLES “Therefore, we don’t have a FOR legal right to install any crossings MEN & on this section of road at this time.

WOMEN Cllr Royden then added his frustration that the original design for the roads in Wixams failed to include safe pedestrian crossings.

He said: “Those designs date from the mid-2000s and were agreed by the Highway Authority at the time, which was the former Conservative run County Council.”

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Cllr Coombes said: “Wixams Parish Council and I have repeatedly stated an urgent need to address road safety around Wixams.

“The growing amount of traffic, in and around Wixams, including the seemingly relentless procession of HGVs, has turned the simple act of crossing the road into a dangerous feat of endurance.”

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Closing in on £1 million target The Trustees of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public and local grant awarding bodies and particularly by the donation from the Bedfordshire Charitable Trust in memory of Clifton Ibbett OBE taking them very close to our £1million pound target.

The initial appeal was to help create a dedicated and much enlarged Paediatric A&E department and to install a state-of-the-art CT scanner within the main A&E Department. As the appeal progressed, the A&E staff also mentioned other areas that would significantly improve the emergency services that would benefit all who suddenly find themselves needing their urgent care.

There are several fundraising initiatives that the public are arranging on behalf of the Appeal, for which they are very grateful. In addition, funds are being raised from events organised in Bedford Borough that will be match funded by The Harpur Trust.

The appeal is being extended to enable the purchase of a dedicated A&E ultrasound scanner, refurbishment of the family room within A&E and to upgrade dedicated training facilities for onsite and remote learning for Emergency Department staff.

It is anticipated that the original target of £1million will be reached in the next few weeks but fund raising will continue over and above this amount. They expect to conclude the appeal this summer in mid-July.

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— APRIL 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Bedford Regatta is back!

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John Medhurst Jewellers are proud to be selected as one of the UK’s exclusive stockists of the brand new jewellery collection ‘Hot Diamonds x Jac Jossa’. Jac Jossa is well known for playing the role of Lauren Branning on Eastenders for many years, and was most recently crowned ‘Queen of The Jungle 2019’ whilst starring on the hit TV Show I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

The Hot Diamonds x Jac Jossa collection is a beautiful array of predominantly sterling silver designs with 18ct yellow gold plating along with a real diamond in every design. Each piece is presented in a stunning gift box and bag. Talking of the collection Jac Jossa mentioned that “I had the BEST TIME EVER designing this 75 piece collection of necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and ear cuffs.

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Saturday May 7, sees the return of side-byside racing to the picturesque banks of the Great Ouse.

After a break of nearly three years due to the pandemic, the 156th Bedford Regatta will once again take place, pitting crews from around the country in exciting head-to-head racing.

The first ‘official’ Bedford Regatta took place on Thursday, August 25, 1853, making it one of the oldest sporting events in the Town. While two World Wars, a pandemic and a deluge of rain in the weeks leading up to the event in 2012, have resulted in cancellations.

Fast forward to 2022 and the organising committee is expecting a bumper entry with

crowds once again lining the river bank.

Regatta Secretary, Hugh Maltby commented on the return of the event, saying: “After a three-year gap in racing, we are looking forward to welcoming competitors and spectators from around the country back to the Embankment to experience the unique atmosphere of the Regatta.

With races every two minutes from 8.15am to 7.30pm we have a packed schedule and the likelihood of some close and exciting racing.

The best place to shout on the crews is the Regatta Enclosure located next to the Suspension Bridge, where hot and cold refreshments are also available.”

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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

Breach of fire regs National role for costs landlord £50K College’s CEO

THE prosecution of a Bedford landlord for non-compliance of fire regulations was explained to the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority on Thursday, March 24.

Commander Ian Evans, head of prevention & protection at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service told the Authority that following an earlier guilty plea to four offences, the landlord was sentenced on Friday, March 18.

“He was fined of £10,000 per offence, so £40,000 in fines, and the Fire and Rescue Service was awarded full costs of just over £10,000,” Mr Evans said.

The property involved was Broadway House, Bedford, a multiple occupancy office building of four floors.

Mr Evans went on: “The fire risk assessment hadn’t been reviewed since 2015, the fire warning system was inadequate, so that those in the building wouldn’t have received warning in the event of a fire.

The external escape was severely compromised.”

“We first visited the premises and asked for the work to be done in 2019, and as yet they have still not actually addressed this external staircase.

“So, it’s a fairly flagrant breach of the fire safety order, and despite having been given opportunities to put matters right, no action was taken, and obviously the magistrate took that into account,” he said.

The meeting was told that this involved a considerable amount of work from the fire safety team in bringing a prosecution and over 300 hours of work to get it through the court system.

The owner Mrs J Lusty, and Mr D Lusty (the Responsible Person for fire safety matters), were

given a notice of deficiencies letter in June 2019 and two months’ notice to rectify the issues.

Mr Lusty indicated that he would address the issues, but a subsequent inspection in October 2019 failed to show any significant improvement.

A further visit was undertaken by BFRS in February 2020 and as no action had been taken, an Enforcement Notice was served on Mrs J Lusty as the owner.

IAN Pryce CBE, of The Bedford College Group has been appointed to a prestigious national role by the Government.

The Department for Education has refreshed its roster of National Leaders of Further Education (NLFEs) adding individuals from high-performing institutions to step up and support colleges in need of improvement.

The national leaders programme sits alongside the Further Education Commissioner’s office as part of the government’s support and intervention regime for colleges, sixth form colleges and designated institutions in England. NLFEs work with senior leaders to provide strategic mentoring and advise on the development and delivery of improvement plans.

To be eligible to become an NLFE, applicants need to have clocked up at least five years as Principal or Chief Executive and have achieved at least ‘good’ judgements in overall effectiveness, leadership and management and teaching, learning and assessment at their most recent inspection.

Ian Pryce remains Principal and CEO of Bedford College, a role he has held for nearly 25 years. Under his leadership this became The Bedford College Group in 2017 and subsequently was recognised as the FE College of the Year at the TES FE awards 2020.

The roles are unpaid, but an NLFE’s college receives a £10,000 per year bursary to cover costs for travel, staff cover and professional development.

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‘Deep clean’ deeply disappointing!

BEDFORD Bus Station’s deep clean took place, but it wasn’t deep and it wasn’t clean, a senior councillor said, adding that this was “totally and utterly unsatisfactory”.

At last month’s full council meeting (March 16), Cllr Roger Rigby, (Conservative, Bromham & Biddenham Ward) said the bus station is one of the key gateways to Bedford.

“So I was delighted when I heard about the bus station cleanup, because I’ve had so many of my residents not only communicating to me about the issues of the buses not running on time, but also the state of the bus station,” he said.

He added that within days of Cllr Charles Royden (LibDems, Brickhill Ward) announcing the clean-up he was getting more emails back and pictures saying that it hasn’t happened.

“So could you just update us where we are with the bus station clean-up, please,” he asked.

Cllr Royden, who is the council’s portfolio holder for environment, highways and transport, replied: “Yes, I did

by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter announce that the deep clean was going to take place.

“The deep clean took place, but it wasn’t deep and it wasn’t clean.

“It was totally and utterly unsatisfactory.

Cllr Royden went on to say that since the deep clean there has been another influx of pigeons.

“The anti-pigeon preventative measures which were put in place proved inadequate,” he said.

“I think it’s fair to say that the anti-pigeon netting was used more like a trampoline by the pigeons, who then got behind it. A real problem is people feeding the pigeons,” he said.”

Cllr Rigby thanked the portfolio holder for his “enlightening” answer.

“I had another set of pictures in yesterday to show that the pigeons had returned,” he said.

“They’re back again, and the pigeon faeces is all over the floor.

“Pigeon poo is not healthy, so is there any danger? Because I heard a rumour, and I hope you’re going to tell me that we can forget it as I

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shouldn’t believe rumours. “[But] is there any danger that environmental health would actually shut the bus station if we cannot get rid of the pigeons and the poo,” he asked.

He added that council officers are working hard to get on top of this and to make sure the cleanliness of the bus station is increased.

CEO appointed for BCAT at Wixams

HYWEL Jones has been appointed as CEO of BCAT, the Trust which oversees Wixams Academy and Wixams Tree Primary schools.

Hywel succeeds Alan Evans, Interim CEO and will join in June, working with parents and the Trust to bring to fruition expansion plans both at Wixams Tree Primary and Wixams Academy, including the new sixth form.

Hywel is an experienced senior leader in education. Over the past few years as Secondary Director at Astrea Academy Trust, Hywel has overseen the improvement of nine secondary schools.

He has also worked in the primary sector supporting schools in a variety of contexts to improve their educational standards.

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Leading UK in building skills

THE CONNOLLY Centre of Modern Construction Centre at Bedford College is putting the town in the international spotlight.

With worldwide articles from equipment suppliers in New Zealand, to visits by Government VIPs and high level experts in the construction industry, the CMC is attracting considerable attention.

The most recent was on March 15th when a delegation from the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities department of Government, together with a representative of Homes England visited.

Director of Construction David Wilkins, who is hosting many of these visits says: “Off-site construction is the fast-forward way in the building industry and we have the best facility of its kind, with the most outstanding equipment, which is attracting interest from global companies and those wanting to train in the skills of the future. We are an exemplar for the rest of the country in construction training.”

The Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart stopped off at The Bedford College Group to meet students who are training to fill the demand from industry for recruits in construction, engineering, and care.

He visited the newly-opened Connolly Centre for Modern Construction in Cauldwell Street and talked to students on courses for those aged 16-years onwards, linked to apprenticeships, TLevels, further study or degrees.

With Teddy Kye-Nyarko Head of Construction in charge, he witnessed a crush-testing training session, and talked to young people about their hopes for the future.

In the Buchanan Centre for Advanced Engineering Mr Burghart met Level 4 HNC apprentices from Lockheed Martin, Bosch Rexroth, Collins Aerospace and Cranfield University along with some Access to University students who were going back into education, with a view to progressing to a degree-level career in care.

“What we are showing here at Bedford College is how people can access training for careers at a time that suits them, and they can retrain or update skills throughout their lives,” said Mr Burghart.

Access to skilled jobs from apprentices to degree-level roles, is open via the Connolly Centre of Modern Construction (CMC) at Bedford College.

The shiny £4.3 Million net carbon building has been made possible by funding via regional agency SEMLEP of £2.9 Million. The £4.3 Million includes £750,000 donated by the Connolly Foundation towards the very latest construction equipment inside the building. The Wixamtree Trust also donated £10,000.

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to 100 will train for jobs, or upgrade their existing skills to match up to emerging ‘modern methods of construction’.

Ian Pryce CBE, CEO of The Bedford College Group (TBCG): “We are closing that gap which we see between what happens in industries, and what is taught in college.”

Mark Farmer congratulated Ian and TBCG team for their vision in building the dream: “This facility will be helping to re-shape how we deliver construction in the future. It meets the Government agenda for skills and sustainability and I can see it being an exemplar for the rest of the country.

“Leadership has made this possible with Ian and The Bedford College Group being well placed to support the demand for skills in London and the OxfordCambridge Arc.” Judith Barker Director of SEMLEP congratulated TBCG and said this was a pioneer of such construction training buildings planned.

An upgrade to the look of Cauldwell Street, a gateway to the town centre, was created with silver grey cladding. The exterior of the CMC complements the look of the Brundtland Building on Cauldwell Street. The stylish silver and grey colour scheme is highlighted across the Cauldwell Street/Riverside campus which blends one of the very oldest buildings in Bedford* with the latest in green construction techniques.

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— APRIL 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Four new villages in Marston Vale

by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter “NONE of us wants 5,000 homes built in the Marston Vale… it’s loved and cherished. We would much prefer it to stay that way, but it isn’t going to.”

A reflection from Central Bedfordshire Council’s deputy leader Sue Clark on the future facing part of the county’s rural heritage.

The transformation of the Marston Vale area was part of the housing allocations in the council’s adopted Local Plan 2021.

A development brief for a 1,436-acre housing and employment project with the creation of four new villages has been endorsed by Central Bedfordshire councillors.

The site lies between Marston Moretaine, Lidlington and Brogborough, within the Forest of Marston Vale, said a report to the local authority’s development management committee.

“You can always ask for more and more changes,” explained Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillor Clark.

“But there comes a point where you have to decide whether the

development brief meets the necessary expectations.

“This document does what’s required of it in the policy framework, and it’s time to move on and focus on the detailed planning which will come with the next stage of this process.

“The stakeholder group will be there for the long-term. This development will take 20 years.

“The purpose is to discuss the current topics. The next thing will be transport, and then ecology.”

Pippa Cheetham, from Varsity Town Planning on behalf of O and H Strategic Land, told the committee: “We’ve long been convinced

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Marston Vale is a sustainable location for planned growth, borne out by the Local Plan allocation for the new villages.

“Today represents a milestone for the planning of the area,” she said. “A draft development brief was first presented alongside the outline planning application in May 2018.

“It’s fair to say the document before you is significantly different from that original version.

“It’s evolved in light of your adopted guidance and also to respond to formal and informal consultation with the public, stakeholders and elected members.

“The brief sets a strong vision for the Marston Vale new villages and includes a series of tests to guide the determination of all future planning applications.

“It necessarily builds in flexibility and resilience to respond to changes during the next 20 years, whether it’s energy use or the way we move around and balance our home and working lives.

“O and H consider this to be an exemplar development brief. Its endorsement will enable us to move forward with the outline application and enable us to deliver this important and special strategic site for Central Bedfordshire.”

Communications consultant working with O and H since 2017 Liz Mayle described it as “a robust and meaningful consultation”, saying she was pleased with the response that came back.

“We had well over 600 individual points on this and we had some really useful input into the brief.”

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HM Lord-Lieutenant and Team ‘Plant a Tree’ for the Jubilee

HER Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis and her team of Deputy Lieutenants were delighted to visit Millennium Country Park in the Forest of Marston Vale on Monday, March 21, which coincided with the Forest celebrating International Day of Forests. The Lord-Lieutenant’s team were wonderfully supported by friends and colleagues at the Forest of Marston Vale, and held a tree planting ceremony to celebrate The Queen’s Green Canopy during the year of HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Lord-Lieutenant, who recently became the Forest of Marston Vale’s Patron, invited Deputy Lieutenants from across Bedfordshire to join her in this iconic project, and together they planted seven oak trees to commemorate each decade of Her Majesty’s reign. The tree planting ceremony provided an opportunity for the Lieutenancy Team to come together in person and personally play a part in creating a feature which will be a lasting legacy for

many years to come.

HM Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis said: “It is thrilling to witness the enthusiasm of communities, businesses, schools and faith groups who are so actively engaging in this wonderful legacy project to plant trees in every parish of Bedfordshire. My sincere thanks to all of our Local Authorities in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton and to the Forest of Marston Vale for working so effectively and passionately together to support the creation of woodland that will flourish for generations to come.”

Forest Director James Russell said “It was a pleasure and an honour to host the Lord-Lieutenant and the Deputy Lieutenants’ tree planting event in this very special year. Planting trees today will ensure that the Forest continues to grow and provide benefits to people, wildlife and the planet for many years. We’re delighted that the Lord-Lieutenant has chosen to plant trees in the Forest of Marston Vale as part of Bedfordshire’s ongoing Jubilee celebrations.”

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Mowsbury Golf Club raises over £2.5k Delayed… delayed… and delayed again

THE members of Mowsbury Golf Club have raised over £2.5k in donations for local charity Creating Memories, since nominating them as their chosen charity.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that for a time the club could not run in the same way or be able to fundraise for a chosen charity as they normally would, and so they took the decision to extend what would have been an annual nomination for Creating Memories into a second year.

In 2021, the club held several events, presentations and talks to raise money and presented Creating Memories with a cheque on 14/02/22.

Founder of Creating Memories Pritti Saggi said: “Creating Memories is so grateful to receive this donation from Mowsbury Golf Club, especially after what has been such a challenging time for all of us. I look forward to using this donation to grant more wishes for our local children and their families and spreading more joy and positivity within the local community.”

Captain of Mowsbury Golf Club Tony Mattia said: “We felt it was only right to nominate Creating Memories as our charity

of the year again in 2021, because we were unable to raise funds and operate as we normally would in 2020.

The members of the club take immense pride in supporting our local charities and do their best to raise vital funds and it feels amazing to be able to hand over this cheque to Creating Memories.”

In more good news local chari-

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ties including Creating Memories have received a welcome boost to their fundraising efforts thanks to ‘Jack & Billy’s Charity Challenge (J&B CC)’ which helped to raise significant funds at their annual golf tournament.

Amongst the beneficiaries are Creating Memories, The Hope Foundation, Rainbow Trust and Beds Prostate Cancer who have

each received funds through sponsorship and donations from supporters, businesses and organisations galvanised by J&B CC. The trio of individuals behind J&B CC are Jagtar Singh, Billy Gill and Jash Mann, who have been organising charitable events for over ten years. J&B CC say of their recent tournament: “Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters including businesses and organisations (both local and national) who took part in our event to help raise money for these four well deserving charities. Our annual golf tournament is always great fun and a fantastic opportunity to do good at the same time. Thanks to everyone involved in helping us to make it such a success.”

Pritti Saggi, Founder of Creating Memories, said, “This is such a great example of locals supporting local. It was a pleasure to attend the local event to talk about what we do at Creating Memories and also to wish the golfers good luck! This is not the first time we have been able to work with J&B CC to bring something positive to our local community and I hope that we continue to do so.”

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by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter

A BEDFORD Borough ward councillor hopes it won’t be much longer before residents will be able to access a new country park.

The Country Park will provide valuable public open space for borough residents, according to a report presented to the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee last month.

Jon Shortland, the council’s chief officer for planning, infrastructure and economic growth, said: “The original proposals from 2014 talked about the land north of the Bromham Road [Biddenham] and the establishment of a new country park.

He added that the land was split into three parts; Hallam Land, Wingfield Land, and the part owned by the county council as part of the development of the bypass.

“The park itself is planned to provide a valuable public open space, maintain a rural character, provide a wide range of habitats, and increase public access to the non-wildlife sensitive areas,” Mr Shortland said.

“The progress that’s been made to date is that the Hallam Land has been fully laid out and is in use.

“The developers are also working on the design of the footbridge which will lead the housing to the south of the bypass to the country park to the north, and that will be a major stepping stone when that comes to fruition.

“The Wingfield Land has moved forward more slowly, not least over the last couple of years with being held back by Covid.

“But they [the developers] have discharged the conditions on their parcel of land to be able to start work in October last year, so that piece of work is about to commence.”

Mr Shortland said that the rele-

OPEN SPACE

vant trigger point for this development is 300 dwellings.

“I’d expect a minimum of 150 dwellings a year, so I think we’re probably at a maximum of two years away from their part of the park being put into place,” he said.

The report said the third part of the Country Park, that which will be constructed on highways land, is expected to come forward once this second part is completed.

Committee chair, councillor Kay Burley (Labour, Kempston Central & East Ward) asked for clarification on the funding for the council’s part of the plan (£400440k – based on a 2018 estimate) and the ongoing costs (£40-45,000 pounds a year).

“We’re still working on that, we have some of the money available from highways budgets that were put together to provide the bypass in the first place and some of the money from that is still available to help with the country parks, Mr Shortland replied.

“But that’s not all of the budget, and we are still working on finding that from other sources within the council,” he said.

Councillor Roger Rigby (Conservative, Bromham & Biddenham Ward) said: “We’ve got so many hundreds of houses with residents living there that would really love to use that country park.

“Is there any danger that the borough will not be able to find the money for its part,” he asked.

Mr Shortland replied: “I don’t believe there is.”

Councillor Rigby added: “There’s been an awful lot of development there are now hundreds and hundreds of houses that are actually being lived in along in this area of land north of Bromham Road, and people are moving in on a daily basis.

“That country park will be a really valuable resource in a wonderful part of Bedford.

“It seems to me that it’s been delayed and delayed and delayed.

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T-level talent spotters a third T-Level student Tom Atkinson of Woburn Sands who is studying for a Level 3 in BTEC Electrical Engineering.

He previously helped Becky Richards with T-Level work experience. She has since gone on to win a job at the international Lockheed Martin in Bedfordshire and be a finalist in the regional Rising Star category of the 2021 National Apprenticeships Awards.

Tillett & Hague are based at the Wrest Park site in Silsoe Bedfordshire. Nick originally worked at the same location in the 1980s at the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering, which became the Silsoe Research Institute. Since forming Tillett & Hague 16 years ago with his colleague Tony Hague, the company has won contracts to supply computer vision based guidance systems to manufacturers across Europe, who in turn supply equipment across the world. Tillett & Hague supply the control boards, consoles and cameras which control and navigate machines which weed a

Record subject choice at expanding Bedford Academy

book space at the school’s new facilities.

Chris Deller, Headteacher of Bedford Academy, which is part of HEART Academies Trust, said: “This is a very exciting time for our school and we’re delighted that so many local students want to come and study with us.

“Our growth reflects our excellent community ethos and our belief that we can help every one of our students to thrive. We are developing into an extremely vibrant school with a great balance of pastoral support, academic pathway options and high-quality teaching and learning” David Morris, Chief Executive of HEART Academies Trust, said: “Bedford Academy encourages all its students to recognise their achievements and build on them so that they can achieve their full potential. Its growth is testament to this, and to its focus on personalised learning.

“I’m so proud that the school is expanding its A-level and BTEC courses for sixth-formers.

This, coupled with the extra investment in facilities and social spaces, will ensure Bedford Academy’s students - and the wider community - will reap the rewards of the school’s continued success.”

L - R Seated: Bartek, Tom, Peter with Nick behind them.

Take a look at Wootton Upper School Do you have a child currently in Year 8 and want them to come to Wootton Upper School in September 2022?

For more information, please contact the Admissions Secretary to arrange an appointment to learn about the wide range of course options available. igh praise from it dh s la e st eiv c e

Effective teaching, learning and assessment support pupils to make good progress

spection d in ste Of

BEDFORD Academy will offer a record number of academic and vocational courses this autumn after applications to study at the school hit another all-time high.

1400 students will study at the school this autumn, compared to just over 1100 four years ago. The sixth-form has more than doubled in that time and now has 210 students.

As a result, the school is expanding the number of A-level and BTEC courses it offers sixth-form students, with 23 available from this September.

Students will be able to choose from a wide range of A-levels, including Spanish, Food and Nutrition and Criminology, and a diverse mix of BTECs, including Health and Social Care, Creative Media Production, Drama and Dance.

The school, which moved into its purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities in November 2012, is now recruiting for six new roles, including a Food Studies teacher, a Deputy Special Educational Needs Coordinator and a Humanities teacher.

More than £500,000 will be invested in the school’s facilities with a new social space for students and a new staff room expected to open in September.

In the coming months, local community groups will be able to

very wide range of crops from salads to cereals.

Said Nick: “Currently we have nine on the team but we need bright young talent here who can start at the assembly stage and we can then develop. We also need more academic entry level recruits to work with us on Research and Development. Working with the college means we can seek our new talent.”

The Bedford College Group has been working closely with employers to support extended work placements. This has been supported by Capacity Development Funding (CDF) from the Department for Education which aims to support colleges in building relationships with employers in preparation for the new Technical Levels (Tlevels).

T-levels are new technical qualifications that are an alternate route to A Level study.

The Bedford College Group was one of the first colleges to start these qualifications in digital, construction health and social care.

The sch ool ha sr

NICK Tillett co-owner of research and development company Tillett & Hague Technology is a true talent spotter of trainees from The Bedford College Group.

Pre-Covid he agreed to offer two students Bartek Wojciezynski and Peter Lai valuable work experience, as part of a pilot for the Government T-level programme, within his specialised company and kept them engaged during the lockdowns. As soon as he could, Nick offered Bartek a full-time job and has since taken on Peter.

Bartek, aged 19, and Peter, 26, both of Bedford, are now trainee Applications Engineers working on products which are used worldwide in agriculture.

“Tillett & Hague are one of our most inspiring employers,” said Workplace Coordinator of T-Levels Sharon Neall, “They are great at spotting and encouraging young talent. We are very grateful to him and need other employers to helps us create their staff of the future.”

Nick is now offering work experience to

Teachers care about their pupils and have good relationships with them

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An extensive extracurricular programme which underpins pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural Teachers development Teachers have a have a high Wootton Upper School, high expectation expectation of Hall End Road, Wootton, of how pupils their pupils A well-designed Bedfordshire, MK43 9HT should behave curriculum which 01234 767123 allows pupils to choose wootton@wootton.beds.sch.uk from a wide range www.woottonupper.co.uk of option subjects www.facebook.com/WoottonUS/ www.pecreative.co.uk 21_0171

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— APRIL 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Two new consultants embark on their dream aster is going to be an exciting time in Bedford for Slimming World members as we have two brand new Consultants embarking on their dream career and are relaunching their own Slimming World groups in April. With restrictions fully removed Slimming World is well and truly open for business, and there will be two gorgeous new consultants joining the team to share their success and Inspire members to lose weight.

Nicky Dawson who joined her local group in Goldington has achieved her dream target weight and has maintained it for an incredible two years

E

Mondays

and is going to use her success to shape a new career re-launching both the Brickhill Monday night and Tuesday morning groups on the 18th and 19th April 2022.

Harriet Peacock is a member whom has lost most of her sensational 19 stones during lockdown and attends the Putnoe group on a Friday morning, she will be relaunching her group in Scott Hall Community Centre on Thursday 21st April 2022, and Harriet firmly believes Slimming World has not only changed her life but saved her life, and she can’t wait to relaunch her own group and help people achieve their own weight loss dreams.

Both ladies have now been trained as Consultants for Slimming World at their world class training academy in Derbyshire and they can’t wait to get the word out right across town that their groups are the place to be to get the support, ideas and guidance needed to lose weight and feel great.

Harriet said “joining a group all starts with feeling that you’re not alone”, Walking into the Slimming World room for the first time was something I was really worried about but the welcome I got from the existing members couldn’t of been more friendly, she said, I could never have lost 19 stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group.

As someone who has lost weight I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight, by setting targets, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success, I believe all this is so important to a successful journey.

That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support encouragement

*Inc Bank Holidays – call to confirm*

Kempston Kempston East Methodist Church Foster Road MK42 8DA Monday 09:30am Jeanette 07864 694949

Brickhill **New Consultant**

St Marks Church Centre

Centenary Hall, Bedford Road

Calder Rise, MK41 7UY Monday 5:30pm & 7:00pm Nicky 07714 096705

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Bromham Bromham Primary School

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icky couldn’t agree more and like Harriet they both felt they were never on a diet.

The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and

N

lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe that I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself, she said.

Nicky said “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK, When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

After losing almost a stone and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.

“Support is really key and Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire District Manager Kirsti Nicol said: “Slimming World Consultants are chosen for their positive outlook and because they genuinely care about the health and happiness of others. With both of these ladies’ experience of being successful Slimming World members and their kind and warm personality and great sense of humour I just know that they will be an amazing support to members, cheering them all the way to their target weight.”

Harriet’s Slimming World group will be held at Scott Hall Community Centre, Barford Avenue, Bedford, MK42 every Thursday morning at 09:30am.

Nicky will be relaunching the Brickhill groups at St Marks Church Centre, Calder rise, Off Avon Drive, Brickhill MK41 7UY on Monday’s at 5:30pm and 7:00m and Tuesday’s at 9:00am For more information call Nicky on 07714 096705 or Harriet on 07720 846320 or just pop along to the group or check the website for further details of groups in your area.www.slimmingworld.co.uk

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and fun. Harriet said.

“Like a lot of slimmer’s, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what l ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different, she said.

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Mainland aids Prince’s Trust

Digging for the future

MEMBERS of Castle Newnham’s Eco Club braved the mud and donned wellies to take part in a large tree planting project at Wimpole Hall near Royston recently.

The club is made up of pupils from all year groups and meets every Tuesday to look at ways in which they can improve and influence the effects of climate change both in their own homes, environments and further afield.

The trip to Wimpole Hall was a great opportunity to get out into the wider area and take part in conserving and developing this important historic estate. The house was begun in 1640, and its 3,000 acres of parkland and farmland are now owned by the National Trust. The aim is to plant 1,000 trees in 10 years.

Merali of Year 7 said that the club had a fantastic day digging and planting, “It was very difficult and tiring digging through heavy soil but we all wanted perfect holes for our trees. The first tree I planted was a little twiglet of an oak, while my second was a silver birch.

Some of my classmates planted other native ones such as Maple and Hawthorne trees. Overall, we planted 36 trees.”

MAINLAND Aggregates have come to the aid of a Prince’s Trust project to renovate the garden at a supported living shelter.

The company, of Willington, Beds has donated bags of valuable gravel to create a base for part of the site of Holman House in St Andrews Road, Bedford. www.mainlandaggregates.co.uk Holman House helps up to 20 homeless people, aged 18+, who stay there for two years to build up a support network, maximise income and learn life skills as they move into their own homes. The garden is a useful environment for activities. https://socialinterestgroup.org.uk/

“The team at the Prince’s Trust are amazing and we are very fortunate to have them supporting us at Holman House,” said Gemma Bonfield on behalf of Holman House.

Mark Williams, Team Leader at The College’s Prince’s Trust group said: “We’re very grateful to Scott Chambers, Managing Director of Mainland Aggregates and colleagues for their donation.”

Wickes kindly donated two wheelbarrows The College runs a series of Prince’s Trust groups across Bedfordshire. The courses transform young people, giving them the confidence to make life changing decisions and seize opportunities.

Do you need SEND help?

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Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum (BBPCF) work in co-production with Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire CCG to improve services for children age 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

We represent the whole community and all areas of SEND from Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism to Profound and Multiple Disabilities.

If you are a Parent Carer of a child with any additional needs, whether they are diagnosed or not, you are welcome to become a member of the forum Contact: Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum (https://www.bbpcf.co.uk/contact).

As a member we need to hear about how local services are working for your child and any issues you encounter, we need feedback on lived experiences.

“Thank you for all your support, Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum have really help me understand what is happening and where to get the right support.”

Parent Carer We then pick up any themes and feed this back at the various meetings we attend with all of the local services. We can also signpost Parent Carers who can help support them.

We also provide free training for parent carers on a huge variety of subjects to empower you as a parent carer and we arrange regular get togethers with local services to discuss what the services offer and to enable parents to talk directly to them and ask any questions they may have.

We always arrange these get togethers and training based on recent feedback from parent carers

and what they are telling us are their burning issues.

BBPCF run an annual survey for our members and most recently had over 500 responses from Parent Carers in Bedford Borough.

“My main positive is our Parent Carer Forum and how well they connect with everyone.”

Practitioner The survey covers all of the areas of support children with SEND should receive and we find out what is and isn’t working at the moment based on lived experiences.

The results of the Annual Survey that we carried out at the end of 2021 have now been published as an ‘Outcomes Report’ and hightlights the current main areas of concern and it forms what we will be prioritising for the year ahead.

You can see a copy of our Outcomes Report 2021 on our website www.bbpcf.co.uk/reports For more information please contact: communications@bbpcf.org.uk www.bbpcf.co.uk or telephone: 07943 524553

13

14

— APRIL 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Mohammad Yasin Urgent need for beds

Richard Atkinson The truth shall set you free When the time comes, the account of the tragedy that is the Russian invasion of Ukraine with its immense human cost, will tell the stories of many brave people. Not just those who have fought to defend their country, but firefighters and medics, those who have ensured food supplies, parents who protected their children, and those inspirational leaders like President Zelensky, to name just a few.

We give thanks for each and every person. We are inspired and humbled by their courage.

Maria Ovsyannikova will also be on that list.

She is the Russian TV Producer who so memorably held up a hand-written banner on live television protesting against the war.

For once the truth that this was ‘war’ was made public for a few seconds amidst the state-controlled message that it is only a

‘special military operation’.

Maria will be remembered not just because she is brave, but because she reminds us of the vital importance of truth. In the video she issued to accompany her protest she said that she was ‘Ashamed that I allowed lies to be broadcast from TV screens. Ashamed that I allowed others to zombify Russian people.’

She reminds us that when truth is corrupted individuals and institutions become unaccountable. When falsehoods replace facts, wrong becomes right, people suffer, and humanity is diminished. It is serious enough when it is the changing of records after the Hillsborough deaths or when hospitals hide malpractice, or the Church fails to be transparent about safeguarding. It is potentially cataclysmic when it involves a nuclear power.

‘The truth will set you free’, those words of Jesus in John chapter 8, speak powerfully at this time. A free press, democratic political structures and leadership with integrity are not an optional extra but at the heart of healthy society. Their absence or abuse in Russia reminds us of how remiss we are when overlook actions that weaken their standing in our country as well. It does matter if politicians bend the truth and protest is unreasonably curtailed.

A cartoon depicts Rosa Parks on that American bus where in 1955 she refused to give up her seat to a white man as a challenge to racial segregation with Maria Ovsyannikova sitting next to her holding her placard. Rosa Parks is saying ‘Take a Seat’. As we rejoice in such courageous people, how do we take our seat as champions of truth?

Dave Hodgson Tackling rough sleeping in Bedford Borough The Government has now released the national Rough Sleeping statistics for 2021. Bedford Borough was recorded as having two rough sleepers.

The statistics measure the number of actual and estimated rough sleepers on a particular night in the same week to be able to give an accurate figure. The total number of rough sleepers across England was 2,440.

Tackling rough sleeping and homelessness is one of my top priorities and I am glad to say we are having an impact in Bedford Borough.

Since the Coronavirus pandemic began we have taken an ‘Everyone In’ approach were

everyone who was rough sleeping, or was in danger of rough sleeping, have been offered accommodation.

We have also investing in buying additional temporary accommodation or providing bespoke supported accommodation with various partners, most recently at Rogers Court with SMART CJS. Since the start of the pandemic we have worked with almost 400 individuals and over 60% have moved on to settled accommodation – we continue to work with most of the remainder.

We continue to bid for additional resources, most recently from the Government’s Rough

Sleeper Imitative funding which we hope will allow us to provide even more accommodation and support and help us to tackle the causes of rough sleeping and homelessness.

We are currently reviewing the Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and will be consulting on the Strategy later in the year.

If you want to help tackle rough sleeping and homelessness, one of the easiest ways in to use the ‘tap and donate’ machine at IMPAKT in The Arcade in Bedford, each tap of your bank card gives £3 to Bedford Homeless Partnership’s Read Change Fund.

Since becoming the MP for Bedford and Kempston, I’ve been fighting for the return of inpatient mental health beds to Bedford following the closure of the Weller Wing in 2017.

With the number of referrals for specialist NHS mental health care reaching record highs in England, the need for the beds has never been more urgent.

A staggering 30,700 referrals were made to mental health services in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) in December 2021, with 13,695 of these for children.

It was against this backdrop that I held a meeting recently with the Director of Integrated Care for the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), Richard Fradgley, to discuss the progress of plans for a £60m Bedford Health Village.

ELFT are keen to proceed with the investment to install mental health beds in Bedford. However, they are being held back due to Government bureaucracy and a technicality relating to complex finance arrangements. Under current Government rules, rather than being able to access centralised funding, ELFT is constrained by the Government’s capital departmental expenditure limit (CDEL).

In September 2021, ELFT submitted an expression for the next wave of the Health Infrastructure Plan to identify a further eight new hospitals to

deliver on their pledge to fund and build a total of 40 new hospitals. This would enable ELFT to access the capital funds needed to build the facility. The decision on whether the application has been successful was due before Christmas but is, frustratingly, yet to be announced.

It’s galling to hear the Prime Minister boasting about building new hospitals, when the plans for a new mental health facility for adults and children in my constituency are in place, the funding is sitting in ELFT’s bank account, but they can’t proceed because of Government bureaucracy.

Even if the funding is released this year, we are now looking at 2025 at the earliest for the facilities to be there for patients – many of whom are currently travelling over 100km to access services.

Every day this project is delayed is another day that children and adults suffering with mental health conditions are denied the care they need, deserve and have been promised.

I’ve written to the Health Secretary to urge him to stop risking patient safety, get to grips with the mental health treatment crisis, tackle the crippling backlog in NHS estates and urgently increase the amount of capital expenditure, so this vital project to bring in-patient mental health beds back to Bedford can move forward.

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Cartridge Depot is a local independently run award winning business specialising in the supply of original, compatible and remanufactured printer cartridges, printers and paper. It had been tough for many businesses over the past couple of year due to the pandemic, however cartridge depot have shown that small local independently run businesses can still survive on the high street with the help of the local community supporting local businesses by using their services.

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We would love to see all the empty shops in Bedford full with local people running them. Keeping business local is what has kept us in business.

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— APRIL 2022

Join us this

EASTER Sunday 10th April

Palm Sunday Celebra on 10:30am @Kempston East & Kempston West Maundy Thursday - 14th April

Agape Communion 7:30pm @Kempston East

Good Friday - 15th April

Good Friday re ec on 7:30pm @Kempston East

Easter Sunday - 17th April

EASTER WORSHIP

10:30am @ Kempston East & West (Communion 8am @ Kempston East)

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

diary Sandy Historical Society: History of Bedford

Museum & Art Gallery by Lydia Saul Friday 29th April, 7.30 pm Stonecroft Hall, St Swithin’s Way, Sandy SG191BB Admission £2.50 including refreshments. Members & Students free For further details Contact 01767 680171

Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Every Thursday 8:30pm 11pm, Acoustic and folk music round-the-room, every Thursday evening from 8:30pm at the Bowls Pavilion of Kempston Hammers Club, MK42 7BN. Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level. Find us on facebook, or come and meet us at the Bowls Pavilion. Contact:

Sandy Branch of The Leprosy Mission: Friday

May 6th, a Concert by the renowned Sandy Ukulele Band in the Sandy Baptist Church Hall at 7pm.

Tickets at £6 each are available from Colin Osborne.

Contact: 01767 682032).

In aid of The Leprosy Mission.”

Bedford Floral Art Society: meeting on Tuesday, Throughout Easter the Garden at Kempston East will be open

COME AND EXPLORE - PAUSE - REFLECT - & WORSHIP

The 31st St Philip & St James Charity Golf Day FRIDAY 27th May 2022 PAVENHAM PARK GOLF CLUB

April 5th at the Addison Centre, Kempston at 7.30pm. Floral demonstration by Vicky Hease entitled “The Missing Years - part 2” Visitors welcome £7 Contact: www.bedfordfloralart society.co.uk

Want a tee-rific day out while helping others?

Look no further…

What could be better than playing a round of golf at the county’s number one golf course followed by a delicious two-course meal? Knowing that you’re supporting two amazing local causes at the same time, of course!

Over the past 31 years, the St Philip & St James Charity Golf Day has raised the amazing sum of £103,000 for local charities, and it’s all down to the generosity of supporters and donors like you.

Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust:

Wednesday 13th April. 7-15pm for 7.30pm. Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. AGM and Illustrated talk ‘An Introduction to Bedfordshire’s Geology’ By Bev Fowlston. ‘Plenty of parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details contact: www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057

Bedford RSPB Local Group: Indoor meeting. We are

pleased to announce our first indoor meeting since the Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020. Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 21st April. Meeting 7.30pm aiming to finish by 9.30pm.

Tonight we go to North Africa for a ‘Moroccan Experience’ With Richard Pople who has been a birder for many years & has travelled extensively throughout the UK & around the world. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Contact:

Car Boot Sale: Milton Ernest

Garden Centre, Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH, Cars £5, vans £10. Sellers setup 9am, Buyers 10am-2pm.

Sunday April 3 and May 1 No need to book a stall, bring your own table Contact: (01234) 823033 or enquiries@miltonernestgarden centre.co.uk

Friday 1st April, 7.15 for 7.30 start, at Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK418EB. Tony Jackson will talk about the work of the Glasgow School of Art, the Glasgow Boys and later works produced in Glasgow.

Entry is free for members. £5 for visitors For information contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk.

Bedford Art Society:

Biddenham Gardeners Association: 7:30pm Tuesday

19th April, BIddenham Village Hall.

Virgins, Weeders and Queens - A History of Women in the Garden.

By Dr Twigs Way. Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting for non members- includes Raffle and Refreshments New Members are welcome Contact: www.biddenham gardenersassociation.org.uk

April 28 with a brilliant young quintet, Connaught Brass, who took first prize in the inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Competition in 2019. Contact: www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk

Bedford Music Club:

Sandy Women’s Institute: Meets on the third

Tuesday of every month (except August) at Sandy Conservative Club, Bedford Road, Sandy. New members are always very welcome. Visitors are charged a small fee of £4. For further information contact: Ann Patterson 01767 680644.

Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Acoustic and folk music round-the-room, every Thursday evening from 8:30pm at the Bowls Pavilion of Kempston Hammers Club, MK42 7BN. Musicians, singers and poets all welcome, at every level. Contact: us on facebook, or come and meet us at the Bowls Pavilion.

Yoga: Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. 2pm Mondays Contact: June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk

Kempston Senior Citizens Club:

DANCING, WHIST, BINGO. Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm, CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, for further information contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306.

Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club: Barn dance group meets

every other Wednesday 8-10pm, St Mark’s Church Hall, Brickhill. £2 inc refreshments Contact: Jenny 01234 217621

Cowper and Newton Museum: Orchard Side,

Market Place, Olney, Bucks.

MK46 4AJ. April 10th Sun 10:30 12pm Walk to Lavendon Mill via Clifton Reynes - £8 adults/ £2 children under 16, meet outside the museum. Pay on the day. April 228th Tues - Sat - Three Hares Gallery exhibition - ‘Look, Look & Look Again’ an exhibition of 2D & 3D lost and found objects - by Carol Ashmore Contact: 01234 711516

In 2021, despite all the challenges, we shared an amazing £18,000 between CHUMS and Living It Up, and this year, with your help, we’d like to raise even more for this year’s worthy recipients:

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Playing golf and enjoying a two-course meal – £50 per person • Sponsoring a trophy or a hole – starting from just £50 • Donating a prize for the raffle or auction

IN RETURN, YOU’LL RECEIVE Advertising for your service or company in our promo material • Your company details on our Main Sponsor Board • Your company details in our programme given to every golf team Should you wish to sponsor us by bank transfer, our charity’s account details are: Bank NatWest Account name St. Philip & St James Golf Society Account number 63141876 Sort code 60-02-13 Youth Inspired is a small, independent learning provider offering both alternative education and social care activities for people aged g 16-25 with SEN (Special Educational Needs). The programme offers activities that build confidence and selfesteem to help learners develop and feel more included in society. youthinspired.org.uk

For more informationi contact: Mike Chappell on 07973 703340 mikechappell43@btinternet.com

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN

Kids in Action provides support and social opportunities for childrenand young adults with special needs and disabilities in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

All the activities on offer are designed to help alleviate the feelings of isolation and loneliness experienced by many of these brave young individuals. kidsinaction.org.uk 0

APRIL 2022 —

TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com

gardening

17

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

Growing from seed R

growing tips on the back of seed packets so make sure to check the information before sowing.

One of the great perks of growing your own plants and vegetables from seed is the fact that you’ll have so many to choose from even heritage varieties that can never be found as plants.

by Maureen Catlin AISING plants from seed is one of the most satisfying aspects of gardening. I am always thrilled when I check the propagator to find the first seedlings appearing. Seeds are a low cost way of growing vegetables and flowers but select the plants to grow carefully.

With the high energy costs today it is very expensive to heat propagators and greenhouses so I would avoid growing Geraniums Begonias and Impatiens which have a long growing time before they flower unless you are prepared to have them on your kitchen window sill from February until May. Buy ready grown plants instead. Tender species like Marigolds, Nicotiana, Tomatoes and Cucumbers however can be

sown in April. They will germinate in a protected environment from 15 to 20 degrees and be ready to plant outside from the end of May when there are no more frosts. A warm place indoors can be useful to help germination and then the small plants can be moved to a greenhouse or protected place to grow.

Fill pots or seed trays with seed compost tap to settle and lightly press the surface to make it level and firm. Water the compost and allow the excess to drain.

Space your seeds evenly over the compost. Avoid crowding.

Cover the seeds thinly with fine sieved compost or a layer of sterile vermiculite to just cover the seeds. Put the pots in a propagator or the clear lids on the trays

to retain the moisture which is crucial to aid germination.

Put in a warm place and check regularly removing the covers occasionally to release any condensation. Move to a light place to prevent weak leggy growth as the seedlings start to emerge. Prick out the strongest seedlings and pot them individually where they can grow without competition. The seedlings should be watered regularly in order to avoid the compost drying out and after four weeks add a diluted liquid general fertiliser to promote strong and healthy growth.

Some vegetables don’t transplant well especially root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and beetroots so sow directly in the garden where they are going to grow. A good new variety of carrot is Carrot Nerac with long tapering sweet and crunchy roots it stores well during winter. When the soil is warm to the back of your hand simply rake level to a fine tilth and sow the seeds thinly.

Cover with a thin layer of fine soil and protect with fleece or wire cloches to stop the birds eating the young seedlings as they emerge.

Peas are another vegetable crop that should be sown directly where it is going to grow. Prepare a trench filled with good garden compost either homemade of bought in and plant directly into this. Plant a few hardy pot marigold seeds nearby to prevent Pea Moth, the maggot inside the pea shucks, laying its eggs. Broad Beans however are much more adaptable so sow some in small peat fibre pots in March to plant for a few young early beans and then directly

on the Veg Patch in rows in April for the main crop.

French and Runner Beans benefit from being sown in April in peat fibre pots and planted in the Veg Patch at the end of May. Seeds of Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts Leeks and Cauliflower germinate readily outdoors in small 1 cm deep drills.

The plants should be transplanted to their growing positions when they are 10cms tall. Try a new Cauliflower De Purple. It has deep purple heads is sweet and buttery excellent in salads or lightly steamed to preserve the colour.

A lot of hardy flower annuals also benefit from being directly sown in the borders where they will flower. Simply rake the soil to a fine tilth and scatter the seed.

Then cover with a layer of fine compost. Planting hardy annuals like Cosmos, Nasturtiums, Cornflowers, Annual Chrysanthemums and Rudbeckia can increase the colour in mixed and herbaceous borders during the summer months at very low cost. A couple of new varieties to try are Sunflower Cut Flower Mix and Poppy Black Swan. Or plant a wild flower patch by directly broadcasting seed in finely raked weed free soil.

Some seeds like Sweet Peas may require soaking overnight before you plant them. Check out a new variety Sweet Pea Primrose an unusual colour with gorgeous scent and lovely long stems. The seed companies provide excellent

The one stop shop for your next garden room

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GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES Young plants any 6 packs £12 Normally £2.80 per pack

Choose from: lettuce, onion, broad bean, broccoli, sugar snap, cabbage or salad leaves

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MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

18

— APRIL 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

comedy

clubbing

Two brilliant shows this April

Device to stop drink ‘spiking’

Thursday April 14 10th Birthday Special The Quarry Theatre, Bedford Castle Comedy celebrates a decade of putting on incredible comedy in Bedford! The show will feature Star Names, Birthday cake and loads of laughs!

Headlining the show is SEANN WALSH. He is described as ‘the best observational comedian of his generation’ by The Guardian and is an Edinburgh Award nominee.

Seann has starred in Netflix’s Flinch, Live At The Apollo, Tonight at The London Palladium, Celebrity Juice, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Chatty Man, Stand Up Central and is a regular guest on The Jonathan Ross Show.

“He remains one of the most entertaining observational comics on the block’ The Independent THE RAYMOND AND MR TIMPKINS REVUE will open the show. They are without a doubt the maddest, silliest, stupidest,

stupidity over style. Not to be missed” The Guardian Completing the bill is JAKE LAMBERT. He has appeared on Comedy Central’s Live From The Comedy Store and The Apprentice: You’re Fired! He is a sensational young stand up and is currently supporting Jack Dee on his national tour.

“Brilliant One-Liners” Chortle Saturday April 23 The BIG April Show The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade The Big April Show will feature three headline quality acts and be the ultimate Saturday night out! cleverest, strangest and the funniest double act of comedians on the circuit. Likened to Morecambe and Wise and the Two Ronnies, they count David Walliams amongst their legion of fans. Guaranteed to bring the house down.

“A mad, anarchic triumph of

THE

QUEENS HEAD M I LT O N E R N E S T

See our menu on Facebook

Food served: Mon-Sat 12-2, 6-9 Sunday 12-4 See our Facebook page for upcoming events

HOTEL NOW OPEN Queens Head, Rushden Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RU

Tel: 01234 822412

“Sweet as a nut”

Mon-Sat Noon-11pm Sunday Noon-10.30pm

Closing the show is ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU. He is a comedy legend and award-winning burger van owner! He is the unwitting star of Shooting Stars (BBC2), Dave’s One Night Stand, The Rob Brydon Show and Channel 4’s The Angelos Epithemiou Show. You are in for a true comedy experience from one of the UK’s most brilliant alternative acts… think Little Britain meets Vic and Bob meets a smattering of Ivan Brackenbury and then lower your expectations and get on board.”‘Brilliantly executed anticomedy shtick’ Chortle Opening the show is TOM HOUGHTON. He is the Edinburgh Fringe’s favourite posh boy, star of Comedy Central’s ‘Roast Battle’ and critically-acclaimed star of BBC and Channel 4 and First Dates! Tom is the ultra-privilaged master of making the seemingly unrelatable, relatable.

“A crafty idiot” THE DAILY MAIL All shows feature full support from top UK comedians and Paul Revill will host the shows!

Doors 7pm, Shows start 8pm.

Shows finish 10.45pm To Book www.castlecomedy.co.uk

by Tony Hendrix Spiking has traditionally been the term used for when alcohol or drugs are put into someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent. In 2021, reports emerged of a new form of spiking that involved individuals being injected in some way without their consent.

These acts which have now been labelled as criminal offences in many cases is inflicted upon vulnerable females and in many cases the perpetrators have been known to their victims. The Executive Club located in Lurke St Bedford is one of few venues to appreciate the impact this crime has on its victim and have consequently invested into the scheme which is slowly sweeping through the county called ‘StopTopps’.

‘StopTopps’ are versatile drinkprotectors that have been designed to deter drink spikes, just a simple tin foil but very effective. They are suitable for any drinking vessel commonly found in pubs and clubs, including cans, bottles and glasses, Spiking whether done by a friend as a ‘prank’, or with the intention of committing a far more serious offence now carries a custodial sentence, a spokes person for the StopTopps community quoted We all have a right to know exactly what we’re putting into our bodies, StopTopps are available to the general public free of charge at sponsored events – we are raising awareness of spiking through educational promotions and social campaigns. We are a Not for Profit Company with the objective of stamping out drink spiking ‘ A recent poll found that 1 in 9 women and 1 in 17 men in the UK say they have been the victim of drink spiking, and one in three women and one in five men knew someone who had been a victim of drink spiking. Due to the nature of

the crime victims may not know what has happened or who did something to them, and may suffer self-doubt about what occurred.

The general public need a better understanding of the prevalence of spiking, the forms it takes and the impact it has had on victims. We need to examine the response of the police and partner organisations, such as night-time industries like bars clubs pubs universities and third sector organisations, in the prevention and detection of spiking.

We also need to examine what support is available to victims to report incidents and obtain treatment following such incidents.

Spiking is specifically intended to make victims vulnerable and leave them unaware of what is happening to them. It relies on deception, with victims only realising what has happened later

and left doubting themselves due to the uncertainty that being spiked causes.

Bedford Council licensing officer has been distributing ‘StopTopp’ kits to local pubs bars and clubs, however its use is entirely at the descretion of the premises manager and in many cases the free product is not advertised in house. If you’re thinking of spiking someone’s drink, you should know: Drink spiking is illegal and carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison. This means that slipping alcohol or drugs into someone’s drink is against the law, even if the drink is not consumed or the person is not harmed.

Stoptopps are readily available at The Executive club in Lurke Street, simply ask one of the bar team while placing your order for a ‘StopTopp’ if you would like one to protect your drink.

THE

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KEMPSTON 01234 851120 Saturday 2nd April The amazing band

THE ATOMICS Saturday 9th April One of the best UB40 Tributes in the business

KEVIN SWOOSH Saturday 16th April A Bedford exclusive The Fantastic

LEON

Sunday 17th April

It’s time for the adults to celebrate EASTER AND PARTY AND DANCE the night away to the fantastic

ONE NIGHT STAND Saturday 30th April The beautiful

STACEY LEE Sunday 1st May

CHARITY EVENT

Is our big charity event this year the money raised will be going to the staff Award winning and their rest rooms at Bedford hospital.

Rag & Bone A fun packed day of music, food raffles Man tribute auctions and games please join us to say thank you to the staff at our own local hospital starts at 2pm till late Sunday 17th April Saturday 7th May One of the best soul, Motown singers with games and prizes and big prizes for around join us for the soulful voice of best bonnet and decorated egg, kids disco – fun starts at 3.30pm

KIDS’ EASTER PARTY

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19

sport

Eagles remain top as rivals falter

WITH a handful of matches remaining The Eagles remain in pole position to lift the Southern League Division One Central title.

At the time of writing, they are three points ahead of their nearest rivals Berkhamsted Town and have a game in hand over them, after The Comrades dropped two points in their midweek fixture at Welwyn Garden City.

The Eagles form this season has been nothing short of amazing, with some great individual and team statistics. Rene Howe sits one goal behind league top spot with an impressive 23 goals, with Connor Tomlinson on 14 and centre back, turned part time front man Charley Sanders on 10, with 85 goals scored this season, Bedford fans rarely go home disappointed. This combined with shot stopper Alex Streets 18 clean sheets and just 24 conceded goals, have created a goal difference of 61, 20 ahead of their nearest rivals.

Bedford also boast the biggest crowds in the division, with a season average of 500 it doubles that of other teams and was helped when over 1,200 fans saw The Eagles defeat Berkhamsted at the Eyrie.

Manager Gary Setchell knows the difference the crowd can make in a match and is hoping for similar attendances for the final home fixtures against AFC Dunstable and Aylesbury United.

Eagle’s talons crack the Walnuts

SATURDAY’S trip to Hillgrounds is likely to be the last time the teams will meet as league rivals as Bedford Town look to promotion, while Kempston Rovers sit at the wrong end of the table, although seemingly safe from demotion.

The difference in the teams soon become apparent, a brace each from Rene Howe and Danny Setchell and another goal from Charley Sanders, his fourth in a week

by Michael Jarman-Webb

ensured the three points for the visitors.

It looked like things may not go the visitors way initially though as former Eagle Charlie Hayford struck the woodwork early on, while the ever reliable Rene Howe skyed a penalty in the fifth minute after Charley Sanders was brought down in the box.

Howe soon made up for his miss however and made no mistake from his shot in open play, with Bedford taking the narrow lead into half time.

The second half saw the lead doubled when Danny Setchell, known for his powerful shots returned a clearance with interest from 25 yards out, giving the Kempston keeper no chance.

Two up and on a roll, the visitors continued to attack and next it was the turn of centre back Charley Sanders to find the net as he chested down and fired home a Will Summerfield shot that bounced off the woodwork.

In the 68th minute Howe had his chance to make up for his previous penalty miss after Summerfield was upended.

This time he slotted the ball low to the keepers right.

Bedford’s fifth and final goal came five minutes from time when Setchell got his second, this time from only 20 yards out.

All in all an convincing day at the office for Bedford, which left Kempston licking their wounds, as both teams look for maximum points their last remaining games of the season for very different reasons.

Action from the wins over Kempston Rovers above and Barton Rovers left.

REMAINING FIXTURES (3pm KO) Saturday April 2nd – Wantage Town (Away) Saturday April 9th – Welwyn Garden City (Away) Saturday 16th April – AFC Dunstable (Home) Monday 18th April – St Neots Town (Away) Saturday 23rd April – Aylesbury United (Home) Fixtures subject to change, latest information and tickets from www.bedfordeagles.net

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— APRIL 2022

TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

COVID-19 hasn’t gone away!

Get vaccinated Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside Wear a face covering in crowded & enclosed spaces Stay at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms Remember to wash your hands and ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN