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WHERE ARE ‘MISSING’ ROUGH SLEEPERS? BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
ESTATE AGENT IN BEDFORD
DECEMBER 2021
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ALMOST 200 people claiming to be homeless and sleeping rough in Bedford borough could not be found by support teams. At the Borough Council’s Housing Committee meeting on N o vember 3 , it w as revealed that in seven months, 196 people who had contacted the Housing Service claiming to be sleeping rough couldn’t be located when outreach teams went looking for them.
The figure was revealed in response to a question from a member of the public.
A Bedford resident questioned: “What is the legal basis for the council, and a homeless service provider commissioned by the council, to tell people who are homeless and vulnerable that they must sleep rough for at least one night before they can access the emergency accommodation service at the Mercure hotel when the Housing Act suggests that if someone is homeless, eligible for assistance and may be in priority need then temporary accommodation should be made available immediately?”
MERCURE HOTEL
by John Guinn – Local Democracy Reporter
Cllr Colleen Atkins (Labour Party, Harpur Ward) and committee chair, said where the council is satisfied that a person is homeless, eligible for assistance, and may be in priority need, it ensures that the person has accommodation made available to them. “So emergency accommodation at the Mercure Hotel is being provided for people who do not qualify for emergency accommodation under the housing act and have no option other than to sleep rough,” she said. Lee Phanco, chief officer for assessment, application and business support, said: “The Mercure Hotel and the accommodation for people who were sleeping rough and at risk of sleeping rough was opened up at the start of the pandemic, so at the end of March beginning of April 2020. “Since then, the council has provided emergency accommodation there for 405 people. These are all people who would have been
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assessed at the time that they moved into the Mecure as not being priority need, so otherwise would have had no option other than to sleep rough. “Since April 2021, 65 new people have moved into the Mecure at some point. I would add that obviously there is a turnover of people there, so that’s the total number, not the number that are accommodated at any point in time. “But in those same seven months since April, there were 196 people who contacted the Housing Service and claimed that they were homeless and sleeping rough,” he said.
Mr Phanco told the Committee that these 196 people were referred to the Outreach Team, who went out to look for them, but couldn’t find them. They would have been offered accommodation at the hotel if they were sleeping rough. “We are obviously very conscious that the winter is not far away, and we don’t want people to spend any longer out on the street than is necessary,” he added. “So during the winter months there’s going to be a 24/7 outreach team and they will be responding to any reports of people sleeping rough and anybody that’s referred through from the other services.
COULDN’T BE FOUND
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SCHÖFFEL ADDS UP AT SHUTTLEWORTH Schöffel, manufacturers of the finest country clothing, were delighted to sponsor for the second year an award for rural Shuttleworth College. Lecturer in Maths David Jarvis thought it would “add up” to ask the country wear company to link up with agriculture students, by sponsoring a GCSE award. The winner of the award was Outdoor Education and Adventure course student Charlotte Smith, of Wootton, who passed GCSE maths in the summer of 2021. Charlotte, completed much of her work thanks to the pioneering Artificial Intelligence teaching platform Century Tech pioneered by The Bedford College Group. She answered more than 1,000 questions across a range of Foundation GCSE topics, including maths. Students who fail English and maths GCSEs at school have to retake them if they join college. Success rates at The Bedford College Group, of which Shuttleworth College at Biggleswade is a part, are high because students can see the relevance of the subjects in the context of their vocational courses. Students must have GCSE English and maths as a base line of educational achievement for further education. Photo shows Charlotte with her prize gilet, Jess Evans of Schöffel country wear and lecturer David Jarvis.
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THE Bedford College Group Achievement Awards Celebration emerged more powerfully than ever before from the challenging Covid timeline of 2020/21. Online, but with a wider reach than ever before, the ceremony on Thursday November, 18, marked the successes in adversity of students and staff. For the first time the Group gave awards highlighting the commitment of companies to training tomorrow’s employees. Ian Pryce CBE, long standing CEO of the Group, which was voted the FE College of the Year in 2020, said: “At The Bedford College Group we have always seen our job as helping people develop into resilient citizens who are able to navigate their way in the world. That journey is never easy, nothing worthwhile ever is.” Allan Schofield, Chair of the Corporation added: “We are investing heavily and this year sees the Corporation agreeing an ambitious new strategic plan to take us towards 2030.” Winners announced on the evening: Outstanding Student of the Year: Katie Moreland (pictured right) also celebrated being as Apprentice of the Year. Katie overcame dyslexia to achieve Distinctions as a Business Administrator Apprentice at Kettering General Hospital. Joshua Crook was announced as FE Student of the Year. A performing arts students at Tresham College who not only excelled but supported his peers across the department. Molly Kirton is the Higher Education Student of the Year, from among a wide range of degree-level learning candidates. At the South Bank Arts Centre at Bedford College, Molly studied Graphic Design. Jonathan Entwistle shared the Student Participation Award for his work with the Students’ Union and has been an active member of the Q Agenda. Megan Winham jointly won the Student Participation Award for her work with the SU at Tresham College. The first employer awards by the Group were won by: n Kettering General Hospital as Workplace Placement Provider of the Year n Leibherr as Apprenticeship Provider
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n Anyvan UK for Employer Engagement. n The Elizabeth Nash Unsung Hero Employee Award went to Amy Cleary, Senior Customer Contact Manager whose team dealt with 1,000s of calls and inquiries from lockdown in March 2020 onwards. The first Bedford College was established in 1882 and in 1976 the Bedford College of Higher Education was created through a merger of three colleges. In 1992 the ‘Mander’ site in Cauldwell Street achieved independent status from local authorities and was rebranded as Bedford College. in 2009 Shuttleworth College became part of Bedford College and in 2017 it merged with Tresham College in Northants to create The Bedford College Group.
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‘I would love everyone to get the same care Dad did’
A BEDFORD mother and her two daughters took a walk along Bedford embankment this month in memory of their dad and grandad, raising over £500 for the local hospice that cared for him. Michelle Cain, 51, from the Putnoe organised her very own ‘Walk to Remember’ in support of Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, walking alongside daughters Stacie, 26, and Jess, 23, in the autumn sunshine on October 10. “My daughters are super fit – they could have run it to be honest,” shares Michelle. “My knees were starting to hurt at the end, but walking together in the sunshine after dad was diagnosed she rang was really enjoyable. Sue Ryder to see how they could “I wanted to do something support us. They told us when the because of what Sue Ryder did for time came and we needed them us as a family. After dad was diagthey would be there for us, and nosed with prostate cancer mum they were.” cared for him for four years, but Michelle’s dad, David Allen, when dad’s health rapidly went died in February 2021, and downhill we needed support to received care at home from Sue keep him at home where he Ryder St John’s Palliative Care wanted to be. We reached out to Hub. Sue Ryder and they were there. “Even though we had dealt “My Grandmother was cared with most of dad’s illness as a for at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice family, towards the end things some years ago and mum always were out of our control and he said how wonderful they were, so went downhill rapidly. We were
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Pupil had gun in rucksack
stuck and we didn’t know what to do. That is when we rang Sue Ryder. “The team at the Sue Ryder St John’s Palliative Care Hub literally got everything in place. They got a hospital bed delivered in two to three days and we had carers in straight away and we had regular phone calls to see how we were doing too. “Dad wanted to die at home and we knew we were getting to that stage. Dad was so poorly and he couldn’t move but he was adamant he was not going to
hospital. His wishes were to stay at home and Sue Ryder helped us achieve that. Michelle’s dad, who was known as Dave, worked as an engineer at Allens Engineering in Bedford, then Rolls Royce before retiring. He was married to Michelle’s mum, Brenda, for 56 years. “Dad only died in February, and we set up a donation page in March which was so well supported.” To donate to Michelle, Stacie and Jess’s fundraising visit their Just Giving page.
AT Luton Crown Court on Thursday, November 25, 2021, a woman was found guilty of being in charge of the sawn-off shotgun that a 15-year-old boy took into a Kempston school in his rucksack. Other pupils alerted staff at the Kempston Challenger Academy and the boy was taken to Head Ian Evason’s office. When the black rucksack was searched, a gun was found wrapped in a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms inside a sports shop bag. There were also six live 12 bore cartridges, Luton crown court heard. Prosecutor George Heimler told the jury that as the boy was being taken from the school, the defendant Keesha Kalyan, now 20, took a photo which she circulated on social media. He alleged that she attached a caption that read: “Free my yung G… got bag with the Dotti” Mr Heimler said that Dotti was urban slang for a shot gun and G stood for gang member. Keesha Kalyan’s fingerprint was found on the draw string of the sports
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shop bag inside the rucksack. Keesha Kalyan, previously of Bedford but now living in Church Road, Cowley, Uxbridge, denied being in charge of a prohibited weapon on October 10, 2018, but was convicted by a jury. She will be sentenced on January12, 2022, by Judge Gary Lucie. The jury was told that the boy had pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon at the school at 9.15am on the morning of Friday, October 19, 2018. Mr Heimler said messages were “critical” in the case. On October 10, 2018 he said Keesha Kalya had texted the boy saying: “I am grabbing a dotti ffs don’t tell anyone.” Keesha Kalyan's case is that when she used the word Dotti it had nothing to do with a shotgun. She said she was referring to a religious artefact she had got as a present, relating to the festival of Diwali. She told the police she sent the photo of the boy being escorted from the school and had deleted it. She said somebody else had added the caption: “Free my yung G….”
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Pupil-inspired airship sculpture unveiled at Shortstown school THE pupils of Shortstown Primary school in Cardington are now benefiting from a beautiful, bespoke airship sculpture which they helped to inspire. Local Culture Challenge artist, Paul Pibworth, hosted a workshop with children from the school and asked then what emotions the airships would have inspired. He then used this to help create his artwork. The words the children chose were then translated into various languages, all of which are spoken by children of Shortstown Primary School. Paul said: “The shape of the airship R101 was always going to be the form. Wanting to give a nod to the engineering structure behind the shape led us to having the window, which let us take a look inside at my representation of the airframe. “Choosing the text being recreated on the sculpture was simple. I listened to the words and phrases in the different languages and took a look at the written text too. If I liked the look and the sound, I used it. “Each word was carefully etched into the sculpture by hand, which then has the text engraved beneath in English, stating the meaning and telling us the
language being illustrated. “All of the words and phrases came from the children, see if you can look and find a favourite.” The sculpture is part of a wider Airship Dreams project hosted by Bedford Creative Arts. As Elaine Midgley, Director of Bedford Creative Arts explains: “One of our goals was to engage the local community in the engineering heritage of the local area, and our links to the airship industry. Children and young people are a core part of this community, and our education programme is designed to engage with schools in a way that supports their curriculum needs. Denise Cottam, Head Teacher said: “The R101 now sits proudly in Adam’s garden. The opportunity to collaborate with Bedford Creative Arts and work with the artist Paul Pibworth, was so exciting. The children were able to share their ideas, which were then incorporated into the design. The whole R101 project was an amazing experience and to have such a significant piece of artwork, in the school, is a privilege.” The sculpture, which now has pride of place in Shortstown Primary School, was specifically funded by the Gale Family Trust.
£10,000 raised by foot ball
A popular fund-raising event arose from the ashes of Covid to raise £10,000. The 5th AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ball was held at the Mercure Bedford Hotel (still known as the Moat House to some). Organised by Gary Ingerson, Michaela Martingale (pictured far right) and Kelly Jeffries of Greycourt Florists & Events (pictured left), the event was in memory of two special people taken too soon: Sara Ingerson and Alan Ward. The Knottleys band stepped up at the 11th hour to replace the original group as they sadly cancelled due to the lead singer having Covid. Compere was Lee Partridge and five award-winning chefs were Raj Mandal, Rob Kennedy, Steve Scuffell, Stu McCleod and Terry Woolcock. A cheque for £10,000 was presented to Sophie Samways of Cancer Research UK (second from right). This brings to £100k the amount raised for charity over the past decade by Gary and Michaela. The next ball will be on October 15, 2022. Contact garyingerson627@gmail.com
Donating her hair to Little Princess Trust
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of her father alive. As you can see from the photograph Amber has beautiful long hair which she is going to donate to the Little Princess Trust and she is also raising money for a suicide prevent support charity. Amber is asking you to support her by donating something however small at: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/amber-madelinemead
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WHEN 16-year-old Amber Mead tragically lost her father Grant Mead to suicide this summer, you can only imagine how heart broken she was. Amber who is a student at Tresham College, Kettering, where she is studying Health and Social Care and is hoping to progress to be a paediatric nurse. Devastated by the loss of her father she wanted to do something to keep her memory
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Bedford Borough celebrates over 110 new trees through Trees for Streets Scheme BEDFORD Borough Council have announced that they’ve now received funding through both public and corporate sponsorships and grant funding for over 110 street and celebration trees through their partnership with Trees for Streets. Residents and businesses from across the local area have been taking part in the programme both individually and by coming together with neighbours, friends and family to sponsor either a tree on their street or a celebration tree in one of Bedford Borough’s award winning parks. Street trees have a number of benefits for local residents, including producing oxygen, improving air quality, creating shade, helping to prevent flooding and supporting biodiversity. Planting more trees has also been shown to positively affect both physical and mental wellbeing. By planting more trees in the borough, people will experience these benefits, while also helping to tackle climate change. Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “There are an immense number of environmental, health and wellbeing benefits to planting more trees on our streets, so we’re excited to announce that we’ve now received funding for over 110 trees through the Trees for Streets programme. Both businesses and residents have been incredibly engaged with the scheme and have worked together to bring more trees to the streets of Bedford Borough. “If you would like to sponsor a tree for your street, you have until Monday, December 5, to get involved.” This announcement comes as part of the Council’s plans to plant 10,000 new trees across Bedford Borough after winning funding through the Treescapes Fund and the Urban Tree Challenge Fund. Bedford Borough residents who would like to sponsor a street tree or find out more about the
scheme can visit https://sponsor.treesforstreets.org/ provider/bedford-borough-council
Mayor announces 10,000 new trees
Mayor Dave Hodgson has planted the first of over 10,000 trees to be planted in Bedford Borough this tree planting season. The Council has successfully won funding through the Treescapes Fund to plant trees in Bedford Park, Addison-Howard Park and on-street to replace those sadly lost to disease. They have also won funding through the Urban Tree Challenge Fund which will see trees planted in Kingsbrook. Mayor Dave Hodgson said “It is vital that we plant more trees which are an important part in helping tackle climate change and reach our commitment to be a net zero carbon council by 2030. Trees are not just beautiful to look at but create a home for local
wildlife, and are good for our health and wellbeing.” In addition to the usual planting programme, there are lots of projects to celebrate the Queen’s Green Canopy taking place in our area including the planting of at least one tree in every ward in the Borough, and we have been successful in winning national funding to bring more trees to Bedford Borough. The Council will be planting trees across the Borough in partnership with volunteer groups, residents, charities, the Forestry Commission and the Forest of Marston Vale.
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WHERE ARE ‘MISSING’ ROUGH SLEEPERS?
“The intention is that no one will have to spend a night outdoors during the cold weather. “But, at the same time, it’s to make sure that the people that are being provided with that accommodation are the people that genuinely are in need of it,” he said. Mr Franco added that only one person is known to be currently sleeping rough in the Borough, but at the moment he doesn’t want the accommodation and support that has been offered. “At the most, there’s been perhaps three or four people sleeping rough at any point in time. So I think we can say with some confidence that we are making sure that everybody that needs accommodation is getting that accommodation at the moment,” he said.
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Sailing to freedom
Left to right: Vicki Davy celebrating 30 years Service, Mary Cope celebrating 50 years service, and a Bedfordshire Brooch, Kate Groves celebrating 30 years Service and Bedfordshire Brooch.
Rachel Hayler, Caroline Dickman celebrating a County Good Service Award, Ann Crome celebrating a Laurel Award, Betsy Marley Girlguiding Bedfordshire’s VP, Debbie Docherty Girlguiding Bedfordshire’s President.
Celebrating over 2000 years of volunteering received their award for 50 years and 40 years of service, an exceptional achievement. Mary, who received her 50 years service award said: “Girlguiding has become part of my life, being a member of the Guiding movement has given me so much over the past 50 years, fun, friendship, and adventure.” Mary added: “I am now very much looking forward to the next 50!”
There was also a special award for Ann Crome who received a Laurel Award. The Laurel Award celebrates exceptional service and is awarded to an active member of Girlguiding who has made an outstanding
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
contribution to guiding. This is Girlguiding’s second-highest honour and as such there are relatively few awards given each year. County Commissioner Karen Keeling said: “We are delighted that so many girls and young women are joining Girlguiding Bedfordshire. It is a testament to our Leaders and Volunteers that Guiding is seen as a fantastic organisation to be a part of.” Girlguiding is a charity and is looking for volunteers, so if you feel you could get involved please call 0800 169 5901 or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/ You can also follow on facebook.com/ GirlguidingBeds
Charlie Whewell says: “NGB certificates such as our sailing qualifications enable people to work in the UK and overseas, where British qualifications with their high standards mean instructors can spread their wings and travel as well as work in the UK. With the current restrictions on travel more people are holidaying in UK and taking up outdoor activities, so organisations in the outdoor sector are busy, making jobs readily available for our students”. And don’t think this route means you can’t get a degree. Level 4 and 5 Higher National courses are a natural progression from Level 3, building ‘ownership’ of learning.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets ready for Service
Photography: June Essex hotography
FROM 18 to 80 you’re never too old to volunteer as a Girlguiding Bedfordshire Leader. Saturday October 16 and November 6, saw the annual, Girlguiding Bedfordshire Valuing our Volunteers Awards Ceremony, being hosted at Shuttleworth House, near Biggleswade. Having been cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic this year’s Awards were more special than ever with awards being presented in a number of categories, from five years’ service to an outstanding 50 years of service. The ladies honoured have, between them, given 2110 years of volunteering, to work with girls and young women from all across Bedfordshire. Twelve leaders from across Bedfordshire
THE freedom and adventure of a two year sailing trip around the world as part of a crew on a private yacht awaits 21-year-old Shuttleworth College former student Rachel Brazier. Rachel completed her level 3 Extended Diploma in Outdoor Adventure over two years, before gaining her Yacht Master qualification, working on the Isle of Wight teaching water sports, and then in the Greek Islands before boarding this latest adventure. She was due to set sail from the Canary Islands in mid November 2021, before visiting fabulous destinations including the Caribbean, the fantastic Galápagos Islands, French Polynesia, South America and South Africa and Indonesia. “I can’t say who owns the yacht but it will be a two year adventure,” said Rachel. The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Outdoor Adventure covers a wide range of adventurous activities, from Sailing, Kayaking and Canoeing, Powerboating, Rock Climbing and much more. Along the way students can obtain National Governing Body (NGB) leadership qualifications recognised around the world alongside enjoying trips and expeditions in the UK and winter sports trips abroad. Outdoor Adventure Lecturer and Head of Higher Education
Left to Right: Keown Seldon, Benjamin Cornforth, Matthew Brewer, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis, Chloe Bezer, Toby Shortman and Lukas Wescott
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis recently appointed her cadets for 2021/2022 at a ceremony held at Bedford Modern School by kind permission of the Head, Mr Alex Tate. Dignitaries present at the ceremony, which was held in line with current Covid-19 guidelines, included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Eric Masih, Speaker of Bedford Borough Council Cllr Jane Walker, Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain, Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council Cllr Brian Saunders, Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson, Deputy Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, Chief Executive of the East Anglia Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association Colonel Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD VR DL and the President of St John’s Ambulance Anthony Duggan OBE. They were joined at the ceremony by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE, representatives from the various Cadet organisations, Deputy Lieutenants and cadets’ family members. The role of Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets is to support the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out her duties and their selection and appointment acknowledges their outstanding contribution to their cadet service and to the community. This year’s cadets are Cadet Corporal Benjamin Cornforth (Luton Royal Marines Cadet Detachment), Cadet Sergeant Matthew Brewer (Bedford Modern School Combined Cadet Force), Cadet Staff Sergeant Chloe Bezer (Beds & Herts Army Cadet Force), Flight Sergeant Toby Shortman (Henlow Squadron, Air Training Corps), Cadet Sergeant Cameron Moore (St John Ambulance), Drill Cadet Lukas Wescott (Bedfordshire Police Cadets), Cadet Crew Manager Keown Seldon (Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service). The Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets are the finest of the many talented young people in the cadet forces within Bedfordshire. They are excellent leaders and a credit to their organisations and to the county.
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Bigger – better – bins in Bedford’s parks ALL the bins in Bedford’s parks are being updated to provide more capacity for rubbish and recycling provision. A report to Bedford Borough Council’s Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Thursday, November 18) said the council is responsible for the emptying of 1,129 litter bins, 620 dog bins, 59 dual recycling bins and 40 lay-by bins, across urban and rural locations. It added that the council does not have a legal duty to provide litter and dog waste bins, but it does have a duty to keep council-owned land and public highways clear of litter and refuse as far as practicable. In a summary of the report, Paul Pace, chief officer environment at the council, told the committee that all the litter bins in the borough’s parks are being updated with larger bins – and recycling provisions are also being provided. “When people are out about and they finish their plastic bottle, can, newspaper, whatever the case may be, there’s an opportunity there to recycle their items whilst they’re on the go,” he said. Mr Pace said that in the past, bins had been installed ‘willynilly’ and they weren’t looked at from either a user’s point of view or how convenient they were to service. “We’ve had issues where dog bins have been located in places where we can’t get vehicles to, and an operative had to carry a 50-litre
bag of dog waste, which is a considerable weight,” Mr Pace said. “So we have to think about manual handling and things like that as well.” The replacement bins in the parks are being installed where the bins can be serviced from the road or a convenient place, rather than having to drive into the parks. “So what we’re doing now is locating a lot of our litter bins in more strategic places, both for when people leaving the parks can dispose of their litter and recycling in easily located areas, but also we
can service them a lot better than what we did in the past,” he said. Cllr Kay Burley (Labour, Kempston Central & East Ward), the committee’s chair was concerned that the new locations could lead to more littering. “Knowing that some people can be quite anxious to get rid of it [litter] immediately rather than carry it to the nearest bin, is this going to work?” she asked. Mr Pace replied: “I think it’s important to say that, actually, we’re increasing the capacity out there by some significant amount.”
Heart-warming at Wixams Wixams Tree Primary school students have donated toiletries, gloves, scarves, water and snacks to SMART, the Rough Sleepers and Homeless Support charity. The students collected boxes of goodies from their families which will be distributed to those in need in Bedford. Head Teacher Mary Langley, left, welcomed Louise Smith Deputy Manager from the charity to the school for the official hand-over.
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£1.4m study to improve children’s language & communication skills A PIONEERING study led by University of Bedfordshire to support children with language and communication needs – in collaboration with the Universities of Essex, York and the Open University – has just received £1.4m funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) for a new strand of the ‘E-PLAYS’ project. E-PLAYS-2 (Enhancing Pragmatic Language skills for Young children with Social communication impairments) will help inform and shape the vital learning support provided by schools for children with social communication impairments and language needs. Pioneered by researchers from the University’s Institute for Health Research (IHR), the EPLAYS-2 project will evaluate the effectiveness of a fun, interactive game with the aim of improving communication in children with language difficulties. The E-PLAYS game is played by children in pairs on interlinking school laptops. The game aims to develop children’s perspective-taking skills and language abilities by developing their confidence during social interaction. The four year study will take place in schools between now and August 2025. The study will involve over 1,000 children aged between five and seven years old, from primary schools across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and North
London. Dr Suzanne Murphy, Principle Research Fellow with the University of Bedfordshire, is project lead and will oversee a team that includes colleagues from IHR, the University of Essex, the Open University and the York Trials Unit at the University of York. About the E-PLAYS-2 project, Dr Murphy said: “I am thrilled that NIHR have decided to support this substantial trial into language difficulties which are so often misunderstood and overlooked. We hope to be able to provide schools with a useful programme to work with these young children.” Professor Gurch Randhawa, Director of Bedfordshire’s IHR, added: “The Institute for Health Research has a proud tradition of applied health research. We are
honoured to host this research that contributes to pandemic recovery and seeks to focus on the needs of children with communication difficulties.” Collaborative and teambuilding skills are recognised as vital to children and young people, shaping future adult employment and the way they participate in society. It has been well-documented that children’s language and communication skills have been hit by the pandemic, so the University and its partners are excited to get this innovative project off the ground. Kamini Gadhok MBE – CEO of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists – was delighted that NIHR had been able to fund this important project. She said: “Through this funding, the University of Bedfordshire
will be able to explore new ways of improving children’s language and communication skills. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on many children’s development, so it’s more important than ever that schools, families and speech and language therapists come together to provide innovative support.” Professor David Torgerson, Director of the York Trials Unit at the University of York, commented: “This study builds upon a successful pilot trial and the team have expertise from a number of studies among children and we are looking forward to working with colleagues to deliver a successful evaluation.” Professor Andrew Church, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research & Innovation at the University of Bedfordshire, added: “We are delighted with this substantial funding from NIHR to undertake research addressing social inequalities for which the University has a strong local and international reputation.” A full report of findings from E-PLAYS-2 will be available in August 2025. Follow @UOB_IHR and @NIHRresearch on Twitter for updates and news relating to the project and its progress. Details about research and PhD opportunities with the University of Bedfordshire’s Institute for Health Research can be found online: www.beds.ac.uk/ihr
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NEWS IN BRIEF n Zichfridas Surkus, 57, has been given a suspended sentence for running a cannabis factory in Bedford. Police raided the house in the town on March 6, 2020, and found three rooms had been converted in to growing areas. 26 plants producing 78 grams of cannabis in a harvest were seized. It would give a return of £8,000 every three months, Luton Crown Court was told on Monday, November 22, 2021. n Eight teenagers have been arrested in connection to two robberies and a serious assault in Bedford town centre as detectives continue to appeal for information. Bedfordshire Police is investigating the incidents which happened in quick succession from around 1.30am on Sunday, November 21, 2021. n A prolific perverted doctor was jailed for 32 months at St Albans Crown Court on Friday, November 19, 2021, for spying on housemates, friends, colleagues and hacking the details of 2000 potential women victims. Vinesh Godhania used a tiny pinhole camera to secretly record women at his address having sex, showers and using the bathroom. n A man has been charged in connection to a stabbing in Bedford. Naseem Khan, 25, of Chestnut Avenue, Bedford, was arrested in connection to the incident at an address in Cromwell Road in the Queens Park area on Saturday, November 13. He has been charged with wounding with intent. n A dominating and bullying husband who stabbed his wife to death and then wrapped up her body in a duvet before hiding it in their garage was sentenced a minimum of 22 years in jail, on Monday, November 15, 2021. n
n Anil Gill, 47, knifed his wife Ranjit 18 times in the living room of their Milton Keynes home, but it was four deep and significant injuries to her chest that caused her death. After wrapping up her body and dragging it to their garage, he waited hours before calling the police and set about cleaning the murder scene. n Police are appealing for witnesses following an aggravated burglary in Kempston on Monday, November, 8, 2021. At 1.30am the occupants of the property in Littledale Street were alarmed to find intruders in their property after four offenders broke into the house. A large amount of cash, jewellery and electronics were stolen. The offenders are described as in their mid-20s, wearing dark clothing and having their faces covered. Two of them were carrying machetes and the remaining two were carrying baseball bats. n A serious health and safety breach at the Holiday Inn Express in Dunstable has seen the responsible parties have to pay fines and costs totalling £16,830. Central Beds Council prosecuted The Gateway Hotel Dunstable (known as The Holiday Inn Express) and RBH Hospitality Management for failings under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974). Both companies pleaded guilty at Peterborough Magistrates Court on Monday, November 9, 2021 that on Sunday, November 11, 2018, an employee was instructed by a manager to empty and clean the deep fat fryer. The employee picked up the full container and was immediately burned from oil melting through plastic container. The individual, slipped and fell into the hot oil.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
16
— DECEMBER 2021
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
In Focus with
View from the Rt Revd
Yasin
Richard Atkinson
MP for Bedford and Kempston
The Bishop of Bedford
CORRUPTION MUST END
COURSE NOT
Chaos, cronyism and corruption stories continue to engulf the Conservative Government as the lobbying scandal continues with new stories each day of MPs making vast sums of money from second jobs. But the details that emerged about the VIP-fast track system for Covid contracts is even more obscene. At least 47 companies won billions of pounds worth of COVID-related contracts via the VIP fast-track referral system. Every single one of the companies, many of whom had no previous experience in manufacturing medical supplies, was politically linked to the Tory party. The Government’s lame defence is that there was no time to procure equipment through the usual channels, but legitimate UK companies specialising in the manufacture of PPE, were bypassed for Tory donors and friends. Some of the contracts weren’t even honoured or the stuff they produced was defective and unusable. At the time, health and social care workers were dying for lack of PPE, care home managers and thousands on the frontline were trying desperately to procure their own PPE, making their own or relying on the kindness of local businesses and even schools to donate materials. The priority for this Government in the worst public health crisis in a century was to line the pockets of their mates. And we don’t yet know about the VIP lane for the £37bn of public money spent on Test and Trace contracts which was an abject failure. This week, Labour gave the Conservatives the chance to do the right thing and vote to immediately stop MPs working on dodgy second jobs. They didn’t do it and instead presented a watereddown version of Labour’s plans. Fewer than 10 MPs are likely to be affected by Boris Johnson’s proposed rule changes on second jobs, despite the prime minister conceding it was a “total mistake” to back disgraced MP Owen Paterson, admitting to his own backbench MPs that his handling of the corruption scandal was bungled. He said “on a clear road I crashed the car into a ditch.” Britain deserves better than a Prime Minister steering us deeper into corruption. We need a government that governs in the public interest not in their own.
In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
One of my blessings is my study window that looks out over our front garden and the lane that leads to our house. It is a celebration of the natural world; of God’s gifts to us in creation. As I write there is the richness of the autumn colours as the leaves turn and fall from the trees. At other times of the year there is glorious colour as the fruit of my wife’s gardening comes into bloom. As the Psalmist said: Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! It is a green space that is regularly visited by animals and birds from the fields roundabout. In the sweet chestnut there are blue tits who live in one of the hollows. Squirrels compete with each other to race up and down, or to collect the nuts. Occasionally a pheasant struts by, a Muntjac deer grazes or even an errant sheep wanders in from the field down the lane. To my mind, most stunning of all are the occasional hares who visit. D.H Lawrence once wrote: “Don’t you find it a beautiful clean thought, a world empty of people, just uninterrupted grass, and a hare sitting up?” These wonderful creatures with their powerful hind legs can often be seen loping across the fields. Creatures that sadly are also often hunted by dogs as a form of vicious sport cheered on by crowds of on-lookers. A recently posted video shows it in all its cruel reality. Yet what is doubly disturbing is the damage and intimidation that accompanies the hare coursing. Vehicles driven across crops, threats to those who try to stop them and even assault. On our local walks we see the trenches that have been dug and the barriers erected to try and prevent vehicles accessing the fields. It is a consistent concern for our farmers and land-owners who do so much to ensure our well-being through the provision of essential food. I am grateful to Richard Fuller, our North Bedfordshire MP, for putting forward a bill in Parliament to deter the sport, increase the penalties and aid the Police in their actions against the crime. But more than that, all of us need to play our part in protecting our countryside, cherishing our farmers and celebrating the richness of creation. Combatting hare coursing is just one modest but significant way of doing just that.
Don’t let the bills pile up this winter
PEOPLE in Bedford and Kempston are being urged to get help as soon as possible if they are struggling with their finances or to pay their bills. Grace Community Church has partnered with Christians against Poverty (CAP) in providing free debt help for over ten years. During that time, the local debt coaches have found that many people are reluctant to ask for help, trying to manage things on their own because of embarrassment or shame. This can lead to people becoming isolated and suffering from poor mental health - something that the dark, dismal days of winter can often exacerbate. Naomi Frossell, Bedford CAP Debt Centre Manager, said: “We
have all gone through a time of immense pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic, so we really want people here in Bedford and Kempston to know that if this has affected you financially, you don’t need to struggle alone. “We see too many people try to deal with these issues for too long on their own. This can lead to all sorts of problems, with their health, home life and wellbeing all affected. “It will be especially hard this January and February when it’s colder and darker, the lights and heating are on more and we all know energy prices are on the rise. The post Christmas bills also start to come through the letterbox.” Naomi added: “CAP is here on
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
You cannot miss that we have entered the Christmas season with the adverts on television, mince pies in the shops and even Christmas songs on the radio. The Christmas lights have now been switched on in Bedford town centre. The Christmas lights in Kempston town centre will be switched on 7th December at 6pm. There will be stalls, fair rides and music from 4pm and Father Christmas will also be attending. There will also be lights and decorations in a number of the villages around the Borough and I am looking forward to seeing as many of these as possible. Throughout December there will be three weekends of Festive Fun this December in Bedford town centre. Events will include a visit from the Cairngorm Reindeer and a special Christmas Eat Feast at Riverside on 5th December, Christmas Artisan Market in partnership with Made in Bedford on 11th and 12th December, performances from local bands and choirs and face painting and balloon artistry. There will also be a Festive Christmas Trail and a Christmas Window Competition organised by Love Bedford. You can find out more about Bedford’s weekends of Festive Fun and the Christmas Trail at https://www.lovebedford.co.uk/. It is good that we are able to have a more normal Christmas, even if not completely normal, after last year. Of course, we all still need to be aware that Coronavirus is prevalent in the community and we should all be taking care of ourselves and others. Please do meet friends outside if possible, or open windows when meeting inside, do wear a face covering on public transport and in enclosed spaces or at busy events and try to leave a social distance whilst out shopping. I would like to also take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
New mobile CCTV for Cauldwell Ward
your doorstep, right here in Bedford, ready to help ease the burden of money worries. “We want people to know that there is no judgement – people can be in debt through all sorts of reasons such as low income, job loss, bereavement, illness. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help with understanding, compassion and completely free of charge.” Eric, a former CAP client said about getting help from CAP: “It’s made a massive difference. Now I feel in control, I don’t have to choose between food, heating, or petrol for the car.” If you are struggling with debt get in contact with CAP today on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.
CAULDWELL Ward councillors Fouzia Zamir Atiq and Abu Sultan have used some of their ward funds to purchase another mobile CCTV camera for use in Cauldwell. The camera can be moved from place to place and is presently on Sandhurst Road and Derwent Place. Residents in this area have consistently highlighted to the councillors their concerns about anti-social behaviour and the nuisance of flytipping. The Councillors are hoping the camera will help deter
anti-social behaviour and flytipping in the area, or help to identify those responsible. Councillor Sultan said: “This is what being Councillors is all about, listening to people and investing in projects that will benefit them.” Councillor Zamir Atiq added: “Local people deserve to be safe, and feel safe in our community. That’s why we didn’t hesitate to invest in an extra CCTV camera. If there are other areas where residents think a camera may be useful please let us know.”
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DECEMBER 2021 —
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NEWS IN BRIEF n More caravans will be allowed at two controversial travellers’ sites, avoiding the need to spend £9m to return them to local authority ownership. A fall back position has been approved by Central Bedfordshire Council over The Stables and Greenacres in Billington. Plans to increase the authorised number of caravans on the sites from 46 to 77 were approved by CBC’s development management committee. n Police found a cannabis factory with 49 plants in Luton after being alerted by neighbours who reported a break-in. Loud smashing noises and shouting were heard during the robbery at the house in Chester Avenue. Police found 25-year-old Albanian, Vexhi Noka, who was bleeding from a head wound. A baseball bat and a machete were recovered. Noka, an illegal immigrant, had been acting as the ‘gardener’ watering plants in the house. n A Closure Order has been granted for a property in Luton after a police investigation found evidence it was being used for drug dealing. Officers from Bedfordshire Police’s Community Enforcement Team (CET) conducted a warrant in Albert Road, after receiving intelligence it was being used by people selling and using drugs, despite the owner believing it was empty. n Two men involved in the supply of Class A drugs have been jailed for more than six years. Armstrong Ikoro pleaded guilty to 10 separate drug offences. Police were called by a teenage girl saying that her ex-partner, Ikoro, was intimidating her. Police searched a flat in Stirling Drive, Luton and arrested Ikoro inside. In a separate case, Nikhil
Lama, 23, of Tomlinson Avenue, Luton, was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis.
n A man has been charged and remanded in custody for a number of offences in connection with a disorder in a supermarket in Luton on Monday, October 18, 2021. Shortly after 8.45pm on Monday, Police received numerous calls from members of the public reporting a man throwing glass bottles of alcohol in Lidl supermarket in Francis Street, Luton.
n A teenager who raped three young people over an eight month period when he was just 15-years-old has been was given an 10 year jail sentence. Sentencing the boy who is now 17, Judge Richard Foster told him: “You are a very troubled young man, you are a very dangerous young man.” In 2019 the teenager had raped a another teenage boy at knife point in a park in Hitchin; he attacked a 13year-old girl in his bedroom after drugging her and finally an 18year-old girl in the grounds of a school in Luton.
n A report on the case of more than £1m regeneration money which disappeared in the coffers of Luton Council is due to be presented to a committee meeting. An update was called for by Liberal Democrat Cllr David Franks at a meeting of the council’s scrutiny finance review group. An investigation in June last year after £1.1m funding destined for the redevelopment of Mark Rutherford School in Bedford mysteriously vanished.
Mud-nificent!
TERRIFIC trio complete muddy obstacle race in honour of muchloved father and grandfather A motivated mum and her two sons took on a mud-splattered 7k obstacle race to raise £1,135 for a Sue Ryder hospice. Rachael Foster from Riseley, accompanied by her sons Tom (aged 20) and William (aged 17), completed the ‘Nuclear Races Fallout’ in Essex earlier this month. They braved the cold to scale over a range of challenging natural and man-made obstacles on farmland slathered with slippery mud. This included free-falling down a ‘Deathslide’, a zip-wire into freezing water and hanging off steel gorilla bars. The family members have raised £1,135 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in memory of Rachael’s much-loved father, and Tom and William’s grandfather, David Foster. David was cared for in his final months by the team at the Moggerhanger hospice. He passed away from cancer in December 2020. Rachael said: “We did it in support of Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice because the care my dad received there last year was amazing. Even with Covid restrictions, we were given time with my dad in his last weeks. Every member of staff we encountered from cleaner to consultant - was kind and compassionate. They made sure the final weeks of his life were comfortable and dignified, allowing him to have peace
in his last moments. We just wanted to give something back.” Joanne Landucci, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much Rachael, Tom and William for your incredible support – and congratulations on braving the mud to complete your obstacle race! The vital funds you have raised will help our hospice’s care teams to be there for more local families – filling their final days with love.” You can support Rachael, Tom and William through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ rachael-bailey11
Rachael and her two sons Tom and William took on a mud-splattered 7k obstacle race to raise £1,135 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.
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— DECEMBER 2021
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Wootton Upper School welcomes tree gifts to celebrate a blossoming friendship STAFF and pupils at a Bedfordshire school have taken receipt of a special delivery as part of a national celebration of the friendship between Japan and the UK. Wootton Upper School, part of the Wootton Academy Trust in Bedfordshire, has received two Japanese cherry trees – or Sakura in Japanese – as part of a unique gift to the UK through the JapanBritish Society. The trees were planted during a special ceremony on Monday (22 November), complete with commemorative plaque, and are among 6,500 cherry trees being donated to parks, gardens and schools across the UK to celebrate the long-standing friendship between the two nations. The ceremony was attended by staff, pupils and several dignitaries, including High Sheriff of the County of Bedford, Mr Eric Masih and a former High Sheriff of the County of Bedford and the
recently retired Vice Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Colonel Colin Mason and was celebrated in festival style with musicians, dancers and Japanese folk music. One of the trees has been planted at the front of the school while the other has been given a prominent position in the school’s newly-created Peace Garden. Michael Gleeson, Executive Principal of Wootton Academy Trust, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive these gifts and be part of such a special nationwide celebration. “The trees will continue to be enjoyed and celebrated by our pupils for many years to come, reminding the school and the wider community of the generosity and compassion of the Japanese people and the longlasting friendship between the UK and Japan.” The project is part of a legacy from the Japan-UK Season of
Culture 2019-20 which aimed to showcase Japan’s treasured attractions in the UK through a series of arts, sports, cuisine and performance events. The Sakura Cheery Trees are
being distributed to more than 400 schools and 160 sites across the UK from St Ives to Aberdeen and Londonderry to Cardiff. The project was formally launched with a tree-planting
WHAT’S ON this Christmas in Bedford Town Centre
home. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Three Weekends of Festive Fun with Love Bedford & Bedford Borough It’s Panto! Christmas Tree Festival @ Council. Saturday December 4 St Paul’s Church – December 1-5. Daily community concerts, children’s MUSIC – Festive Tunes from The ‘Spot the character’ competition, Salvation Army Band, Harpur Square take a tour of this year’s Christmas HOG ROAST – From Linger’s Butchers trees, dressed by local businesses – Harpur Square and other organisations. 10am to MARKET – Bedford’s traditional 5pm (Wed-Sat), Noon-4pm (Sun) Charter Market – St Paul’s Square Christmas Jumper Party @ The Arc & Sunday December 5 The Gallery. December 3. From 5pm until 9pm, head down to The Arc and SEE – 11am to 2pm – The Cairngorm Reindeer – Harpur Square The Gallery café for fizz, food, and shopping. With a £100 voucher to TREAT – Hog Roast from Linger’s give away to the best Christmas Butchers and Sweet Treats from Jumper of the evening. Dessert Boss – Harpur Square FREE – 10am to 3pm – Face painting Christmas Stars Workshop Free and balloon artistry – Howard Centre Family Christmas Crafts – Sundays: December 5 & 12. Free Entry, 2pm – MUSIC – Live performances from 4pm – Pop into The Higgins Bedford Bedford Town Band and Kempston and create your own paper Christmas Hammers Community Choir – Harpur Square star to add to your decorations at
EAT FEAST – 12pm to 9pm – A Christmas Special event – Merchant Square, Riverside. Saturday December 11 & Sunday December 12 MARKET – 10am to 3:30pm – The Christmas Makers Market in collaboration with ‘MadeInBedford’ – Harpur Square MUSIC – Live performances from May Blossom, Rock Choir and Bedford Town Band – Harpur Square FREE – 10am to 3pm – Face painting and balloon artistry – Harpur Centre Saturday December 18 & Sunday December 19th MUSIC – Festive music and live performances from May Blossom – Harpur Square RELAX – Sit in the square and enjoy refreshments – Harpur Square The Tendons Xmas Party @ The Bear. Friday December 10, Bedford punk stalwarts return to The Bear for their Xmas party. It’ll be loud, it’s
with the Bedfordshire Community that saved the day. The Mangled yarn gang worked with local Bedford folk, The Place team and Arts Council England to put together the digital pandemic – proof show ‘Every Time a Bell Rings’. This year they are thrilled to return to The Place Theatre and finish what they started. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is an incredible new, actor/musician adaptation of the classic tale, filled with joy, laughter and perfect for the
whole family. Whether the story of George Bailey and Clarence Odbody, Angel Second Class, is an old favourite or you’re discovering it for the first time, you’ll love it! “A story of salvation, of a community coming together in the face of adversity. A story for our time.” Christopher Smart. Join us December 14-31 as Mangled Yarn brings Bedford Falls to Bedford. Book now! www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows /its-a-wonderful-life/
Christmas Disco Party Night @ The Bedford Swan, December 2, Enjoy a delicious three course meal and then dance the night away!
It’s a Wonderful Life The Place Bedford
“COVID-19 tried to stop us from telling the story of George Bailey’s salvation!” In 2020 Mangled Yarn were gearing up for Christmas with us at The Place Theatre, Bedford. Like the world around us, the pandemic stopped the plucky creatives in their tracks and we were all forced to think again. It was collaborating
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NOVEMBER 2021
EDITION
STAR L LET # STA ETT TER ERS
Talk to us...
ARMISTICE REMEMBRANCE AND BOROUGH INandBEDFORD War Memorial, Bedford EVENTSceremony march-past will be held at the down the
march A wreath laying November 14. A parade will in Harpur Square. Embankment at 11am on Sunday, Street and St Paul’s Square, finishing Embankment, across the High place at the South African Campaign Memorial (outside Ceremonies will also take and in villages across the Borough. the Swan Hotel), at Elstow Abbey,
Northern ‘Good progress’ on hot spot Gateway congestion
right turn lane into Sainsbury’s. the ‘Northern Gateway’ unnecessary traffic using WORKS started on the around the This will reduce in June 2021 to ease congestionroundabout, Clapham Road roundabout. widening of Lane the Clapham Road/Manton A6 roundabout. Further works include and the instalwhich will also benefit the been widened Clapham Road roundabouthelp traffic to has to lation of traffic lights To date, Clapham Road Way roundduring rush between the Paula Radcliffe flow, and ease congestion with a new kerb about and Manton Lane hour. has started cyclist crossings and pavement, construction lane from Improved pedestrian and make it easier to on the dedicated left-turn Lane, and will also be installed, to TO THE EDITOR Clapham Road to Manton cross this busy junction. : It is hard to believe for northeast the apologise on “We said: that, in these days Charles Royden extensive road widening of increased in the Road roundabout Cllr congestion that has been seenconcern about climate corner of the Clapham the vital works. anyone could seriouslychange, is largely complete. area as we carry out these our contracthis month, building on the flood propose continue to work with plain in Once these works are completed Kempston. begin on the “We will deliver these Northern Gateway (October) works will then dual carriagetor to This development on schedule the would be on central reservation of works, and we are currently fields that were flooded Way and 2022.” way between Paula Radcliffe to complete these in Spring recently as December as a permanent you can see from the 2020. As Manton Lane, introducing attached
parking spaces, plus defences of the catastrophic there will be nowhere80 houses, flooding we suffered water to go. It is time else for that that mas. Why did you last Christbuilding on flood plains not was huge car park which mention the stopped to protect existing homes. water to run into the will cause river or Lorna Ogle Church Walk, Kempston express concerns for the new residents who will be at high risk of flooding and find difficulties TO THE EDITOR : I have enjoyed getting a doctor or Kempston Calling picture, which was for a place for their taken children at local schools? waters had gone down when the and am shocked by many years the blatant far enough propaganda in this for us to get down The fields are one the lane, there article. of the few remaining green spaces is still flood water Are you being sponsored in the for local by residents to enjoy the developers? These fields are also field. and are rich in biodiversity. absorb the excess water, needed to This is the first time I have as that heard this scheme would This is the wrong PAID otherwise be channelled being PRICES the wrong place. I scheme in ‘Amazing’ by anyone called towards existing homes TOP CASH hope who is not a in both RY Etc to print the other side you intend member of Grace Church. Kempston JEWELLE & and Great Denham. to this threat NOT FOR COINS ORare to the flood plain as I would call it ‘DisGraceful’ If they BROKEN concreted over to it is causing great distress to many that any church would provide WIND UP WATCHES: the Grace Church DEALERS consider with a HIGHAM dents who are in fear local resibuilding on a flood 700 seat auditorium FRIENDLY LOCAL plain with 300 for their homes. one of our few remainingthat is Y HOUSE Antiques) (Ex of: CRANBERR Elizabeth Jones, Kempston chat = No obligation for advice or
freeze has announced a further MAYOR Dave Hodgson council run car parks. been through on parking charges infor our residents who have already
WANTED!
successive He says: “This is great newsTAKE park charges for the fifth car HOME! – freezingME months, last 18 COPY in the so much FREE YOUR the council can provide support.” do so administration would year is one way in which derision by Conservative up.
‘START MOREE TROUBLE & W COULD CRUSH’ YOUR VEHICLE
you Have your say: What do of think? Will the freezing car parking charges in incentivise you to shop Bedford Town Centre?
impact.”
internet.com ntiques@BT E: CranberryA
NCE REMEMBRA ICES SUNDAY SERV
Memorial 10.50am Service at the War Service at HIGHAM FERRERS s BRITISH LEGION: RUSHDEN ROYAL 10.50am, which any organisation to attend. Rushden War Memorial, will be most welcome BRITISH LEGION: at the DISTRICT ROYAL assembles at 2.30pm RAUNDS AND parade in Raundsto the War Memorial Remembrance proceeds Saxon Hall and for 3pm. at St Peter’s Church day at be held on the services will also , at 10.45pm, Remembrance in STANWICK at There will be a church St Laurence Churchin HARGRAVE, at 9am, and 3pm. at service at Kempston All Hallows Church Church, in RINGSTEAD, WE all need a touch of Christmas magic Mary this year. That’s why Santa’s workshop East Methodist Church The Blessed Virgin British Legion: on Sunday, November open, and Santa and his elves are busy & FINEDON Royal10.45am is and at followed by a parade 14, at 2.30pm, writing, IRTHLINGBOROUGH 11am. sealing and posting letters that down to the War leave Finedon School starting atwill Memorial on Kempston put smiles on the faces of children The parade will the service High Street Cenotaph, with for a minutes silence everywhere! proceed to the of the unveiling and the laying of wreaths. With a letter from the 100th anniversary Historical and the town’s magical tales from Santa, you’ll bring This year also marks the North Pole right on ugh War Memorial of Irthlingboro will mark it with an exhibition Chapel. to your doorstep. There are eight fantasSociety Methodist town’s tically the festive designs, from traditional 13, at Christmas to a North Pole Safari – so Saturday, November there
Get your order in to Santa for a Christmas letter
really is something for every child, or even the family pet! Whichever letter you choose, each one is more personalised than ever this year. You can add your child’s name, age, hobbies, what they want for Christmas and your very own P.S. message. Plus, it will be addressed and posted directly to your child via sleigh mail – so
g vehicle activity targetin received a month of planned drivers who FOLLOWING have warned riders and cause trouble, their they nuisance, police that the next timebe crushed. to be used even an official warning such as if it’s foundwe can and seized and could some circumstances, tax or insurance, anti-social vehicle will be or without
We won! 2021
NOVEMBER 2021
they’ll feel like they’re at the very top of Santa’s good list! After sending a massive 170,000 letters year, we’re looking forward to reaching last even more children this year. And with a donation to the NSPCC, you’ll help Childline be here for children who someone to listen. That’s the true spirit need of Christmas.
ESTATE AGENT IN BEDFORD
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Sandy Town Council, the Royal British Legion Sandy & District Branch and St Swithun’s Parish Church are glad to be able to invite people across the come together again and participate in town to a communal act of Remembrance in a more traditional way this year.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Don’t leave your engine running – warns council
in crime made tackling activity The Force has a matter of priority for will have it crushed.” from the month’s of traffic range Further results behaviour, (ASB), teams have focussed on dealing with a 2021/22 and policing from resident reports included officers vital intelligence about ASB to 63 e-scooter offences, gathering county. the top issues identified and giving advice areas across the an overall from residents, in eight hotspot
So, what are you waiting for? Order your personalised letter from Santa by December 14, to make sure yours arrives before Christmas. To order your letter please visit: nspcc.org.uk/santa Emma Motherwell Local Campaigns Manager NSPCC East of England
10:50am Parade will march from Swan Lane to the War Memorial on Bedford Road 11:00am Act of Remembrance, two-minute silence and wreath laying at War Memorial. 11:15am Parade will proceed along Bedford Road and to the Market Square, via the High Street and Cambridge Road. 11:30am Parade will be dismissed at the Market Square and the outdoor Service of Remembrance will begin. Noon End of the Service of Remembrance.
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FINES could be handed out to inconsiderate motorists who leave their engine running when parked across Central Bedfordshire, affecting air quality.
Local authorities can adopt extra legal powers, enabling fixed by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter penalty notices to be given to drivers who let their vehicle idle which we won’t fulfil? will end and refuse to switch off. “The council will get lots of issued.” up with a fine being “Engine idling isn’t enforced examples Conservative Leighton Buzzard by Central Bedfordshire Council officers of engine idling where currently,” according to a report to thing. are unable to do some- South councillor Amanda Dodwell explained: “I’ve had a lot of comboth its executive and general pur“Most examples occur when plaints poses committee. from residents about this people go in “Doing so will enhance the in the car to shop and someone’s problem. listening to music, or in “Some work being done already to the summer air conditioning themselves,have tried to tackle it improve air quality and support the doesn’t so it’s good to see the work if the engine’s not on. council council’s sustainability plan,” said taking action. “I’m not suggesting we should “When we’re doing patrols on the report. ignore it. Clearly something’s in engine idling the far greater probThe issuing of a fixed penalty place and we need to support lem is notice would be a last resort for national around parking on pavelegislation.” ments and obstruction near civil enforcement and safer neighHead of public protection Jo schools. bourhood officers, it added. I would like you to tackle Borthwick Conservative Arlesey council- be some replied: “I agree there’ll both.” need to manage public Conservative Cranfield and lor Ian Dalgarno told the executive: expectation of what this might lead Marston Moretaine “This issue can have a detrimental to councillor Ken about impact on air quality and the result- notices. issuing fixed penalty Matthews said: “I don’t see this is going to be a serious problem. It’s ing effect on public health. “The effort “This council has a commit- communicatingneeds to be put into important the publicity indicates the need to turn what could happen ment to help people make the right engines if people don’t choices and become greener,” he behaviouroff, improving driving comply.” and raising awareness Conservative Linslade councilsaid. of the problem. lor Gordon Perham suggested: “We “We’ve put £5,000 in the bud“There’s some fairly old but need get which will go towards signage useful plenty of signage around guidance that goes with the schools in areas where we know there are legislation, and where people generalwhich explains how we ly do this.” instances, such as outside schools.” should enforce it The general purposes commitAt CBC’s general purposes “By adopting this, we’ve got tee agreed to recommend to full committee, Independent Potton the opportunity to do that in a for- council councillor Adam Zerny asked: mal capacity, even though the sanc- scheme an amendment to the “While it’s a laudable objective, tions of delegation in the constiavailable are limited. tution to allow enforcement action are we potentially opening “Hopefully most drivers’ are to be taken, following the up something that will lead to already with us on this. Only the Department expectations from the public very for Transport guidfew who choose to ignore us ance.
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likely to be messy, but it’ll be brilliant! Christmas Movie Magic @ Cinema @ 3 St Peters December15 – Die Hard December 22 – Love Actually Screenings of undeniably classic Christmas movies – 7pm to 11pm. Castle Comedy Christmas Special 2021 @ Quarry Theatre. December 16. Featuring star names, mince pies, crackers and loads of Christmas cheer! The Big Band at Christmas @ Quarry Theatre. December 19. A dynamic Big Band performance of all your favourite Christmas songs – from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie and Nat King Cole.
Pantomime: Beauty and the Beast @ Bedford Corn Exchange. December 22 – December 31. A traditional, professional Pantomime, with audience participation throughout. Matinee and Evening performances available.
Back in the spotlight
Castle Newnham School’s 4SIXTEEN Theatre Company is back bigger than ever! This school year the company is expanding its production schedule to include three major productions. ‘Legally Blonde’ is coming in Spring 2022 with a cast of pupils from years 8-11. Rehearsals have begun, and the whole cast and team are looking forward to bringing this fun musical to life. Also in Spring, the company will be putting on their first Year 3 and 4 production of ‘Cinderella’, an original script written by teacher, Tara Hutchings. Finally, ‘Matilda the Musical’ arrives at Castle Newnham in July bringing the beloved story by Roald Dahl to the stage in this fun musical adaptation. This will include a cast of pupils from years 5-7. Tara Hutchings, 4SIXTEEN Resident Director says “We are delighted to be bringing live theatre back to Castle Newnham School with three full scale productions. The response from children signing up has been amazing – we had over 70 children at our workshop and audition sessions. The children are really excited to be doing something new and different, and are really looking forward to performing for their friends and families.” You can view details for all 4SIXTEEN performances and other performance events on the school website www.castlenewnham.school
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
nuisance was alsoJudgement, riders. there – extra Preventing vehicle work does not stop victims of umbrella of Operation given out to And the Force’s given to repeat affected theme, under the is already being seized and 56 warnings 59 of the Police support of ASB, to make sure those most with three cars a real under Section all forms right time, to make riders and drivers right help at the are on a one- have the in improving their lives. Reform Act 2002. vehicle owners This means theseif they are found to be using difference ALONE as or in DON’T SUFFER strike warning, focusing ely or carelessly, or distress Basham said: “We’re the their vehicle inconsiderat to cause alarm, have the Chief Inspector we understand forms because life, and it’s not officers a manner likely others again, on ASB in all its quality of people’s annoyance to to it. few impact harm it does and remove power to seize “At the start of right that the actions of an inconsiderate Basham said: all Chief Insp Pete it clear that we’d be using to ensure all can on the many. made are working hard either by September we to stop people who think they officers “Our effectively, comwith available powers way that is harmful to their and reports of ASB are dealt a partner agencies. suffer ride or drive in use of Section 59 warnings us or the relevant you, please don’t to help munity, and our seized shows we’re doing exactly we can “If ASB is affecting we will do all matter, you’ll three cars being – report it and should alone action, and if it’s not a police to deal with that. agency one of these warnings a and take with the right “Anyone given if we find them causing be put in touch that seized be doubt no will it have with that vehicle it back – and in the issue.” nuisance again get have to pay to and they will
ISSN 2634-453X
£25,000 raised and still counting
IN September’s edition wrote about Richard of Kempston Calling we Hart’s fundraising and St Thomas’s for Guys hospitals. Richard was aiming We can report that to raise £20,000. he is fast approaching MID BEDS £25,000 mark! EDITION the He recently took for which he receivedpart in the London Marathon Richard said: “The a great deal of sponsorship. marathon went really had a lot of fun, well, I it total has gone up was a great atmosphere and the to nearly £25.000, amazing. People which is have been so incredibly generous.” kind and He is raising money hopefully his daughter, for the hospital where Emily will receive transplant shortly. a kidney Richard added: Kidney transplant “We still have no date for a as she is so near for Emily but it can’t be far away the point where they will take action.”
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Committee meeting blasted as ‘hypocri and irresponsible’ tical
COUNCILLOR Kay Burley (Labour, Central and East Ward) asked the BedfordKempston by John Council committee’s Guinn Borough 11 was convened chair why the meeting on October – Local Democracy as a face-to-face one chamber, and not virtually. in the council Reporter The committee chair personal belief that said the council was we need to have face-to-face by example’ – and ‘leading ings. meetadded that the government extended the period had not “In order to allowed to hold virtual where local authorities were committee has actually transact business properly, the to meet as meetings. “As you are a member Councillor Coombes an in-person meeting.” of the local outboard, added he is aware will therefore be aware you members do not hold the that other of the recent increase same view, but that avirus infections,” in coron- from “up top” is needed guidance Councillor Burley said: “You’ll also be aware that this council “I do think it is the on the matter. is encouraging agile right thing [to meet for employees, and working face],” he said. “But face-toit has committed I have to say there to reducing cli- anything that mate change. has not been has come “Do you not think what we are doing’.” from the top that says, ‘this is irresponsible to have that it’s both hypocritical and Councillor whom have travelled 15 or so people here, many of answered, and Burley said that her question was not added that coming car, when everything some distance, presumably by not a good example into the chamber was to give to council employees, the same conclusions could have been discussed, and are asked to who come in only if it is reached, necessary. The chair, councillor by meeting virtually?” “I did Graeme Coombes ical and ask you whether you thought it was hypocrit(Conservative, Wilshamstead Ward) said: “Personally, answer irresponsible,” she said. “But it seems I have always felt you clearly don’t.” by your that we need to get back to business [as usual] as soon “I disagree, we’re as possible,” he said. not being hypocritical,” “And I have a Continued on page 3
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with with Christmas coming This news has been met Their Deputy much more give three hours free car park“We would the Borough’s Conservatives.Rigby said: “A Sunday and we Group Leader, Cllr Roger mustard here, the ing every day and all day going forward the cut car parking prices freeze just does not cut free and cheaper would successful town centre is re-estabtown desperately needs more until a car parking. footfall in the lished. economic revival “In July 2018 there was “Bedford town centre’s squeezing the million, by July on the Mayor realising that anymore. town centre of over 1.282 NTS work recovery since the restsNORTHA 2021 despite some small motorists just won’t doesn’t to encourhalf at 688k.& EAST almost FERRERS is it lockdown He is creating a perfect backdrop end of , HIGHAMcurrent year the towns or on the RUSHDEN “Furthermore, in the age people to shop in other reduction of £1.279m Council is forecasting a includes the fewer people are internet.” also as income decision parking Mayor’s The in car which was hours free parking deal, coming to town. centre businesses two by him in 2013. “Our struggling town Mayor. Indeed, a introduced As well as two hours free need much more from this on Saturdays in council town centre car parks, is Queen Street car park free for the first two hours every weekday as well. Mayor Dave added that pro“This decision will also vide a major boost to Bedford town centre, attracting shoppers to our local businesses. “I know that local people full centre town a want to see of life and the free parking deal really helps, especially in the run up to Christmas. Providing affordable parkour ing options incentivises helpresidents to shop locally ing to reduce the carbon BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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ceremony at The Regent’s Park attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, the Japanese Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine, Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Keisaku Sandy Sano
and local schoolchildren. All the varieties of cherry trees are of Japanese origin and the majority are being supplied by Frank P Matthews nursery in Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire. Yasumasa Nagamine, Japanese Ambassador to the UK, said: “We hope that people all over Britain will join with us in embracing this chance to deepen mutual understanding, thus helping to create an enduring legacy. “Yet the Sakura Cherry Tree Project will not just represent the lasting impact of the Japan-UK Season of Culture but will be a wider celebration of the cordial ties between Japan and the UK. Just like our relationship, these trees will grow stronger as they mature and, each year when they blossom, I hope they bring joy to people across the UK and remind them of the deep friendship between our two nations and peoples.”
DECEMBER 2021 —
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Diary
film review
‘Music on Thursdays’ Concert Season. January 20, a concert of classical Indian ragas by a true master of the sitar: Mehboob Nadeem. February 24, a recital of songs by Vaughan Williams, Rachmaninov, Brahms and Schubert by the Russian-British baritone Theodore Platt who joins us from his day job at the Bavarian State Opera. March 24, a programme of trios by Haydn and Beethoven, together with a recent work they commissioned from local composer Cherlyl Frances-Hoad. The Season concludes on 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:
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. 1-5 December. Theme: ‘It’s Panto!’. St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ. Wed-Sat 10-5, Sunday 12-4. £3.00. Free under 16 years. Daily community concerts and competitions. Festival concert: Minerva Piano Trio Friday 3rd December 7.30 pm. In aid of the church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. Further details at www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk/ Minerva Piano Trio: Friday 3rd December 7.30pm. Works by Ravel, Stravinsky, Mozart, Vivaldi and others. Contact: Tel 01234 340163
Christmas Tree Festival:
The Railway Children return
‘The Railway Children Return’ is a sequel to the 1970 film ‘The Railway Children’ based on E. Nesbit’s classic book of the same name. The original 1970 feature portrays three children who, following their father’s forced disappearance, go to Yorkshire with their mother to investigate the cause for his abduction. The sequel picks up over forty years after the events of the previous film,
following a fresh group of children who are evacuated to a Yorkshire hamlet during WWII. Jenny Agutter reprises her role as Roberta from the original ‘The Railway Children’. She is joined by BAFTA winner Sheridan Smith, best known for her work in ‘Cilla’ (2014), Oscar nominee and BAFTA winner Tom Courtenay, and John Bradley, best known for his role as Samwell Tarly in HBO’s fantasy TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019). Beau Gadsdon, who portrays young Princess Margaret in ‘The Crown’ (2016-2019), K.J. Aikens, Eden Hamilton, Austin Haynes, and Zac Cudby play the new
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generation of Railway Children. Morgan Matthews, a BAFTAwinning filmmaker who rose to prominence for ‘A Brilliant Young Mind’ (2014), directed the film. The screenplay was based on a script by BAFTA-winning producer Jemma Rodgers and adapted by Danny Brocklehurst. Rodgers also served as the film’s producer for Studiocanal. ‘The Railway Children Return’ was filmed on locations in Yorkshire, including Haworth, The Bronte Parsonage, and Oakworth Station. The well-known rails featured in the film are all part of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The film will be released theatrically on April 1, 2022.
Kempston Musical Society: Christmas Carol
Concert, Kempston Musical Society will be performing a selection of Christmas carols and festive music on the evening of Saturday 18th December at Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tickets £7.50 on the door, which will include refreshments. This concert is guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas. To find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir. Contact: 01234 781010 or email prestissimo@btinternet.com MKNTA and £4 for non-members
Yoga: Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. 2pm Mondays Contact: June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk
Sandy Women’s Institute: Meets on the third
Bedford National Trust Association: 2.15pm, Tuesday
January 18, Addison Centre, Kempston. MK42 8PN. The speaker will be Ian Keable on “The Century of Deception - The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth - Century England”. Hoaxes were written about extensively, and depicted by satirical artists such as Hogarth and Gillray. They are imaginative, and the tricksters had varying motives. An entertaining talk. There will be a small admission fee. Everyone welcome. No need to book. Plenty of parking space. Contact: Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421
Brass, Bells & Tinsel: It’s
beginning to sound a lot like Christmas: Its jingle all the way at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade on Saturday December 11 at 7pm when Bedford Brass will be giving a traditional Christmas Concert. This will be the Band’s first concert since before March 2020 and will be raising funds for Sue Ryder St.John’s Hospice. Band Member Jenny Gellatly said: ‘We are bringing back the sound of Christmas in 2021. This concert will have you rocking around the Christmas tree.’ Doors 6.30pm. Adult £5.00 Children/Students £3.00. Tickets on the door. Contact: Conservative Club Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy SG19 1EL. Saturday December 4. Open to all Christmas Show, Christmas Demonstration by Gill McGregor – Floral Festive Flair and Fun, Doors open 2pm - Starts at 2.30pm – Tickets £12.00 includes refreshments. Contact: Marianne Attfield on 01767 226275.
Sandy Flower Club:
Bedford Floral Art Society: 7.30pm Tuesday,
December 7. Floral demonstration by Barbara Collins entitled ‘All Spruced Up’. Visitors very welcome £7. Contact: www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk
Christmas services at St Paul’s Bedford: Saturday
4th December 4.00pm Christingle Saturday 18th December 4.00pm Festival of Lessons and Carols Saturday 24th December 11.30 pm Midnight Mass Sunday 25th December 10.15 Christmas Family Service Contact:
Bedfordshire Family History Society: Monthly
meetings in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford, MK41 8PX on Friday, January 7 and our talk will be The Brooks Family of Flitwick Manor by Richard Morgan. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start. Members Free, Visitors £1. Contact:
Bedford RSPB local group: ARA club, Manton Lane
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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. We have a musician, Jacen Bruce, booked for our meeting on 21 December. At our meeting on 18 January, Jane Kennedy will be teaching us the basics of British Sign Language. For further information contact: Ann Patterson 01767 680644.
Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 20th January. Meeting 7.30pm. Wilf Powell - “Jewels in the Air”. Wilf, previously Chairman of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society, will describe aspects of the biology and behaviour of hummingbirds. With photos taken in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Trinidad, Cuba and Brazil. Members £1 Guest £2, under 18s enter free. Contact: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford
Bedford Folk & Acoustic Club: Acoustic and folk music
Wednesday January 12, 7-15pm for 7.30pm. ‘Bedfordshire’s Wild Life and Wild Places: 20 years into the new millennium. an illustrated talk by Graham Bellamy. Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnam Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. www.wildlifebcn.org or Contact: 01234 266057. Contact:
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.
Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust:
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— DECEMBER 2021
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
comedy Spreading the mirth across Bedfordshire this Christmas
Castle Comedy are holding four Christmas Comedy Specials throughout Bedfordshire. This year they are going all out to bring you Christmas Cheer! The shows will feature star names, mince pies, crackers, and lots of laughter.
Thursday December 2, at Henlow Bridge Lakes, Henlow. Headlining the show is IAN STONE. The Independent ranks him amongst the top ten stand-ups in Britain! Ian is the star of BT Sports ‘The Football’s On’ and has also appeared on ‘Nevermind the Buzzcoks’ and ‘Live at the Comedy Store’. “Seriously funny” The Guardian Also appearing will be OLAF FALAFEL. He is a Swedish comedy sensation and multiple award winner. In 2019 he won Dave’s Best Joke at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! With a unique mixture of one-liners and Scandinavian-tinged stories he has earned the purely fictitious title of ‘Sweden’s eighth funniest comedian’. Saturday December 11, at The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade. Headlining the show is ZOE LYONS. With a mixture of silliness, satire and caustic one liners she is
one of the one of the UK’s favourite comedians. She is a regular on Mock The Week and has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1) and hosts her own teatime TV quiz show, Lightning! (BBC2). “Probably the most impressive British female comic on the circuit.” The Skinny
Also appearing will LUKE TOULSON. He is a Perrier Comedy Award Nominee who has starred on Russell Howard’s Good News. Wednesday December 15, at the The Crooked Crow Bar, Leighton Buzzard. Headlining the show is JONNY AWSUM. A comedic whirlwind, Jonny has a special feel-good brand of musical comedy. He is the gag slinging guitar hero who rocks every gig he plays! You may also recognise him from Britain’s Got Talent where he roped in Ant and Dec to bring the house down and receive a standing ovation from the judges. “Guaranteed to lift your spirits” HHHHH Daily Mirror Also appearing is EL BALDINHO. He will be bringing his mind-boggingly daft magic to the show! He has appeared on Britain’s
Got Talent and is a regular comedy pundit on BT Sports The Football’s On! Thursday December 16, at the The Quarry Theatre, Bedford. Headlining the show is RICKY GROVER. He is quite literally and in more ways than one, one of the biggest names in modern British comedy. Born and bred in the East End of London, Ricky was an exchampion boxer and hairdresser before taking the comedy scene by storm. His numerous TV credits include Eastenders, Parkinson, This Way Up, Porridge, Zapped, Black Books and Red Dwarf. “The funniest person I’ve ever seen” The Independent
Also appearing 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. All shows feature full support from top UK comedians and Paul Revill will host the shows! Doors 7.30pm for 8.15pm start. Show finishes 10.45pm Book: castlecomedy.co.uk
Celebrating the Hope of Christmas in Kempston! Church of the Transfiguration, Bedford Road (opposite Addison Park, next to Banana Moon)
Sunday 12th December: .......4pm Christingle Saturday 18th December: .....4pm “Messy Christmas” (Christmas crafts, carols, fun and food for 2-12yrs plus) Christmas Eve: ....................4pm crib service with carols 9pm Mass (early midnight!) Christmas Day: ...................10am Christmas Celebration Boxing Day:........................10am Communion followed by mince pies
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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music
Tony’s guide to a great night out by Tony Hendrix
Gone are the days of the local thumping night clubs offering music, drinks, and food. Usually this would comprise the perfect night out, listening to your favourite tunes, downing as much cheap alcohol you can then spending the last hour of the night in the club diner demolishing a hot dog or two. Well if that’s what rocked your boat many years ago it’s coming back, you can enjoy an exclusive Brunch collaboration at Mist, 66 Bedford High Street on Saturday, December 11. This event will be hosted by the Legendary garage MC KIE (Fly Bi) with special guest appearance from Sweet Female Attitude (Flowers). Those of you who like your chicken may well be familiar with a chicken shop in Luton’s Round Green area called Chicken George who undoubtedly manufactures the most delicious chicken known to mankind, the award winning restaurant now with a Junior branch in Hitchin has joined forces with UK Garages MC Kie for a Brunch Special, the event starts at mid-day until 6pm, expect an awesome day of UK Garage, 60 minutes of bottomless Prosecco, live performances from Sweet Female Attitude, and off course some mouth watering chicken from Chicken George Jnr. Tickets are available from Skiddle, over 18s, simply search Chicken George. Here’s another gig I can
recommend during the festive season, Esquires Bedford is proud to announce at night in with The Dekker Tones on Saturday, December 27, Doors at 8pm till 11.30pm The DekkerTones are a nine piece ska/reggae/rocksteady/2tone covers band playing authentic ska and reggae from the late 60s Trojan and Bluebeat scene right through to the 2tone era. The band return to the venue for their third Christmas following sellout shows in previous years. Support comes from Dr Ska. Tickets are on sale now, priced £10 plus booking fee in advance from Seetickets The Drifters are back on tour in the UK, they will be at The Bedford Corn Exchange on Wednesday,
December 15, from 7.30pm performing all their classic hits from the last six decades!
Here’s just a few of the hits they will be performing: ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’, ‘You’re More Than A Number’, ‘Come on Over to My Place’, ‘Up On The Roof’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Kissin In The Back Row’, ‘Save The Last Dance for me’, ‘Down On The Beach’, ‘Hello Happiness’ and many, many more! Tickets can be purchased at £26.00 by calling 01234 718044. Looking for a sophisticated New Year’s Eve Party with a 007 theme? Well this one is on top of my list for New Year’s Eve, 3 St Peters is a elegant venue catering for a variety of clientele located in St Peters Street. New Year’s Eve you can fine tune your gambling skills at the Black Jack table no cash involved just for fun! You’ll be welcomed with a complimentary glass of Champagne, accompanied later by three courses of sweet and savoury canapés all night long created by a top chef and served on platters at your table. Music will be provided by the glamorous Laura Menozzi singing all your favourites including those bond hits and the In2Beat DJs take over at 11pm. Dress code is Black Tie/ 007 theme you will be charged £59 as a member and £69 for non members. Well these are my festive tips for 2021, have a great Xmas to you all and I wish you all the best for 2022.
THE
QUEENS HEAD M I LT O N E R N E S T
Wishing yo all a Merryu Christmas
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
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22
— DECEMBER 2021
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
gardening
with Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Winter garden delights in December I
by Maureen Catlin
N the depths of winter there are still some treasures to be found to brighten the dull grey landscape in our gardens. The evergreen backcloth is vital to give structure and form but there
are also some flower and berry delights. Viburnum Lilla Rose is an evergreen that produces creamy pink buds in late autumn which open to fragrant cream white flowers from December to spring. It is a valuable winter plant for sun or shade and a useful source of nectar for pollinating insects. It is easy to grow with low maintenance and is equally good in a tub, grown as a clipped hedge or associated with variegated Euonymus with crocus snowdrops or dwarf Narcissus planted underneath. Cotoneaster Microphyllus is another ground covering evergreen with bright orange red berries from autumn throughout winter to spring. It is a great source of food in December and January for Blackbirds, Thrushes,
MS Tree Care Martyn Smith – Arboculturist with over 10 years experience ● ● ●
Redstarts and Fieldfares. The herring bone fan shaped branches are best displayed when it is grown against a wall or fence. Grow in a sunny place with Lavender or Christmas Box planted at the base. The variegated evergreens with their bright shiny leaves are really colourful additions. Eleagnus Gilt Edge whose bright golden leaf margins will lighten any winter border makes a good grouping with Choisya Ternata, Physocarpus diabolo and Brachyglottis Silver Waves. It can also be grown in a tub and trained as a small standard tree. It is hardy and easy to grow with white flowers in summer and red berries in autumn. Another shrub with brightly coloured leaves is Holly, Ilex Madame Briot or Ilex altaclerensis Lawsoniana are good examples. Both varieties will produce pillar box red berries if pollinated by a male type and both also have bright yellow leaf margins. They are versatile and can be grown as hedges or trained as a standard to grow in a tub. The
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foliage makes lovely Christmas decorations and the birds of course enjoy the berries. Mahonia Winter Sun is a quick growing evergreen with gorgeous brilliant yellow upright flowers that are richly perfumed from November until March. An architectural plant for sun or dappled shade which makes a lovely grouping with Hellebores, evergreen Ferns and Brunnera, the variegated perennial Forget me not. Hamamelis Arnold Promise, Witch Hazel is a fascinating plant that bears bright yellow orange spidery flowers on bear stems from December to April. It is a hardy plant and grows well in a large pot in ericaceous compost. Feed with a sequestered iron. The autumn foliage colour is vibrant and looks dramatic if planted with white stemmed Birch and coloured bark Cornus under planted with Christmas Roses. Winter flowering Clematis is one of the few climbing plants in flower at this time of year. They need a sheltered place probably against a wall or fence with the support of wires or trellis. They can also be allowed to wander over other shrubs or even as ground cover. If grown in a large pot with an obelisk support this must be put in a sheltered place protected from severe weather. They are a great source of winter nectar for bumble bees. Clematis Winter Beauty is evergreen with small creamy nodding flowers from October to February, Clematis Balearica also has cream flowers with maroon markings on the inside of the petals followed
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period but must be hardened off in a sheltered cool place before returning to the garden afterwards. The Snow Rose is a cross between Helleborus Niger and H. Corsican. It is very hardy and produces lots of flowers from December to March. Some good varieties are H. Mahagon Snow, creamy pink, H. Ice and Snow pure white and the amazing H. Barola which is garnet red. So here are some useful additions to the winter garden. These brave plants all put on a great show in spite of our grey cold winter days.
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by fluffy seed heads which are great when sprayed gold for Christmas decoration. The Christmas Rose, Helleborus Christmas Carol, is a truly Christmas flowering plant. The glistening pure white waxy looking single flowers have lemon yellow stamens from December to March. They gradually turn pinkish with age and are a welcome source of nectar for the pollinating insects. It can be grown in a pot and brought indoors along with the Christmas Tree from mid December for the Christmas
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DECEMBER 2021 —
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KNOCKING ON THE DOOR OF PLAY-OFFS?
23
sport
AN eleven-match winning streak came to an end for the Eagles in November as they exited the Buildbase FA Trophy in controversial circumstances and lost to their title rivals in a close fought top of the table clash in Hertfordshire. The Pitching In Southern League Division One Central has been a good hunting ground for Bedford in recent weeks, with a full squad of players available results improved and
by Michael Jarman-Webb
some impressive score lines resulted, including three nil wins against Thame, Kidlington and Colney Heath. Other wins in the run included FC Romania, Barton Rovers and Welwyn Garden City. Rene Howe has been in impressive goal scoring form throughout that period and currently sits in third in the League goal scoring table with nine. The visit of Waltham Abbey, a side Bedford defeated in the opening game of the season with an impressive 5-2 score line, saw the winning League run come to an end with two points dropped as the visitors held on for a 2-2 draw. More concerning was an ankle injury to Manager’s son Danny Setchell which will see him side lined for several weeks. Setchell has produced some impressive performances this season from his attacking midfield position and produced a wonder goal in this match that left the keeper rooted to the spot. That draw was followed by a single goal defeat at Berkhamsted, which saw the Hertfordshire side relieve the Eagles of their top spot position. Bedford will have hoped to bounce back on their away trip to Didcot on their last League match of the month. The winning run had come to an end the week before when the FA Trophy tie against Potters Bar
ABANDONED
Hugh Alban-Jones on the ball in Bedford Town’s 5-0 win over Cambridge City – 2nd Qualifying Round Buildbase FA Trophy.
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was abandoned by the referee with three minutes of added time still to play after a fracas between the teams. After an investigation by The FA, it was decided that the score on the day would stand with the visitors going through. December starts with local rivals Kempston Rovers visiting the Eyrie for the first meet of the season. The Walnut Boys have struggled to find form this season and after a management change and nowsit at the wrong end of the table. Tough trips follow to North Leigh and Aylesbury United, teams that are likely to be challenging for a play-off position come the end of the season. The traditional Boxing Day fixture this year will be on the Bank Holiday Monday as St Neots Town visit the Eyrie once again. This will be their third visit having already lost to Bedford in the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Their recent form has improved though, and they are knocking on the door for a playoff position.
For younger football fans Eagle’s hotshot Connor Tomlinson will be continuing his Mini Soccer Club on Saturday mornings between 10-11.30 in December. The popular young UEFA qualified coach is assisted by his father former Manchester United player and current Bedford Town coach Graeme Tomlinson. They will be assisted by other qualified coaches
MINI SOCCER CLUB
for what is a fun but focused football school for all 4–10-year-olds. The sessions cost just £3 and takes place at Bedford Town’s Youth Development facility at Kingsfield, Great Ouse Way, Bedford. More information from Connor on 07935 560918.
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