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MP proposes ‘oven ready’ Bedfordshire deal to government on housing, infrastructure and public services
BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION SPEAKING in Parliament on Monday, January 20, 2020, Richard Fuller, Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire, offered the government an ‘oven-ready’ deal for its new Infrastructure Fund, by means of an integrated plan on East West Rail, the realignment of the A1, improved health services and housing development. Speaking in the House of Commons, the MP said: “North East Beds is already shouldering a substantial amount of the nation’s need for housing and as a result,
we can see the shortages of public services like GP appointments because developments have not been properly planned. “With the decision on East West Rail imminent and the need for more housing, an integrated infrastructure deal that I am proposing for Bedfordshire can break the log jam on the realignment of the A1 and ensure access to adequate public services.” Mr Fuller has called for a meeting with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to consider his deal.
ATTACKED BY ESCAPED THUG IN OWN HOME
A MAN who escaped from prison before carrying out a kidnap and common assault will now spend eight years and three months behind bars. Anthony Bolden, 55, of no fixed abode, was already serving a life sentence when he absconded from custody and went on a crime spree last summer.
He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Monday, Janaury 20, 2020 after being found guilty of escape from lawful custody, possession of a pointed article, common assault and kidnapping. Bolden was serving a life sentence after he was convicted of attempted murder and grievous bodily with intent back in July 2006. He had been moved to an open prison where he had to be checked five times a day, but was last accounted for on May 31, 2019. On 23 June, Bolden entered the garden of a property in Ampthill Road, Bedford, and asked if there was a room to rent. When the occupants said no, Bolden became aggressive and attacked a man in front of his family. Little more than a week later on July 2, Bolden threatened a woman parked outside a shop in Sandy with a piece of glass, forcing her to drive. He asked the victim to pull into a car park in Bedford before telling her to get out of the vehicle, leave the keys and report her car as stolen. Bolden then made off in the vehicle. Police spotted the car being driven dangerously as it entered a one-way system the wrong way. When Bolden failed to stop for police, he crashed the vehicle into a police car and was arrested. In a victim impact statement read in court, the woman said: “Each time I go out I have to look over my back with the belief that I am going to be attacked… I am constantly having nightmares, fearing the worst that I could have been killed in this attack. The incident that day was so long and was just not coming to an end.”
by Jane Bird Detective Constable Aroop Nandre, who led the investigation, said: “Bolden’s dangerous and reckless behaviour has caused untold distress and angst to a number of innocent victims. The victim of the kidnapping has been left scared and distressed and this incident has affected her everyday life, as she now fears leaving her home. “Bolden knew full well how frightening his behaviour was, yet he continued with his actions. When he didn’t get what he wanted he became aggressive, and it is fortunate that nobody was seriously injured. “Bolden is a dangerous man who deserves to spend a significant time behind bars. He was already serving a life sentence after being jailed in 2006 and recently was trusted to stay in a lower risk prison; he broke that trust by absconding and carrying out this terrifying crime wave.” Bolden received six years and five months for kidnapping and 22 months for escaping from lawful custody, to run consecutively. He received 21 months for having a bladed article, 10 months for having an article with a blade and 18 weeks for common assault to run concurrently.
FEBRUARY 2020
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FEBRUARY 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Former Beds’ Borough councillors recognised for their service
FIvE former Bedford Borough councillors have been recognised for their years of dedication to public service. In a ceremony on Sunday, January 19, 2020, former councillor Pat Olney was bestowed the title of honorary Alderwoman alongside former councillors Randolph Charles, Will Hunt, John Mingay and Mark Smith who were conferred the title honorary Alderman.
Former councillor Randolph Charles was elected to the Borough Council on 6 May 1999, and served continuously for Cauldwell up until the recent election on 2 May 2019. He was Deputy Speaker for 2013/14 and Speaker in 2007/8 and 2014/15.
Pat Olney was elected to the Borough Council on 8 May 1986 and served for 33 years as a Councillor for Oakley until the election in May. She was Civic Mayor for 2001/02. She was also the Independent Group Leader 2009-19.
Will Hunt was elected to the Council in 1996 and represented Kempston West until 2019. Alongside the various committees and sub groups, he has also sat on many sports clubs, associations and boards across the borough and county.
Mark Smith was first elected to the Council in 1995, serving two terms, 1995-04 and 2007-19 May for Kempston Rural. In 2013/14 he was Speaker of the Council.
First elected on 7 May 1992, John Mingay served as a Councillor for Newnham until the recent election. In 2003/04, he was the Bedford Borough Council Speaker.
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Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson said: “May I congratulate all recipients, for the commendable service to the Council and the communities within the Borough. “It’s an honour to present these Honorary Alderman and Honorary Alderwoman certificates and badges in recognition of the long service and hard work both for the Council and particularly for the people of Bedford Borough”.
Memories of Luton Town FC
Passing cars attacked
THE Ampthill Community Policing Team have been out on foot in the area of Steppingley Road and Templefield School in Flitwick, following a series of incidents where youths have been throwing objects at passing cars from behind the bushes. Letters have been hand delivered to surrounding homes appealing for witnesses; and asking members of the public who know anything about this to contact Bedfordshire Police via 101 or by online reporting. If you happen to see it first hand we’re asking you to call 999 at the time of the incident because of the danger posed to motorists and other road users
Do you have Luton Town FC memorabilia? Programmes, tickets, photographs, shirts – in fact anything you cherish to do with the Hatters? Bring your souvenirs along and tell us about their stories at our Family Roadshow! We would love to photograph or scan your images and objects and record your memories of the club from any era to add to the new Hatters’ Heritage website – an archive for the future. Whether you’re six or ninety-six years old this is for you. The Roadshow event includes a Luton Town FC mini-exhibition, objects from the Hatters’ Heritage collection of 35,000 items, the attendance of a current or former player and activities for children and all the family! Sunday 2nd February 2020, 11am to 4pm, at The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 1RW.
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2020
‘Biggest funding boost in a decade’ welcomed
BEDFORDSHIRE Police has welcomed the latest police funding settlement from the Government, dubbed by Home Secretary Priti Patel as the ‘biggest funding boost in a decade’. The 2020/21 settlement announcement set out an additional £1.1billion of funding to all forces – should Police and Crime Commissioners take full advantage of raising the police precept element of council tax by £10 for a Band D home. It is designed to assist with the uplift of 20,000 new officers nationally and was announced in Parliament on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. For Bedfordshire, the new deal could see an increase of around £9million to its budget for 2020/21 – to £121.9m. The boost will help ensure funds can be invested where they are
needed most; in extra officers on the county’s stretched frontline. Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway said: “Today’s funding settlement is welcome but still requires me to raise the police precept by the maximum allowed without a referendum, of £10 a year for a Band D home – or 84p per month – in order to achieve another £9m for Bedfordshire Police. “This will allow me to recruit 156 more Police Constables this year, of whom 36 are our share of the national uplift in 2020/21 and 100 are needed to replace leavers but which also allows me to fund 20 additional PCs. (The core grant from Government also includes payment for 18 extra officers who were recruited in the financial year
2019/20 as the first part of the national uplift.) “There had been rumours that the core grant from Government was going to stand still. If this had been the case I would have had to find some £6m of savings so the extra investment is a relief. It allows me to meet the pressures of pay, pensions, insurance and other rising costs and still deliver the recruitment that both I and central Government had promised. “I’m also expecting further good news on funding imminently as both the current Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse, and former Minister, Nick Hurd, have pledged in writing to provide me with a second Special Grant this year, to pay for the specialist response to gang, gun and knife crime.”
Stylish extension to hotel’s restaurant THE extended Pen & Cob restaurant and new look Coach Room have been unveiled at the Bedford Swan Hotel. The green and gold art deco style of the restaurant has been extended into the former “sun room” which ran alongside the Coach Room. There is a new entrance off The Embankment straight into the area. meaning people can access the restaurant directly, without coming in via the hotel entrances. The Coach Room has been refurbished to create a beautiful setting for weddings and functions. The improvements included a disabled toilet in the Coach Room. The Ladies “powder room Suite upstairs has been refurbished too. To enable flexible usage, the extended section of the restaurant can be closed off from the main Pen & Cob and doors opened into the Coach House – allowing it to be used a separate dancing or exhibition area.
General Manager Malcolm Wyse told guests at a special event on Wednesday, January 8, 2020: “This gives us so many more opportunities to host events and activities in a flexible setting which we think is will be the pride of Bedford. We welcome everyone to come along take a look for lunch, brunch, afternoon tea or dinner.” Bedford College delighted staff with a super deal with the
Bedford Swan Hotel under which 200 Afternoon Tea packages were bought by staff. The college is just across the river from the hotel and staff were delighted to take up the offer made before Christmas. “We were delighted with the response which means that 100s of people will be coming to see us in 2020 and, we hope, tell their friends about our new look restaurant and Coach Room.”
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FEBRUARY 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
As we leave Europe what is the future for town twinning? AS the UK started its exit from European Union at the end of January 2020, it is hardly surprising that many people are questioning the continued relevance of traditional town ‘twinnings’. Such links go back a long way but had their heyday in the 1950s and 1960s as Europe and America sought to rebuild after the traumas of World War 2. Emphasis was placed upon reestablishing cross-border communications and friendships as well as promoting forgiveness and tolerance. There is no doubt that Europe has changed hugely over the past 50 years. Integration in one form or another is well
advanced and systems and economies largely interdependent. This trend is likely to continue regardless of what happens with the EU. Furthermore the original post-war need for twinning may be obsolete but in terms of bringing together communities from different cultures there is still much to be gained from such activities. It is true that twinnings with countries such as France and Germany have lost much of their momentum over the past couple of decades. In the 1980s and 1990s many links became discredited as they became viewed by the public as little more than perks for
local officials and dignitaries. In truth many visits were little more than long weekends of sampling ‘la bonne cuisine’ and local alcoholic specialities, assaults on the local ‘hypermarche’ or a few days sunning on the Cote d’Azur. Where twinnings have survived it is because they have moved with the times and adapted to the changing circumstances within Europe and the wider world. Furthermore there have been real areas of growth and recent decades have seen an explosion of new links with former Eastern bloc countries as well as utilitarian links with the developing world, Africa and Central
America in particular. Twinning as a term no longer has any real meaning. However we live in interesting times. Whilst European integration continues to develop in many quarters there is at the same time an increasing impetus across the whole of Europe for nation states to want to reassert their national identities and promote their rich, cultural heritages. Brexit may do this for us but it is unlikely that we will want to give up the social, aesthetic, linguistic, sporting, commercial and even perhaps religious experiences that links with Europe can offer. At a time when the fortunes
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of modern languages in our schools are at a regrettably low ebb, many teachers are reluctant to organise exchange visits or trips abroad. A thriving town link with a French or German community may well offer real opportunities for language immersion and work-experience abroad initiatives, especially where there are reliable, trusted contacts in the partner community. In 2020 Sandy will celebrate 25 years of cooperation with the Polish community of Skarszewy and no less than 38 years of its link with Malaunay in Normandy. The link with Malaunay is based largely upon family exchanges but offers the community a range of cultural and linguistic opportunities. Over time this has involved a wide range of community groups. Furthermore both places have streets named after the partner town and a traditional red English phone-box (Now a children’s’ library!) plus victorian-style ‘reverberes’ adorn La Place de Sandy. Next May a coach party of no less than 52 French visitors, comprising regulars and a party from the local CPN group (Connaitre et Proteger la Nature) which is rapidly gaining popularity across France, will be coming to Bedfordshire. As part of the programme for the four day visit, we will give them the option of doing the Sandy Green Wheel walk on the Sunday morning and a day visit to Bedford with a picnic in Priory Park. This is an open invitation for
you to join us on the Sunday walk or if you are able to host a French couple over the long Whitsun weekend, please let us know. On the Skarszewy front we wait to see what ideas may be forthcoming from the Polish end for celebrating 25 years of the link, especially since this year also marks 700 years since the founding of the Polish town. We are hopeful of visits in June and November and the annual English summer school will take place in early July with a second summer school being started in the cathedral town of Pelplin, which itself has a cultural link with Skarszewy. English summer schools with volunteer Year-13 students from Stratton Upper School have been run successfully for 23 years and the new venture with Pelplin will involve a group from Sandy Upper School. Over the years more than 500 local students and 2000+ Polish youngsters have benefitted from taking part in the two-week summer schools every July. Such links will hopefully continue to offer people of all ages enrichment opportunities and experiences abroad at very limited cost. People can get involved as and when they like. We welcome residents from all the local towns and villages. We have no membership fee as such. For more information about any of the activities associated with our link towns in France and Poland please contact either Martin Pettitt on 680082 or at martin.pettitt@verginmedia.com or myself Max Hill on 6681469 or at amaxhill@outlook.com
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Stopping toner cartridges going to landfill
GUY and vincenza Ciampa at Cartridge Depot based in Bedford Town centre are celebrating the fact that since they opened their doors in 2012 they have recycled over 30,000 printer cartridges and prevented them from going to landfill! This has been achieved by the help of local customers, businesses, schools, charities and not-profit organisations dropping off or arranging collections of their empty or no longer required printer cartridges. Cartridge Depot has now been trading for over seven years so it works out to be just over 4000 cartridges per year being recycled! Business partner Guy Ciampa says: “We believe being able to offer a free printer cartridge recycling service is so important. We sell these products to our customers so we really want to be able to continue our service after the cartridges reach the end of their life and stop them going into landfill. We know it can be difficult to find places to recycle empty printer cartridges which is why we try to make it as simple as possible for people who want to recycle with us. If you have any empty cartridges you would
like to recycle just contact us to see how we can help.” Business partner vincenza Ciampa says: “Studies show that over 350 million cartridges are dumped and put into landfill each year. The fact that it can take anything between 450 to 1000 years for cartridges to decompose is staggering. “Now, more than ever is the time to be aware of our actions when it comes to our waste disposal. The whole world is already beginning to see the effects of climate change and recycling empty printer cartridges will in part help future generations. So next time you have an empty cartridge please think and rather than throwing it in the bin, help Cartridge Depot continue their good work by popping in and recycling yours. If you have a large quantity of cartridges and need them collected contact Cartridge Depot to find out how they can help.” Cartridge Depot is a local independently run award-winning business specialising in the supply of original, compatible and remanufactured printer cartridges, printers and paper.
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Skills for life for Flitwick Scouts MANY of the activities planned for all sections of Flitwick Scout Group for the next three months will teach them about skills for life. The programme for Beavers (boys and girls aged 6 to 8) includes finding out about Global Issues, basic first aid, road safety and Chinese New Year; they will find out how to deal with cuts and grazes; they will also identify different traffic signs, know about the Green Cross Code, find out about different pedestrian crossings and the importance of behaving safely in a car. For Chinese New Year they will be making Chinese lanterns.” The Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10 ½) have created pictures out of waste materials that cannot be recycled, and they will work towards the Skills Challenge badge including making a hot drink, ironing their scarf and sewing on a button. Their evening learning about Chinese New Year will include tasting a selection of Chinese foods and finding out about Fortune Cookies. The pictures they made out of non-recy-
clable materials included a beach scene, an ocean scene, a countryside scene, a day time sky scene and a night time sky scene. On the programme for Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 ½ to 14) are hiking, indoor pioneering, how to use and axe and saw correctly and safely, survival skills and local knowledge. Also on their programme is some work in the Community which will be in Manor Park where they will be clearing some trees. The Scouts will be having a weekend on a narrowboat in April. Cubs will be spending a weekend camping in May at Great Barford. There is then a family camp at Bromham in June where it is estimated there will be nearly 200 people in attendance. In late July there will be a camp for Cubs and Scouts at Chalfont. On the narrowboat trip the Scouts will get the opportunity to steer the boat and open and close the locks. At all of these events, the young people will get the opportunity to do activities for the first time.
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FEBRUARY 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Clean sweep of distinctions for BMS performers Marketing awards BEDFORD Modern School students have received a clean sweep of Distinction grades in this year’s London College of Music (LCM) Musical Theatre exams. Year 13 student Jade Ajibola and Elizabeth Gale in Year 12 both received the DipLCM award, one of the highest performance awards on offer.
The other successful students were Alexandra Wishart and Lilly Brittain in Year 11, David Bygraves, Ginger Galey and Phoebe Templeman in Year 12, and Addie Whitelaw and Jodie Tyler in Year 13. Many of these talented students have taken leading roles in hugely popular BMS
shows, including the recent production of Oh What a Lovely War! and Sister Act! last year. To complete the LCM grades students are required to perform two to five pieces followed by a discussion with the examiner. At Grade 8 this also includes a duologue and at DipLCM candidates are required to sight-sing a short passage from a musical. The aim of the syllabus is to promote and encourage knowledge, enjoyment and experience of musical theatre and to foster a commitment to the development of the various skills, techniques and disciplines involved. Diploma recipient and National Youth Theatre member, Jade, said: “I started taking the LCM Musical Theatre exams at Grade 5 when I was in Year 8. I have received distinctions for all my grades so far, so I am thrilled to have been awarded one for my
diploma too. I’m hoping to go on to study English and Theatre at Birmingham University later this year, and then on to Drama School, so this qualification will really help.”
Fellow diploma recipient, Lizzie, added: “I’ve been taking these exams for the past six years and, like Jade, I have received distinctions for them all. Although I’m hoping to go on to study midwifery at university, I will keep performing as I will always love Musical Theatre”.
Liz Bottone, a visiting singing teacher at BMS taught both Jade and Lizzie and commented: “I am so proud of the commitment both girls have shown to their studies and of how hard they’ve worked on their technique to reach this level. I look forward to seeing what they go on to do in the future.”
THE Bedford College Group has won a Gold Award for its work in engaging with employers and influencers in Northamptonshire (photo). The FE First Awards saw the Group taking the prize in the College Marketing Network category for a stakeholder event at the Kettering campus which brought together key local influencers to find out more about what is on offer in terms of education and training by the Group with an extra focus on Northamptonshire. Councillors, advisors and business people heard first hand about courses and campus developments which are preparing young people for the modern
world of work, and how continuing professional development is available to those seeking promotion and advancement. The event was staged by the Corporate Communications and Events Team which now helps promote the Group across the region to potential students, their parents, employers and local authorities. Meanwhile, thanks to the modern marketing skills of The Bedford College Group, full-time students at Tresham have now increased thanks to the enrolment in 2019 of 2,543 - 15% above the target set by the Group For this the Group was Highly Commended in the Targeted Recruitment Campaign.
Director of Sales and Marketing Sarah Baxter said: “We have been very grateful for the welcome we, The Bedford College Group, have received in Northamptonshire from everyone. We hope that our forward-thinking approach to education and training will support the continued success of the county and help us in our quest to grow the talent of tomorrow across the South East Midlands region. Earlier, Tresham College won an award for Marketing Campaign of the Year at the sparkling Northamptonshire Business Awards, held at the County Cricket Ground alongside hundreds of local businesses. The Bedford College Group team took the All Things Business prize for its fantastic efforts in encouraging more people to sign up for 16+ education in Northamptonshire, exceeding all targets. Leading the group to the stage was vice Principal Georgina Ager together with Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, Sarah Baxter, alongside members of the Tresham team.
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Georgina commented on the evening: “This is great news, on top of the recent announcement that Ofsted has declared Tresham College, as part of The Bedford College Group, as ‘Good’ under a rigorous new assessment process. “We hope that the people of Northamptonshire will recognise they variety of options once they leave school of further education offered on their doorsteps at our campuses in Kettering, Corby and the new look Wellingborough site, which will be opening in September 2020 for another 1000 students and staff.”
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2020
New role as hospice’s Ward Manager
High flyers in technology
TWO students at Bedford College have been given a flying start in careers in technology. Samuel Frankl (right) and James Shelford (left) studied Level 3 Electronic Engineering at Bedford College. Samuel had plans to go on to University in the Netherlands and James, who always had an interest in the military had no idea he could sign up in a civilian role – until the college received a visit from the Ministry of Defence. Stuart Albert, a member of the civilian Engineering Ops Team based at RAF Henlow, was tasked with a recruitment drive to seek out new talent and was invited to talk to the Bedford College Engineering students. Samuel and James were so impressed they applied for and won new roles as Network Design Engineers. Sam started his new job on 16th December 2019 and James this year on 6th January. Once
fully trained the pair will be able to work from locations across the world. As civilians the posts are not ‘front-line’ but they will provide a rapid specialist engineering support service to all three military services. Group Captain Darren Thorley is Deputy Head of the department overseeing Engineering Operations: “This is a new recruitment approach for us, seeking out new talent locally in addition to our national apprentice scheme. James and Samuel will each have a training plan created for them, allowing them to continue their studies whilst learning on the job. “Once they have gained security clearance they will be working with the very latest communications and cyber security technology and, if they wish, will be able to take opportunities to deploy to Military bases and Embassies all over the globe to carry out engineering tasks.”
SUE RYDER St John’s Hospice has announced Jacqui Ackroyd is its new Developmental Ward Manager. Jacqui will lead a team of Sue Ryder Nurses and staff providing round-the-clock assessment and specialist care in the hospice’s 15bed inpatient unit. Jacqui is a familiar face to many involved with the hospice; she has worked there as a Sue Ryder Nurse for six years, most recently as a Senior Staff Nurse. Before joining Sue Ryder, Jacqui worked as a hairdresser and also in Human Resources. She was inspired to go into nursing after working for an out-of-hours doctor’s service. After doing a health and social care access course at Bedford College, Jacqui trained to become a registered nurse at the University of Bedfordshire. Jacqui’s final student placement was at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice – and she hasn’t looked back since.
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FEBRUARY 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
Dance your troubles away — Bedford dance group ‘Frame of Mind’ performed their bi-annual song and dance show during November and December last year, at the Place Theatre. Besides helping them to keep fit, the ladies also raise money for local charities. Their performances this year raised £750 for the British Heart Foundation; £500 for the Prostate Support Group; £500 for the Salvation Army and £200 for the Multiple System Atrophy Trust.
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Bedford Borough’s Local Plan 2030 approved A MEETING of Bedford Borough’s Full Council has approved the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030. The Local Plan 2030 sets out proposals for growth and development in Bedford Borough over the next decade. As well as allocations for the building of new homes, it also includes provision for jobs and the development of facilities such as schools, transport and shops to support new communities. Objectives of the Plan include providing the right amount and type of housing for communities across the Borough; supporting a strong economy; improving transport infrastructure; developing a green infrastructure network; and high quality, inclusive, and safe built communities which value the local landscape and the historic environment.
This approval followed a number of modifications by the Planning Inspectors, as part of the statutory Local Plan Process, which were approved by the meeting of Full Council. One of these modifications requires the Council to review the Plan and either update it or issue a new one within three years of this adoption, in response to longer-term projects such as the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. Mayor Dave said “The approval of this Local Plan means that as a Council we have the power to deliver housing and growth in accordance with our vision. This Local Plan has been through public consultation, review and examination and my thanks go to everyone who took part, had their say, and for all the hard work that was required to bring us to this moment.”
Ambitious target is achievable!
The Prebend Centre in Bedford which gives shelter to the homeless in the town, set a target of raising £60,000 for ‘Cold Relief In Bedford’ (CRIB). To date £40,000 has been donated. Anita McCallum, Chief Executive Officer said: “When we launched CRIB in November the target of £60,000 seemed ambitious. But the community has got right behind it and now we are a terrific two thirds of the way towards our target! “It’s been humbling to see all ages, all types of groups and organisations rally round to make this year’s appeal a success. From churches to convents, schools to
small businesses and rotary clubs to SMART CJS’s own staff and Trustees – we thank you all for your generosity and kindness. “Local fundraisers have been running novel events like the Castle Comedy Nights and bedecked their homes in lights like the Twitchens in Cardington to raise significant amounts.
“We only have £20K to go to make the £60K target – so let’s have one last push during the remainder of January and February to get the funds in that we so desperately need to keep the centre open in 2020. “If you haven’t already donated, please consider giving what you can to CRIB.”
BMS Team Bionic win best designed robot A GROUP of students from Bedford Modern School have won the award for Best Designed Robot at the regional First Lego League tournament held at Cambridge University on Tuesday 14 January. The team were required to programme their robot to complete a series of missions in a race against time. They then presented their idea for green roofs in cities by designing a Lego inspired roof tile. The First Lego League is open to students aged 916 and focuses on solving real-world problems. This year the competition title was ‘City Shaper’ and the aim was to show the students how cities and buildings grow, thrive, and change, allowing them to create new, innovative solutions to help shape an optimal future. Discussing the day with Headmaster Mr Tate, one
of the students said: “It was a great opportunity to learn new things and I really look forward to trying out my new skills at home. Now we’ve conquered the regionals we hope to get a chance to go on to the nationals next year.” Year 7 student Elizabeth Scullion added: “This has been a really fun project. My role was mostly focussed on the research for the presentation but getting involved in all of the other areas was a great experience.” Supervising teacher, Catherine Benson, commented: “I am so proud of all the students involved. All the work in the build-up to the competition has been entirely student-led and the majority of the team were taking part for the first time. They should be very proud of their achievement.”
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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
CPRE win battle of Harrold Lake HARROLD Village Action group, supported by CPRE Bedfordshire, has won their battle to protect Harrold Lake, north of the village of Harrold from the development of over 90 new homes. The new homes were proposed to be built in an unsustainable location on the edge of the Lake in a location which had previously been rejected by the Harrold Parish Council Neighbourhood Development Plan Group for such a large development. The developer, Catesby Promotions Ltd., took their application to Appeal because Bedford Borough Council was too slow in reaching a decision on the application. The applicant relied on the government’s now totally discredited “Transitional Arrangements” for Local Plans submitted for Examination prior to 31 December 2019, to
suggest that Bedford Borough Council could not demonstrate a five year forward land supply for housing and that therefore the decision making balance should be tilted in favour of their application. In recent months, many developers and landowners across Bedford Borough have been using this bizarre loophole in government planning legislation to win Planning Appeals. The Action Group, which had strong support from the local community, worked hard to obtain the support of their former MP, Alistair Burt who spoke against the application at the Appeal Inquiry which took place during November. Paul Jenkins who led on this application for CPRE Bedfordshire and also spoke against the Appeal at the Inquiry said: “This Action Group
demonstrated that “People Power” can win the day when well organised. The Harrold Action Group encouraged many concerned local people to attend Day 1 of the Inquiry demonstrating to the Inspector the strength of local opposition to the application. Members of the Action Group were also present on each day of the Inquiry with a very strong presence again on the final day during the summing up from both sides”. He went on: “CPRE very much hope that government will take note of this decision and ‘People Power’ and think again about the newly introduced ‘Standard Method’ for determining new housing numbers which will result in Bedford Borough Council having to increase the housing in their new Local Plan 2030 by a massive and unsustainable +30%!”.
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2020
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Diamond celebration
College of the Year short-listed THE Bedford College Group has been shortlisted in the TES FE Awards 2020 – as College of the Year. These prestigious national awards showcase the best of British education via the famous Times Educational Supplement (TES) brand. At the same time the Group’s Building Services Team has been shortlisted in the TES Professional Team of the Year. Both entries highlight how the formation of the Group in 2017 led to improvements in service to students and their surroundings. In 2017 Judith Larsen won TES FE Teacher of the Year, in 2018 Keith Haynes was named TES FE Assessor of the Year and in 2019 Samantha Jones won TES FE Teacher of the Year. Bedford College took on a huge challenge merging with Tresham College in 2017. Tresham was a large college in Northamptonshire, rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2016 and with extensive financial deficits. However, exceptional hard work from staff at all levels culminated with Ofsted’s 2019 announcement that The Bedford College Group, (including Tresham), is rated Good in all areas, with adult and young students developing “excellent” study skills. The Skills Funding Agency has also formally confirmed the College’s status as Outstanding for financial
health with a £1million surplus. According to the latest DfE’s Overall Institution Achievement Rates Tables 2017-18 the College is first of providers based in the Eastern region with overall achievement at 89%. The Group is also above national average for achievement in GCSEs, English, maths and apprenticeships. In addition, 2019 recruitment for Tresham College exceeded targets by 15%, with 2,543 students enrolling against a target of 2,215 and overall Group recruitment for
2019 was 13,709. Since the creation of The Bedford College Group in 2017, the Buildings Projects Team has worked tirelessly to deliver highly ambitious objectives. Within two years, the small team have managed the upgrading of several buildings, the opening of two Learning Centres in Northamptonshire and the creation of three brand new buildings on three different campuses. In 2018 the Building Projects Team delivered the College’s £5.2
Energie Fitness set to open in Harpur Centre FOR many Bedford residents the New Year will come with a renewed commitment to our health, with many of us flocking to our local gym hoping to counteract the overindulging. With a brand new, boutique style gym coming to
the Harpur Centre, Bedfordians will soon have no excuse for not keeping up with their New Year’s resolution. Priding themselves on offering an experience that caters to all abilities and needs, Energie Fitness
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will feature state of the art equipment alongside a unique multifunctional zone space called ‘The Yard’, where all the gyms classes will take place. Energie Fitness are expected to officially open their doors in the coming weeks but, shoppers keen to make good on their new year resolutions can take advantage of their exciting presale offer and grab their membership at a discounted price! Shoppers will also be able to validate their parking through Energie Fitness giving them two hours free parking in the adjacent underground car park, meaning they can take advantage of the wide selection of retailers available at Harpur Centre after their workout. Samantha Laycock, Centre Manager at Harpur Centre, commented: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Energie Fitness to the Harpur Centre and would like to wish them every success for the year ahead. We hope our shoppers will be inspired to keep fit and healthy as well as enjoying everything Harpur Centre has to offer from shopping to socializing and playing.”
million Buchanan Centre for advanced engineering at the riverside Bedford Campus which Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP Chief Executive said was: “…giving students access to state-of-the-art equipment and training.” In 2019, the £3.65 million Zoological Education Centre at Shuttleworth, Bedfordshire opened to animals and students, the first of its type developed closely with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). The Team are now working on the £10million redevelopment of the Wellingborough Campus, supported by SEMLEP through the Local Growth Fund, which is opening this September. The TES awards winners are announced at the Grosvenor House Hotel on March 20th.
IT WAS a diamond occasion at Bedford Citizens Housing Association this week when residents of Oak Way House, Anne and Mike Smith celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Anne and Mike met back in 1959 when they were both in the Army stationed in Chester. They married after a short courtship and spent many happy years travelling, living and working across the world. This included Ghana, the Seychelles and twenty-two years living in France. They moved to Oak Way House three years ago as it is so central for family and friends. The had four children and now have eight grandchildren and
two great grandchildren. They agreed that they had led a happy, and full life. “It has been exhausting”, said Anne “but I wouldn’t have changed any of it.” Their daughter Nicola said, “My parents have been an inspiration to all of us and the most amazing parents, grandparents and great grandparents.” Marie Taylor, Chief Executive of Bedford Citizens Housing Association said’ “We are delighted to have been a part of this special celebration. Anne and Mike are an amazing couple and we love have them living with us at Oak Way where they have lots of friends.”
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In Focus with
Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
PUTTING BEDFORD ON THE MAP
One of the things that has irked me for a number of years, and I know it bothers many local residents too is the absence of Bedford on the television weather maps. Toward the end of last year, I contacted both BBC Look East and ITv Anglia asking them to look at putting Bedford on their maps. ITv Anglia did so on a permanent basis in their ‘West’ region that covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. BBC Look East, as of, January have added Bedford to their map on an occasional basis. Whilst it may not seem an important issues, it actually is. Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire. It has a proud, famous history dating back to the early Middle Ages. Throughout this history it has been a cultural and commercial centre for the wider area, and it continues to play this role today. Bedford has a larger population than some other towns that are already on the weather maps. Bedford deserves to be on the map! Local Bedfordbased cartographer, Alice Gadney, said, “When people look at maps, their initial thought is – where do I live? or where am I? So seeing Bedford on the weather map, they will gain a sense of place.” I have written to the BBC asking for Bedford to be placed permanently on their local weather map.
View from the Rt Revd
Richard Atkinson The Bishop of Bedford
GOD AT WORK
The licensing of a priest to a new parish as their vicar is always a special and joyous occasion. It is an opportunity to celebrate the life of the community, as well as the congregation, and to look ahead with hope. Last month was no different. At Renhold I licensed Ian Smith to be the priest with responsibility for All Saints. Like nearly all clergy Ian has completed his curacy. In his case it was in Silsoe, Pulloxhill and Flitton, and now he takes the care of this new congregation. However, unlike most other clergy, Ian has a full-time job at vauxhall in Luton where he has worked for many years in a range of roles. When he was ordained he continued working there. For Ian his work at vauxhall is not a parallel activity in his life, but an essential part of his ministry. He is recognised as a chaplain in the works and often offers pastoral and spiritual care to his fellow employees. He speaks of encountering ‘God moments’ in his work when he sees God’s presence in those around him. The presence of priests in the workplace is not new. Although much diminished from its heyday, industrial mission placed priests and lay people as chaplains in industry and other workplaces. There is a chaplaincy team at Luton Airport which is an echo of this. In the past chaplains visited many of the light engineering firms and other businesses in Bedford. Some priests felt they wanted to go further. The tradition of worker priests, especially in France, was where priests worked alongside other labourers in mines, docks and factories. It was an attempt at a radical way of identifying with those working people who had been alienated from the churches. Whatever the model of ministry, at the heart of it is the desire to witness to Christ through engagement with the world and to see Christ in the world of work. It is a testimony to God’s love for all people, in all places. A witness to the fact that faith is not just a private and domestic matter. Ian’s appointment to Renhold, with his continued employment at vauxhall, is an exciting intersection of the world of work with the church. I know that in both settings there will be many ‘God moments’ for God is at work in both places.
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gardening Welcome wildlife to your garden by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre RITISH wildlife is being threatened even more by the unseasonal weather patterns that we are experiencing. Whether this is due to climate change or the natural pattern that our planet has always experienced we do not know. They were skating and holding trade fayres on the Thames as recently as the sixteenth hundreds. It is however a fact that our wildlife is affected. The RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch has recently focused our attention on the need for us all to help with the conservation of our furry and feathered friends. We can start by taking steps to invite wildlife into our own gardens.
B
The easiest wildlife to encourage is the wild birds who all need to find food and water daily. February is often our coldest month when Blackbirds Thrushes and Robins struggle to find enough insects and worms. They will also eat fruit so any surplus apples or pears can be stored dry or frozen and then produced in late winter. Birds do not
mind blemishes so keep these aside from the family supply. Dried mealworms are a convenient way to supplement the seed, fat and kitchen scraps we put on the bird table. Starlings also love mealworms and can be very entertaining in their antics trying to eat more than their fair share. Remember to position your bird table or feeders away from a fence to stop the neighbour’s cat using it as a spring board to the bird table but near a shrub or tree for shelter if a predatory bird like a Red Kite or Kestral patrols. Blue, Great, Coal and Long Tailed Tits and of course Starlings all benefit from the suet and co-co-fat treats that can be bought or homemade both are high energy food sources. Other good choices are red millet, linseed, sunflower hearts and peanuts. Peanuts should always be put in feeders to prevent young birds taking a whole nut which could choke them. Woodpeckers, Siskins, Nuthatches and The Tits all will flock to Peanut Feeders. Goldfinches, always a welcome sight, will come to Niger Seed
Feeders. Birds also need water to drink and clean their feathers especially when it’s freezing so add a little sugar to the bird bath which lowers the temperature and stops ice forming. The best way to help birds through the winter however is to furnish your garden with plants that provide nature’s own food supply here are a few to consider. Holly, Hawthorn, Cotoneaster, Pyracantha, Sorbus, Rosa Rugosa and viburum Opulus all hold their berries well into winter and attract Fieldfares, Redwings, The Finches, Starlings and Blackbirds. Ivy flowers very late in the Autumn and attracts many insects which in turn feed Wrens and Robins while Teasels and Sunflowers if left to ripen produce seed that is great for Sparrows, Nuthatches, Long Tailed Tits,
Goldfinches and Buntings. Most insects and arachnids survive by hibernating or overwinter as pupae and find cracks and crevices to rest. Ladybirds like my bathroom window frames! It is important not to allow the surface of the garden pond to completely freeze over because the oxygen levels in the water quickly reduce and fish, newts and pond insects will suffer so float a ball on the surface which will move around and stop the water around it freezing. Some small mammals like hedgehogs dormice and bats will hibernate which drops their body temperature to reduce their need for food so it is important to supply plenty of food for them in autumn. Leave garden debris and leaves in heaps to provide warm
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tuating temperatures. Indeed, in Norfolk, and I dare say other places also, bats have broken their hibernation early because the unseasonally warm weather has triggered them into action. If this is happening in the animal word, the chances are, it is also happening in the world of plants. And so it is. Seen in a garden in this area, in the first week of January, a Delphinium in full bud and ready to flower! Amazing. Does anyone else have any unusually early flowering plants? This month’s just for fun question is: why should sodden ground not be walked upon? lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
peanuts. A good bowl of drinking water is also welcome. Enjoy watching your garden visitors while helping them survive the coldest time of year.
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The Lawn Doctor THANK you to all of you who entered this year’s Annual Gardening Quiz, the winners shall be notified shortly. Here are the answers: 1. What is the name of the fungus that has round fruiting bodies that dry out and when tapped, often by rain drops, propel their spores in all directions? PUFFBALLS 2. Fairy Rings are often the bane of gardeners and green keepers’ lives, and some of you may recall from this magazine, that I was surprised to see them on the wicket at Lords in the summer. But how do you know if the fungal growth, the hyphae, is still active? THE OUTER EDGES OF THE RINGS CONTINUE TO GROW AND THE RING GETS BIIGER EACH YEAR. 3. What majestic, commonly occurring tree is believed by many to be the most ancient of all flowering plants? MAGNOLIAS – THEIR FOSSIL REMAINS HAvE BEEN FOUND IN ROCKS 120 MILLION YEARS OLD – WHEN THE DINOSAURS LIvED. 4. What regularly seen garden plants’ name when transliterated means, ‘Rose Tree’? RHODODENDRONS. 5. The flower group Asteraceae is vast. Name 3 members of the family? ASTER, DAISIES, DANDELIONS etc . 6. Many plants rely on bees, butterflies and other insects to spread their pollen. In return, what do they receive from the plant? NECTAR 7. The simplest way of classifying plants is by the number of leaves that emerge on seedlings. Those that have just one leaf are called, Monocotyledon. What is the name of those that have two? DICHOTYLEDON 8. One of this country’s most famous gardeners is known by the nickname ‘Capability Brown’, why? HE USED TO TELL CLIENTS THAT THEIR GARDENS HAD EXCELLENT ‘CAPABILITIES’. 9. What was Capability Brown’s real first name? LANCELOT – MANY PLANTS HAvE ‘LANCELOTTA AS PART OF THEIR NAME – THIS SIMPLY MEANS THEIR LEAvES ARE SWORD SHAPED. 10.From what tree found in the West Indies does ‘Allspice’ come from? THE MYRTLE TREE. Despite being only a few days old, 2020 has already given us an incredibly diverse range of weather with rapidly fluc-
cover so don’t tidy up too much in the autumn. You can of course supplement with hedgehog houses, bat boxes, insect tenements and bird boxes which all need to put in place in the summer. I have a tit box with a camera and there are 16 blue tits all snuggled in it each night. Mice, squirrels, rats, badgers and foxes do not hibernate but put on weight in the autumn and hunker down in warm dry places. Supplementing their food supply in winter is always welcome. Mice and rats will pick up scraps fallen from the bird table or throw some bird seed onto the lawn. Squirrels will happily feed from the peanut bird feeders. If you’re lucky enough to see badgers peanuts are also a favourite and foxes enjoy raw or cooked meat, tinned dog food and
Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
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FEBRUARY 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
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out & about clubbing
Fatback ready to raise the Corn Exchange’s roof
by Tony Hendrix The Fatback Band, one of the most acclaimed disco, soul and funk groups to have ever emerged from America, are destined to explode and raise the roof off the Bedford
Corn Exchange on Sunday, February 9, with their amazing high energy live show. Hugely influential and playing live shows that blow audiences away, they are an original group from New York City who have put out more than 35 albums . The disco-funk band were prolific in the 60s, 70s and 80s and laid the foundations for modern rap and dance music today. with some of the most prolific and ground breaking music of the era with tunes like: ‘Do The Bus Stop’, ‘Spanish Hustle’, ‘Wicky Wacky’, ‘Is this the future’, and the seminal ‘I found loving’, just a few off their global hits. Hear these and many more with a 90 minute live set headed by the leg-
endary Bill ‘Fatback’ Curtis and his original band. The band will be supported by acclaimed DJs, Jon Jules (Mi-Soul Radio), Louie Martin from (Delight Radio), DJ Stumpi (Diverse FM) and local maestro Rocky. The event starts at 7pm till midnight with some amazing disco and funk to get you in the mood from the supporting DJs. Judging by past shows at The Jazz Café, Ronnie Scott’s and the Butlins Weekenders, this event will guarantee to be a total sell out so you are advised to grab yourself a ticket as soon as you can. Tickets for this event are available from the Bedford Corn Exchange on 01234 718044, vIP tickets cost £40 and those willing
to stand pay £32, doors open at 6pm for tickets and drinks . ‘Central Square’ is the latest addition to Bedford’s buoyant nightlife, this amazing capacity venue is located in central Bedford at 15 Lime Street. Central Square is currently offering ‘Meet and Mingle Fridays’ up to and including Friday 13th March, between 5pm and 11pm, you can relax eat and drink with friends, entry is free and there is free car parking for two hours. This multi functional venue can cater for small intimate parties up to corporate events of 1000 customers. The hugely successful Castle Comedy Club currently working out of The Ent Shed/Gordon Arms, in Castle Road, Bedford will be leaving this site and setting up home at Central Square. The site owned by Wells & Co site will be re-developed into a restaurant specialising in Pizzas! Castle Comedy will launch its first show on the second Thursday of every month at Central Square, Lime Street, Bedford, commencing Thursday 12th March. The opening act is Marlon Davis, an extremely talented comedian, improviser and actor who has made recent Tv appearances on BBC’s Live at The Apollo. Topping the bill for this special evening is Ben Norris. Ben is a regular at the Comedy Club, he has made appearances in ‘Never mind The Buzzcocks’, The Comedy Store and Mock The Week, Ben is the ultimate circuit legend and not to be missed! The event will be hosted by Paul Revill. Food is also available pre-show. For more info contact info@centralsquarebedford.co.uk
jazz White Horse jazz nights m
This February, The White Horse has a packed schedule bringing a variety of musicians to the pub to perform at their regular Monday Night Jazz evening. Why not come down and support live music and an evenings worth of entertainment with some of the UK’s finest musicians, from 8.30pm. Contributions of £5-£10 encouraged to ensure the musicians earn a fair fee for their performances.
Monday 3rd February: vocalist Anita Wardell. (pictured right) Best known as an outstanding scat singer, she is also a skilled writer and performer of vocalese, and a sensitive interpreter of standards and jazz originals. She’s collected several awards, including a recent prize for Best Jazz vocalist from the British Jazz Awards, and her artistry has inspired accolades from fellow singers like Mark Murphy, Roseanna vitro and Kate McGarry. Yet, up until now, Wardell’s albums have only been available as high-priced imports, and she has made limited trips to the east and west coasts of the United States.
Monday 10th February: Leon Greening (Piano). One of the most popular and admired Jazz Pianists in the UK, Leon Greening has been a name on the British jazz scene for many years, dubbed ‘The Professor’ by his peers.
Monday 17th February: Vasilis Xenopoulos (Tenor Saxophone). Saxophonist, composer and educator vasilis Xenopoulos is one of the most accomplished Greek jazz
musicians of his generation and a genuine representative of straight ahead jazz. London became his permanent home after graduating with honors from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and gradually established himself as one of London’s up and coming jazz saxophonists. He has worked with some of the best musicians of the International Jazz Scene as a band leader, a section leader and as a guest soloist at various projects.
Monday 24th February: Mark Hale (Drums). The distance between London and New York is just over 3400 miles, and traveling that distance by air takes about 6 hours. It’s not cheap to fly across the Atlantic, but it is an essential trip for jazz musicians to make if they want the benefits of soaking up the Tradition of the music and experiencing some of the highest levels of musicianship in the world.
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comedy After eight years Castle Comedy moves to new bigger venue p Castle Comedy launched in 2012 at The Gordon Arms Ent Shed and over eight wonderful years they welcomed some of the biggest comedy acts in the UK. These included Katherine Ryan, Joel Dommett, James Acaster, Josh Widdicombe, Sara Pascoe and Zoe Lyons. It was with great sadness that the club learned that they could not stay. The farewell show in February sold out within hours! Now for the good news… the club founder Paul Revill went into overdrive and refused to let Castle Comedy leave Bedford. Castle Comedy will now be held at Central Square Bedford. It is an exciting new venue situated in the heart of Bedford town centre that offers a unique space for events. Paul said: “Teaming up with Central Square is the start of an exciting new
chapter for Castle Comedy. The best comedians will keep coming to Bedford and I’m sure everyone will love the shows
gardens ‘Happy new partnership’ for the Swiss Garden as 2020 rolls in! The Shuttleworth Trust is delighted to announce that its Swiss Garden has been awarded Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden status and will offer free entry to RHS members every Thursday* from January 2, 2020. Following a large-scale restoration, completed in 2014, this charming 9-acre site, complete with quirky follies and thirteen listed buildings and artefacts, was removed from the Heritage at Risk register. The garden team have since been busy building on these very positive foundations – refreshing borders and seasonal planting schemes, developing a varied events schedule and, most recently, introducing a programme of activities promoting the relationship between outdoor spaces and wellbeing. A team of five, including one apprentice gardener, and a lively
and dedicated volunteer group maintain the historic late Regency landscape on a daily basis, led by Head Gardener Sissel Dahl. views and vistas are a key element of the garden’s design, and there is something to see all year round. There is plenty of seating throughout, and a warm welcome is guaranteed from the team and three resident peacocks! Garden Manager Corinne Price is thrilled at the news: “This is a fantastic accolade to the hard work put in by the team to make the Swiss Garden such a lovely garden to visit, and to the investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and others who made the recent restoration happen. We look forward to welcoming members to the Swiss Garden and to a successful working partnership with the RHS.” *Excludes ticketed event days
at our stunning new home.” The shows will continue to be held on the second Thursday of each month and Central Square will be offering delicious pre-show food options. The first show is on Thursday March 12th and is a Double Headline Act Special. Opening the show is Marlon Davis, (left) a talented comedian, improviser and actor whose recent Tv appearances include Live at the Apollo. Closing the show is top headline act, Ben Norris (right). He has appeared on Nevermind The Buzzcocks, Comedy Central’s ‘The Comedy Store’ and Mock The Week. “The term circuit legend is overused, but Norris is one of a handful that have been headlining for more than two decades and rarely departs a stage without leaving it torn to shreds in his wake. A master of the craft.” GQ Magazine.
Have I Got News For You) and Glenn Moore (Mock The Week) are set to appear. All the shows feature full support and are hosted by Bedford favourite, Paul Revill. Doors open 7pm, shows start at 8.15pm and tickets are £10. To book tickets www.castlecomedy.co.uk. To book food visit: centralsquarebedford.co.uk
On Thursday April 9th Castle Comedy celebrates its eighth Birthday! Hal Cruttenden (right) Live at the Apollo,
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FEBRUARY 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
“Sweet as a nut”
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NEW LOOK – NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
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Saturday February 15th
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music Music Club brings risings stars to Bedford a Bedford Music Club present on Thursday, February 20, Giacomo Susani, guitar with music by Frescobaldi, Scarlatti and others. Giacomo Susani is an Italian classical guitarist; born in Padova in 1995 in a family of important musical traditions, since 2014 he is based and conducts most of his artistic activity in London. He has won numerous awards, achieving recognition and support to his career. Pludits have come from The Julian Bream Trust, The Calleva Foundation, The Countess of Munster Musical Trust (Star Award), Help Musicians UK (Ian Fleming Award), The Worshipful Company of Musicians
(Yeoman programme), The Park Lane Group, The City of Music Foundation. In 2016 he was selected by IGF – International Guitar Foundation – Young Artists Platform for a concert tour in the UK and in 2018 by EuroStrings – European Guitar Festival Collabora-
tive which gave him the opportunity, as a ‘Young Star’, to perform and teach master classes in numerous guitar festivals around Europe. 7.45pm, Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford. Tickets on the door £18, Student (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2.
S
Bedford’s Danni Nicolls returns to The Stables again on May 30
With the wind in her sails from receiving three consecutive Americana Music Association UK award nominations (Album, Artist and Song of the year in 2017, 2018 & 2020 respectively) singer-songwriter Danni Nicholls has been enjoying an incredible ride. She will be performing at the Stables, Wavendon, on May 30, last year she filled the main stage auditorium, ticketing information from the Stables website. From supporting the legendary Shakin’ Stevens on his 28 date major UK tour to opening for the mighty Lucinda Williams and The Secret Sisters plus being invited to perform at prestigious events such as Folk Alliance International, Cambridge Folk Festival, Tonder Festival, Denmark and AmericanaFest in Nashville. 2020 is already looking to be a stellar year. Following her first two critically acclaimed studio albums, A Little Redemption (2013) and Mockingbird Lane (2015), 2019 saw the release of her third, The Melted Morning to even more praise. Closely personal yet widely relatable, the themes of this album span an array of life’s takeaways from the pain and darkness of
rejection, the fear of losing yourself and the power of human connection to offering up hope and new perspectives in the face of adversities. “I needed a new challenge, a new landscape to work in sonically, physically and viscerally. Collaborating with producer Jordan Brooke Hamlin gave me that opportunity and I have come away with a delicate, vibey, honest and vulnerable collection of songs that we dove deep into to find out who they wanted to become.” Touring this new collection of songs as a trio, her vibrant, spell binding performances are guaranteed to melt your heart into the soles of your boots. Danni’s passionate delivery, captivating velvet voice and charmingly engaging between-song banter compel you to fall under her spell. “An artist with the elegance and imagination to restore your faith in the visceral power of an original song.” Paul Sexton, BBC Radio 2 and freelance print/broadcast journalist. “I absolutely love the elegance and beauty of her music.” Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2. “Smokey soul, folk-pop and heart-wrenching alt-country, all in a rich voice.” Q Magazine
TEL: 07894 935952 ADS: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2020
MID BEDS FLOWER CLUB Thursday, the 13th of February at 7:45 pm in Flitwick Village hall. The demonstration will be
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“The flower of Scotland”
by Fiona Harrison. isitors welcome £6 more details contact Marion Tucker telephone (01234) 742396 ADDISON CENTRE, KEMPSTON
––––––––––––––––––––––– FUND RAISING TEA DANCE
MONDAY 10th FEB 2020 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (INCL CUPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
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TENNIS FOR
BEGINNERS CHILDREN – ADULTS SENIORS EXPERIENCED PL AYERS jack@bremed.co.uk Jack: 01767 692242
ALL WELCOME www.biggleswadetennis.co.uk
MOGGERHANGER KEEP FIT GROUP
––––––––––––––––––––––– At the Village Hall, Fridays 9.30-10.30 Tina or Josh take us through a light-hearted sequence with a warm-up, exercises designed to improve muscular fitness, brain co-ordination, balance and general well-being, then a cooldown. It’s not over-strenuous, we have fun, feel good – and pay only £5 a session. So why not come and join us? For more information call Tony or Judith on 640124.
GET FIT KEEP FIT
––––––––––––––––––––––– ST ANDREW’S BOWLING CLUB
AT BIGGLESWADE CONSERvATIvE CLUB Over one hundred years of friendly bowls on our own green Experienced, or new bowlers who will be offered coaching, will be most welcome to come and join us. For information please call 01767 221243
––––––––––––––––––––––– SANDY NIGHT OWLS WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
7.30 pm Sandy Conservative Club We meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month (except August). A friendly group where guests (£4 ) will receive a warm welcome and enjoy a varied programme with refreshments. Join us this month for a talk on
“The Luton Hat Trade”
E-mail sandynightowlswi@gmail.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– IRISH CEILI AND SET DANCING Wednesdays 8pm to 10 pm £2 per session – first evening free No partner required. Beginners welcome. The Reading Room, 1 Barkers Lane, Bedford. Ring Tim 01234 317847 for more details
––––––––––––––––––––––– SANDY TOWN BOWLING CLUB
Play bowls at this friendly local club adjacent to Sandy village Hall. Excellent green. Experienced and new bowlers welcome. Coaching available. More details: Secretary: Kevin Hurry 01767 692567 sandytownbowlingclub.org.uk
––––––––––––––––––––––– BUGGYFITNESS CLASSES Thursday 1-2pm The Orchard Community Centre, SG18 8SZ £2.50 per session Contact: 0300 300 4248 or active.lifestyles@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Tuesdays 2-3pm Saxon Pool & Leisure Centre, Biggleswade £2.50 per session active.lifestyles@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
WALKING FOOTBALL
––––––––––––––––––––––– IVEL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT CENTRE HAS A LOvED ONE DIED? Perhaps we can help you: The Community Rooms, Baptist church, 24 London Road, Biggleswade SG18 8EB Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon Telephone: Carole or Jill on 07704 734225 for more information. • A place of friendship, compassion and understanding. • Fully trained bereavement support volunteers are always on hand to listen while you talk through your grief. • Somewhere to meet others coping with bereavement issues. • Come and make new friends
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFORD EARLY DANCE AND MUSIC Meet monthl on Saturdays 2-6pm at Brickhill Community Centre, Avon drive, Bedford MK41 7AF For further information, dates and times please contact David Parsons 01234 853637 email bedmg1djparsons.me.uk or visit our website www.djparsons.me.uk/bedmg/ All Welcome
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––––––––––––––––––––––– SANDY CONSERVATIVE BOWLING CLUB
Our well-established and friendly club with one of the best greens in the county is situated behind the Conservative Club in Bedford Road. We are always happy to welcome new members, whether experienced or new bowlers who will be offered coaching. For further details Phone 01767 680697
––––––––––––––––––––––– COWPER & NEWTON MUSEUM
February 2020 18th – Museum re-opens! 18th – 22nd – Half term children’s trail – more details to follow (Usual admission applies/ Trail £1.50 per child) 21st – Historical Spooky Walk, Olney North End. A spooky night-time guided walk to explore some of the hidden corners and alleyways of the town. £10 adult/ £2 child to include refreshments. Meet outside museum at 7:30pm. 25th – We’ll be in 18th century costume on Pancake Race Day! (Usual admission applies)
––––––––––––––––––––––– THE SANDY UKULELE GROUP Meet every Friday at the Baptist Chapel Hall, Bedford Road, Sandy. 7pm till 9pm. BEDS & NORTHANTS MS THERAPY CENTRE
––––––––––––––––––––––– Third Saturday of every month 10am - 12.00 noon Entrance 50p Adults FREE PARKING Clothing, Bric a Brac, Books, Linen, Toys and Games – Refreshments available 155 Barkers Lane, Bedford. MK41 9RX Tel: 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com
MONTHLY SALE
BEDFORD TREFOIL GUILD
––––––––––––––––––––––– We offers members (women and men 18+) personal and social opportunities, both daytime and evenings, whilst supporting Guiding and Scouting. For more details contact secretary kategroves67@gmail.com or 01234 301575
GUIDING FOR ADULTS
––––––––––––––––––––––– BIGGLESWADE JUNIOR BADMINTON CLUB Stratton Upper School Saturdays – 2-4pm & 4-5.30pm New Members Welcome More information call Janice Buckle: 01767 312053 Email: biggleswadejbc@btinternet.com
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––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION
If you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings. We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in All Saints Church Hall, Cemetery Road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening For further information contact Trevor on
01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288
––––––––––––––––––––––– BRIDGE CLUB Cranfield Village Hall MK43 0DR Sundays 6.50 for 7pm Info email tim.sharrock1@gmail.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– STEWARTBY AMATEUR OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
Meet, Thursdays 7.30 at Stewartby United Church Hall, Park Crescent. If you are interested in performing (singing acting or dancing) or helping back stage, come along and give us a try. All newcomers welcome! For tickets and further information, visit our website: www.saods.org.uk.
––––––––––––––––––––––– POTTON LADIES’ CLUB
Potton Ladies Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at Mill Lane Pavilion, Mill Lane, Potton. SG19 2PG We have a range of speakers, a lunch club & numerous day trips. visitors are always welcome for £5, to include light refreshments. Stroke survivors & their carers join our
––––––––––––––––––––––– Meetings are held at Stonecroft, St Swithins Way, Sandy on the third Monday of each month 7.30pm. Transport can be arranged. Speakers, outings & entertainment througout the year. Please contact 01767 680503 for further imformation.
IVEL STROKE CLUB
––––––––––––––––––––––– JOIN YOUR LOCAL PROBUS CLUB We are for retired or semi-retired people from all walks of life and may include business or professional people. (Male & Female). We usually meet on the 1st Monday of each month at the Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford over the lunchtime period. Enjoy a meal in great company followed by a talk on a range of interesting topics. Why not come & give us a try!! Contact: Andrew on 01234 838407
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––––––––––––––––––––––– BLACK CRICKET KIDS CLUB Great for aspiring animal keepers, entomologists and herpetologists. First Wednesday of every month in Shortstown Village Hall, Southcote, Shortstown, Bedford, MK42 0QL. Fun, educational and entertaining sessions for children aged 5 - 13 who love animals, pets and wildlife. Children with SEND are warmly welcomed and sessions are differentiated to meet individual needs. Sessions are £5 per child (siblings £3). Registration is required. www.blackcricket.co.uk/kids-club www.facebook.com/blackcricketkidsclub Email: kidsclub@blackcricket.co.uk
––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB DANCING, WHIST, BINGO
Meets Wednesday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone: 01234 347306 BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF Thursday 20th February Meeting 7.30pm aiming to finish by 9.30pm Connor Jameson – the life story of one of our more rare birds of prey
–––––––––––––––––––––––
“Looking for the Goshawk – the Phantom of the Forest”.
Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free. The facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking. BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE TRUST Wednesday 12th February Meeting 7-15pm for 7.30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ
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‘A Social Marvel – New World Leaf Cutting Ants’ an illustrated talk by Brian Sims Plenty of parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057
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CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP 9am to noon Sat 8th Feb
––––––––––––––––––––––– Entry 50p Refreshments available, Tables £5 - must be prebooked. For information call on 01234 965497 2pm to 4pm Friday 28th Feb
TABLE TOP SALE
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA Admission £4 - Tea, home-made cake and friendship. For Information call 01234 326291
BIDDENHAM GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Biddenham village Hall 7.30pm Tuesday 18th February
––––––––––––––––––––––– “Mythology of Plants” By Joanne Baxter –––––––––––––– 7.30pm Tuesday 17th March
“Gardens Question Time”
By Roger Skipper and R Callahan visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & Refreshments
––––––––––––––––––––––– TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2020 Sunday February 2nd the service at 10.30am A bring and share lunch will follow this service. The service at 6pm will be led by Rev Andrew Hollins and entitled ‘Space for God’ (this is now held on the 1st Sunday of most months) Thursday February 6th There will be a short service in the church at 11.30am followed by the monthly lunch at Noon. (This is usually held on the first Thursday of each month - occasionally there will be a short concert or speaker - but this will be announced prior to the meeting) Hopefully the lunches will continue through the summer on the 1st Thursday of each month with a service at 11.30am and the lunch at Noon. We are always pleased for anyone to attend the price is £5 for a two-course meal with coffee/tea. Sunday February 9th the service at 9.30am will be a communion service and will be led by Rev. Dalwyn Attwell. The service at 10.30am will be led by Mrs Pat Lilley. Sunday February 16th the service at 10.30am will be led by Rev. Dalwyn Attwell and will include communion. The service at 6pm will again be led by Rev Dalwyn Attwell and will be an informal service and will be held in the ‘Footprints Room’.Hopefully the band will accompany. Sunday February 23rd the service at 10.30am will be led by Rev. Lorna valentine.
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SANDY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Friday February 28th 7.30pm
––––––––––––––––––––––– GNR & LNWR through Sandy
by George Howe Stonecroft Hall, St Swithins Way, Sandy SG191BB Admission £2.50 including refreshments Members & students free For further details contact 01767 680171
––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY Wednesdays from 7.30pm-10.00pm at Kempston East Methodist Church New members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– SANDY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Founded in 2014 by residents of Sandy and surrounding areas, we are a group of keen astronomers of all abilities. We meet on the first Thursday of every month at Mamas Coffee Shop (High Street, Sandy) and have regular viewing sessions on the grounds of Sandye Place Academy. You don’t need to own a telescope to join in. Club members are always willing to share their equipment and expertise, and if you become a member our club telescopes are available for hire for a small fee. Wrap up warm and we’ll see you there!
––––––––––––––––––––––– 3T’S TODDLER GROUP
We are a (non-profit making) Toddler Group who meet at Centenary Hall, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston on Tuesday from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm (term time only) Contact: Debbie on 07975 –772-058
––––––––––––––––––––––– SANDY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Sandy WI was formed in March 2017 and is still going strong. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (except August) at 10.00am in Sandy Conservative Club. Contact our President, val Haygarth, for further information on 01767 691711 valeriehaygarth@btinternet.com..
––––––––––––––––––––––– WORLD SHIP SOCIETY BEDFORD BRANCH Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd THURSDAY in the month 20 February 2020 Derek Sands, WSS Area Liaison Officer “Passing the Pier” Telephone: 01234 352014
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16 —
FEBRUARY 2020 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
back
the
OBE for engineering Dawn
Bedford School Six Nations double success
TWO former pupils from Bedford School received their first call up to the senior England Rugby squad for the 2020 Six Nations Championship to be held in February. Two former pupils from Bedford School have been selected for the England Rugby squad to play in the 2020 Six Nations Championship in February. Fraser Dingwall (left), 20, attended Bedford School from 2013 to 2017 and during his time there became Head Boy and Captain of the First XV. At just 14 years old, Fraser was noticed by the Northampton Saints Academy and soon after began his international career with Scotland where he went on to Captain the U16s. In 2017, while still at school, Fraser switched to play for England and played in the U18 squad before earning U20 recognition playing in the Six Nations Championship in 2018 and captaining the squad in 2019. He also captained the U20s in the World Rugby Championships in Argentina. He currently
plays for Northampton Saints as a Centre. George Furbank, 23, (right) who also attended the prestigious school for boys, honed his rugby skills while attending the school between 2013 and 2015 and captained the school Rugby Sevens squad which went on to win the esteemed Rosslyn Park National Championships in 2014. He was soon spotted by Northampton Saints where he currently plays at Fullback alongside Fraser. Mr Barry Burgess, Director of Sport at Bedford School said, “The boys consistently demonstrated great determination and immense skill throughout their time at Bedford School and I can’t think of two better players to be recognised and picked for the squad. I am hugely proud of all their achievements, as are all the boys and staff. To be picked to play for England in the Six Nations Championships is real testament to their ability and talent, and I wish them all the best as they make their senior England debuts.”
LEADING female engineering educator Dawn Fitt has been awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours list. Dawn is Training Co-ordinator at the Bedford College Brunel Apprenticeships Engineering Centre, off Barker’s Lane, Bedford. She is a former Young Woman Engineer of the Year and is a Past President of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES). Dawn has been encouraging girls to consider careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) for more than a decade and has Chaired the Adjudicating Panel for The
Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Young Women Engineer of the Year Award. Following in the footsteps of her father an engineer, Dawn did an electrical/electronic apprenticeship in her then home of Worcestershire before working her way through digital control systems and on to project management. “I did an apprenticeship and wanted to put something back by encouraging others to follow that path. As President of the Women’s Engineering Society I wanted to show how important the apprenticeship route is to encouraging people into the industry.”
Free School girls make the team TWO female cricketers, pupils at Bedford Free School (BFS), have made the Bedfordshire Young Cricketers squad. Mia Longo in year 8 and Belis Shrestha in year 10, both completed a rigorous eight-week trial with Bedfordshire Young Cricketers and have beaten off some very high-quality players to make the final squad. Each student will represent Bedfordshire in their age category over the summer programme of matches and tournaments. Both girls learnt to play cricket for the first time at BFS and have progressed to represent the boys cricket teams in hard ball competitions. Belis has also joined Kempston Hammers CC, her local cricket club, and has played with the boys in the club setting. But what makes their achievement even more remarkable is that BFS has no onsite PE facilities, bar a small multi use hall, no cricket pitch, no cricket nets or even a sports field.
Michael Cox, Head of PE at BFS and Community & Partnerships for Advantage Schools said: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of Mia and Belis, their success is down to their hard work and commitment. “At BFS we believe that given the right circumstances, all children are capable of extraordinary
To that end she has established an Apprenticeship Conference for Women, chairing the inaugural meeting of the event in 2018 at the EEF Technology Centre in Birmingham and again in Bristol in 2019. Of being awarded an OBE, Dawn said: “It was such a shock, I am still getting over it! “I have pushed to see female apprentices in engineering enjoy the same access to networking and industry contacts as those enjoyed at university and on HE courses. “There is no easy way for apprentices to access and be inspired by trail blazers in the industry. This conference is the start of that journey.”
2020 New Year’s Honours List
things, well these young ladies are testament to that fact.” Cain Hamilton-Boyle, Cricket East Coach for Bedfordshire young cricketers said: “Both girls performed really well in their trials and we were impressed with their work ethic and commitment. We look forward to them both representing Bedfordshire.”
HM The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for 2020 has been announced and includes ten Bedfordshire recipients. Those who have been successful are as follows: Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) Rosemary Frances MAYGLOTHLING (Bedford) For services to Rowing and Gender Equality in Sport Martin James MCELHATTON (Luton) For services to Disability Sport Sabah GILANI (Luton) Chief Executive Officer, Better Community Business Network For services to Young People and to the Muslim community Charles Alan John YATES (Bedford) Head of Threat Leadership, Insights, Partnership and Delivery, National Crime Agency For services to Law Enforcement Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) Peter John SCOTT (Bedford) For voluntary service to the National Trust at Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton Dr Anne Margaret Stuart GRANT (Bedford) For services to charity in Bedfordshire Councillor Dr David MICHAEL (Luton) For services to the community in Greater London Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) Beverley Ann CHIDLEY (Central Bedfordshire) For services to Brownies and Girlguiding Susan (Sue) Moira ZUBROT (Bedford) For services to the community in Bedfordshire The Right Reverend Alvin BLAKE (Luton) For services to the community in Luton, Bedfordshire HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said “it is always a thrill to read how people in Bedfordshire are making a huge difference to their community in so many ways. My sincere congratulations to all those who have been awarded Honours and my thanks for your huge contribution.”
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Resin Bonded • Block paving • Patio slabs • Tarmacadam • Fencing • Turfing • Brickwork • Graveling • Landscaping and much more The Bulletin is an independent publication, part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2020 Rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest Bedford MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: advertising@rosetta publishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0SX.