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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
SEPTEMBER 2021
THURLEIGH SAVING THE WORLD FROM COVID-19
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THE raging global debate about Covid-19, testing and vaccines has put a spotlight on the quiet rural retreat of Thurleigh in Bedfordshire.
A company called Mologic, which some local people will recognise from its association with the famous pregnancy testing brand, ClearBlue, has been bought by a Bill Gates and billionaire George Soros fund. Mologic had become a world-leading innovator in the development of lateral flow (we’re all familiar with that term by now) and rapid diagnostic technologies, used to combat various diseases, including, of course Covid19. It was established in 2003 by Mark Davis and his father Professor Paul Davis, one of the original creators of ClearBlue. Now, it has been acquired by investors, led by George Soros, with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and will become a social enterprise, meaning profits
will be reinvested to help poorer parts of the world access its pioneering technology. In short, profits from sales to rich countries, will be reinvested to share the technology with poor nations. Mark Davies said:
“Mologic’s transition into a social enterprise is a deliberate, logical and natural step for a company focused on delivering affordable diagnostics and biotechnology to places that have been left underserved by the relentless pursuit of profiteering.” Mologic is at the Bedford Te c h n o l o g y P a r k , o n Thurleigh airfield.
George Soros.
Bill Gates.
by Jane Bird
Photographs © by World Economic Forum swiss-image.ch/Photo by Sebastian Derungs
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Founder of Bedford Hospital Charity passes Brian Woodrow OBE DL June 12, 1938 July 16, 2021
A WELL-KNOWN figure in Bedford Brian Woodrow died in his sleep on Friday, July 16, whilst on holiday with all his family in Norfolk. Brian was lured to the Bedford area when he accepted a role working for Texas Instruments in 1968 and following a successful career in recruitment and advertising, including 25 years commuting to London, he retired in 1988. Brian was an active member of the Bedford community and following his retirement became deeply involved in many local organisations and charities. Brian leaves a huge legacy as he worked tirelessly for the community of Bedford being involved with around 15 different charities including The Bedford Hospital Charity, Hospice at Home, Country Days, Swaziland Schools Project, St Paul’s Church, Bedford Sports Foundation and the Sharnbrook Mill Theatre to name but a few. His most significant achievement was establishing and running Bedford Hospital Charity that over his leadership raised in excess of £10m for the hospital and helped create the Primrose Cancer Centre. However, he was also central to the creation of the Bedford Sports and Hockey
Centre in Queens Park, the restoration of St Paul’s Church, the setting-up of Country Days. His enthusiasm, hard work, boundless energy and his ability to extract charitable money from people of Bedfordshire and beyond will be greatly missed. Brian was High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 1995, was awarded his OBE for services to the community in Bedford in 2003 and latterly was a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. Beloved husband of Sally, much loved father of James, Nicholas and Jeremy and adored grandpa of Laura, Harry, Emma, Tom, Jeremy, Annie, Jake and William. He will be greatly missed. A funeral was held at St Paul’s Church, Bedford, on Thursday, August 5.
Shiny new gateway to town Caribbean delight
AN upgrade to the look of Cauldwell Street, a gateway to the town centre, is nearing completion with the final cladding panel laid on the Centre of Modern Construction (CMC) building at Bedford College. Doing the honours on Wednesday, August 11, was the Chief Executive of The Bedford College Group Ian Pryce CBE, Neil Hart of SEMLEP and Vanessa Connolly of the Connolly Foundation. The £4.3 Million building has been made possible by funding via SEMLEP of £2.9 Million. In addition £750,000 was donated by the Connolly Foundation towards the very latest construction equipment inside the building. The exterior of the CMC complements the look of the Brundtland
Building on Cauldwell Street, itself a pioneering example of eco-retro fitting. The stylish silver and grey colour scheme is highlighted across the Cauldwell Street/Riverside campus which blends one of the very oldest buildings in Bedford* with the latest in modern, green construction techniques. The finale will be the external refurbishment of the 1950s Tower Block so it blends in the with riverside skyline. College House on the corner of Cauldwell Street and St Mary’s is said to be the oldest brick-built building in Bedford. Its style was replicated in the design of the new Stansfeld Building which forms part of the Eastern frontage of the college campus.
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IT LOOKS like Bedford could well be the home of one the best Caribbean restaurants in the UK, as Jemz Caribbean located in Ampthill Road scoops yet another prestigious award. The restaurant has been in operation now for six years run by Patrick and Sandra Harris and already have accumulated a total of three awards to their name. Back in 2019 the restaurant claimed the The Best World Cuisine award at the Food Awards England 2019 and now they have just claimed The Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards. This organisation recognises small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months. All shortlisted companies put forward in the prestige awards are asked to support their nomination with evidence of their work, positive feedback from their clients, information on previous accreditation and recognition as well as highlighting the most outstanding parts of their businesses. The organisation is nationwide and company protocol is to invite nominees to participate in the awards ceremony which was held at Woking in Surrey.
WITH furlough ending in the autumn many people are wanting to make career changes to secure their futures. There is a demand for engineering employees across a range of industries from manufacturing to construction. In education, those who have worked in the ‘real world’ and can bring that expertise to a teaching role, are greatly valued. Both career paths require degree-level qualifications. “The good news is these can
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Jemz was nominated anonymously along side other national nominees, they were later informed that following intense scrutiny they had been voted Caribbean restaurant of the year 2020/2021 for London and the South East region. The award was collected by Patrick and Sandra Harris and Eunessa at the prestigious awards ceremony as pictured. We asked both Patrick and Sandra for the hidden secret to winning all these awards. “We guess the secret of our success at Jemz is being customer focussed and good old Caribbean home-cooking. We have no plans to branch out as yet as we are still establishing ourselves and just concentrating on putting Caribbean food in the world’s cuisine market. “We are pleased to receive this award and this should give other Caribbean restaurants confidence and encouragement that we are being recognised.” The restaurant provides a wide variety of Caribbean food all cooked fresh on site, they can also cater for a wide variety of events. Jemz is certainly a customer friendly restaurant delivering the real flavour of the Caribbean to the local community.
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be accessed via courses which can fit around the ‘day job’,” said Charlie Whewell Head of Higher Education and Partnerships, of The Bedford College Group. “Many learners find that our Part-time courses (from one day a week) and even Full-time (from two days a week) can be flexible enough, to fit around life and work. This means the can complete degree-level courses whilst holding down the job that pays the bills, or while managing family commitments.”
The Beds Bulletin and Kempston Calling are independent publications part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2021 Rosetta Publishing Limited 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford MK44 1SH Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: advertising@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd. Winship Road, Milton, Cambridge CB24 6PP Regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC IMPRESS. 16-18 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6AG T 020 3325 4288 E complaints@impress.org.uk w impress.press To view our complaints policy, please visit our website www.rosettapublishing.com
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
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Great Denham Golf Course ‘isn’t surplus to requirements’ BOROUGH Councillor Jim Weir is urging you to sign the online petition to save the ‘Urban Gap’ that is the former Bedford Golf Course. The green space is be protected by Bedford Borough’s Local Plan 2030 policy 99, which states: The loss of existing sports and community facilities will be permitted where either of the following can be demonstrated: i. Up-to-date evidence has been provided that demonstrates the facility is surplus to existing and future needs; or ii. The facility is to be relocated and is of a similar scale to the current facility (i.e., no net loss in floor area), is of an equivalent standard and able to serve the same community. iii. In the case of sports facilities, alternative sports facilities may be considered as a replacement if this can be justified with appropriate evidence of need. The petition says: “It is our contention that the Golf Course which is also a protected Urban Gap @isn’tsurplustorequirements. Many players and users of the course and facilities have not been able to find suitable alternative facilities. We are calling on all former users of the course or the facilities generally to make their voices heard by joining this petition: “We the undersigned wish it to be known that the Bedford Golf Course which was used by many residents from Great Denham, Bromham, Biddenham, Queens Park and further afield that the Golf course and Urban Gap @isn’tsurplustorequire-
ments. This facility was used by all these surrounding communities as well as the 504 members at the point of closure. We petition the Borough Council to ensure that Policy 99 is not abandoned due to the passage of time and that it is carried through to the Local Plan 2040. The facility should be reinstated and if not, @isn’tsurplustorequirements rules should continue to be applied. “We would welcome the continuing support of our constituency MP Richard Fuller to bring to the attention of the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick MP. To outline the blatant disregard for communities by the landowners of this important community facility, and their refusal to act within Local Authority planning rules and conditions.”
More trains on Thameslink
THAMESLINK Trains have announced increased numbers of trains. Their weekday timetable will change from Monday, September 6, 2021, to provide additional trains. The new timetable is designed to meet the needs of customers across the network and support schools, colleges and those returning to the office. Almost 1,000 trains per week will be reinstated. Train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk will be updated from the weekend of August 28, from when passengers are urged to check and plan ahead. The Bedford to St Pancras International and
Gatwick Airport routes will see an overall increase in both all-station and fast trains. • Two services per hour will run all day between Bedford and Gatwick Airport via Redhill from September 6. • In combination with Thameslink services between Bedford and Brighton, there will now be up to four services per hour between Bedford and St Pancras International. • Four services per hour will run between St Albans and Sutton, resulting in more stopping services across the route.
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Would YOU buy it? White rhino calf as been
BOSSES at one of the town’s charity shops is urging the Borough Council to reopen the tidy tip to ‘walk-ins’. Every morning the staff at charity shops across the town are faced with piles of unwanted items. Many of these pieces are unsaleable and are only fit the tip. The situation is getting so bad that council staff are having to come and clear the pavements of bags of what is basically rubbish. Charity shops are convinced that if the tidy tip was open subject to the arrangements prior to the pandemic, people wouldn’t be dumping their unwanted items on their door steps. Managers at the shops are asking residents only to donate goods that have some resale value and not use the shops as an easy way of getting rid of their rubbish. A guiding principle should be “would YOU buy it?”
born at Whipsnade Zoo
THE female calf, named Nandi by zookeepers, which means ‘sweet one’ in Zulu, was born at 4am on 21 August at the conservation Zoo, and is a welcome addition to the European Endangered species breeding programme. She joins her mum Tuli and dad Sizzle within the Zoo’s herd (also known as a “crash”) of eight Southern white rhinos. Following a 16-month pregnancy, keepers at the UK’s largest Zoo had been using stool samples from 14-year-old rhino mum, Tuli, to monitor her hormone levels, and knew that she was within a couple of days of giving birth. They were delighted when, before dawn on Saturday, she gave birth to a healthy, female calf in an indoor part of the enclosure that had been reserved for her use. Southern white rhinos are the world’s second largest land mammal. According to the IUCN Red List for Threatened Species, there are approximately 10,000 Southern white rhinos left in the wild, and their numbers are decreasing due to poaching, habitat loss, introduction of invasive species and climate change. Team leader Mark Holden said: “We are overjoyed to be welcoming such a precious addition to our ‘crash’ of Southern white rhinos at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. “Southern white rhinos are
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born with over-sized, rubbery feet, which they have to ‘grow into’, so Nandi is understandably wobbly when she walks. Rhino calves spend most of their first week or two resting and drinking milk, but over the next few weeks she’ll grow, and as she does, she’ll get more playful, and confident in
exploring her huge enclosure here. “Tuli is very protective right now, so we’re letting them rest away from the group and out of sight of visitors, but in a few days they’ll both start to feel more confident about Nandi venturing out and getting to know the rest of the herd.”
New smart bike shelter opened THE new smart bike unit on Horne Lane has been officially opened, with a ribbon cutting by Mayor Dave Hodgson. This new unit is in the same location as the old bike racks by Harpur Square, enhancing these
well-used facilities. This is the UK’s first ever cycle hub to feature an app-based locking system that can be managed from your smartphone or tablet. The unit uses secure encrypted Bluetooth and ‘Near Field Communications’
to communicate between your phone and the shelter, you do not need internet access. Over 250 people have already signed up to use the unit, and since it opened for use earlier this summer it has already been used over 300 times. To access the shelter, cyclists just need to email: Sustainable. Transport@bedford.gov.uk with their full name, address in Bedford Borough and phone number. They will then receive details on how to access the unit and will need to download the ‘Okey Access’ app on their smart phone.
Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “It was great to officially open this new bike unit. Safer cycle parking is a priority for cyclists and this new unit is a real asset to our town centre. Cyclists will still need to lock their bikes in the shelter, but this added security will help to keep bikes safer. “This is just one in a number of different projects across our town centre; with the High Street works to reduce traffic in the town, and the Town Deal and Heritage Action Zone bringing additional investment and improvements.” This shelter is being funded as part of the Government’s £1m Town Deal Accelerator Fund. One of the other projects is signing of 27 cycle routes into the town centre and a circular route around the town to encourage more people to cycle.
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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
190K comments submitted for East West Rail consultation
THE East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has reported, that its recent 10 week consultation received more than 9,800 responses, made up of (over) 190,000 individual comments that are now each being analysed.
Responses to the East West Rail project’s second non-statutory public consultation were submitted by a wide range of people across the route, including members of the public, local authorities, businesses, parish councils, MPs and local community groups. The team is now working through the views and information provided, which will inform the next stage of design work for the new rail line, with a focus on creating a positive legacy for local communities and the environment. The public consultation covered two key themes: 1. Customer experience and railway operations.
2. Infrastructure proposals – including five route alignments for the section of East West Rail between Bedford and Cambridge, stations and level crossings along the whole East West Rail route including Oxford station, Bicester London Road level crossing, Bletchley and the Marston Vale Line as well as Bedford station. With infrastructure proposals covering such a variety of concepts and options, and an intense period of engagement with local communities, responses came in covering a multitude of topics and themes. Analysis is being carried out by categorising responses for review by the relevant EWR Co technical teams to make sure every comment counts. The consultation itself used innovations such as virtual consultation rooms, easy explainer videos, factsheets and online chat sessions on top of sending traditional printed material to 270,000 addresses and using advertising to reach out to as many people in local communities as possible. Simon Blanchflower CBE, Chief Executive of East West Railway Company, said: “The number of responses we’ve
New bus services to Sandy, Potton and Biggleswade STAGECOACH are making several modifications to routes in north east Bedfordshire linking Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy with Bedford. The new 72 route will operate directly between Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy, serving the Market Square, Willow Road, Mill Lane and Newtown in Potton before operating straight to Sandy and then on to Bedford. This route will facilitate more sustainable travel as well as improved links between all the towns.
The 72 and 73 services will have a slight route change around Sandy to simplify the route. Journeys will now operate via Sunderland Road, improving links with Bedford, Potton and Biggleswade for customers in Dapifer Drive and Berwick Way as well as improving transport links for workers at the Sunderland Road Industrial area. Existing stops at Fallowfield and Engayne Avenue in Sandy will be retained on all journeys.
received, the breadth of information and level of detail they contain demonstrates the value of consulting with local people at an early stage, and the huge level of public interest in East West Rail. “Our team of experts at EWR Co are now examining every comment and we will report back to communities on what we have been able to do as a result of the information people shared with us. The whole team here appreciates the thought and expertise displayed in the responses which were provided.
“At the same time, we will continue to reach out to local communities and their representatives, so we can carry on talking without the formality of a full consultation. At the end of last month, I was invited to North East Bedfordshire by Richard Fuller MP to meet with him and representatives from the local community – my first such in-person meeting since Covid restrictions were lifted. It was great to be out on the route and I plan to have other similar meetings in the weeks to come.” Throughout the consultation EWR Co
CONTINUOUS PROCESS
held more than 100 online meetings with interested organisations, local authorities and residents. During the consultation there were 51,000 visitors to eastwestrail.co.uk with 199,000 page views. Some 75,000 documents were downloaded from the website including the consultation document, the technical report and several topic papers and factsheets – and 270,000 consultation summary documents were posted to residents and businesses along the East West Rail route. Consultation in numbers l 9,800+ responses to the public consultation l 190,000+ individual comments being analysed l 270,000 consultation summaries posted to residents and businesses along the East West Rail route l 75,000 documents downloaded from the East West Rail website l 51,000 visitors to eastwestrail.co.uk and 199,000 page views l 4,800 visits to our virtual consultation rooms l 3,500+ direct emails with people who asked questions during the consultation
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l 400+ pieces of media coverage about the consultation l 300+ advertisements in media along the route l 64 online meetings with local MPs, councillors and parishes l 32 online meetings with stakeholders including industry and business groups l 18 online public webinars l 16 live chat events The responses to the second non-statutory consultation, alongside ongoing technical, financial and environmental studies, will be used to help shape the next stages of design. EWR Co will publish a report summarising the consultation feedback as well as information on how the feedback has been used to inform plans for the railway. People will then have further opportunities to comment on the proposals at the statutory consultation which is planned for 2022 following which EWR Co expects to submit a formal application for a Development Consent Order to the Secretary of State for permission to construct and operate the railway.
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Walk to Remember – Bedford Sign up to Walk to Remember – Bedford and walk 5k to celebrate the memory of your loved one this October. Get together with family and friends to remember someone special, raise funds and help Sue Ryder fill someone’s last days with love. Join hundreds of supporters at Walk to Remember – Bedford on Sunday October 10, 2021. Walk to Remember – Bedford, kindly sponsored by M&DH Insurance Services Ltd, will start at Everards Meadow. The 5k route will lead you along the beautiful Bedford Embankment and through Russell Park. You will have the opportunity to place a dedication en route in memory of loved ones. Crossing the finishing line, you will be rewarded with a well-deserved medal and the knowledge that you’ve done something amazing to remember those close to you.
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Crime Commissioner misses meeting discussing his plan!
The funds raised will help Sue Ryder to support people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness or a bereavement, with your support we can be there when it matters. Sign up now at: sueryder.org/walkbedford or contact the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice Fundraising Team via email: stjohnsfund raising@sueryder.org or call 01767 642424. Sign up – standard tickets are: adult £12, child £7. Children under 5 go free. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) are £30, and a team of 6 ticket is £60. Or if you can’t make this date, organise your own Walk to Remember with family and friends any day in October. Simply register, then choose how far you Walk to Remember – 5k, 10k, or pick your own distance. Decide your start and finish line and make it your Walk to Remember with a route that means something to you.
BEDFORDSHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye (pictured right) has apologised for failing to turn up for a meeting to discuss his police and crime plan. The county’s police and crime panel had to rearrange its question and answer session with the PCC after his no show for a meeting in August. An extraordinary panel meeting was held on Thursday, August 19, at which he “shared his deep regrets about the misunderstanding last week, which I take full responsibility for as PCC.”
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He told the panel: “I won’t point any fingers at anyone or any group of people. “The buck stops with me. I should have understood better and I’m glad to be here anyway.” Liberal Democrat Goldington councillor Tim Caswell thanked the PCC for his “gracious apology” to the panel, saying: “That’s restored a lot of goodwill.” There are seven priority areas in the PCC’s police and crime plan for the next three years. These are: l investment in communitybased and community-led policing for urban and rural areas; l recruitment and retention of police officers; l tackling the causes of crime and breaking the cycle of reoffending; l placing residents and victims at the centre of policing priorities; l multi-agency and transparent approach to community safety and crime reduction; l transparency and open communication; l and national contributions and engaging with the strategic performance review. Referring to rape convictions being “notoriously low”, councillor Caswell asked the PCC for his views about “current conviction rates” and what can be done to improve them. Mr Akinbusoye replied: “My clear view about where they are is nowhere near good enough. It’s shocking. “Having met and having known women who’ve been raped, and seen some since I’ve been in this role, to hear what they’ve been through is heartbreaking. “I’m absolutely committed to ensuring we’ve the resources so that the victims of this horrific crime get every support they need immediately. “From the instance they report the incident to the way they’re treated by our officers is the way it should be. Also that the way we convict these people (rapists) and lock them away is done properly.
l l l l
by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter
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“The biggest concern I have about this now is over the serious issue of the backlogs in our courts. “Covid hasn’t helped that at all,” he explained. “We’ve those victims who you need to be part of an investigation. “The longer an investigation goes and the longer the delays, the drop out rate is just astonishing. So we’re now working on the case of having Nightingale courts being opened up. “I’m due to have a discussion with the courts service to see what we can do to expedite this. But the backlog is something which gives me a huge cause for concern at the moment.” Councillor Caswell added: “Bedford has no court and people accused of crimes and very vulnerable witnesses often can’t get to Luton.” The PCC said: “We’re doing some work at the moment through one of the victim support services to see what more can be done to educate witnesses or victims about the several options available to them when they go to court. “There are procedures in place now where they can give a statement, so they can give evidence remotely and where they can give their witness statement pre-recorded. “I’m not sure those options are being made clear to victims early enough to the point where they say: ‘I don’t want to face that guy in court’. “In fact there are ways around that without jeopardising the prosecution.”
Well dressed burglar gets jail
A BURGLAR, who entered a highend clothing store in Bedford by digging through a wall and was arrested wearing a coat he took, has been jailed for 32 months. Richard West, 46, of Shakespeare Road, Bedford, who was found guilty of one count of burglary and one count of attempting to commit burglary, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday, August 6, 2021. ––––––––––––––––
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Caught by the seat of his pants
A BURGLAR who was caught when fibres from his jeans were found on a garden gate has been jailed for almost five years. Peter Smith, 38, of Prebend Street, Bedford, was jailed over two burglaries in Kempston in August last year. Police officers, led by the victim’s description of the burglar, found Smith in Chantry Road, Kempston and when they tried to speak to him, he ran off but was subsequently arrested.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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Bedford students design Olympic boots English Speaking Programmes’ £288k support from Government TWO Bedford School boys were commissioned to custom-design Team GB Rugby 7s star Dan Bibby’s rugby boots which he then wore in the final against Argentina. When two Bedford School boys Henry Cudjoe and Alex Edun set up their custom design business ‘YBK’ (Your Best Kicks) as part of a school Business Studies project, little did they know that their designs would decorate the boots of Team GB rugby sevens star Dan Bibbi, at this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. The 17 yearold boys, who have been running their business at a profit for almost a year now, have been working hard to create unique designs on trainers and learning how to expand their business through networking and building recognition. A milestone moment for the boys came when they sought the help of local entrepreneur and Old Bedfordian Harry Beard (13-18), who introduced them to individuals in the industry who could help them. One of these introductions was Luke Treharne (Welsh Rugby International), who commissioned the
boys to design a pair of boots. From there, they connected with Dan Bibby (England 7s player), who also sent a pair of boots to be customised. The boys were, therefore, delighted to see Dan wearing the ‘Maui’ adorned boots that they had designed when they watched him play for Team GB in the Olympics earlier this week. During the final against Argentina, the boots were shown in close-ups twice. During the first close-up, Rob Vickerman (one of the commentators) remarked, “How about those boots - the Moana!” The boots were also pictured on social media feeds from England Rugby, GB Rugby 7s, World Rugby 7s and Work Rugby ES. Henry Cudjoe, who customised the boots, explained, “It was really easy and relaxing to work with Dan. He was really easy going and nice to talk to regarding completion and the design he wanted. He didn’t give me any details on the design that he wanted; he just said that he wanted a Maui themed design. Based on that I began to create a design from scratch and asked whether it would be alright if I could keep his design a surprise; he agreed to that with no issues and was excited to see the outcome. After about a month of back-andforth conversations regarding updates on the boots, he mentioned that he was going to be going to the Olympics and that he would really like to take the boots with him.” Dan has been hugely supportive of the boys and has kept in touch, sending them photos of
him wearing the boots. He has also shared their details on his own social media, and the boys hope that this will help create more contacts in the future. Alex Edun, the other half of YBK, said, “Henry and I have been extremely fortunate to get a pair of our customs to Tokyo 2020. It really is so nice for someone to show appreciation of our work on a global stage the sheer size of the Olympics. It’s such a huge achievement, one which we will never forget!” Henry added, “Major thanks go to Daniel Bibby; without him and his support none of this would have been possible. He took a chance with me, and as he said he would, he took my art to the greatest stage, the Olympics. Thank you! Words cannot describe my gratitude. Alex and I are just over a year in, so this is a huge achievement for the both of us. There are very few 17-year-olds who are fortunate enough to achieve what we have in the past few days! I am truly grateful!”
BEDFORD Borough Council has received over £288k from the Government ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Integration Fund to help support English language programmes for speakers of English as a foreign language across the borough. Bedford Council started the programme in 2019, after receiving a grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government English Coordination Fund. Further funding will help the Council continue the programme of supporting nonEnglish speaking residents. The courses assist speakers of English as a foreign language to achieve a level of English that should help with essential communication skills, employment opportunities and access to services. Conservative Group Leader Cllr
Graeme Coombes commented: “This additional Government funding should help Bedford Council to sweep away language barriers and open up education and job opportunities, as well as access to essential services. It will support families, their livelihoods and our local economy. Afghanistan reminds us that teaching English skills to new arrivals will be an essential part of successfully integrating people to whom English is not their first language. It will help make them part of the community so much faster.” Mayor Dave said: “This funding award really is a mark of the work that our ESOL Advice Service has done, despite the pandemic, to help reach out and encourage people to learn English who may have otherwise found it hard to access that support.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant becomes Community Forest charity Patron
LOCAL Community Forest charity the Forest of Marston Vale celebrates receiving royal approval as Her Majesty the Queen’s representative for Bedfordshire becomes its first official Patron. A longstanding supporter and tree-planting advocate, HM LordLieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis will bring her passion and enthusiasm for the natural world to her latest role as champion for the Forest of Marston Vale. Grant Sorrell, Commercial Director, says he’s delighted to have the Lord-Lieutenant involved and looks forward to continuing to improve access to nature for communities across Bedfordshire with Helen on board: “Helen has long been a great friend of the Forest, often getting behind our messages, causes and campaigns – as an organisation we’re proud and honoured that after many years of support she has agreed to become our first Patron. Her enthusiasm and passion
for planting trees and the natural world is invaluable. By helping us raise awareness and promote the work that we do we’ll be able to grow the Forest further. With Helen’s support we can reach new audiences of people who might already not be aware of the Forest of Marston Vale, what that means and how trees make life better.” The Lord Lieutenant’s appointment comes after the most challenging tree planting season and fundraising year in the Charity’s history, and aligns with a renewed national and local commitment to increase and protect native tree cover. The Forest of Marston Vale team – despite Covid restrictions and no public events – planted over 17,000 native trees and shrubs in Community Woodlands, schools and land across Bedfordshire as part of the first year of Defra Trees for Climate scheme, and is set to continue that momentum through a second year. They will also be joining local delivery partners in a county-wide
native tree planting initiative facilitated by the Lord-Lieutenant as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, in honour of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Commenting on her appointment as Patron, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis said: “At this moment in history, where we all have an increased awareness of the vital importance of looking after our environment so that we can live in harmony with nature, it is a pleasure and an honour to support the excellent work of The Forest of Marston Vale Trust as their Patron. I have long been impressed by the huge difference they make to our lives in Bedfordshire. Their outreach programmes, which engage young and not so young, enable greater understanding of the part we can all play in nurturing our natural world so that future generations will benefit. Plant a tree today and just imagine a child, one hundred years from now, playing under its boughs – a beautiful thought!”
(L-R) Grant Sorrell, Commercial Director; HM Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis; James Russell, Forest Director; Rod Calvert, Chairman.
Police funding in county to be reviewed? by Euan Duncan – Local Democracy Reporter
POLICING in Bedfordshire is underfunded by a quarter of the resources the county force needs, a meeting heard.
The funding formula for police forces under which Bedfordshire is treated as a rural setting could be reviewed during the current Parliament, according to Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever had that kind of reassurance,” he told a Biggleswade Town Council meeting. “The funding formula is an issue,” he explained. “It’s one of the reasons why in Bedfordshire, we’re funded as a rural location rather than an urban area.
“There are the real challenges (locally) of many of the large towns in the country. I’ve been informed by the Home Office this is an issue which is going to be resolved hopefully during this Parliament. “And what it means is we’ll be in a position where once and for all we’ve the beginning of an adequate level of policing.” Mr Akinbusoye was invited to speak to town councillors and answered questions which focused on police funding and town centre disorder. Councillor Duncan Strachan described Bedfordshire Police as “25 per cent underfunded because of the formula, which is totally and utterly wrong”. He said: “We’ll give you every support we can to enable you to get that funding because it’s absolutely essential for Bedfordshire. “We need police on the street, of which you’re clearly very conscious. I appreciate your funding difficulties. We’re a classic county lines town.” The PCC replied: “What we’ve had to rely on as a policing area is the special grant to plug the gap
both in the demand and the resource we’ve got available. “Bedfordshire is number four in Britain in the level of exposure to importing and exporting of county lines. We knew we had some serious challenges, but we didn’t realise it was that bad. “Ten per cent of all the firearms seized nationwide were from Bedfordshire. That gives an indication of how bad things were. “About five or six firearms have been seized In the last three weeks,” he said. “So we’ve some serious issues in our county. “It’s a target for county lines and we widely acknowledge that. But the government knows we have to get this funding formula resolved. “We can’t keep relying on the special grant on an annual basis to deal with this. It means the level of policing we need in areas like Biggleswade it just doesn’t happen. “The resources get taken up by gang activities in other parts of Bedfordshire, but we all pay for policing and I want everywhere in the county to benefit from what we need.”
The national crime plan which will be published around the middle of August will have an emphasis on prevention and early intervention, added the PCC. “While it’s important we carry on with the enforcement priorities, it will tackle the special crimes at the high level we get such as drug dealers and gangs, which are an absolute nightmare in Bedfordshire. “I believe we need to be equally aggressive in dealing with a lot of the causes of the crime we see in our communities, especially the exploitation of young people when they’re being drawn into gangs. “Some of the things which happen regarding young people are absolutely shocking. We’re working closely with local authorities, and there’s work going on in schools. “The violence reduction unit has people going to the schools engaging with young people and informing them about the dangers of county lines, again involving drugs.”
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Community Wall to promote events Welcome to Bedford boost and projects in the local area A NOTICEBOARD has been installed on our new community wall providing a platform for local people, community groups and organisations in Bedford. The board is designed to inform shoppers and residents about what is going on within the Centre and locally to support our ongoing initiative to link in with the Bedford community. Its unveiling also coincides with the re-opening of the seating area in the basement. The installation, located in the basement of the Harpur Centre, is adjacent to the Captain Tom Mural by the toilet provision. It represents a true community feel with its colourful and animated characters and gives us all the opportunity to advertise events and initiatives in and around the area. Samantha Laycock, Harpur Centre Manager, commented: “The community noticeboard gives you the chance to discover and read about some of the
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brilliant things that are happening right now in the Bedford community. Along with the re-opening of the seating area in the basement, we are also excited to welcome Fashion retailer, Cube to our already existing strong retailer line up together with Geek Retreat who will be opening their store this summer. “We want our shoppers to continue to enjoy their experience with us and although restrictions have been relaxed, we will still continue to put safety measures in place for the comfort of all our visitors. Face coverings are recommended to be worn throughout the Centre and hand sanitising stations will remain in place. During this period of relaxation, we once again ask for your co-operation to ensure your safety and help protect the health of your fellow shoppers, store teams and Centre staff”. If you would like to promote your community groups and activities, please email: keepintouch@harpurcentre.co.uk
THE town’s leading letting agency is welcoming people to Bedford from its prime position at No 100 at the top of the new look High Street. As the new wide-pavement street was unveiled, Leaders Letting and Estate Agency has boosted its welcome packs for tenants with Love Bedford gift vouchers. Newcomers to the town this summer will received a £5 gift voucher redeemable in more than 250 outlets who are part of the BedfordBID zone. BedfordBID represents businesses like Leaders and promotes the zone under the Love Bedford brand www.lovebedford.co.uk Shaun Barnett Senior Branch Manager of Leaders said: “We have been working with individual businesses locally to give our new tenants a ‘good luck in your new home’ goodie box and having the link with Love Bedford will hopefully help them to find all the many great things to enjoy in the area. “We’re very proud to be part of the community in Bedford and want people to see the best of our places and spaces.” Leaders lets 100s of properties across the wider Borough of Bedford and to those who want the “city living” urban experience in town. “More than 25% of tenants are completely new to the area and so a warm welcome and introduction is vital to make them feel at home and get involved with the local community.” Christina Rowe, Director of BedfordBID said: “Those living in the town are an important
Award-winning Leaders with the Love Bedford vouchers which are accepted in 100s of town centre businesses
customer-base for our businesses Monday to Friday. They are often younger and looking for fashion
and cafe society living. We signpost the way through the shop window of our website.”
Hidden places & secret spaces The ancient riverside centre of Bedford has been built up over centuries and as has been heralded as a Town of Markets. Today markets and fairs are held regularly on St Paul’s Square on the High Street. The High Street itself is undergoing a improvements, but if you step down one of the alleys or side paths you will find hidden treasures. Mill Street has a range of independent shops and cafés, including the top quality John Medhurst Jewellers, and tucked away alongside is Mill Yard with a café, beauty salon, photographic studio and a fashion boutique. Castle Quay takes its name from the Castle mound alongside the iconic Swan Hotel. But just through the Castle Gate off the High Street are restaurants and cafés, as well as the Higgins Bedford museum. Arcades are popular too in town. The Edwardian Arcade off the High Street is a thoroughfare of delightful shops, including the oldest in town: Arcadia sweet shop. Clair Court is another hidden gem, off Lime Street, with a beauty business, café and a bewitching shop of sorcery. St Cuthbert’s Arcade houses a range of start-up and small businesses including The Store, a unique eco outlet.
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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NEWS that a multi-million Hollywood style studio is to be set up at Broxbourne in Herts, is news to the ears of graduates of The Bedford College Group. Students at the South Bank Centre in Bedford are preparing for a career in films with a range of performing arts and moviemaking technical skills. Among them is the “top up” degree course taking students to full BA qualifications. Of 14 students who embarked on the brand new Media Technology and Music Production BAs (Level 6) all have now heard they have passed, and four gained 1st Class degrees. Course Manager Sean Doyle MA, said: “We are so proud of all our students who are now wellplaced to seek careers in the fastmoving fields of movies and music.” The students themselves are a great mix of people proving how “progressing” from entry level courses to a full degree is very accessible at The Bedford College Group. This applies across a range of subject areas where people can study at a Higher Education level bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk Patrick Taylor, Music Technology graduate, of Milton Keynes travelled to the South Bank Centre in Bedford because: “There is nothing else like this in the area. The lecturers here know how the industry works and offer great insights.” Patrick progressed from a Foundation Degree into the top up at Bedford College. In addition to being a guitarist, Patrick, is working in ‘mastering’ engineering in the industry, and as a tech-
Sean centre front, with L-R Patrick, Ryan John and Charlotte.
nician at Milton Keynes Theatre. Fellow Music Technology success, Ryan Shackleton, 23, of Clapham, Bedford joined the college as a Level 3 student and worked his way towards his degree. He has made contacts in South Korea and plans to work there alongside his new musical
friends. “It’s very welcoming and comfortable here at Bedford College, but also inspiring.” Media production graduate Charlotte Afflick from Wootton came to college at the age of 16 to take a Level 3 BTEC in Media, TV and Film. She stayed on to
progress through her Higher Education journey via a Foundation Degree and now has a 1st in Music Production. “It’s brilliant at Bedford College. Covid could have put a spanner in the works, but the staff made it all fit and now I am looking to head towards a career in production management.” John Harrison, aged 42, decided to pursue his interest in movies as a profession, signing up as a mature student. Living in Bedford, the location of the campus and the flexibility of hours meant he could keep his job while writing scripts and planning his first film with a fellow 2021 graduate Matthew Jolaosho, who has a film in the Toronto Film Festival. https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac .uk/about/news/matthew-takingthe-movie-business-by-storm/ Alex Mortby Director of Higher Education said: “Our Higher Education courses are well recognised by a wide range of major employers in engineering, technology, health and care services, and our links with the arts and creative industries offer vital in-roads for students. The Bedford College Group is a great place to be an undergraduate, all the quality of teaching and contacts, without the living away costs of going to university.” Thinking of going through clearing to find a degree course? Look at The Bedford College Group campuses in Beds and Northants. No need to ramp up accommodation costs, or give up local jobs. Final date for applications October 19.
Foundation supports new college facility
A DONATION of £750,000 by The Connolly foundation is helping to fund a new Modern Methods of Construction facility at Bedford College. The new department will provide courses for school-leavers, apprentices, and those wishing to progress to Higher Education in this exciting and developing area. The facility will provide training in the latest equipment used on building sites as well as the manufacturing of building ‘offsite’, which will enable students and apprentices to
gain quality experience both in and out of the college environment. It will also be used to re-skill those already in the industry to respond to emerging methods of construction. David Wilkins, from Bedford College, said: this significant donation from the Connolly Foundation has enabled the College to invest in the latest industry equipment which is used in the design and manufacture of Offsite buildings, representing a key part of the future of the Construction Industry. With this equipment
we will be able to train a wide representation of new and existing personnel with these emerging technologies and techniques as well as contributing to reducing the skills gap in the industry. The building is expected to be open in September and will accommodate nearly 100 students from the age of 16. The total cost is £4.3 million and the college has also received a donation from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).
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View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson
The Bishop of Bedford
CELEBRATING TEACHERS
As the GCSE and ‘A’ Level exam results are announced each year I find myself remembering those who taught me at school. Whilst some have faded from memory, a select few remain prominent as those who helped me to be the person that I am. For education is never just about the conveyance of knowledge. It is always also about the development of potential, character, and personhood. Among those I celebrate are Miss Sworder (it was surnames in my day!) who got me going as a seven year old; Mr Blaiklock who unlocked the mysteries of mathematics; ‘Chalky’ White who had taught my uncle, but yet retained his passion for teaching and the desire to introduce us to the intricacies of Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling; and Chris Dean (we were getting more familiar by the sixth form) who revealed the wonders of modern history. Who do you remember? Who do you celebrate? One of my roles as a Bishop is to Chair the Diocesan Board of Education which oversees our family of 138 Church Schools across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Despite what is often said these are not ‘faith’ schools in a confessional sense, but state schools that have a Christian character established for the communities where they are set. Popular with parents, inclusive in nature, they continue the involvement of the Church of England in the education of children that has been there from the start. Over the last eighteen months at our Board of Education meetings we have listened to the headteachers on the Board as they have described how they and their colleagues have responded flexibly, creatively, patiently and with sheer hard work to the testing environment caused by the pandemic. It has been humbling to hear of the commitment to their children, their learning, and their well-being. Despite the often changing, and sometimes inconsistent advice of government, they have given their all. At the start of this new school year let’s celebrate those who teach and all who work with them in our schools – all our schools whatever their character or foundation. Let us cherish the vocation that is teaching and rejoice in those beginning to train. Above all let us rejoice in that gift of education that not only conveys knowledge but gives us life. As Jesus said: ‘I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly’.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
In Focus with
In Focus with
Dave
Yasin
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
— 11
MP for Bedford and Kempston
FOREIGN POLICY FAILURE
SUPPORTING JOBS AND BUSINESSES
I recently attended the ‘sod turning’ at Fujifilm’s new UK Office headquarters off Cardington Road and also visited the Amazon fulfilment centre at Bedford Commercial Park. I have been pleased to be able to visit a number of businesses across the Borough as the Coronavirus regulations have started to be relaxed. I am keen to visit as many of our wide variety of businesses as possible to better understand the opportunities and pressures they face. If you have a business, of any size, and would like me to visit please drop me an email at Dave.Hodgson@bedford.gov.uk Bedford Borough has a rich mix of businesses from a variety of sectors, with a number of high-value companies employing highly skilled personnel to undertake complex and innovative commercial operations. Other such businesses include Unilever, Aircraft Research Association, Hybrid Air Vehicles, Swiss Precision Diagnostic and Mologic to name just a few. It is really valuable to have a number of high-value businesses joining, expanding or investing in Bedford Borough. Not only have they brought investment and high skilled employment, they will also act as a catalyst to attract more business investment and high-value jobs into the area, against the backdrop of the emerging Oxford Cambridge Arc. We are also seeing investment in growing talent locally. I was very pleased to be at the opening of the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teaching block at Mark Rutherford School. The new centre of excellence comprises seven classrooms and a lecture theatre and will inspire a whole generation of young people in Bedfordshire to pursue STEM subjects and help grow the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists. You can read more about the opening at https:// mayordave.org.uk/en/article/2021/1409137/mark-rutherfordschool-s-new-stem-teaching-block.
Watching the scenes at Kabul airport as the Taliban took control has left me and many others with feelings of overwhelming sorrow and anger for the millions of Afghans in danger. Reports that parents are throwing their babies over barbed-wire fences in desperate attempts to save them from Taliban rule show the sheer scale of the foreign policy failure of the US, UK and NATO, matched only by the humanitarian emergency now unfolding. I have already had a stream of heart-breaking correspondence from constituents here in Bedford and Kempston, frantic at the thought of the fate that awaits family members. Our immediate priority must be the deployment of British troops to evacuate British nationals, as well as the Afghan staff and interpreters who assisted our armed forces. The Government has been shamefully slow to assure these Afghans, and urgent steps must be taken to rescue all those to whom we owe a huge debt. The oncoming refugee crisis will require an international response and recent cuts by the Conservative government to the foreign aid budget, including to Afghanistan by half, put us on the back foot. It is imperative that the UK Government urgently co-ordinate with the UN and other international organizations to establish safe routes for refugees to neighbouring countries. The Government’s resettlement scheme to take 20,000 refugees over several years, with just 5,000 this year has already been derided by the UNHCR as ‘confusing and disingenuous’; most Afghans fleeing the Taliban will not be able to access the scheme. The humanitarian crisis must mark a turning point for our failed asylum system, including ending the hostile environment. The Nationality and Borders Bill would criminalise a woman fleeing the Taliban with her children on a boat across the channel. This Bill, which I voted against, is cruel and unworkable and must be overhauled. It is a tragic end that we are ceding back the country to the very insurgency that we went in to defeat in the first place. I have heard from British soldiers who are now further traumatised that their sacrifice has amounted to nothing. Of course, that’s not true. 457 brave British military personnel died fighting for decency and tolerance and to keep us safe from terrorist attacks. For 20 years, they largely succeeded, with the help of the Afghan people, the majority for whom yearn for a true democracy, and 70,000 of whom died fighting for their country.
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CASTLE Newnham school is supporting a group of ex pupils who are doing the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of a school friend who tragically took his own life in 2019. In August they set off for Scotland in a minibus lent by the school. Liam Taylor is one
of the group who is involved in the challenge which aimed to raise for money for MIND the mental health charity. “Although we knew that Andy was suffering with some mental health issues, for the people who knew and loved him, this was obviously a massive
shock”, said Liam. “Mental illness and the stigma surrounding it is a big issue for men of a certain age in this country, and as Andy’s friends we wanted to find a way to do something to help with this issue in any way we could. “What we came up with was the Three Peaks Challenge. This involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), Wales (Snowdon) and England (Scafell Pike) in the space of 24 hours in order to raise money and awareness. “Mind, do wonderful work with supporting those with mental health issues and suicide prevention.”
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SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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film review mealtime The Duke Jim Broadbent goes back to 1961 as Kempton Burnton in the comedy biography ‘The Duke’. The movie portrays the real story of a 60-yearold taxi driver who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. Burnton claims the act of thievery was made for the greater good of the British elderly in care homes. Through a ransom note, Burnton agrees to return the painting, as long as the police fulfil his request asking the government to invest more for the future of elderly. Long before the event happened, Burnton himself had been campaigning for pensioners to be given free television. The movie will reveal not only what actually happened in the once-in-a-lifetime of the old man, but also the personal problems Burnton had been struggling with. Names among the cast are Helen Mirren, Fionn Whitehead, Matthew Goode, Anna Maxwell Martin, Aimee Kelly, Charlotte Spencer, and Sian Clifford. Meanwhile, those behind the
One pot chicken and potatoes
Serves: 4 An easy supper to make, particularly as all the ingredients go into one pan, so it even saves on the washing up!
screen are British director Roger Michell who takes the lead in making true of the screenplay by writers Richard Bean and Clive Coleman. ‘The Duke’ was first premiered at the Venice Film Festival on 4th, September 2020. It has gotten remarkable comments from movie critics in mainstream media despite failing to be the
events’ official selection. One of the reviews is written by Guy Lodge from Variety, saying that the film “Is a perfectly nimble, kind-hearted bit of teatime entertainment — ideally tailored to Jim Broadbent in one of his most appealing big-screen roles. ‘The Duke’ will hit the theatres in the UK on September 3, 2021.
INGREDIENTS - 300g cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks - 650g salad potatoes, halved - 1 (400g) tin chopped tomatoes - 1 onion, chopped - 2 tbsps olive oil - 2 tsps ground cumin - ½ tsp dried chilli flakes - 3 tbsps chopped fresh coriander (optional) - 2 garlic cloves, crushed (optional) METHOD 1. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, add the onion and fry for two minutes until soft. 2. Add the potatoes, garlic, cumin and chilli and cook for a further minute, stirring. 3. Add the chicken, tinned tomatoes, then half fill the tin with water and add this to the pan. 4. Bring the mixture to the boil then simmer uncovered for 14 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the sauce thickened slightly. 5. Stir in the coriander and season to taste. 6. Serve in bowls with green beans.
comedy ‘Comedy in the Sun’ in Russell Park and The Quarry, Bedford Castle Comedy has two very special shows this September. Friday September 3 – Castle Comedy & The Comedy Cow team up with the Bedford Running Festival for an outdoor spectacular in Russell Park, Bedford. It will feature some of the biggest names in UK comedy, lovely surroundings & big laughs! SARA PASCOE is one of the biggest comedy stars in the UK! She is the host of Comedy Central’s Guessable & Dave’s Comedians Do Lectures and one of the stars of Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster. She has also appeared on The Last Leg, QI and Have I got News for You. “Always clever and sometimes exquisite” The Independent JO CAULFIELD whether you’ve seen her on TV shows such as Have
I Got News For You, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow or The Royal Variety Performance, heard her on the radio on “Just a Minute” or “Stop The Press”, or caught her live at one of her awardwinning Edinburgh Festival shows, the chances are you’re already
Castle Comedy hosts the British Comedian of the Year: Bedford Heat. This competition has the biggest comedy prize in the UK, a whopping £10,001. This will be a special show
familiar with Jo’s work. “One of the finest female comics at work” The Observer PATRICK MONAHAN is an audience favourite who blends a high-energy comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material. His TV appearances include the hit family entertainment series Splash! (ITV) and the new series of Celebrity Squares (ITV). He was the winner of ITV1’s Show me the Funny. “Supremely engaging, adored by audiences” THE SCOTSMAN Thursday September 16 – British Comedian of the Year at the Quarry Theatre, Bedford.
where some of the UK’s top acts do their best 10-minute sets in the hope of going through to the final for the chance to win the mega cash prize! The standard of entrant has been outstanding with UK comedy circuit headliners the hottest up and coming acts appearing. The best thing is you the audience get to vote on who should win! Castle Comedy favourite Paul Revill will host the show. Doors Open at 6.30pm and the Shows Start at 7.30pm/8.00pm. Tickets: castlecomedy.co.uk
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He has since become one of the UK’s biggest pop stars achieving a string of number one national chart hits . Olly’s show will certainly put a smile back on the faces of concert goers as he performs his biggest hits, including tracks from this recently certified triple platinum album ‘Never Been Better’. The following evening Saturday 11, sees an amazing evening with the vibrant Café Mambo Ibiza, Balearics and Ibiza club anthems delivered by a star-studded line-up of DJs, world-famous Pete Tong,
Danny Howard, Faithless featuring sister Bliss, Hannah Wants, Riton and support from local DJ Mark Russell. This is a truly phenomenal line up, I can only imagine this evening will be attracting every house freak in town wanting to party again ! Finally Sunday 12, sees a night in the park for the slightly maturer clientele, Tenor Wynne Evans (Go Compare insurance TV advert vocalist) and soprano Victoria Joyce. This rousing musical accomplishment to the evening will be accompanied by the London Gala Orchestra . Despite the relaxation of Covid19 restrictions, organisers will have Covid-19 protocols in force to
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reduce queuing, there will be controlled entry and exit into the park and supplementary catering and toilet facilities will be available. For more information including pricing on the Bedford Park Concerts please visit: www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk All these concert dates in The Park will sell out very quickly, as the UK has now awakened from lockdown everyone will be looking for an excuse to party, you have been warned get your tickets now!
Rock Choir reunited for ‘inside’ rehearsals Rock Choir Members in Bedford, Milton Keynes and Hitchin have been delighted to be able to resume physical choir rehearsals ‘inside’ this week following the relaxation of Covid restrictions. It’s been a long 16 months since Rock Choir had to switch to online, virtual teaching sessions via Zoom and YouTube. The Members also known as ‘Rockies’ have been keeping their spirits up by getting involved in not only their teaching sessions but online charity events and socials including baking activities, fancy dress, quizzes and much more. The Bedford, Milton Keynes and Hitchin Rockies make up one region of Rock Choir which is taught in over 400 communities across England, Wales and Scotland, featuring a total of over 33,000 Members. Each area of the country has had to adhere to different government guidelines on their approach to indoor choir rehearsals. The Welsh Rockies were able to lead the way in late June, whilst the rest of the country waited in anticipation for restrictions to be lifted in July. After leading her first ‘in person’ sessions with her Rockies in Bedford, Milton Keynes and Hitchin Rock Choir Leader, Lizzie Deane, commented: “What a wonderful (and emotional) week of indoor and outdoor rehearsals for our final Week 10. We stayed safe with distancing, sanitizer, good ventilation, masks and WE SANG TOGETHER IN HARMONY for the first time in a year and a half!! So so good to be back! Bring on September!” Local Rock Choir Members have all been overjoyed to reform together again. Rock Choir Member, Rachel Johnson, commented: “Lovely to see everyone’s faces and hear real harmonies going on again.” Fellow Rock Choir Member, Tim Holcroft, added: “Fantastic being back tonight! Lovely seeing
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out & about
music
Following months of speculation and cancellations Bedford Parks Concerts live music weekend has been given the green light. This live music event was originally scheduled for summer 2020 however due to Covid restrictions was postponed from the weekend April 29 to the Bank Holiday weekend August 1, 2021. Covid restrictions also saw this date cancelled and now rescheduled for September 9 to September 12, 2021, now it finally looks like this concert is definitely going to happen! However take note the original programme has changed slightly more so by way of some refreshing additions. This now four day Bedford Park live Music festival will feature Birmingham’s finest Ocean Colour Scene on September 9, with special guests Dodgy, The Wholls and Marquis Drive, the show starts at 5pm till 11pm. Ollie Murs undoubtedly one of the UK’s biggest pop stars takes to the stage on Friday 10 at 5pm, complimented by an evening of chilled sounds of Ibiza from a star studded line up of DJs on Saturday 11 and finally an evening featuring some amazing operatic vocalists. Olly Murs will definitely be the highlight of the festival, Olly shot to fame back in 2009 when he achieved second place in the sixth series of the X Factor.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2021
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everyone and great to sing together again. Can’t wait for next term’s songs. Love them already!” Caroline Redman Lusher, Creator and Creative Director of Rock Choir has been highlighting the importance of group singing and the powerful positive impact it has on mental health and well-being. Caroline Comments: “I am overjoyed that our ‘Rockies’ have been allowed to regroup and sing together inside once again. It’s been a long and emotional 16 months waiting for this moment to happen. Rock Choir is a lifeline for so many of our Members and the lockdown experience has been incredibly hard for them. However their resilience and determination to engage with our online teaching was overwhelming! I am so proud of all the Rock Choir Members and my dedicated Rock Choir team who passionately led our choirs with the love, energy and positivity that Rock Choir is famous for. “The nation’s mental health is at its worst and the services and support to combat loneliness, depression and anxiety are in huge demand and oversubscribed. Allowing choirs to reunite across the whole of the UK will now have a tremendous and positive impact and allow a healing process to begin for those who take part. Choirs of all types provide a life-line and this lifeline needs can now be reinstated.” Along with the Bedford, Milton Keynes and Hitchin Choirs, Rock Choir Members across the country are now preparing for their own physical rehearsals! It’s guaranteed to be an emotional reunion! The Bedford Rock Choir is now preparing for its first live performance since the pandemic, as they make a welcome return to the Bedford Park Proms on Sunday September 12. For further information or to set up an interview with Lizzie Deane, please contact Louise Harris on 07980 996318 or email louise@louiseharrispr.co.uk
food and crafts at Warden Abbey Vineyard, near Old Warden. Sunday, Sepember 12, 11- 4pm Wine tasting, local food and other stalls, Petting Farm, BBQ and refreshments. Entry: Adults £4 online, £5 on day. Children under 16 free. Tours £5. For further details and directions contact www.warden vineyard.org.uk
Sandy Historical Society: ‘Postcards’ Talk by
Rodney Todman, Friday 7.30pm September 24. Stonecroft Lounge, off St Swithins Way, Sandy, SG191BB. Admission. £2 includes tea/coffee & biscuits. Please wear a face covering. Raffle. Ample parking. For further details Contact 01767 680171
Yoga: Priory Methodist Church,
Open day and wine sale Sunday 12 September
. local artisan food and craft stalls
. guided vineyard tours
Garden Centre, Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH, Cars £5, vans £10. Sellers setup 9am, Buyers 10am-2pm, Sunday 5th September and Sunday 3rd October. No need to book a stall, bring your own table Contact: (01234) 823033 or enquiries@miltonernestgarden centre.co.uk
Bedford National Trust Association: Addison Centre,
Kempston, MK42 8PN. Tuesday September 21, 2.30 Speaker. Polly Saltmarsh, ‘The Role of a Paintings Conservator’, Polly works as a paintings conservator for the National Portrait Gallery and the National Trust, among others. October 19, Tuesday 2.30 Speaker, Rob Spray, on ‘Hidden Treasures of our Secret Seas’. November 16, Tuesday 2.30 Speaker Jason Middleton on ‘Pearl. A famous Gemstone’ Contact: Betty Thomas 01480 860421 Advertise your event here from as little as £7 per month, email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
Entry:
. free self-guided tours
Adults £4 online, £5 on day
. history display
Under 16s go free
. petting farm
Guided tours £5
. children’s activities
Advance booking Ad for entry and tours is recommended
. BBQ and refreshments
Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. 2pm Mondays Contact June for details: juandhannigan@yahoo.co.uk 8/21
Car Boot Sale: Milton Ernest
11am to 4pm
Bedford Road, Old Warden, Bedfordshire SG18 9LS
THE
QUEENS HEAD M I LT O N E R N E S T
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Food served: Mon-Sat 12-2, 6-9 Sunday 12-4 See our Facebook page for upcoming events
HOTEL NOW OPEN Queens Head, Rushden Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RU
Tel: 01234 822412
Mon-Sat Noon-11pm Sunday Noon-10.30pm
Kempston Senior Citizens Club: The Club has been closed
since mid March 2020 and it is only now that we feel we can reopen the Club on Wednesday, October 6, at 9.30 a.m. at the Centenary Hall, Kempston, Bedford, for sessions on Wednesday mornings and Friday mornings and afternoons (with the exception of Friday, October 15, when the Hall will not be available). We are a social Club with sequence dancing on Wednesdays and sequence dancing, whist and bingo on Fridays. New members are welcome and for further information contact: Sheila Cobban, on 01234 347306.
SEPTEMBER 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8am-1pm Call or visit for all your electrical supplies
Trade & Public Welcome Your local LED lighting specialist
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Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire
ADVICE SURGERIES Richard holds regular surgeries across North East Bedfordshire. If you would like to book an appointment, please call 01767 313385
MS Tree Care
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gardening
I
by Maureen Catlin
N September we should plant any bulbs that we want to flower indoors at Christmas time. Prepared Hyacinths are probably the most popular Christmas flowering bulb. These have already been treated to bring their natural spring flowering time forward by about three months. Good varieties are Pink Pearl, Delft Blue or City of Haarlem, yellow. The lovely vibrant colours and fantastic scent fill the house at this time of year. Bulbs will flower for Christmas if planted from the third week in September to the middle of October. Choose an attractive container, for 3 bulbs it needs to be 15 cms in diameter, and using bulb fibre or a peaty compost half fill the pot. Set the bulbs close together, but not touching each other or the sides of the container, on the fibre or compost. Fill around the bulbs leaving the tops just showing at the surface. Water the pot and then place in a cool dark place. Check after three weeks and water if the compost is dry and continue to check and water until the shoots are 3 to 5cms. Then move to a cool light place until the flower starts to show and then to a warm window sill to flower. Hyacinth pots also make lovely presents so finish with a moss topping and coloured ribbon. It is interesting for children to watch the bulbs grow so planting in a hyacinth glass with just water and using the same technique of dark cool and then light warm conditions they can watch the roots, shoots flowers and leaves all emerge from the bulb. All that’s needed is to keep topping up the water level. Paper White, Pheasant Eye and Bridal Crown are all good varieties of Narcissus for planting at the end of September. Their natural flowering period is January or February, but
Christmas! good quality bulbs will flower 6 to 10 weeks from planting. They all have a lovely perfume and should be planted as tightly as possible on the surface of the compost in a tall pot to balance the height of the bulbs and with a plant support. Water the pot and put in a cool dark place and keep checking until the shoots appear and then gradually bring into a light warm place to flower. The miniature Narcissus Tete a Tete and Pipit are also delightfully scented and excellent to grow in the same way for flowering indoors. They will probably not be in flower until January but still a joy in the middle of winter. Large bright yellow Crocus and fragrant Grape Hyacinths also flower in January if grown indoors. Plant the bulbs at the end of October in the same way with a dark cool period of approximately 8 weeks before bringing into a light warm place. Another very popular gift at Christmas is the easy to grow Amaryllis. It is usually sold in an attractive box containing the pot compost and bulb. Good varieties to look out for are Christmas Star and Picotee both single flowers and Cherry Nymph and Dancing Queen with double flowers. Plant the amaryllis in a container that is 2.5cms larger than the width of the bulb. Leave the top third of the bulb sitting above the soil level. Place the pot in a brightly lit spot on a windowsill and water sparingly until it produces shoots. To encourage
w
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the stem to grow straight keep turning the pot towards the light and the soil moist. Amaryllis should flower six to eight weeks after planting and the flowers will last for ages. To help the blooms stay fresh, move the pot to a slightly cooler but still bright spot once it starts to flower. With proper care, an amaryllis bulb can go on producing spectacular flowers year after year. All you need to do is feed the bulb with a balanced liquid fertiliser after flowering. As the leaves begin to turn yellow stop watering and allow the bulb to dry. Simply begin watering again next spring to wake the bulb up.
Next month we can look at bulbs for the garden.
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sport Tetchy match set for a repeat this month!
THE football season is now well underway, and Bedford Town have started their new campaign in a form not seen for many years, with early success in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central, and the Emirates FA Cup. They have also added new talent to their squad, including centre back Zak Brown from Norwich City, Australian fullback Lewis Miccio, and
Hugh Alban-Jones, who until recently, played his football in Spain. by Michael Jarman-Webb
Another new player of note and on a season long loan from Peterborough United is Hameed Ishola, the eighteenyear-old striker featured for the Posh first team in their preseason campaign and joined the Eagles in time for their opening fixture. Ishola made an immediate impact when he entered the game in Bedford’s first match of the season an away tie against league new boys Waltham Abbey. The Abbots who moved sideways from the Isthmian League were top of the table when their campaign was curtailed last sea-
son, but it was the visitors that gave them a lesson in football in a first half goal frenzy at their Capershotts ground. Connor Tomlinson scored in the fifteenth minute, followed by goals from Joe Steele and Dan Walker. It should have been four, but Craig Mackail-Smith failed to score with an awarded penalty. A minor injury to Tomlinson meant that Ishola made his debut earlier than expected, and within eight minutes scored twice to make it a five nil at half time. The home side did pull two goals back in the second half, but
SEPTEMBER FIXTURES Saturday 4th September..............Canvey Island (home) FA Cup Friday 10th September ...............Hertford Town (home) League Tuesday 14th September ............Ware (home) League Saturday 18th September ...........home (home) League* Saturday 25th September ...........St Neots Town (home) FA Trophy Tuesday 28th September ..............Berkhampstead (away) League *Subject to either teams progression in the FA Cup. Latest updates and ticket purchasing at www.bedfordeagles.net. Connor Tomlinson takes on a defender in the Eagles’ 4-0 win over Harlow.
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there was no doubting the result. Bedford were to build on that win in their first home game. That saw the visit of another new team to our league, Harlow Town. They also encountered a team on a mission with Mackail-Smith scoring first in the thirty first minute. The home fans had to wait for the second half for more goal action, but the Eyrie faithful left the ground very happy after a brace from Dan Walker and Tomlinson’s second of the season. Next action turned to the Emirates FA Cup and the visit of League rivals St Neots Town. With Mackail-Smith and Joe Steele rested, Rene Howe and Zak Brown made their first starts of the season, rewarding the manager with a goal apiece, while Charley Sanders who was later sent off, got a third. This tetchy fixture will be
Rene Howe in action against St Neots.
repeated again in the FA Trophy at the end of September. With twelve goals scored and two clean sheets from the opening three games, Bedford will be looking to build on the momentum going forward, particularly in the next round of the FA Cup when old rivals Canvey Island visit the Eyrie on Saturday, September 4.
Bedford Queens Rugby Club announce new shirt sponsor The New Bombay restaurant in Harpur Street, Bedford, is the new shirt sponsor for the club for the new season.
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