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BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION
ISSN 2634-453X
APRIL 15, 2021
Bedford is open for business
Spring into Summer Al fresco eating and drinking, favourite shops and services are now open in Bedford. We are looking forward to further events and activities being reinstated in May giving people even more reasons to visit Bedford’s beautiful riverside settings, shops and stalls, including a Craft Market on every 4th Sunday of the month. Bedford is a town of markets and has 100s of independent businesses. Stroll through the Edwardian Arcade to see just a sample of the best that Bedford has to offer. Welcome back to Bedford.
Helping make Bedford beautiful Kel’s Belles Beauty, off Lime Street are back in the business of making Bedford beautiful.
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Welcome back! secure cycle parking and cycling infrastructure and are covering the cost Welcome back of Pavement Licenses to help support and a huge businesses as they re-open. thank you to our Bedford’s town centre is for local businesses everyone. who have kept Continuing on the theme of regoing despite the challenges and have opening, Bedford Central Library has provided such an amazing service to reopened and The Higgins is also Bedfordians during the pandemic. planned to reopen on May 17. Despite these challenges, I know And finally Bedford is a Town of Bedford’s fantastic businesses – Markets as granted by our historic independents and chains – are ready Charter of 1166 signed by King Henry II, to bounce back. and on April 14 we welcome back nonIndeed, some new businesses have essential traders for our regular opened since you may have last been Wednesday and Saturday Charter into town – and every single council Markets. A growing range of specialist owned unit in Riverside Bedford has markets are also coming to Bedford. been occupied. Bedford Craft Market is on the fourth You may notice some changes to Sunday of the month, starting on April 25 the environment as well. By the end of and Bedford Flea Market is on May 9. April work in Allhallows will be complete There is a huge amount going on. with brand-new paving and Silver Dave Hodgson – Mayor of Bedford So why not experience our amazing Square has been repaved with six new independent trees planted, creating a new, better shops and retail experience, visit one public space. Work continues to widen pavements and make of the museums and have a wander our High Street a better environment for everyone. round the beautiful Embankment We have also installed new dropped kerbs for pedestrians, gardens? wheelchairs and prams, new loading bays for shoppers, and
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Choose local and put the life and soul back into Bedford
I
Yasin Mohammad MP for Bedford and Kempston
T’S never been a more difficult time for businesses in Bedford and Kempston. From Bedford’s fantastic music venues, sports venues, gyms, to fantastic bars and restaurants it’s been touch and go about whether they’d come out the other side of the pandemic. Some hospitality businesses have been able to adapt to offer take way services or work out new ways of working, others have just about managed to survive on furlough. But for others, especially the selfemployed, sole traders, including taxi drivers and those in the beauty and well-being sector who were ‘excluded’ from any of the Government’s support packages, it’s been a difficult and traumatic year. Many smaller businesses have taken on large amounts of debt to get
them through the Covid crisis. The government must commit to providing SMEs with greater protections in the event of insolvencies and ensure a jobs recovery strategy – the like we’ve never seen before – to ensure anyone who’s lost their job to the pandemic is given the opportunity to retrain or restart. Because as we emerge from the wreckage of the pandemic, businesses will be central to the recovery effort. In recent years, we’ve watched the decline of our High Street after big and smaller named stores have closed their doors. No one could have expected the worst economic downturn in 300 years to hit already struggling businesses.
Its perhaps when they’re not there anymore that we realise the extent to which businesses are the lifeblood of our town. This has been particularly obvious during lockdown, where we have experienced the importance of relying on our local community in a new way. So many people have told me they don’t want to go back to the way things were before and how nice it has been to spend more time in their hometown. And our town needs you more now than ever before. As our local businesses open, we will all have a part to play in supporting their recovery. So please think about choosing local as we all begin to come out of the crisis to put the life and soul back into Bedford.
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Bedford Town Investment Plan ready for review ‘In these nationally challenging times we are investing in our town centre’ IN September 2019, Bedford was named as one of 101 towns that could bid for up to £25 million from Central Government for a Town Deal. To access this funding, the Town Deal Board, supported by Bedford Borough Council will need to put forward projects that fall into three key areas: l Urban regeneration, planning and land use; l Skills enterprise and infrastructure; and l Connectivity. Bedford Borough Council’s Executive is being asked to endorse the draft Town Investment Plan at its meeting on 16 September, in support of the Town Deal Board which is responsible for giving final approval of the Town Investment Plan. The Plan sets out a clear vision and strategy for how the money will be used in Bedford and details a number of projects that will have a significant positive impact on the town. Development of the Town Investment Plan has been overseen by the Town Deal Board, which includes public and private sector leaders and community representatives and will be asked to recommend submission of the Plan to the Government at its meeting on 12 October. Projects have been informed by
the outcome of the town centre consultation exercise carried out in 2019. The main projects set out within the draft Town Investment Plan include: l Regeneration of the station quarter l Regeneration of Midland Road l St. Paul’s Square public realm improvements l Improvements to town centre junctions l Improvements to cycling infrastructure In addition, the Council has submitted a bid for almost £1m, which will be used for: l Enhancements to Silver Street Square l Cycling enhancements across Bedford l Upgrading the Mill Meadow bandstand l Improving events infrastructure in the Town Centre l Improving pedestrian mobility in the Town Centre Councillor Henry Vann said, “This shared, ambitious vision for Bedford is in its exciting final stages. The Plan is inspired and informed by countless discussions with residents, local businesses, our outstanding independents, Love Bedford and under the leadership of the Town Deal Board. “In these nationally challenging times we are already seeing further investment
in Bedford and in the Town Centre, with the more immediately deliverable projects being accelerated to improve connectivity and start the process of linking our Town Centre together alongside our beautiful river Great Ouse. “As we continue to work together to counter COVID-19, the Town Investment Plan gives us a reason to be excited about the future of Bedford.” Samantha Laycock, Chair of the Town Deal Board said, “It’s great to see the Town Investment Plan coming together. Since January, members of the board have worked hard to develop a vision of the future of our town centre. Alongside our partners, AECOM, we feel the Town Investment Plan has brought together ideas that are going to bring long-term benefits to Bedford. “We really appreciate the feedback of residents that took park in the Town Centre consultation last year. Their contributions have informed the decisions we made at every stage of the process.” Once the draft Town Investment Plan has been approved by the Town Deal Board, the final version will be submitted to Central Government by October 31, 2021. Projects agreed by the Government must be delivered by March 2026.
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Welcome back to Bedford Town Centre! by HENRY VANN
ON Monday, April 12: further lockdown restrictions were lifted and businesses in Bedford Borough are once again able to open their doors to local residents, shoppers and visitors. Alongside non-essential retail, the changes will also welcome back outdoor hospitality, indoor leisure facilities including gyms, personal care services such as hairdressers and beauty salons, and libraries. While the town centre has been closed, Bedford Borough Council have delivered significant public realm improvements to Silver Street Square and repaving work in Allhallows is to be completed by the end of April 2021. Alongside public realm improvements, the Council has been upgrading the road, cycling and pedestrian networks to improve accessibility and connectivity of Bedford Town Centre, making it easier for people to visit. A new secure bicycle parking facility will open soon in Harpur Square, and temporary loading bays and
new dropped kerbs have been installed to support local businesses, visitors and shoppers. Car parks in Bedford town centre have also reopened on 12 April, following an extended period of closure due to lockdown restrictions. This will include the reopening of the newly refurbished St. Peter’s Street Car Park, which has been closed for resurfacing and repairs. Two hours free parking will be available every weekday at Queen Street Multi Storey Car Park, alongside free parking after 6pm in all Council owned car parks, except River Street Car Park.
Free courses will bring in 1,000s of students over summer THE Bedford Learning Centre is going to be pulling 1,000s of people into the town over the summer. With radio, press and leaflet advertising, the High Street centre, which is known for offering introductory IT courses, will be calling in crowds. The Learning Centre is part of The Bedford College Group which provides vital visitors to the town. In addition English as a Second Language (ESOL), English and maths courses are being offered online or at the riverside college campus over the summer. For details of how businesses and employees can benefit from courses at the Bedford Learning Centre go to bedford.ac.uk New for 2021 is a range of other businessbacking training such as Business Improvement Techniques and Cyber Security which could be of interest to town centre shops and services. These are purely online distance learning courses with advice and support available from a dedicated tutor. To register an interest, and to find the full list of courses available, please visit https://www.tresham.ac.uk/sectors/distancelearning/ BedfordBID is delighted to welcome this boost to town centre footfall and has offered £50 worth of Love Bedford vouchers to the Learning Centre to reward the top performing students. Since opening in the town, the Learning Centre has seen more than 10,000 students gain certificates in IT. These learners are often making their first visit to the town centre, and Love Bedford hopes to encourage them to keep coming back.
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APRIL 15, 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Bedford Borough Libraries reopen
FROM Monday, April 12, Bedford Borough Libraries will begin to reopen on a phased basis in line with the “next step” of the Government’s COVID-19 roadmap out of lockdown. Bedford Central and Kempston libraries open from April 12, with Putnoe Library opening from April 19. Bromham and Wootton libraries will open from April 26, with a Select and Collect service available at these two sites for some hours between April 14-26. You can check the website for opening hours and further service updates on the Virtual Library website. Initially the libraries will be open for managed browsing, allowing you to select your own books. Essential computer use will also be available and people are encouraged to book a session in advance if they can, as fewer computers are available due to social distancing. You can book a 45 minute session at https://bedford.imil.uk/. Safety remains the priority and measures are in place to ensure that customers feel comfortable, confident and safe in using library services. There will be a maximum capacity allowed for each library, so you may need to queue at busy times, and during this initial period of reopening customers will not be able to sit or study while visiting the library. Changes have been made to the layout of the library to make it as easy as possible to browse the shelves and choose your own books. Some other services will not be available for the time being and LibraryPlus hours will not be in operation during the initial period. Please wear a face covering when you visit the libraries, unless you have a legitimate reason not to, and remember to make space between yourself and other people and to regularly wash or sanitise your hands. Customers will also be asked to use the NHS Test and Trace app, or if you are not able to your contact details will be taken for the same purpose. With libraries opening, the current Select and Collect service will reduce. Staff selected bundles will no longer be available, but you can request individual titles for free using the library app or by
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Harpur Centre has opened and is ready for a busy summer
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calling the library. The books will be issued to your card when they are ready, so all you need to do is pick them up from the collection shelves in the relevant library. The exception to this is that the full Select and Collect service will be offered at Bromham and Wootton libraries only from April 14 up to the point these libraries open on April 26. Details about this service can be found via the Virtual Library. During this initial period of reopening, please don’t worry if you are unable to visit a library – loans have been extended for a further period plus you can renew your books online or by telephone. The Mobile Library will also be returning from the week beginning April 12. Due to the small space, customers will not be able to browse the shelves on the vehicle, but will be able to request books using the Select and Collect service and collect them from a Mobile Library stop. A temporary change to routes will be in place and details will be available shortly via the Virtual Library. A Borough Council spokesperson said “The staff have done a fantastic job providing a muchneeded service throughout this difficult year, ensuring people could still access books and other library stock while we have all been staying at home much more than we normally would. “Now we can start to get our libraries reopen in a COVID-safe and responsible way, and we look forward to welcoming you all back.”
IN LINE with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, The Harpur Centre and its retailer teams are gearing up to fully reopen again on Monday April 12. The Harpur Centre has remained open during the crisis to provide access to essential retailers such as pharmacies and food stores and has already implemented safety measures which include a heightened cleaning regime, free to use hand sanitiser and social distancing procedures across the Centre. Now, with the roadmap out of lockdown, the Centre and its retailer teams are gearing up for non-essential stores to reopen and are delighted to be welcoming more visitors back safely this Spring! Stores such as Primark, Pandora, and Yours will be open for shoppers once again to provide the real-life shopping experience that has been hugely missed by many within the community. Energie Fitness Bedford, which is situated on the basement floor, is also set to reopen its doors for all of Bedford’s fitness fanatics. For customer safety, the Centre’s current measures which include compulsory face masks unless exempt, hand sanitising stations, and directional floor markings will remain in place to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and employees. The Centre is also continuing to encourage visitors to be mindful of maintaining good personal hygiene whilst visiting. Always catch your cough or sneeze in a tissue, dispose of your tissue as soon as possible and clean your hands as soon as you can. The team are also urging customers who may be displaying symptoms of the virus to refrain from visiting the Centre. The plan has been fully communicated to
the Harpur Centre’s retailers who are being provided with support to help them reopen safely and in line with Government guidelines. In the coming months, The Harpur Centre team are also looking forward to the return of an exciting array of community campaigns and family activities when safe to do so. Samantha Laycock, The Harpur Centre Manager, commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming our visitors and non-essential retailers back to the Centre this month! Our retailer teams have been working hard to freshen up their stock Spring-style whilst also ensuring the stores are safe for both customers and staff. We are all very much looking forward to welcoming you back and restarting our community events and campaigns later in the year, when safe to do so... watch this space!” She added: “Our Centre and retailer teams have been working extremely hard under huge pressure this past year, and we want to extend a huge thank you to the key workers both within the centre and across Bedford who have done an excellent job in looking after our community. We have seen the community come together like never before, and although our Centre teams are working hard to keep everyone safe, it is crucial that we continue to work together and follow the current guidelines so that we can all look forward to getting back to some normality.” For more information visit the website: http://www.harpurcentre.co.uk/covid-19/, or visit www.facebook.co.uk/harpurshoppingcentre, follow us on Twitter @HarpurCentre and follow us on Instagram @Harpur_Centre.
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Vidal Sassoon at Venus
HIGH Street hair salon Venus (above Harrison and Simmonds) is celebrating 21 years in business, and the team is looking forward to celebrating with clients now it is open again. Unique at Venus are the individual wash and styling rooms where clients can enjoy privacy. Each room at the venue is themed with vivid memorabilia. Coming soon is an interactive Harry Potter room. The team at Venus undergo the very best in training, including at the globally renowned Vidal Sassoon centre to ensure they can offer virtuoso styling in a local setting. A visit to Venus is a very special experience. https://www.venushairandbeauty.co.uk/
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A message from BedfordBID
BEHIND the scenes, the Bedford Business Improvement District (BID), has been keeping in touch with shops and services in the town centre. We have been sharing information about Government funds and council plans, and, helping to promote those areas of business which were allowed to trade during the lockdowns of the last year via the hugely popular Love Bedford online platforms linked to www.lovebedford.co.uk In addition, BedfordBID has kept customers in touch with those trading online via loyal local print publications – we appreciate not everyone lives life via their laptop. Hence our support of this very special edition of the Beds Bulletin – please share your copy with your friends and family. Now we are back with a bang, and hope that everyone will enjoy visiting the county town of Bedford and all that it has to offer this Spring and Summer.
Samantha Laycock, Chair of the BedfordBID Board.
CORONAVIRUS
“Getting tested is a really easy way to help keep my family and my workmates safe.” PRATIK, RETAIL ASSISTANT
Get free rapid tests, even if you don’t have symptoms. Around 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms and can spread it without knowing. Test regularly – twice a week.
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REGULAR TESTING FOR SAFER WORKING IS HERE www.bedford.gov.uk/covid19
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APRIL 15, 2021 BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN
Albero Lounge Amici Ristorante Italiano* Bridges Espresso Bar* FatCap Smokehouse Herd Naughty Pizza* Pen & Cob (The Bedford Swan Hotel)* Pen & Cob Terrace* The Bear* The Flute The Gallery* The Higgins Pantry
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5th Avenue is up and running
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The Lane* The Mill Yard Coffee Lounge The Rose* The Ship* Wagamama Zizzi *Accepts Love Bedford vouchers
KERRY CASH owner of 5th Avenue, under Lurke Street car park in Bedford is looking forward to welcoming clients back to Howard Street: “We have kept in touch with all our clients since the pre-Christmas lockdown via regular emails. “When April 12 was confirmed we contacted everyone with a missed appointment from December 20. This took fours weeks to complete as there were 100s to reschedule. Next, we worked on all email and social media requests for appointments. “We are fully booked for first six weeks. We have the staff working in two teams so we can be flexible and open seven sets a week with four late nights. Also if we need to isolate, it won’t affect the whole team. “The team are in great spirits. We have
held fortnightly Zoom sessions to keep communicating which has stopped individuals from feeling anxious and made them feel ready to start. Also, we don’t know what are happening in lives of clients – in some ways our team will be counsellors too, so mentally it’s to prepare them for that. “We’ve been working with Bedford College to help with work experience opportunities. We are now training three students to assist one-to-one with the hair stylists. “The students need the work experience hours to go towards their qualification. Our hair girls have given their own time to show the students how we work: shampooing, making decent cup of tea, assisting the stylist and learning new skills.”
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April celebration in the Arcade More than a century of service is being celebrated when The Arcade reopens fully this April. Established in 1905 as a showcase of the finest retailers in town, The Arcade now has a new logo saluting the ‘Best of Bedford’s Independents’. The undercover parade features independentlyowned businesses in fashion, hair, health, an ice cream parlour, a historic sweet shop and more. It is an ideal place to while away an hour just admiring all the gorgeous individual offerings in the independent shops. Owners Padmanor Investments Ltd have transformed The Arcade by separating the unutilised spaces upstairs as stand-alone units for independent businesses like a local make-up artist, tattooist and a company running training courses, amongst others. This is an ongoing project by Padmanor to create multiple, high-quality, smaller spaces for new and existing independents to thrive in this busy thoroughfare. “We hope people agree we have recaptured the Edwardian atmosphere of specialist shops owned and
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run by locals offering a very personal service to customers. “We think The Arcade is a jewel in the crown of Bedford and while we can create the space, it is the continuing hard work of those who have chosen The Arcade to base their business there which creates the vibrancy and diversity that makes it so unique. “We believe it sets an example for all High Streets to follow – locally owned and run independents offering experiences, services and leisure alongside traditional retailers.” said Stephen Davies of Padmanor. Christina Rowe of the Business Improvement District (BID) which promotes the town under the Love Bedford brand said: “With Bedford High Street now being partly pedestrianised people should feel that the town is a place where they can simply stroll around and see what businesses have to offer. “We hope they will take a walk from the river, past the lovely St Paul’s Square and the ‘Faces’ on the newlook Silver Street, to The Arcade and discover the delights of so many independents.”
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High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 2021-2022
ERIC MASIH was born in Punjab, India and was brought to the UK by his parents in 1967 where he was educated locally. Eric has continued to live in Bedford with his wife, four sons and four grandchildren. His hobbies include Asian classical music and martial arts, and he continues to practice as Southern Region Area instructor for the Tetsudo Martial Arts Association. He has been a well-respected and wellknown face within Bedfordshire for a number of years. He started his working life within the Geophysical Services institute before moving into the insurance industry where he held a number of managerial and financial roles. Eric’s true calling came in 1996 when he entered the Property and Mortgage sector and established his current business, Gold Crown Estate Agent. Within this sector, Eric is particularly committed to providing affordable and social housing in Bedfordshire.
Following on from this, Eric has sought to introduce business opportunities into local areas which have previously been considered run down and derelict and in 2006, Eric took over the previously derelict Irish Club, on Midland Road in Bedford in an attempt to attract business to the locality. After an extensive refurbishment project, he launched the Midas Bar & Club. Within the local community, Eric holds roles with several charities and organisations including the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) for which he is a trustee, founding member of the Bedfordshire Asian Business Association (BABA) and Queens Park Academy School where he is a governor. In 2013, Eric was appointed as the Chairman of Queens Park Community Organisation (QPCO), an organisation committed to building bridges between Bedford’s diverse communities.
Eric plays an active role in community cohesion and by the hosting of numerous fundraising events, fayres, and activities he has very quickly gained full support of local businesses, residents and the local Community Policing teams. His dedication has always been intent on casting a light onto the melting pot of Bedfordshire’s varied and diverse communities. Eric is honoured to have been nominated as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for the forthcoming year and recognises that, despite the joint efforts to keep communities going, there is yet much work to do. The unforeseen effects of the Covid19 pandemic over the past year have brought to the surface the financial, social and emotional hardships faced by many throughout the Borough. Eric passionately feels that it is through Community Cohesion, and in particular through the work of local voluntary groups, that we can start to move towards a recovery phase.
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people Writer rises to challenge BEDFORD writer Deborah Bromley has just published her second anthology of short stories entitled, The Importance of Vests: More Challenges from the Writers’ Group. Deborah is a member of Northants Writers’ Ink and this book showcases the writing challenges set by fellow members from 2018 onwards, together with her responses. Deborah says: “My fellow group members are renowned for setting some fiendishly difficult writing challenges that make you dig deep for inspiration. That’s what makes belonging to this group so exciting. We are also known for our love of sci-fi, horror and the paranormal.” During lockdown the group took to online meetings and all references of death, disease, imprisonment, isolation and similar topics were banned. However, in September 2020 this restriction was abandoned and members could let imaginations romp in a challenge that demanded the subject must be about death, disease and isolation. Deborah’s response was The New Normal, a tale set in Bedford and Olney, showcasing her wicked sense
of deadpan humour. Another story – The Biddenham Ghosts – imagines paranormal activity set around her home village. The book is designed to entertain but also to inspire. It gives a glimpse into the creative mindset required to respond to the writing challenges, allowing other aspiring writers to consider penning their own responses.
She also invites readers to critique her work and decide if her stories have successfully met the brief. The Importance of Vests: More Challenges from the Writers’ Group by Deborah Bromley is available from Amazon in paperback and ebook format. Find out more about Northants Writers’ Ink at www.northantswritersink.net
Going the extra mile for hospice
THE Extra Mile 20:20 challenge saw 100 cyclists hop on their bikes, raising £6,840 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Bedfordshire, which provides expert care for people with life-limiting conditions. The virtual fundraising challenge, which took place in September 2020, was organised by Bedford Park Rotary and Milton Keynes Grand Union Rotary, raising vital funds for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice as well as Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes. Previous years saw the relay event take place over three days in Europe. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2020, this was not possible. Instead, the fundraiser saw participants design their own routes - cycling in and around Bedford, the Cotswolds, Essex and even the French Dordogne - with mileage varying from 20 to 200 miles over the three day event. Due to the ongoing pandemic, Sue Ryder, like all charities, has suffered financially, with mass fundraising events cancelled and its charity shops closed. By taking part in the Extra Mile challenge, residents of Bedford and the surrounding areas have provided crucial support to ensure that Sue Ryder’s nurses, care teams and support staff can be there for the community when it matters. Local resident, Kevin Armstrong cycled 115 miles, personally raising £992 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. He said: "Earlier this year we lost a much-loved family member. During his final days, he was looked after by the fantastic team at Sue
Ryder St John’s Hospice. The care and consideration the staff gave to him and to the whole family, including our young daughter, were absolutely second to none. “If by playing a small part and raising funds to enable the team to care for another family in the same way we were looked after, then that seemed the absolute least I could do." Current President of Bedford Park Rotary, Ian Melville, added: "It never ceases to amaze me how many families have benefitted from the care and attention that Sue Ryder provides at such a difficult time, when someone has a terminal illness." Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, Hayley Webb says: “We cannot thank each person enough for the time and effort they dedicated to the Extra Mile challenge – from the cyclists to the rotary clubs who made the event possible. “During an incredibly challenging year, the funds raised for St John’s Hospice have helped us to continue caring for local people and their families through the most difficult times of their lives – it really does make a huge difference.” The Extra Mile 2021 fundraising event will very shortly be open for entry, taking place between September 24-27. If participants decide to take on the challenge for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice this year, 100% of the money raised will go towards supporting the hospice. For more information, or to sign up to support Sue Ryder St John's Hospice visit: www.extra-mile.org.uk
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BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN APRIL 15, 2021
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gardening with Milton Ernest Garden Centre Exotic summer plants for patio pots T
by Maureen Catlin
HIS year more than ever we need to treat ourselves. We can’t go out to eat in a restaurant. We can only go to the pub garden. Holidays abroad are restricted and risky with all the variant virus strains about. Our own gardens become even more special this year for relaxing and enjoying ourselves in the company of however many friends and relations Boris allows us to meet. So here are some really special additions to the bedding plants for summer colour to enhance your own outdoor space. All my following highlights are easy to grow on the patio in pots, hanging baskets or plant pouches using John Innes no 2 Compost, Jacks Magic or John Innes with Multicompost. Bidens Bee Dance Painted Red and Painted Yellow are two beautiful new varieties for planting in hanging baskets, containers and window boxes adding colour and fragrance to the patio. They have a compact habit and the brightly coloured flowers are a magnet to Butterflies and Bees who flock to the sweet honey scented flowers that have very high nectar levels. They flower continuously from June to the first frost in late autumn. Impatiens Imara is a new strain of Busy Lizzie. Five years ago we had to stop growing Impatiens because the seed became infected with a fungus. At the time it was the most popular and versatile bedding plant. This new strain has been bred in America and has proven to resist the Downey Mildew Fungus even when grown in our climate. It is available as Imara Red and Imara Pink and flowers from May until the autumn frosts. It is lovely to be able to grow this versatile plant in our summer bedding schemes again. Begonia Summerwings was voted one of the top five best performing patio plants in 2019. It is available in three colours Orange, Red and, my favourite, Vanilla with golden centres. These plants are very low maintenance requiring no trimming or dead heading and give a striking display planted in tubs and hanging baskets in sun or shade. Another new variety of Begonia is Fragrant Falls available in two colours Peach and Lemon and has a lovely fragrance. It is trailing, performs well in sun or shade and is spectacular in hanging
baskets, pouches and window boxes. The perfumed flowers can really be appreciated when the windows and doors are open. Nemesias bred by Martine Tellwright are one of the most popular bedding plants worldwide. They are very easy to grow in an amazing range of
colours. Three new strongly scented neat growing varieties are Olivia which is violet and cream with a yellow centre, Sapphire purple with a cream centre and Lady Penelope with large vanilla cream, orange pink and yellow flowers. Nemesias grow well in patio tubs and window boxes with the perfume permeating into the house
through open windows. Nasturtium Orchid Cream is a spectacular plant with rich creamy yellow splashed maroon flowers. It is a compact plant excellent in patio pots in full sun. It thrives in poor soil so only water the tubs but don’t feed. As well as being ornamental the flowers and leaves add a distinct peppery taste to summer salads. Nasturtium Orchid Flame is another dramatic colour combination of orange yellow and maroon. It was Flower of the Year in 2019. It has a more trailing habit so is excellent in hanging baskets. It is excellent for bees and brilliant at repelling destructive bugs on the veg patch so plant near any brassicas. Another exciting new plant is Petchoa Beautical a cross between the upright Petunia and the trailing Calibrachoas. It is very easy to grow performing well in hot dry summers and in colder wetter weather as the flowers are not damaged by rain. It grows forming a mound covered in masses of flowers of rich unusual colours with darker centres Strawberry Pink, Cinnamon, Caramel Yellow and Glowing Orange. It is a perfect plant for low maintenance patio pots. All these are new variant strains or hybrids of the familiar bedding plants we love in summer. Unlike Covid 19 they are joys to behold. Try to grow a couple in your patio pots this summer I know you will be back to try more next year.
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AL FRESCO COFFEE SHOP NOW OPEN The Coffee Shop is open to serve you at your table with our home prepared food in our outdoor heated and covered seating area. We look forward to seeing your again.
Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
Let’s take this next step safely.