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BEDFORDSHIRE EDITION
ISSN 2634-453X
MARCH 2021
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MARCH 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
PCC ELECTIONS MAY 2021 The Conservative Party candidate Festus Akinbusoye has previously been announced – here are the LibDem and Labour candidates
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Mother’s Day tips for dads THE woman who made you a dad is probably already at the centre of your universe, whether you baby is just a few weeks old or approaching their first birthday. Celebrating her role in creating your perfect first born shouldn’t be reserved for just one day of the year, but that special day is a chance to really show off. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, March 14, and is a chance to show your new baby’s mummy just how much she means, and get baby involved too. How can you make her feel special? Consider these simple yet thoughtful ideas to show her just how much she means.
Make an effort
LOCAL Kempston Postmaster Jas Parmar is standing for the Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections on Thursday, May 6, 2021. The Liberal Democrat candidate has served five years as a police officer in Metropolitan Police before starting his own business in Clifton, Bedfordshire. Jas said: “I have lived and worked in Bedfordshire for over 33 years and having worked as a Police Officer and a Postmaster, I feel, I can better understand the issues public face “ he has been a Non-executive Director of east London Foundation Trust (eLFT) covering mental health issues in Bedfordshire and Luton. For the past 25 years he has owned several businesses in Kempston and Bedford. he is a volunteer member of Independent Advisory Group to Bedfordshire Police raising issues and concerns of the local community and supporting the police. Former Bedford Borough Councillor Jas said: “I am a local man and I bring a lot of experience in policing, local government, business and working in the community. If elected as your Police and Crime Commissioner, I will make community policing my top priority. As a recent victim of a serious gun crime, I will ensure that the victims of a crime are the centre of all policies. I have always worked in public and if elected I will remain open, transparent and visible.”
The Labour Party has announced David Michael as their candidate to be the next Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, in the May election. David Michael MBe grew up in Luton and still lives in Bedfordshire, after his retirement from the police service. David had a 30-year career in frontline policing, serving in the Metropolitan Police Service and promoted to the rank of Detective Chief Inspector. he was also a Team Leader in the Serious Crime Directorate at Scotland Yard. David was awarded an MBe in 2020 for services to the community. David Michael said: “I’m delighted to be Labour’s candidate to be the next Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, the County I grew up in. “As a Police Officer for 30 years and former Detective Chief Inspector, I know what it takes to keep our communities safe. “As a Police and Crime Commissioner, my key priorities will be tackling violent crime and county lines, ensuring greater levels of support for the victims of crime and also making sure our Police Officers are given effective support and resources they need to get the job done.” You can learn more about my campaign at: DavidForPCC on Facebook, or @davidforpcc on Twitter.
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Cards Matter Baby is many years from writing their name, but the first Mother’s Day card will be treasured for the rest of mum’s life. The card itself doesn’t need to be the most glamorous or expensive, it’s the message that matters. Make sure it’s as personal as possible, note little quirks unique to mum and baby’s relationship whether that’s 2am cuddles, milky burps or memories of his first smile, step or word. Prioritise Sleep What could a new mum want more than a little bit more sleep? Another hour in bed could be the perfect present so get up with baby, enjoy a morning with them and let mum sleep for as long as her heart desires. You could consider waking her up with a freshly made breakfast, but for many mums the
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Mum’s the word The main thing to remember about Mother’s Day is it’s all about mum and keeping your family close together. It’s not an event you bring babysitters for or consider a night out, it’s a chance to celebrate motherhood and enjoy some intimate and special activities with your new family.
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chance to enjoy a leisurely doze will be the real treat. Start a new tradition your little family needs its own traditions and Mother’s Day is a great starting point for one of these. Maybe it can be the first day you enjoy a full Sunday roast together, with baby old enough to have their first small plates of tidbits and tastes. If the weather is nice, maybe you could enjoy your first family picnic and get out in the sunshine enjoying daffodils and those other first flowers. Next year, you can do the same with baby toddling along too and playing a much more
central role in the big day. Junior Fashion Show Getting baby dressed up is always a treat and buying something special for Mother’s Day is a lovely gesture. It could be as simple as a “Mummy’s First Mother’s Day” sleepsuit or something more ornate and fancier, it all depends on your style and what you know mum will love best. Keeping it a secret from mum is probably the hardest bit but it’ll be worth it to see her reaction. Make sure to capture a few photos of them both too to ensure the day is remembered forever. Source some Beautiful Blooms Carnations are the traditional flower of Mother’s Day and while going traditional can be sweet, it’s nice to be a bit more creative and find the perfect flowers for the special day. Lovely spring blooms are available and you can choose a bouquet which is much more thoughtful and unique than simply opting for the standard. Perhaps it could include a carnation or two but you can be sure mum will appreciate a little extra thought.
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Wrestling with movie business
Richard Summers-Calvert is an award winning director and producer and has filmed his latest production in and around Bedford. His company, Crucible Films, has produced several short films which have been critically acclaimed winning Best Film, Best Comedy, Best Sci-fi and several Best Actor awards for himself. His most recent movie ‘Drive Me To The End’, in which Richard takes a lead role, has been released on Amazon Prime. The film examines the relationship between two people who don’t know each other, and for their own individual reasons struggle to communicate. They are forced to sit in a confined
space with each other for three whole days. This enforced contact helps them slowly open up to each other. They build a relationship and what unravels is a beautiful, heartwarming and poignant watch. Richard’s film career has seen him play the role of ‘Dexter’ in the cinematic release King of Crime alongside Vas Blackwood (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels). He can also be seen as the Pack Leader in the dystopian feature film Edge of Extinction which is on all digital platforms. In what little spare time Richard, has left, he runs his company, Crucible Films, whilst traveling the UK, and, hopefully soon the world, as a professional wrestler.
The sky’s the limit for Gemma
PILOT Officer Gemma Crook is flying high having graduated from the Royal Air Force College at Royal Air Force College Cranwell on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Gemma aged 25 from Bedford, attended Bedford Girls’ School before graduating from Warwick University with a BA(Hons) in Philosophy with Psychology. Gemma has been commissioned as an Air Operations (Systems) Officer and will now begin the next stage of her training at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire. Pilot Officer Crook’s future role as an Air Operations (Systems) Officer is incredibly diverse, involving the identification of all aircraft flying over the UK and monitoring suspicious air activity to running airfield operations in a central operations room, ensuring that all flying programmes run smoothly and on time, planning logistics in advance. Her new role could also see Gemma tracking events happening in space. Pilot Officer Crook said: “I began my career in the Royal Air Force on Modularised Initial Officer Training Course Number 1, a brand new course with staff and students adapting to the new model and dealing with COVID restrictions on top of that. “Though there were ups and downs, we really made the most of the graduation we had and it was an amazing day. Unfortunately the seasonal weather meant a shorter parade, however it was a huge honour to march into the front doors of College Hall Officers’ Mess and I feel incredibly proud of what we have all achieved. “I am looking forward to where my career will take me next.”
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN MARCH 2021
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Council seeks deal with developers to secure future of airship sheds by Local Democracy Reporter
COuNCIL planners are in new talks with developers over a deal to secure the future of the iconic giant airship sheds in Cardington. Bedford Borough Council had in 2014 given permission for 592 homes to be built near the sheds at Shortstown on the understanding that a deal would be agreed to maintain them. But the site has now been sold to Bellway homes and they and Gallagher Developments applied for planning permission to change the layout and design of the new homes. The most recent meeting of the council’s planning committee was told that this gives the council the opportunity to finally secure the long term maintenance of the sheds which were built during the WW!.
Planning officer Greg Logan told the committee that agreement was never finalised and the need for the new application means it can be negotiated under new rules. Mr Logan said one of the issues being considered was whether future residents would be made to pay an annual charge for the upkeep of the sheds. The council does not want such a ‘roof tax’ to apply. The committee heard that the council originally gave permission to the homes on the basis that it was a development that enabled a ‘public benefit’. This outweighed a shortage of affordable homes and building in the countryside. Councillors also discussed concerns that future residents might complain if there is too much noise from the production of feature films such as Batman. The council’s economic development
team sees the use of the sheds for feature films as crucially important for the borough’s economy. Mr Logan admitted “it’s an ongoing issue” but the applicant needs to ensure they consider this, and changes to the plans have been made. The council’s environmental health officers have raised no reasons to object to the new plan. Mr Logan said if the councillors refused the new plan, the developers could make an agreement under the old rules and implement the old plan. But in whichever outcome, Mr Logan said: “We won’t issue a decision until a section 106 agreement has been made that is acceptable to all parties.” he added: “Officers believe we’re heading in the right direction and the applicants want to work with us.
“We will get there and officers will be pushing very strongly for an acceptable outcome to this.” Councillors voted unanimously to approve the new planning application. But committee chairman Cllr Jonathan Abbott (Lib Dem, Oakley) said: “I strongly urge officers to work on a section 106 to ensure that it doesn’t become a roof tax on the residents otherwise that has negated the whole reason for these developments occurring around the sheds in the first place.” Background papers show a legal agreement is proposed to be entered into which would provide £405,000 towards the provision of heating and lighting within Shed 1. It also requires the agreement of a maintenance scheme along with a means of funding that maintenance over the long term.
KEITH MAYHEW
February 7, 1955–February 23, 2021
We are saddened to report the death of well-known local photographer. Keith Mayhew died peacefully in his sleep in Bedford hospital on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Keith had been in intensive care suffering from Covid-19. He was a very popular figure and was always ready to have a chat! Many of his friends and colleagues have expressed their shock at his untimely passing. Here at the Bulletin we are very conscious of the help Keith gave us along the way, a huge thank you Keith, you were a great friend.
University student shows determination to conquer her weight issues
MONIque Munro from Great Denham, like many young people found the university stress and lifestyle found her piling on the weight, reaching over 22 stones by the time she finished her studies. She needed to make a change, confronted with some unflattering photos and also some pretty serious health conditions, she decided to make a change and join Slimming World. Now over six stone lighter, she is reaping the benefits, not only in her health, fitness but also confidence and mental health. She has achieved all this, even though the national lockdowns which can often spell disaster for weight loss hopes. Monique was having issues with her weight even before university, then, with the stresses of university gained over five stones to put her weight over 22 stones. Monique says: “A massive deal breaker for me was looking at photos people had taken of me. Seeing what I actually looked like, and how people see me was a real eye opener.” Is it fair to say that while at university Monique’s diet (probably like a lot of students) was not exactly healthy. “I would rarely have any fruits or vegetables in my diet. Most of the foods I ate were processed or takeaway… I would very often skip breakfast and lunch, then having enough pizza to feed a family just for myself.” When it comes to her health, Monique wasn’t really moving around much, was desk-based
most of the time. In 2018 she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intercranial hypertension, which damaged her eyesight and lead to double / blurred vision, headaches, neck pain and back pain. “I was advised to lose weight to try and improve my condition, and so far I have been discharged from the ophthalmologist as my eyes have improved, and the pressure on my optic nerve has decreased”. Monique is now also much more active, “I try to walk between 3-6k a day, every day. Walking is my favourite activity to do. When it comes to food now, it is safe to say that Monique has made some amazing swaps, but what she loves most is the variety she can enjoy “I still get to eat the foods that I love, but not feel guilty for eating them.” When speaking to Monique about changes since losing weight, it is her growth in confidence which stands out. Which shows just in her agreement to feature in this article really. She said: “My overall confidence has improved, I can meet new people without wanting to crawl into my shell. I now feel like I can shop for nice clothes, and I had the confidence to apply for a job in a field that was more physically demanding – and I started this is January.”
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PC recognised for his bravery The Cauldwell Street gateway to Bedford town centre is on the up in the face of knifeman A POLICe officer who tackled a man wielding a knife in Bedford town centre has been recognised for his bravery. More than 60 officers and staff members have been awarded for their long service, bravery and professionalism over the course of the coronavirus pandemic. Forty-three officers and staff in total have received a Chief’s Commendation for their bravery and professionalism since March 2020, while 22 officers and staff members have been awarded for completing 20 years’ service in the police over the same timeframe. PC George Comer was commended by the Chief Constable for his bravery during an incident in Bedford town centre. In the early hours of May 8, 2019, a man was seen on CCTV wielding a large knife. The man attempted to evade police officers before PC Comer got out of his car and tackled the man, who was still carrying the knife, to the ground. his honour Judge Steven evans wrote to Chief Constable Garry Forsyth after sentencing to commend PC Comer for his actions, and said: “What PC Comer did was to tackle an adult male, whose response he must have assessed as entirely unpredictable and who was wielding a knife at chest height. PC Comer did so without regard to his own safety – perhaps more accurately he acted despite the obvious risk to his own safety. “PC Comer’s actions, which brought this potentially serious incident to an end without harm to any party, showed exceptional courage. So much so that it was, in my judgement, worthy of commendation in the court. I observed when I asked PC Comer to attend and hear my remarks, that it might be said that he was just doing his duty. “That might be right, but that does not diminish the bravery he showed in the face of such obvious danger to himself, nor does it obviate the proper recognition that his actions deserve. On behalf of the public and that of the Courts, I thank PC Comer for his brave actions, and I commend him.” Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to give a Chief’s commendation award and Long Service medals to our officers and staff. “Officers and staff go above and beyond their duty
A NeW-BuILD block of 72 apartments is on the way, which will turn a previously neglected corner into an attractive gateway to Bedford town centre. Compass Land & Developments have announced that contracts have been exchanged for the one and two bedroom homes. Meanwhile work is underway on the refurbishment of the single-storey construction block on the Bedford College site opposite. The tower block on the corner was reopened with a high quality new look as the Brundtland Building a few years ago – but the adjoining single-storey section was not included. Now catching up, this latest project is part of the on-going upgrading of the college campus, which represents millions of pounds of investment in providing world class buildings for the ‘Best in Britain’ college. Cauldwell Street further benefited from the devel-
opment of the Bedford Free School which has now a penthouse hall overlooking the town and highlighting the great quality of education for 11-16-year-olds.
to protect the public and it is a huge disappointment for me personally that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are not currently able to host our usual celebration events for our officers and staff to celebrate their fantastic achievements with their friends, family and colleagues.”
£1.8m for green energy park BeDFOrD Borough Council has received £1,867,500 from the South east Midlands Local enterprise Partnership (SeMLeP) to deliver a green energy park at a former landfill site in elstow. The Bedford Green Technology & Innovation Park project will deliver low carbon, clean energy generation technologies and encourage others to reduce carbon emissions, adopt innovative technologies and improve air quality. The first stage of the project will use solar power to begin gen-
erating energy.The project will also provide an education and training resource through partnership working with the university of Bedfordshire, Cranfield university and local colleges, alongside promoting wider acceptance of renewable energy technologies.
Alongside allowing the Council to make more efficient use of the 30-ha site they have earmarked for the park, this project will generate more construction jobs locally and
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stimulate the local job market in the growing energy technology sector. Cllr Charles royden, Portfolio holder for environment, said: “We would like to thank SeMLeP for the money that we have been awarded through this grant. The grant we’ve secured through the Getting Building Fund will help towards a £4.15m council investment to deliver green energy across Bedford Borough and help us achieve our target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. “The project will deliver jobs for the Borough, promote education and training for businesses and individuals and allow us to generate income through opportunities to supply green electricity to businesses in the area.”
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View from the Rt Revd
In Focus with
Richard Atkinson
In Focus with
Yasin
Dave
The Bishop of Bedford
MP for Bedford and Kempston
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
COMING HOME
SLOW AND STEADY
LOCKDOWN ROADMAP
There are many things in life for which I am thankful and often take for granted. Among them has been safe and secure housing. even when I lived in a slightly damp flat built into the transept of an inner-city church, mouse infested, I never felt that my home was at risk. That is not the experience of so many people in our society. Those desperate stories of leaseholders and others trapped in flats which have unsafe cladding, whose insurance premiums have rocketed and where they are paying out huge sums for waking watch wardens, are just one contemporary example of housing distress. It has been estimated that eight million people in the uK live in unaffordable, insecure or unsuitable homes. (Incidentally I really can’t see why the suppliers of the ill-clad housing aren’t liable as with other faulty products). In the last few days, the Archbishop of Canterbury has launched the ‘Coming home’ report of his commission on housing. Its vision and recommendations for action are about far more than just building the houses that our nation desperately needs. It emphasises the requirement for better communities and homes. It is a commitment that is centred around five core values. ‘A good home’ the report states is: Safe – free from danger, warm and a place where we feel secure. Stable – affordable, where people can put down roots. Sustainable – not harming our planet but sustaining it for future generations. Sociable – sufficient space to live, exercise and interact with friends and neighbours Satisfying – efficient, utilising innovative design and technology to create a place where we truly belong. It is a call to justice and a more compassionate society that echoes that wonderful vision of the Prophet Isaiah in Chapter 65 where he pictures new heavens and a new earth. In contrast to the oppression and exploitation of the age, one characteristic of this new earth will be that people will build houses and dwell in them. Being housed well, within a flourishing community, is a sign of a healthy society. If your experience, like mine, has been that of secure, safe and good housing over your lifetime, then it is easy to be blind to the needs of those whose housing is insecure. The Archbishop encourages us to do what we can to make room for all.
england is on a “one-way road to freedom”, Boris Johnson said as he revealed his four-step roadmap out of lockdown, which could see all aspects of society reopened by June 21. This is the PM’s third attempt to get us out of lockdown. First, he ignored the warnings about the new virus, then underplayed them by telling us the virus would be chased away in 12 weeks. 12 months of dither and delay meant he locked down too late, came out too early. his unfounded optimism bought him popularity with frontpage headlines cheering ‘Boris battles the experts to save Christmas’ But he didn’t save Christmas. And he didn’t save lives. Ignoring experts has cost us 130,000 precious lives, the highest Covid death rate in the world. The vaccine rollout has been a success and I praise the work of the scientists and all the NhS staff who have helped this happen. Though I understand why so many people rushed to book a holiday after the announcement, I wonder if the most important words uttered by Boris Johnson concerning the release dates, “no earlier than” were overshadowed by the ones we most want to believe, “irreversible”. The PM says he is following the data not the dates – but both positions can’t be true. The government’s SAGe committee warned ministers on February 4, that opening up over the three months beginning in April could put the NhS under even more pressure than the second wave did. They favoured easing restrictions over a longer period – “six or nine months” starting in April – which they expected would still bring cases up, but within a more manageable level. SAGe also warns against moving fast because the more the virus spreads, the likelier it is to develop a mutation that might render current vaccines less effective. We must keep prevalence low, but the government is pinning all its hopes on the vaccine with little attempt to eradicate the virus. The Government’s half-baked travel quarantine plans won’t keep the possibility of new variants out of the country and we still have the threat of the SA variant already on our shores. Slow and steady wins the race. The vaccine is miraculous but can’t do all the work. Another lockdown is unthinkable but to avoid one is going to involve a lot more caution than the PM will admit.
The Prime Minister has already outlined the roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in england. This is incredibly good news, but we must continue to follow existing guidelines of washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering and maintaining a social distance where required. By doing this we can continue to see a decline in cases. The roadmap has four steps with a minimum of five weeks between each step. We will see schools and colleges return on March 8. Face coverings have been recommended for secondary school students and parents and staff in primary schools. university students can also return for practical courses. Also on March 8, two people from different households will be allowed to meet outside for recreation, not just exercise, and one nominated person can visit care homes as long as they use PPe, have a lateral flow test and keep physical contact to a minimum. Further relaxations will take place on 29th March including being allowed to meet more people outside, some outdoor sports being able to restart and an end to the ‘stay at home’ rule. If everything goes well, we will see Step Two in mid-April and Step Three in mid-May with more relaxations at each stage. Step Four will happen no earlier than 21 June, at this step we will see all legal limits on social contact removed with an ambition to reopen the remaining closed sectors of the economy such as nightclubs You can read the Prime Minister’s statement at https://www.gov. uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-to-the-house-of-commonson-roadmap-for-easing-lockdown-restrictions-in-england-22-febru ary-2021 There is also a useful guide on the BBC’s website at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52530518 After a shaky start we are now receiving more vaccines locally and have seen a very good take-up of vaccinations. I would urge everyone to arrange an appointment when contacted by their GP or by letter from NhS england. play their part to protect the NhS and save lives.
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PCC puts Bedford Borough Council on Royal College of Art with the help of residents looks at notice over Greyfriars redevelopment Biggleswade’s future vision by Local Democracy Reporter
Grefriars Police station 1964.
A ‘LASer LIKe FOCuS’ will be directed at a local authority in the weeks ahead over the sale and redevelopment of a former Bedfordshire police station. Planning permission was granted by Bedford Borough Council for a change of use for the Greyfriars site. This would potentially enable the prime town centre plot to become a mixture of flats with a ground floor shop. The project has been dogged by a series of frustrating delays, including the pandemic. Now the council has been advised not to put further obstacles in the way of the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn holloway. The PCC is due to stand down at this year’s May elections, and would welcome progress over Greyfriars being added to her legacy. The police station is situated between Greyfriars and Priory Street. Its location prompted a string of bidders interested in turning it into residential development when they became aware of its possible availability. One of the issues is maintaining an access route into the premises for future occupants of the site, without which its value would drop. Conservative Central Bedfordshire Flitwick councillor Neil Bunyan asked the PCC at a county
police and crime panel meeting: “What will the income from the eventual sale of Greyfriars be used for?” She replied: “Apart from anything else, it’s commercially sensitive for us to make an assessment of what that value might be right now. “But Bedford Borough should be expecting a laser like focus from me in the coming weeks on the Greyfriars situation, in relation to the advice from our planning advisers. “We’ve jumped through every possible hoop which has been presented to us to comply with the requirements of the planners. “We’ve met all of their criteria. The planning committee unanimously approved change of use. “I now expect us to move forward in such a way that we can reach a sale. “I don’t expect another hurdle to be placed in my way and I will be unforgiving if it is,” she warned. “We’ve always earmarked the revenue from Greyfriars to go towards the expenditure on custody. “And you’ll be aware that we’re well advanced in that custody suite build (at Kempston hq).” The premises was put on the market by the PCC as long ago as July 2017, when she described it as “no longer fit for purpose.” In December 2019, the change of use was secured at a Borough Council planning committee
meeting. Outline plans for the whole site redevelopment were due to have been considered by councillors in April, according to a report to the panel last June. But the impact of Covid-19 further delayed progress, with “a road scheme outside Greyfriars Police Station put back indefinitely for now”, the panel was told. Police would receive “maximum benefit” from the sale, the PCC promised, as the funding is destined to replace the force’s temporary custody suite.
SHAPING the future of Biggleswade is part of the inspiration behind a community challenge involving the Royal College of Art (RCA). Its designers have drawn on the help of local residents and the town council to create some thoughts and images of what lies ahead for the Bedfordshire town. The project with the Transport Planning Society is partly in response to the pandemic, and focuses on development and wider influences in localities. The RCA, with partners from local authorities and charities, has been asking people “to think about everyone’s wellbeing in the future and to help communities become healthier, more vibrant, inclusive and resilient.” ‘Our Future Biggleswade: community place making and transport planning’ maps out some of the thoughts collected so far and offers a vision or two of lifestyles to come. “This was set up very quickly when we were approached to be part of its study,” Mayor Madeline Russell told a town council meeting. “I’ve given a guarded ‘yes’ to wanting to continue with this and am waiting for more detail,” she said. “The big issue for them is they’ve developed these tools for public engagement to find out what people’s vision is and what they want to see in places where they live, but they need funding to take it further. “There was a meeting last week with the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.” “The next thing is ‘what do they want to do in Biggleswade?’ and then can we support them as a council formally?” Deputy mayor Grant Fage said: “There are things we can learn from their approach and the
way they’re framing what residents are saying to them. “I think that’s an interesting dimension. The only pity is that the sample size isn’t very high. “A lot of this work took place over the summer and couldn’t support much on social media because of the challenges we faced. “I’d certainly hope we as a council could offer more support to the RCA in getting that number of only 20 responses certainly up into the hundreds. “That way we get a better representative sample of what our residents think about some of these connectivity issues. “I really like this report and what it’s saying,” he added. “It’s made me think a few things differently as well.” Councillor Jonathan Woodhead said: “I also like the report. It’s very different and fresh. It needs a wider audience to see and benefit from the work. “If there’s some way we can take the initial work forward, it’s something we can build on and would be really well received. “The RCA is an incredible organisation to be working with.” The Mayor replied: “I sent a lot of emails to groups within the town, such as the cadet groups, the Scouts, Biggleswade Good Neighbours and all sorts of community groups asking them to support this. “This is the problem we’re going to face in Biggleswade. It does concern me. “We might encounter this with consultations and engagements on the neighbourhood plan because people just don’t seem to want to respond. “It’s one of the reasons why the community engagement group we’re setting up is such a good idea. “Hopefully anyone on that group can then encourage others they know to comment.”
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Climate changes
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The land-based learning teams at Shuttleworth College are used to working in changing climates. All-weather activities range from keeping horses heated in the snow at the specialist equine Centre, to looking after lizards in the tropical biome. Photos from the fields of the Old Warden equine centre show how the teams are keeping the horses in top shape despite the snow. Angie Webb, equine Lecturer, said: “Whilst the current lockdown and then the bad weather, means many people may be working from home, that doesn’t apply when you
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have chosen a career involving animals and agriculture. Our teams have been here every day looking after the horses, within Covidsafety regulations of course.” “It’s always a rewarding career working within horses, in the current situation, having an outdoor job is especially fulfilling.” If you would like to learn about working with horses and the equine sciences then visit https://www.shuttleworth.ac.uk /our-courses/subjects/equine Meanwhile, at the Zoological
REWARDING CAREER
education Centre Curator Carl Groombridge and team are keeping temperatures up in the tropical biome and other units. The Zoological education Centre opened September 2019 but is currently closed to students due to lockdown. however, work continues carrying for animals, including alligators. Carl said: “Alan Titchmarsh wrote an interesting article about how, post lockdown, young people can benefit from immersive education, actually being in the environments where they want to learn. This is exactly what we have here at our centre and we hope to
SANDY TOWN COUNCIL Craft Competition World Book Day Kids’resta urants and services to survive in this Enter by 4th March
y Since the first national lockdown, Sand our to Town Council has worked to reach out henric for ities rtun oppo offer and ents resid help ment and community engagement to bridge the gulf of social distancing. to Last year, the Council invited residents express their creativity in a Summer y& Scarecrow Festival, searched for Sand the ked mar ens, Gard t Kep Beeston’s Best with a Sandy Green Wheel’s 2nd anniversary and e, rout ing walk the nd arou t hun r lette a celebrated the town’s festive spirit with r 50 Ove Christmas Decoration Competition. and we households took part in these events geenga and back feed received wonderful ment from the community. ote our We also took the opportunity to prom ed town centre businesses, who have need ity mun com our of e onag patr and ort the supp each more than ever over the last year. With hers for event, the council awarded prize vouc a a variety of independent restaurants, ique – butcher, a florist, and a clothing bout , the chosen by the winners. During the year for hers vouc prize in £500 over Council gave d to local businesses; doing what we coul s, shop ent pend inde l derfu won our help
difficult time.
to the Meetings of Sandy Town Council and Sandy Town Council is now looking its first its committees are currently being held year ahead and has already opened ld virtually on the Zoom video event on the calendar for 2021, our Wor conferencing platform. Book Day Kids’ Craft Competition, in dren Chil ary. Libr y Mem Sand bers with of the public are welcome to hip ners part to send attend the meetings and can contact across Sandy and Beeston are invited tings, the Clerk at in a photograph of their drawings, pain ired insp , tions crea y craft of clerk@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk for ner man and any a details on how to join. All meetings by their favourite book. This could be a commence at 7.30pm except character, a place, or anything at all from left Development Scrutiny Committee story they love. There are just a few daysl unti (Planning) which starts at 6.30pm to enter, as the competition is open ch. Mar 4th y rsda Thu Monday 1st March 2021 s ncil’ Cou the on Town Council ed shar be will ies All entr g Facebook page and we’ll be awardin Mon day 8th March 2021 favourite National Book Tokens to our judges’ Development Scrutiny s, 7 year Community Services & entries in three age categories: under with a Environment 7-12 years and 13-18 years. To be in their chance of winning, all that kids (or Mon day 22nd March 2021 of their parents) need to do is send a photo Human Resources name book-inspired work, with the child’s ov.uk. Monday 29th March 2021 and age to admin@sandytowncouncil.g ren’s child l loca Development Scrutiny our all see We can’t wait to Policy Finance & Resources crafty creations and to share them in rsday See our website for deta celebration of World Book Day, on Thu ils of other meetings. 4th March 2021.
Census 2021
Sunday 21st March 2021 is Census Day in England and Wales. Sandy Town Council encourages all our residents to take part and complete the census; by doing so you will be helping to make sure our community gets the services needed now and in the future. The census is a once-per-decade survey which is unique in how much detail it provides about the society we live in. All kinds of organisations, from local authorities to charities, use this information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. For the first time, this year’s census will be digital-first. It is easy to fill out
Town Council meetings
and can be done on any device. Near the time, you will receive a letter from the Office for National Statistics, containing an access code; just go online and enter the code on their secure website to get started. Plenty of help is available for those who need it. If you can’t get online or need help with the website, Census Support Centres across England and Wales will be available to help. ONS will have an online help area and will also offer help by phone, webchat, email, social media or text message. There will also be guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats. You can find out more at www.census.gov.uk.
ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATT END.
Town centre car park barrier
One of the barriers in Sandy’s Town Centre Car Park was unfortunately damaged by a vehicle last month. The and damaged equipment was removed, the of day the on safe e mad area the incident. nge The Council is now working to arra as the replacement of the barrier as soon g rdin rega tion rma info her possible. Furt the installation will be shared on the Council’s website when possible. which We apologise for any inconvenience car the of s user to e this work may caus park.
10 Cambridge Road, Sandy SG19 1JE Tel: 01767 681491 Fax: 01767 692527 admin@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
Physiotherapy by Local Democracy Reporter
A FOrMer Biggleswade bank is to become a physiotherapy clinic and flats, despite concerns the listed building would be vulnerable to noise from an entertainment venue next door. Owner of St Neots-based Park Therapy Centre and physiotherapist Ivan Thrush is relocating his business in the town to 63 high Street. he applied to convert the ex-hSBC premises into a physiotherapy facility on the ground floor and two flats on the upper two floors, as well as three more apartments at the back. “It’s a vacant Grade II listed building,” senior planning officer Annabel robinson told Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee. “It requires a change of use,” she said. “There are town centre car parks for customers. “And it seems a sensible place to
have a community facility, close to the bus and railway stations.” Biggleswade Town Council raised no objection, but suggested CBC conduct a noise assessment based around the potential impact from the adjacent business. Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Ian Bond expressed concerned about the block of flats at the back of the resubmitted scheme. “This would be detrimental to the character and setting of the listed building, the important adjacent George’s hall at 67 high Street and the Biggleswade Conservation Area,” he said in a statement. Mr Thrush explained the aim is “to rejuvenate the former bank, which has been allowed to fall into disrepair”. his premises at Baystrait house next to the railway station is on the second floor without a lift or escalator. “By moving our current Biggleswade clinic to a prominent town centre location we’re employing six
Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club
by John Bennewith
LIKe you we are getting frustrated with the forced inactivity due to Covid 19 but let me assure you that we are still here to serve the needs of our community. We have been assisting with the provision of computer equipment during lockdown plus other help where it falls within our remit. We pride ourselves that the majority of the money we raise is spent on local projects helping alleviate hardship where we can. If you know of any problem where we may be able to help please look at
our website where you will find how to contact us. every request for help is checked by our service committee and a decision made on what help, if any, we can provide. The Club’s decision is final and we do not provide a reason why a particular project is accepted or rejected. A few things which are ongoing throughout this time are the provision of Message in a Bottle, Message in a Wallet and Spectacle recycling. Over the coming months I will return to these subjects. Keep safe and we will get back to normal as soon as possible.
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welcome our young people back as soon as we are allowed. And, to see even more signing up to join us in September 2021.” 2019 report: Students, staff and special guests attended a special ceremony to mark the progress of the foundations and steel structure for a brand new £3.65m Zoological education Centre at Shuttleworth College. Guest of honour, Owen Craft, General Manager at the worldrenowned ZSL (Zoological Society of London) Whipsnade Zoo, near Dunstable, was joined by student ambassadors, The Bedford College Group CeO and Principal Ian Pryce CBe, Centre Curator Carl Groombridge and College Governor, Alasdair Simmons to tighten one of the structural bolts for the steel frame at the land-based learning campus at Old Warden near Biggleswade. Bringing the Amazon and The Outback to Bedfordshire, Shuttleworth College’s ZeC is the only Further education centre in the uK to have a specially-designed biome for housing tropical creatures from around the world. The unit follows an ‘evolutionary Pathway’ along which students learn how to look after every ‘order’ of the animal kingdom. It includes an aquatic room, bird flight area and outside paddocks for the bigger animals. This highly specialised training prepares young people to follow the trails cut by earlier students who are now working in prestigious zoos and conservation centres. Carl Groombridge, Centre Curator said: “The facility allows us to expand the range of animals we have here. For example we already have some caiman small-sized crocodilians, but will now have Mississippi alligators too in their own pool. “We are already part of an international conservation and educational network, but this new facility will put us firmly on the world map. For me it is a dream come true.” If working with animals from all over the world appeals then our education Centre is a good starting point https://www.shuttleworth.ac.uk/zoological/index.html
SPECIALISED TRAINING
venue switch extra staff and offering town centre housing,” he said. “With more services provided, we expect the footfall to increase to between 25,000 and 30,000 visits. “That in turn only benefits Biggleswade high Street as a whole.” Independent Biggleswade South councillor hayley Whitaker welcomed “something which will help regenerate the town centre and with such footfall holds great potential”. But she also drew attention to the listed building and the neighbouring premises, saying: “George’s hall is under new ownership and called the Stairway. “It’s a live music, cocktail and dinner venue. It didn’t open in the autumn when intended because of Covid. “We wouldn’t allow double glazing for the flats within the listed building and the noise might be significant for people living in that part of the property.” Independent Potton councillor
Tracey Wye said: “historically it’s been a dance hall and there’s a beautiful stage. “It hosted part of the comedy circuit prior to Covid, and has big party nights, as well as themed disco nights. “Given the national furore over The Stables it appears new residents can affect businesses which have been there so long. “There’s nothing else to do in this part of the world. We’ve got no cinema, no nightclubs, no buses. “If that business is affected, you’re killing Biggleswade in another way to provide an extra four bedrooms.” The senior planning officer replied that: “We’ve always felt it wasn’t appropriate to attach a condition” and “the heritage and conservation of the listed building would take precedence over protecting them from noise sources “ Councillors unanimously approved the plans.
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Council tax rise for Biggleswade by Local Democracy Reporter
‘BITe The BuLLeT’, Biggleswade Town Council were urged ahead of a close vote over its share of council tax. Town clerk Peter Tarrant presented a report recommending a nine-and-a-half per cent rise for Biggleswade residents, as part of becoming “a more modern and progressive council”, according to a report to a town council meeting. The increase will be 28p a week for a Band D property, compared to 38p a week last year, with a budget of £1,289,691 for 2021/22. Final bills will include Central Bedfordshire Council’s contribution, which is expected to rise by around five per cent, as well as police and fire precepts. “Biggleswade aspires to be the best town council in the uK, said the report. “This is a significant challenge and needs to be properly resourced.” The level of general reserve is currently below the minimum level required, it added. “A council of Biggleswade’s size should set aside a minimum of three months net revenue expenditure.”
Councillor hazel ramsay, who chairs the council’s finance and general purposes committee, said: “The Orchard Centre has been closed resulting in lost revenue, after money was spent improving it. The car parks have been free of charge to encourage people to visit the shops which remain open, while rose Lane car park needs work to prevent flooding. “And we pay costs for the ongoing neighbourhood plan, which is vital for the town. “We owe it to residents to have a town council which is fit for purpose, after the population growth during the last three decades from around 9,000 to 20,000 plus eventually.” Councillor Duncan Strachan warned: “We’ve got to bite the bullet and take that action. The only source of income we can rely on is the precept. Much as I don’t want to, I will be supporting the higher increase because of so many unknown factors.” All three voting options assumed “the council will divert £100,000 from its rolling capital fund to the general reserve”. The council’s strategic aims over the next five years will be developed in a new corporate plan.
Colourful Path of Joy
Councillor rob Pulinger said: “At the end of a difficult year, a deficit of £27,500 is forecast, so I don’t think we’ve been adversely affected as a town in the circumstances. “until we know what we want to do with the money sitting in our bank account, we shouldn’t be taking more funds from our residents.” hoping for further savings, councillor Mark Knight said: “My prime concern is delivering value for money for Biggleswade residents. “When so many families are struggling financially, we should be looking to freeze council tax. “We’re leasing rather than buying a new depot and we’ve few capital expenditure plans. “All these financial pressures add up when many household incomes are frozen or in decline.” Councillor Colin Thomas said there was no reason to suggest why they should be spending more money this year. “We’re not here to save money just in case something happens,” he explained. Councillor Kevin Brown said: “The lower option was the logical argument financially. Approving the higher precept rise, with eight votes in favour, six against and one abstention.
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IMAGINe being so dedicated to something that you want to be reminded every time that you open your door! Well, that is exactly what Bedfordian Pritti Saggi has done, with the help of local illustrator Sarah harrison. Pritti, who founded local wish-granting charity Creating Memories back in 2018 to help bring joy to children with lifelimiting or terminal illnesses, was determined to lift her own spirits after months of lockdown by bringing a splash of colour to her path-way. After discussions with Sarah, however, the two of them saw an opportunity to create an uplifting piece of art for all to enjoy. Pritti says: “Covid-19 has meant that I have had to stop carrying out wishes for children through Creating Memories and while the health and safety of everyone is obviously the most important thing, I have found it difficult. Since becoming a registered charity in the spring of last year we have been building the
charity up behind the scenes, and this artwork is a way for me to remind myself of what Creating Memories means to me. Sarah’s talent and vision has completely transformed my initial plan for this pathway and created something truly amazing. It makes me smile every day and I hope it makes others smile on their daily walks too.” Sarah says: “When I saw Pritti’s shout-out for a collaborator on this project, something connected and I knew I had so get involved. her energy made the creative process an absolute joy, and seeing passers-by smile, has been truly heartwarming. In the spirit of Creating Memories, I am so happy this artwork has made Pritti’s own wish a reality. At the moment there is a feeling that lockdown has gone on for so long, kindness is dwindling. I hope the path can bring back and share some local community positivi-ty.”
It’s no-go at Yelden pub by Local Democracy Reporter
PLANS to bring a dead village pub back to life by building four houses on the same site and injecting the profits into a big refurbishment have been dismissed by councillors. A meeting on Monday, February 22. was told that officers at Bedford Borough Council have not been convinced that plans for the future of the Chequers Inn at Yelden would stack up for more than a few years. Planning officer Jonathan Warner said the council is ‘deeply concerned’ that if the business failed they would face a pub conversion plan in a few years. This would end up being a lose-lose with four new homes being built in the open countryside for little gain. The council received 30 letters of support for the plans from local residents, as well as two who were against it. The committee was told that to approve the plan, there would have to be significant benefits to outweigh the policy objections. Janine Laver, the council’s development manager said: “We’d need something comprehensively different and not just a tweak here and there.”
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New equipment is icing on the cake A NeW high tech food room has been installed at Castle Newnham School thanks to the generosity of The rotary Club of Bedford. The club donated £1,640 towards funding a refurbishment of the room, to improve the quality of equipment and the facilities. Dr Tony Barber of the rotary Club said: We have been supporting ‘hospitality & Catering’ at Castle Newnham for three years and have seen first-hand how popular cooking is at Castle Newnham. We were very impressed by the quality of food that young pupils were producing in a very basic, outdated classroom. We were delighted to be able to help to upgrade the room and equipment and are sure that the pupils will enjoy cooking in it.” “We are extremely grateful to the rotary Club of Bedford”, said Principal ruth Wilkes. “With the money, we were also able to purchase a commercial dishwasher,
meaning we can clean equipment in between lessons in three minutes. A valuable piece of equipment that will benefit pupils for years to come.”
Head of Food Technology, Abi Coulter is pictured holding the cheque with two members of The Rotary Club of Bedford.
Bedford marketeer teams up with pianist to launch musicians’ training school BeDFOrD-BOrN commercial marketeer Gina Conolly has been extra-busy in lockdown. having teamed up with Windsor-based piano teacher Jenny Keane, the pair are about to launch MusicSpark, a brand-new music school. MusicSpark provides instrumental tutor training to musicians via their e-learning course and is the only establishment of its kind. The Associate Course, which teaches everything a musician
needs to launch their own tuition business is designed to assist outof-work performers due to COVID restrictions. Demand for quality instrumental tutors has soared in the uK and abroad during the COVID pandemic and the MusicSpark team are ready to play their part in meeting it. They’re upbeat about the future for musicians who sign up because of the host of benefits they’re offering to aspiring tutors. Gina says: “The closure of so many venues has meant many talented musicians and performers are forced to change careers or be out of work.” Jenny Keane, a successful music tutor in Berkshire is utilising her teaching and business skills coupled with Gina’s commercial marketing experience to run the 10-week coursest. Jenny says: “What we offer is simply not available within the established music tuition hierarchy.” Gina adds: “We’ve meticulously researched and designed the courses to cover every aspect of the instrumental tuition industry. Successful trainees who have the necessary determination and ability can confidently go on Gina Conolly.
The school is hoping to run the Young Chef competition with year 10 pupils again in April which is funded and organised by the rotary Club of Bedford.
to become the go-to MusicSpark home tutor for their instrument in their local area. They can expect to earn considerably more than their school-based counterparts and will have all the on-going support and mentoring they need behind them. In these very difficult times for everyone, it’s a really welcome win, win story for musicians and music teachers!” www.music-spark.com
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Charity supports local hospice Four years jail BeDFOrD Daycare hospice has received a large donation from The Connolly Foundation to extend its day lounge and improve facilities. The hospice provides individualised holistic care to patients suffering with a lifelimiting condition from the point of diagnosis through treatment to remission or palliative care. Support for carers is also central to the ethos of the hospice. It is an independent charity providing care and support for patients and their carers in Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough. Since July 2020 the builders were able to capitalise on an empty building and begin work on the hospice extension and refurbishment. This work was completed just before Christmas 2020.
Jinny Shoosmith, head of Fundraising (pictured) at BDh, said:” We are so grateful to all the Charitable Trusts, including The Connolly Foundation, for making this extension and refurbishment possible. As soon as it is safe to use, we can’t wait to welcome patients back to the hospice.” When attending the hospice patients describe the positive impact of “being able to talk about health concerns and anxieties” while carers “appreciate the opportunity to spend time doing something for myself.” The design of the new extension gives additional space, and will increase patient numbers by up to 50 per cent when it is safe to do so. Improved facilities will also make the hospice more accessible to patients with complex needs.
for attack on nightclubber
TWO men have been locked up for four years after attacking a man as he left a nightclub in Bedford. Daniel Butler, 20, of ryswick road, Kempston, and Tyler Knight, 22, of no fixed abode, both admitted to attacking a man in Mill Street after they were involved in an altercation at a local venue. On July 28, 2019, Butler and Knight were ejected from a nightclub by the door staff, and they both waited outside for the victim. When the victim left the premises Butler and Knight launched their attack, in which Butler hit the victim with an empty bottle he found in a nearby bin. The door staff stepped in to break up the altercation as they were waiting for officers to arrive. The two men were sentenced on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Luton Crown Court.
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Flitwick Scouts go camping!
Big-hearted Bedford School pupils get arty in support of Sue Ryder hospice BeDFOrD School pupils have put their creativity to good use to show their support for hard-working staff at a local hospice. Budding young artists and writers have made paintings and poems to let workers at Sue ryder St John’s hospice know they are thinking of them, as they continue caring for local people throughout the pandemic. Sue ryder St John’s hospice, in Moggerhanger near Bedford, provides compassionate palliative care for people with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their loved ones. Since the Coronavirus pandemic started last year, the hospice team has faced the many challenges that it has brought, including having to wear lots of PPe. To help boost morale, Sixth Form pupils at Bedford School set about creating a unique collection of thoughtful artwork and poems for staff to enjoy. These include a poignant painting of hospice staff celebrating their ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care quality Commission (CqC) in 2019. Other pieces include a painting of the hospice’s peaceful gardens in the Bedfordshire countryside, as well as an inspiring poem looking ahead to calmer times in the future with the line: “Fear not, brave people here, In St John’s in Bedfordshire!” Mary-Ann Golding, who works at Sue ryder St
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John’s hospice as housekeeping Supervisor, said: “On behalf of the team here, I would like to say a massive thank you for the fantastic artwork and poems produced by the pupils at Bedford School. We were very much blown away by the amazing artwork and its attention to detail. In the drawing of our team celebrating the ‘Outstanding’ CqC rating, we were able to identify so many of our staff, which put a well-needed smile on all our faces. I have even taken a copy to put up in my office at home. The poems enabled positivity to be portrayed during these uncertain times. Thank you – your work shows what an amazing place Sue ryder St John’s hospice is.” Pupils and staff at Bedford School have also supported Sue ryder St John’s hospice over the past year in other ways, including raising £537 through a mufti day. In May 2020, they donated thousands of stamps from Captain Sir Tom Moore’s 100th birthday card collection to the hospice. Many of his birthday cards were opened by staff, pupils and parents at the school, where Captain Sir Tom’s grandson is taught. The stamps from the cards were saved and donated to charitable causes, including half of them to the hospice so it could raise vital funds – for example by being sold to stamp collectors. In total, over £230 was raised.
ALThOuGh Flitwick Scouts are not able to meet face to face, many of them have been involved in a virtual camp. Activities for the boys and girls aged 6 to 14 have included making popcorn in a tin, setting up their own den in the house, making the Scout logo out of different materials, writing a poem, going on an A to Z scavenger hunt in the town, cooking and first aid. Many of these activities will go towards some of the Challenge and/or Activity Badges. With sections meeting over zoom, the adult volunteers have developed new skills including setting up meetings, sharing screens, muting and unmuting everyone in the call and demonstrating various activities from their laptop in the kitchen. Two very popular activities that started the year were making a cake in a mug and making bird feeders. The bird seed was issued to families before Christmas and the instructions for making these and the recipe for the cakes were issued in advance. All of the children were encouraged to follow the recipe and make, cook and eat the cake. Zack herman who participated in the virtual camp said: “My favourite activity was designing my own t-shirt and then tie-dying it. every hour I had to complete a challenge. The best one was racing to put on as many t-shirts as possible in one minute; I managed 13. Darren reeve, lead volunteer for the Group said: “It was really good to see and hear the children and young people having fun on their section nights and also at the virtual camp. The volunteers have been brilliant in setting up a programme where children can participate from their home. We’ve got some exciting activities scheduled
over the next few weeks and these include virtual science for the Beavers and virtual animal encounters for the Cubs.” For further information about Flitwick Scouts, please visit www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk/
Sixth Form benefits from having inspirational female science teachers FeBruArY 11, 2021, was the International Day of Women & Girls in Science. Science is a key component of so many great educational choices these days, and young women are stepping up to embrace the subject. At The Bedford Sixth Form in Bromham road, students can opt A Levels or extended Diplomas in Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Rebecca Gaitskell.
SANDY TWINNING ASSOCIATION
WILL long-established town links survive the double whammy of Brexit and the pandemic? This is very much in question at the moment. Many will not and others will continue at a much lower level than in the past. even before the pandemic and Brexit town links were on the decline. The main reasons for this were obvious: • Traditional links with countries such as France and Germany were established after the last World War to help rebuild bridges between communities across the continent. This is no longer relevant to many in the population. • A weekend on the continent no longer has the attraction it did forty years ago and budget holidays are much more appealing to the younger generation. • Languages are now taught far less in state schools and interest in links with foreign communities has waned greatly. For both students and workers asking for a day off to take part in a cultural visit abroad is nowadays very much more difficult than it used to be. • Many traditional twinning links became nothing more than social jollies back in the 80s and have found it difficult to move on from this.
Computer Science, Science and Forensics. At that location are two of the inspirational female science teachers: Rebecca Gaitskell, Teacher of Biology and Applied Science is a former Forensic Scientist who worked of for the home Office on the pioneering DNA database. Dr Deepshikha received her PhD degree from the Department of Chemistry, Amity university, India. her PhD work (Synthesi and characterization of composites based on polyaniline-gold/graphene nanosheets) was selected as the best published paper of 2012 by Springer KASCT, Saudi Arabia. After completing her Ph.D she joined Peking university, Beijing, China as a post-doctoral fellow. She got selected as Young International Scientist in the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. She published more than 15 research papers in various international journals. her research interests are focused on Carbon Nanomaterials (graphene), materi-
The impact of Brexit is as yet difficult to calculate but there will be further nails in the coffin: • From October 2021 europeans will need a passport to visit the uK and will no longer be able to simply use their identity cards as they can for travel throughout the schengen area. Many will be reluctant to pay around 90 euros just for the privilege.It is not known how many european nationals do not possess a passport but there must be quite a lot. • For uK residents travelling to europe we will have to return to the days of the green card, if we want to travel with our cars, and from the end of 2022 we will also need to get an eTIAS form (a kind of visa waiver) which will cost us around seven euros and will last for three years. Not over-onerous but just another niggling chore. • New customs and passport regulations will inevitably slow up the crossing of borders from the uK to the eu. As for the pandemic this has already put paid to all twinning-type activities for effectively two years at least, and given that a sizeable percentage of those who take part in traditional activities are in the senior age-group bracket, it is likely that there will be some reluctance to travel to the continent for the foreseeable future. All in all the future looks increasingly
al analysis, modification of surfaces, graphene functionalization, graphene-based optoelectronic devices & energy materials, Nanostructured conducting polymers and Polymer nanocomposites-based Biosensors (Glucose, hydrogen Peroxide, Cholesterol) for diagnosis of human diseases. She has also got accreditation for ‘heA Fellow uK’.
Dr Deepshikha. uncertain. It may well be that traditional twinning links will become nothing more than small-scale exchanges between families and interest groups. Better than nothing but a long way from how links used to be, and given that such links are capable of providing personal enrichment in so many different fields: cultural, social, linguistic, aesthetic etc., it is difficult to conclude that our own quality of life won’t be significantly impoverished. For any information about Sandy’s link towns or the Association’s activities please contact Martin Pettitt on 680082 (martin.pettitt@virginmedia.com) or Max hill on 681469 (amaxhill@outlook.com) The 2021 version of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac, often referred to as the cricketers’ bible, will list among its recent contributors Max hill, President of Blunham Cricket Club. he submitted an article on the delights of playing seniors (over-60s) competitive cricket, which is currently one of the fastest-growing areas of the sport. Max is a member of the newly-formed Bedfordshire over-70s squad which will compete in the national league in the forthcoming season, Covid-restrictions permitting, and is also the County’s Safeguarding officer.
THE WISDEN ALMANAC
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Dolphins Swimming Club celebrates 30 years of swimming this year
IN 1991 Flitwick Dolphins made their home at the Flitwick Leisure Centre and so began 30 years of swimming. Since then, Dolphins have remained an important part of the community, both in Flitwick and the surrounding villages and towns, as well as more widely in Bedfordshire County. Generations of swimmers over the past 30 years have enjoyed training and competing as part of the club; swimming members range from eight years up to 64 years as the club has a thriving Masters’ group as well as offering the chance to do Open Water swimming in the summer months. The club promotes the ‘Dolphin Way’ and never has that been more pertinent than during these past months and throughout the global pandemic. Determination: right from the offset club members moved swiftly into action, determined to keep our swimmers training and connected with each other, whether that was via zoom, land training in the park, or through all the careful arrangements that took place to get swimmers back into the water. Overcoming challenges and adversity. Coronavirus has proven to be an immense challenge for the whole country and Dolphins’ swimmers faced up to those challenges and showed immense resilience in the face of adversity. Leading by example. All the swimmers and members pulled together and each individual led by example, helping others and setting the right example for their peer group or younger swimmers. Punctuality and attendance. even
though we couldn’t get in the water, swimmers were still punctual and regularly attended the virtual or outside sessions organised by the club; when able to get into the pool, the importance of punctuality and attendance to the correct sessions was highlighted to ensure the Covid protocols were being followed. High standards of behaviour. This was demonstrated at every level, even when swimmers had to queue outside in the cold waiting to get into the pool, and in following all the protocols asked of them, their behaviour is exemplary and sets a shining example to others. Improves performance over time. Despite the challenges and being in and out of the pool before and after lockdowns, swimmers still managed to improve their performance and are keeping up their fitness and at the Swim england Level X Competitions, achieved an array of new personal best times. Never gives up trying. Perhaps this could be considered one of the most important tenets of the ‘Dolphin Way’. Swimmers, members, volunteers, parents, coaches overcame all the obstacles before them due to the coronavirus and continue to do so almost a year after it all began by pulling together, working as a team and demonstrating boundless energy and enthusiasm, professionalism and teamwork, no matter what came next. Dolphins will continue to overcome all the challenges before them and look forward to the next 30 years of swimming, being part of the community and opening up opportunities for swimmers of all ages to reach their full potential.
THE LAWN DOCTOR
AS previously mentioned, I often use an enquiry from a reader to provide the basis of this column in the hope that it might be applicable to others. One such question was provided recently by a lady whose grown up children want to mark her forthcoming birthday by planting a brace of pear trees in her garden. Planting trees is always an excellent thing to do particularly given the thousands in this area that are needlessly felled but what a lovely gift. Indeed, it really is the gift that keeps on giving (a phrase used to advertise book tokens when I was growing up!). having chosen whether you would like dessert or cooker pears, the next thing to do is to pick the variety you would like. There are many different types all with their own flavour characteristics and it pays to do your research. Similarly, you will need to decide where the tree will go; avoid poorly drained areas and ideally, choose a position that is sunny and with a bit of shelter. remember, pears need more sunlight and warmth than apples and they are also create their fruit earlier so can be damaged by frost hence the need for shelter. If space is very limited, it is possible to buy pear trees specifically grown for containers. A word of caution here, as all pear trees are grafted on to rootstock, those nurtured for a life in a pot have less vigorous roots so be sure to buy one fit for purpose. Likewise, if you plan to grow as an espalier, certain rootstocks facilitate this so as always, do your research (information available upon request). having dug a hole no deeper than the roots of your plant and around three times larger, relieve compaction around the immediate vicinity so as to provide a ‘root run’. Why? Because of my normal dic-
tum that plants want to grow but you can make it easier or harder for them! The easier it is for any plant to create a network of healthy roots the better. The last vital thing to consider before planting a pear is whether it needs another to pollinate it. Simply put, no pollination – no fruit! Although some varieties are ‘self fruitful’, most will require a partner and this will also require your research before planting (if in any doubt, please get it touch). Fertilise, water and prune regularly and with a bit of luck, you will soon be blessed with a lovely pear (acknowledgements to the Carry On films!). Last month’s just for fun quiz question was: One former seller of packets of seeds, gave his name to a world renowned sporting contest that takes place every couple of years; what is the competition called and where was the original shop? The answer was Samuel ryder who gave his name (and donated the trophy)to The ryder Cup and his shop was in St. Albans. For those of you who know the area, the shop was what is now Cafe rouge opposite the Abbey. I was brought up a short distance away and as I cycled to the hertfordshire College of Agriculture & horticulture used to dream about one day converting this Art Deco gem into an Art Gallery! This month’s just for fun quiz question, influenced by the recent St. Valentine’s Day then is: The love apple is the original name for what fruit? As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column, keep them coming, and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndoc gardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN MARCH 2021
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letter Concerns over plans for the East-West rail route TO The eDITOr:
I write to express my concern over the growing level of discontent over the selection of proposed east-West rail route e north of Bedford as the preferred route. I think that there is a general consensus that eWr is a good thing. however, route e and the manner in which it was selected seem contentious. There are a number of concerns that the chosen route brings up, not least of which is the flawed consultation process and the lack of transparency: THE COSTS: The consultation process of 2019 started with one set of costs where route e was most expensive and ended with another set of costs where is was the cheapest. The impact of these Cost changes means the Benefit Cost ratio also changed which resulted in the decision to select route e. These changes, without explanation, lead to the suspicion that reverse engineering may have taken place. They mean that the consultees were given grossly different information – these cost changes were not
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communicated to the general public during consultation. Economic Benefits to Bedford The incremental GVA available to Bedford is miniscule. A Southern route, with an in-and-out service (like the existing Thameslink and Bedford-Bletchley service) would allow these benefits, without carving up the countryside. Bedford Borough Council have had a massive influence on route e selection. They are members of the east West rail consortium, they are members of eeh and SeMLeP – both members of eWr Consortium. Mayor ‘Dave’ is the chair of eeh’s Strategic rail Forum. They commissioned a consultancy to ONLY look at cost optimising the Northern routes. A southern route allows freight to pass the town on a shorter route, with less challenging geography within an existing travel corridor. Less damaging, more environmentally friendly, and BBC chose not to cost optimise that route. Freight There was little to no mention of freight during consultation. A Northern route means there will be freight running through the town, through the night. eeh’s (the Mayor is chair of the
Strategic rail Forum) freight study for the line states that their cost study is based upon the rail link supporting all types of freight. The report also states that interchanges without rail connection should be avoided. This makes Bedford Midland a prime target to become a freight marshalling yard – like Cricklewood. A southern route is shorter, with less gradients and curves to deal with and therefore using less fuel and more environmentally friendly. It could also bypass the town. Communication Process Lacking Many, people say they haven’t received any communication from eWr regarding the consultation. If it is such a massive benefit to the town, why aren’t BBC contacting residents to inform them? There are people in villages who have lived their all their lives who now see a grey area over their house where it appears a railway line will be built. If so many people have “only just woken up to route e”, then surely that is indication in itself that the consultation has been insufficient. Brickhill Parish Council Voted to for route e (with the exception of two councillors), despite this clearly not
ROOFING
being in the best interests of Brickhill residents. The feeling is that this was to support the mayor, rather than place their residents’ interests first. Environmental Concerns The Northern route carves up massive amounts of the countryside. The BBC have downplayed the massive disruption to the roads that this development will cause. Bedford is the only town on the route of eWr insisting that the railway must go through the town centre. Why is this? BBC has repeatedly stated that the route is not their decision, rather it is eWr’s decision. however they have had a massive influence over it. BBC is officially part of the eWr consortium. Mayor Dave is on the board of SeMLeP, also a member. he is on the board at england’s economic heartland, also a member. he is the chair of their Strategic rail Forum. They spent public money on a consultation to confirm their own views. And congratulated themselves on their lobbying effort when route e was selected. To say they have no influence is disingenuous to say the least. Mike Barlow info@BootRouteE.co.uk
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mealtime With spring in the air and winter nights behind us, what better time than to revisit fish. Our continental cousins seem to eat a lot of it, all the time! Why are us Brits so dismissive of the abundant supplies off our coastline? Here in Bedfordshire we are only 90 miles, or under two hours driving distance to the Essex coast, even Grimsby is under three hours away and Grimsby comes to you every week at Milton Ernest Garden Centre. Are we afraid of cooking it? Here are two recipes, absolutely no-brainers to get you cooking and eating fish. Remember every night is fish night! Sea Bass baked with fennel Serves 4 Sea bass is a popular fish at any time of the year, offering an earthy taste and good texture. It goes particularly well with the freshness of fennel. INGREDIENTS - 125g fennel - 2 shallots, finely sliced - 4 skinned sea bass fillets, about 125g each - Salt and pepper - 1 lime - 1-2 tbsp capers - 1 clove garlic, finely chopped - 6 black olives, stoned and finely diced - A pinch of paprika - 150ml dry white wine
Pasta with salmon sauce Serves 4 Salmon is one of the most popular fish – low in fat, high in protein and delicious. This dish combines its wonderful tastes and textures with the tempting tagliatelle to make a surprisingly tasty supper. INGREDIENTS - 1 tbsp vegetable oil - 250g chestnut or button mushrooms, quartered - 375g dried or fresh tagliatelle - 125g smoked salmon, - 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley - 200ml carton half fat crème fraiche - Juice of one lemon - Salad to serve
METHOD 1. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the mushrooms and cook for 8 minutes until they begin to go brown. 2. Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions. 3. Stir in the salmon, parsley, crème fraiche and lemon juice into the mushrooms and season. 4. Drain the pasta and quickly toss in the creamy sauce 5. Serve immediately with salad and enjoy!
METHOD 1. Heat the oven to 220°C . 2. Trim the fennel, reserve the feathery fronds to use as a garnish and finely slice the rest. 3. Arrange in a shallow ovenproof dish. Add the shallots and lay the fish on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4. Peel a few strips of lime zest to use as a garnish and grate the rest. Scatter the capers, garlic, olives, paprika and grated zest over the fish, then pour the wine over the top. 5. Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily. 6. Serve hot, garnished with fronds of fennel, lime zest and paprika.
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gardening
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN MARCH 2021
— 15
out & about
with Milton Ernest Garden Centre
New season new plants A
by Maureen Catlin
T LAST its March the worst winter weather has past the Covid Pandemic is coming under control after exactly 12 months as more of us receive a vaccine and perhaps soon life can return to some normality. The Garden thank goodness is still there and what a refuge it has been this last year. It is now waking up to a new season and the excitement of the Spring Bulbs appearing the Snowdrops of course have been here at least a month already. early shrubs are starting to flower and shoots are emerging from the soil with the promise of flowers or lovely foliage later. Time I took a look around my patch to see if there is somewhere I can accommodate any more plants because I’ve read the new catalogues and seen some exciting new varieties I would like to grow and share with you. erysimum Spring Breeze Sunset is a Perennial Wallflower and true cottage garden plant. It is one of the longest flowering herbaceous plants and an excellent cut flower. The blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn changing colour as they mature throughout so the clusters are comprised of yellow, apricot, orange and mauve individual flowers within the cluster. They grow to 45cms and are happy in sun or shade in the border or a tub and are loved by the bees and butterflies. Blechnum brasiliense Volcano has the appearance of the Australian Tree Fern Dicksonia but is much smaller and more suited to our domestic gardens and “bank accounts”. This plant is compact about 30cms but the fronds will grow to 70cms in a season. The young fronds unfurl in late spring the golden colour of an erupting volcano turning a shiny green as they unfurl. As the plant grows the hairy trunk forms from which the fronds sprout each year. It grows well in shade but welcomes moving to a sheltered place in severe winter weather. It gives a touch of exoticism to any patio garden. Jacobina paucifolia Firefly also called The Brazilian Fuchsia. It is an exquisite little mound forming shrub about 60cm tall and flowers from December all through the winter months until April. The foliage is dark green and is a great foil for the pendulous tubular flowers that are yellow orange and red. It is an exotic plant for this time of year in the uK but is not hardy so grow in a tub which can sit on a sunny patio during spring summer and autumn and move to a protected
Gareth Barber shares his thoughts on the future of live music by Tony Hendrix
site like a porch or conservatory for the winter months. Nemesia Banana Split is a semi hardy perennial which is a great plant for summer patio tubs. It should be treated the same as Geraniums and Fuchsias so take cuttings in late summer and keep in the greenhouse or conservatory over winter to produce new plants the following year. It is smothered in cream, lemon and darker yellow flowers with a vanilla scent all summer from May to October. Bees and butterflies love this plant which grows to 30cms. Another plant that attracts bees and butterflies is Sedum Atlantis. It won the rhS New Plant Award at
the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019.It is a small compact plant which is ideal for patio tubs or smaller gardens. The foliage is very brightly variegated bright green and creamy yellow taking a pink hue in autumn. The pink tinged flower buds open to yellow flowers in summer and are a magnet to bees and butterflies. It is very good for dry places in sun or partial shade and is fully hardy. Anemone Fantasy Pocahontas is a compact easy to grow Japanese anemone 45cms tall. It is suitable for a container in sun or shade or the front of the herbaceous border. It will flower from the beginning of August until late October so good colour at this time of year. The flowers are poppy like, semi double with frilly pink petals and yellow centres also loved by bees and butterflies. So here are six new plant introductions that I am going to grow this year which should give some more colour and interest each month of 2021 to The Pyghtle Garden.
We catch up with music promoter and owner of Esquires and Bears & Tails in Bedford, Gareth Barber, to get his view on how the pandemic lockdowns have impacted his business. Q Do you agree with the harsh restrictions imposed on live music venues and bars? A My feelings on the restrictions change quite regularly and I’m resigned to the fact that there is nothing we can do about it, I’m now just numb to it all and playing a waiting game alongside everyone else in the industry. From visiting other venues and bars and also making our own venue Covid secure, what I can say I that bars, pubs and live venues are some of the safest places you can visit and have all worked very hard to comply. Many of the retail and food shops are just a free for all, so I do think hospitality has been unfairly targeted during this. There has been no sector specific support for say ‘wet led’ pubs or bars, who receive exactly the same grants as a shop that has been trading throughout, which doesn’t seem right, but there you go. Q How have you managed to keep the venue financially above water during these challenging times before receiving the grant? A We were lucky in that we had some money in the bank to start with, but mainly we kept afloat through a successful Crowdfunding campaign and through an understanding landlord, who has been very supportive of us. The support from the general public essentially kept the venue afloat, something we’ll never forget. Q When do you think we will see Esquires return back to the thumping venue we all knew? A To be honest, I don’t know. I don’t think anyone really knows and I can’t really put a timeline on it anymore as things change so
quickly. I’m hoping we will be open again by summer at least. The NHS are doing an amazing job with the vaccination program, which really shows that if you leave it up to people who know what they’re doing to get things done instead of handing out dodgy contracts, you see some progress. Q Assuming the council allow some venues to open with stringent social distancing protocols would these measures still allow the venue to make a profit? A We have to run at around 7080% capacity on any show to make a profit. Our main stage capacity is 20% of usual capacity with social distancing in place, but these events were more about reconnecting rather than money. One of the main aims of the Cultural Recovery Fund was to support venues to reengage with their audiences and help with costs towards shows so artists and freelancers could get back to work, not for venues to profit. Q What have many of your local support artists been doing through the crisis? A Hopefully writing and recording lots, which is the main piece of advice I have been giving out – if it’s asked for. Once this is all over, they will hopefully have a strong set of new material to unleash. A few artists have been releasing tracks and others have been live streaming, but it’s a difficult time for both. Streaming isn’t engaging and often the quality is poor and radio has been quite regressive and pacifying in its output, so a new release can easily be swallowed up. Q What has the support been like from the the venue’s regulars and the public in general? A The support has been incredible. As I mentioned, the only reason we are still here is because of the Crowdfunder, I just think everyone is as keen as we are to get back to the venue and start enjoying it again. The grant of £173,000 awarded as part of the culture recovery back in October 2020 never accounted for a second lockdown, how long can the venue keep its head above water now with these funds in reserve but another lockdown in full swing Without going into too much detail of how it all works, essentially, we’ve not been able to use a proportion of the money we applied for, because of ongoing restrictions, so it will have to either be given back or repurposed into running new events. There was a second round of
Clarification:
the Cultural Recovery Fund that we recently applied to, which if we are successful, will cover any shortfall from the funding underspend in the CRF1 period and support us into the summer. It’s an extremely complex situation and set of circumstances that we need to report back on, I don’t think there is enough space in the newspaper to answer this one! At the moment, I think we’ll be OK until May/June, after that things start looking a bit hairy again. Q When you finally can open with the over whelming popularity of the venue how would social distancing work, will there be some form of pay to stream live viewing available for those that couldn’t get in? A We managed to run two socially distanced events last year before shutting again. By the time this newspaper is published, that would be two events in a calendar year – we usually run over 300 a year. We need to be sensible and open up slowly and keep control of any measures that remain in place, so unfortunately that means patience. As mentioned before, streaming isn’t really on the agenda for us as we don’t see any value in it, or as a sustainable way to run events going forward. If we do decide to run a streamed event, it would have to be professionally put together and that comes at significant cost. Q Is there anything you would like to add such as any big names scheduled subject to the venue being allowed to reopen? A We’ve got a few things up our sleeves and a couple of big shows that have been booked over the last few months, but unless they are already announced and on online, we’ll have to keep shtum! Q Sorry one more, do you think Brexit has put the final nail in the coffin for live music entertainment by restricting the free movement of musicians and bands throughout Europe? A I’m not going to say it’s put the final nail in the coffin, or I might as well just give up now. What is has done is made touring for our own musicians extremely challenging. The added costs and red tape for smaller, upcoming artists make touring the EU nearly impossible at present. The UK has some of the most creative artists in the World, with a music industry to be proud of and it is one of our greatest exports. The short-sightedness of Brexit and the people who voted for it will be putting many nails in many coffins over the next few years, I just hope the music industry finds a way through it.
In our December edition, within the article ‘Out and About’ by Tony Hendrix, we carried a comment from Gareth Barber owner of Esquires that was copied directly from the Bedford Independent and used without credit. We would like to highlight that this quote was sourced by Bedford Independent journalists and we apologise for failing to credit them appropriately.
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Full Council vote backs positive case for Bedford has all the makings of East-West Rail a leader in city centre living via Bedford
hIGh Streets could become about ‘city living’ with key businesses serving very BeDFOrD Borough Council’s full meeting reaffirmed local customers. the positive case for east West rail and the importance of local residents’ views in shaping the government project, via a vote at a Full Council meeting The majority vote approved Cllr Michael headley’s motion which reiterated the Council’s longstanding support for an east West rail route serving Bedford. It also noted that the Government chose the preferred route over a year ago, following a public consultation which drew 7,000 responses. The motion resolved that the Council should keep pressing for disruption to be minimised, including through electrification of the line, and for local voices to be heard in the Government’s process of determining the detailed route. Commenting, Cllr headley said “east West rail is a vital piece of new infrastructure for our area that the council has been lobbying for since 1995, and it was good news for Bedford Borough when the Government chose the route via Bedford Station over a year ago. A route bypassing Bedford to the south would have been a blow for our economy and severely reduced the benefits of the railway for residents across Bedford Borough. It also almost certainly would have killed off the vital Wixams railway Station.’ “Those alternative routes bypassing Bedford would have had a greater environmental impact, such as threatening the rSPB Nature reserve at Sandy, and it was found that the preferred route would have no greater noise impact than the alternatives. however, we will keep pressing for any disruption before and during the running
of the railway to be minimised, and for local people to take part in the forthcoming consultation on the detailed route.’ “It’s pleasing that the Full Council meeting endorsed this approach, which is designed to help us get the best for Bedford Borough from this frequent, fast new passenger rail service to Oxford and Cambridge.” In a report published at the time of the Government’s announcement of the preferred route in January 2020, the east West rail Company concluded that the Government’s preferred route e (through Bedford) “delivers the best valued for the taxpayer, returning the most benefit for every pound spent”. It also reported that “It was the most popular option with people who responded to our consultation” and that “It delivers the best opportunities for the environment.” During the 2019 consultation on five shortlisted routes, there was unanimous cross party support locally for a route via Bedford. The consultation was promoted to local residents by Mayor Dave hodgson and by Bedford Borough Council, whose long-standing support for a route through Bedford Station has been subject to numerous public consultations, including in the recent Local Plan 2030. More information on the east West rail project and the preferred route option is available at www.bedfordlibdems.org.uk/eW rail
On the doorstep café society, convenience stores, delightful delis, special interest shops, bars, restaurants, gyms and hair and beauty services, is, in part, the future of town centres.
Conversions of “above the shop” spaces and offices blocks into apartments, attracting young professionals and even students, means a more youthful audience for town centre businesses. Shaun Barnett, Senior Branch Manager at Leaders romans Group, which manages 100s of town centre lettings says: “We are seeing a huge demand from tenants for central locations with convenient access to the public transport infrastructure from which Bedford benefits, along with the offer of café culture and independent local businesses “Five years ago all we heard about from clients was offroad parking and magnolia walls, now the demand is very much about location, convenience public service infrastructure” and a neutral grey modern décor! “We have been in consultation could allow make easier changes with a number of London City- of use from commercial to residenbased, and local investors, looking tial premises – speeding up a proto capitalise on this surge in cess which is under way already in demand, investing millions back Bedford. The former home of major into the high Street and transforming old office blocks into modern employer NFC, the Merton Centre, state-of-the-art living accommoda- is now a complex of quality aparttion, with additional attractions like ments To Let. More properties have concierge services, open work been converted around the town. spaces for convenient working QUALITY APPARTMENTS from home, yoga rooms and communal gyms. Jo Marks has taken the old post “With the growing rental office in Dame Alice Street and demand and reasonably priced turned it into quality apartments. property ready and waiting to be She has done the same in an old transformed, the ‘Build to rent’ building opposite the rugby club in sector is a huge area of growth and Goldington road. She has transopportunity for our town, which in formed the old higgins Sheds to turn will support the high Street. unique start-up business units now “Bedford really is an exciting called Marks Mews. hot spot for City commuters lookBusinessman Kevin Kavanagh, ing for that additional working (Pictured right) known for his from home space, as well as a con- association with the town centre venient commute, and as a result, via Frescoes Coffee house and the demand and calibre of potential The Blue Glass wine bar said: tenants is fantastic.” “Since I opened my first business A Government consultation in Mill Street, the town has “Supporting housing delivery and changed dramatically, as have all
towns. Now post-pandemic and the shift to online shopping, there will be be a further change in the streetscape. “I am part of a group which consults regularly with the local council and the general view of independent business owners is for Bedford to boost its tourism appeal, make more of the river, and stage events which bring in people from outside the town centre. Those who live in town will help to keep independent businesses
going, but of course, those businesses will have to offer online services as well. “There are great opportunities ahead – but it needs a combination of council and businesses to navigate these changes. Bedford has been ahead of the game with its 100s of independents and I am sure more will follow.”
Kevin is a former Chair of the pioneering BedfordBID (Business Improvement District). he was instrumental is opening up café society in the town by getting the local council to change expensive fees licensing tables and chairs on the pavement. The move benefitted Frescoes, but also scores of others in the town over the past two decades. “Businesses need to work as one for the greater good,” added Kevin: “using the BID’s Love Bedford brand to promote the town is proving increasingly useful in the overcrowded and confusing social media scene.”
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