CRACK DOWN ON DRINK DRIVERS DECEMBER 2019
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INSIDE: OUT AND ABOUT n SPORT n AROUND YOUR CLUBS n LOCAL NEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
WITH Christmas a few weeks away we are faced with the perennial conundrum of whose turn is it to drive? With Christmas overindulgence and too much alcohol it is easy to fall foul of the legal limit.
The drinkaware campaign is a reminder that drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal.
With everyone in party mode and feeling festive it is tempting to have that one last drink believing you are safe to drive. The truth is you are not. According to drinkaware.co.uk “the legal drink drive limit cannot easily be converted into a certain number of units as it depends upon a number of physiological factors notably age, gender, body mass and how quickly your body absorbs alcohol.” Two pints of regular strength lager and two small glasses of wine would put you over the legal limit. Age seems to be no barrier when it comes to drinking and driving. According to the Department of Transport statistics (Drinkdrive accidents and casualties’ 2017) the over 60s are not immune to falling foul of the legal limit believing they can drive safely. The cost of alcohol in pubs and clubs has seen a fall in the number of young people drinking and driving but the over 60s appear to take the view that it is safe to drive. The legal limit in England, Wales and N.I. is 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood, one of the highest in Europe. The drink drive limit gives a false impression of what our alcohol limit is. We’ve all experienced ‘that one too many feeling’ believing it is safe to get into a car and drive even the shortest distance home. The consequences of drink driving can be catastrophic to yourself and others -death, life changing injuries and imprisonment.
by Caroline McCormack
Drinkaware offers the following tips to stay safe at Christmas and all year round n Download the drinkaware app from the App store or Google Play
n Decide who is going to drive BEFORE you leave the house
n Book a taxi in advance if you are going out in a group n Don’t drink on an empty stomach
n Pace yourself by alternating alcohol with water and soft drinks n Change the size of the glass, that way you are still drinking but consuming less
n Always take a coat with you, alcohol makes blood flow closer to your skin and away from your body. Going into the cold means you will lose heat very quickly.
Finally – DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!
Wishing all of our readers, advertisers and staff a Happy Christmas and a Great New Year
2 — KEMPSTON CALLING
DECEMBER 2019
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Join a new venture plus an invitation to join us at KPIBC SomEThINg for the young and something for the less able to enjoy, that is what is happening at Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club.
Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club recognise the importance of promoting the sport to the Youth of the Community as they are the future of the Sport and also essential to the long-term sustainability of the Club. During the Summer School holidays of 2019, the Club opened its doors to schoolchildren from aged 8 years upwards and with the active involvement of the Club Coaches, held a weekly “Kids Corner” every Saturday morning from 10.00 until 12.00. The emphasis was on a FUN introduction to the game and this proved to be a successful exercise with a number of children keen to learn and develop their experience in the sport. The Club are now moving towards introducing a bespoke Junior Bowls Section, dedicated to developing and bringing on our future Bowls Champions. To facilitate this, during the winter season, two rinks will be set aside every Saturday morning from 10.00am until midday, exclusively for the coaching and development of the Clubs Junior Bowls Section. We are keen to grow the numbers and so we are constantly on the lookout for youngsters aged from eight years upwards to join our junior section and participate in these sessions. If you have children/grandchildren you
JUNIOR BOWLS
feel may be interested in learning to play indoor bowls, now is the time to start them off. Why not come along on a Saturday morning at 10.0am and try it out,
The Club has had a weekly session for a number of years for bowlers who use a wheelchair – it is held on Tuesdays from 12-2pm, throughout the year. There are currently 10 members who attend with their own personal helpers, alongside volunteers from the Club. If you would like more details or information on how to become a Wheelstar, please contact the Club Steward on 01234 852291.
WHEELSTARS
of particular note and as an illustration of the importance and worthiness of our voluntary groups is the involvement of the Club and its volunteers with the Tibbs Foundation. Tibbs was formed in 2013 and with the help of a grant from the Borough Council, groups were formed to help people with dementia and their families. It is a registered charity and a not-for-profit company. It takes its name from margaret-Anne Tibbs who is known locally and nationally for her life-long work in the field of people with dementia. They now provide over 30 regular weekly services assisting over 300 people every month to live well with dementia. The group’s daily activities include for example: Walking Football, gar-
TIBBS FOUNDATION
dening, Swimming, Singing and music for memory. Indoor Bowls now also takes its place as a rewarding and pleasurable activity within the group activities. on a Tuesday they come to Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club to enjoy an hour’s bowling with us. Some of the group and their carers come for lunch from 12 noon and then we start bowling from 12.30 – 1.45p.m. The club tries to supply seven volunteers each week to help, and if that is not possible some of the carers will also help. We use four rinks, one of which is used for four of the group to have a scoring game. There are usually 20 bowlers each week who thoroughly enjoy their bowling. There is always great excitement when a bowl hits the jack. It is a privilege to have this group as members of KPIBC and for us to be able to provide an hour of physical and mental stimulation. All the club volunteers look forward to coaching them and thoroughly enjoy seeing the obvious pleasure the bowlers show during the bowling session. We can never have enough club members volunteering their time and effort into this rewarding and soul-lifting enterprise and if you would like some more information and indeed feel you would like to be a part of this great group and get involved for an hour or so over a few sessions during the Summer and Winter seasons, they would love to hear from you.
KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL Switch on! If you get this publication really early in the month then you may like to be reminded that the Kempston Christmas lights ‘switch on’ will take place on 3rd December at 6.30pm at the Saxon Centre. It is hoped that this year there may be slightly more interest for our younger residents. There will be the usual singing of Carols and of course there will be a visit from a very special person!! Kempston Town Council finance the purchase of the lights and tree
MEETINGS IN DECEMBER/JANUARY
Tuesday December 10th 6.30pm PLANNING 7.30pm KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL Tuesday December 17th 7.30pm KEMPSTON BURIALS JOINT COMMITTEE Wednesday December 18th 7.00pm POLICE PRIORITY SETTING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM Tuesday January 14th 6.30pm PLANNING 7.30pm KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL In the Council Chamber, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston
and they also have to pay for the installation that is carried out by the Borough Council. This year Kempston have invested in a few new lights. It is hoped that everyone will enjoy the event.
Sad – but thank you! Kempston Town Council is very sad to hear from Bedford Lions that they will no longer be able to organise the Kempston Fun Day. They have been running the event for the last 11 years and have raised in excess of £23,000 for local causes in Kempston. Due to falling numbers and ageing membership they have decided that 2019 was the final one that they would be holding. It is a great shame that there will be no more Kempston Fun Days. Kempston Council (on behalf of residents) would like to say to Bedford Lions ‘very many thanks for all your time and effort over the years’.
Councillors and Staff at Kempston Town Council wish everyone a ‘Very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Christmas” Recently Carl Meader the Mayor of Kempston held a very successful Charity dinner at the Blue Ginger Restaurant in Kempston. As always the food was great and £552 was raised for the Mayor’s charity – Road Victims Trust.
‘Lest we forget’ It was a lovely bright Autumnal afternoon when Kempston paid its respects to and remembered those who had lost their lives in war and conflict. Kempston East Methodist church was full to capacity for the Remembrance Day service. Those who were able, joined in the procession, led by the Boys’ Brigade band, along Bedford Road to the War Memorial at the junction of Bedford Road/St John’s Street. After the two minutes silence, poppy wreaths were laid. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant was followed by civic dignitaries, representatives of business and
local services, uniformed organisations and individuals. Thanks to the Police who efficiently controlled the traffic.
Festive food If you receive this paper before 11th December and you are a senior citizen living in Kempston, then you are invited by Kempston’s Mayor Carl Meader to a free festive tea! It will take place – 11th December between 1-3pm at the Centenary Hall Kempston. If you want to attend please phone the
office 01234 851005 as soon as possible for catering purposes.
Refurbishment Kempston Town Council is responsible for the upkeep of both the offices and the Centenary Hall. Councillors have decided to refurbish the hall on a phased basis. Some redecoration has already been done. Recently a decision has been made to ‘resurface’ the hall floor. It is hoped that disruption to hirers will be kept to a minimum.
104 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BG Tel: 01234 851005 www.kempstontowncouncil.com Email: kempstoncouncil@btconnect.com Office hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday
Mayor drops in on Bunyan Playgroup TEL: 07894 935952 ADVERTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
ON Tuesday, November 19, the Mayor of Kempston, Cllr. Carl Meader, paid an official visit to Bunyan Playschool. The Manager, Mrs Emma Copperwheat introduced him to the staff;- Barbara Wlodarscky, the Deputy Manager, Mihaela Yasir, Antonia Del Busso and Susan Connor. He also met the specialist one-to-one staff;- Lea Horsler, Laura Hadigate and Karen Bryden. Mr Daniel Leppkes was unable to attend. The Mayor observed the children in writing and colouring groups, dressing up using the wardrobe of costumes, working on small projects and simply enjoying the educational items available. One of the purposes of the visit was to officially open the re-furbished room specially designed for two-year-olds with suitable equipment and play things, special lighting effects and decorated in soothing pastel colours. The children could not wait to enter this special area ! Cllr. Meader spoke of his appreciation for the work the staff were doing in that the education and enjoyment provided by such playgroups was obvious from the children’s reactions. Emma Copperwheat explained to the Mayor that over the next few months, the
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FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Kempston Fun Day IN 2009 Bedford Lions Club took over the running of Kempston Fun Day from the previous committee and over the last 11 years has raised in excess of £23,000 which has been donated to good causes in the Kempston area. However, due to falling numbers and an ageing membership, the club has reluctantly decided that it is no longer able to run the event and, therefore, this year’s event was the last one they will hold. It had been hoped that others would take over responsibility for it but that has not happened. The Lions are very grateful for the support the event has received from those who have attended it, stall holders, arena acts and everyone who as helped in any way. Special thanks are due to Kempston Town Council for their annual donations, Michael Graham Estate Agents for their help with publicity in recent years and Gumble Amusements who have provided the children’s rides and inflatables. Bedford Lions Club will continue to run fund raising events, in particular their Christmas activities when they take their Father Christmas sleigh around the streets and to local supermarkets during December to raise funds. This year’s named beneficiaries will be St John’s Hospice at Moggerhanger and CLIC Sargent Children’s Cancer Charity as well as other local charities. Details can be found at www.bedfordlions.co.uk. and on Facebook at Bedford Lions UK. If you are interested in joining Bedford Lions Club or would like to help with fund raising activities please contact them through their website or by phoning 0345 833 7429.
New heating system benefits local groups
ThE halls at Kempston East methodist Church have a new heating system. Work was carried our during the summer months to remove the old heating system from the halls; the boiler was about 40 years old and many of the radiators were originally installed when the halls were built. The system was inefficient and sometimes failed in really cold weather. Two wall mounted gas fired condensing boilers have been installed in modular format together with flat panel radiators in most rooms. Permanent hot water has also been provided to the kitchen and toilet hand basins replacing the former immersion heater. The system operates in five zones allowing heating to be programmed according to the daily use of the halls. The Church is very grateful to the contractor, J. W. housden, for the efficient manner in which the work was carried out whilst still allowing the halls to be used. The work cost about £38,000 and was made possible by donations from Church members but also by very generous grants from the following bodies: Bedford Lions Club, Beds and herts. historic Churches Trust, gale Family Trust, harpur Trust, St John’s hospital Trust and William Butterfield Trust. The Kempston Boys Brigade also raised £2,650 from a sponsored cycle / boiler ride challenge. A 6person cycle towing an old boiler was ridden around North Bedfordshire over a weekend visiting about thirty methodist Churches. Kempston East is very grateful to everyone who has contributed through donations and grants to make the project possible. The Church halls are very well used by local groups and are especially popular for children’s parties. If you belong to a group who need the use of a hall or perhaps you would like somewhere to hold a special event or a party, you can obtain more information by telephoning 01234 852101.
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Charlotte’s the new Project Co-ordinator
oarding Ken B e s i n r Sun4 Great North Road, Chawston, els Bedford MK44 3BD
TRANSITIoNS UK is a charity working across herts, Beds, Bucks and parts of North London, providing support that changes young lives. The charity is five years old and works with young people with learning disabilities, young people leaving care and young people who are at risk of criminal exploitation or offending. In Bedford, Transitions UK runs its Achieve Project for young people aged 17 years to 22 years with learning disabilities, partly using the great facilities at Christchurch, in Dudley Road, Bedford. Young people can attend the skills and development sessions in the building (Wednesdays from 4pm to 8pm) but are also supported to engage in the local community as part of their independence training. Charlotte Lawrence has just taken up the role of Project Coordinator on Achieve Bedford and is passionate about providing the support the young people need to achieve their best potential. “Young people with learning disabilities have the right to become the best they can be: we focus on what young people can
RESISTING THE TEMPTATION TO BE GOD do rather than what they can’t. We use unique models and approaches commended by BBC Children in Need, and we work through our volunteer mentors to increase young people’s confidence, relational and communication skills and also to help them with interview and CV skills to support them into employment or next steps education. “ If you know young people who would benefit from the project contact Charlotte on 07719 956479. If you would like to volunteer as a mentor for young people you can either ring Charlotte or contact the Charity’s volunteer Co-ordinator, Katie hall, on 01582 380620.
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8 Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8AD Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
For several years the Archbishop of Canterbury has invited all the Southern Province Bishops (roughly Dioceses south of Nottinghamshire) to a twenty-four hour retreat in Canterbury as part of our preparations for Advent and Christmas. This year was no exception. once again we gathered in the historic crypt, soaked up the holiness of our mother church, and joined its daily round of worship. A highlight this year was a night-time candle-lit walk around the Cathedral reflecting on the life of St Thomas Becket and his martyrdom. The retreat leader in her opening reflection drew our attention to the story in genesis 11 which describes the building of the tower of Babel. You may remember the details. The people of the world decide to build a tower that will reach to the heavens and which ‘will make a name’ for themselves. god seeing this attempt to become god-like thwarts their plans by making them speak different languages and scatters them across the face of the earth. Traditionally this is seen as an early explanation of the fact that the world includes different languages, and a challenge to that pride that usurps the place of god. more recently the former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in his book The Dignity of Difference used the Tower of Babel as the basis of a celebration of difference. Far from being a cause of division, our differences should be valued. our retreat leader in Canterbury however introduced a new perspective that I hadn’t noticed before. The Bible is like that – new insights which one hasn’t spotted before! In this case it is verse 5 that says that god ‘came down’ to look at their building works. What struck me anew was that the hebrew words used speak of god coming down a huge distance. however impressive the tower, it was still minute in the sight of god. Even the grandest of human endeavours need to be seen as the modest endeavours that they are. As we come to the general Election this image from genesis, I suggest, puts all our human aspirations and achievements into proper perspective. It prevents a claiming of too much and encourages that proper humility that celebrates difference and enables cooperative society. Let those who seek office strive for the best, but also be honest about what is possible, accountable for what they achieve, and resistant to that temptation to believe they are god.
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Dave by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
VICTORY FOR OUR HOSPITAL SERVICE
I am pleased to report that local NhS bosses have finally committed to keeping key services at Bedford hospital in a huge win for local residents and supporters of the campaign to save Bedford hospital. NhS bosses recently told a meeting of local NhS and Local Authority leaders that Bedford would retain its maternity services, accident and emergency and 24-hour children’s wards. original plans would have represented a massive downgrade of Bedford hospital. I, along with many others, have been campaigning to save services at Bedford hospital since before being first elected in 2009. This is great news. I would like to thank everyone who has signed petitions and supported campaigns over the last decade. We now need to make sure this promise is delivered on! however, my colleagues on the Council have discovered none of the recently announced £99million for the Bedford/Luton & Dunstable hospitals merger is to be spent of Bedford hospital. There have been too many broken promises over the years! This cannot be another broken promise; we are demanding that Bedford hospital gets the investment it deserves. We must also keep campaigning for our other health services. The current service at Putnoe Walk-in centre is only agreed until summer/autumn 2020 and there is currently talk of only a short extension to the service. I am calling on the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning group (CCg) to ensure the future of this valuable service in good time - not to leave it to the last minute and surround it with uncertainty again. I have set up a new petition calling on the CCg to guarantee the future of Putnoe Walk-in centre. You can sign it at www.bedfordlibdems.org.uk/walkin
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‘Taking the air’ takes on a whole new meaning
PUPILS of Balliol Primary School in Kempston are some of the first in the country to benefit from a new approach to teaching their children outside of the classroom. The idea of creating an outdoor classroom was floated by the school’s headteacher at the time, Kirsty Bicknell, who told us, “We wanted to create a facility, in which our children could be taught and at the same time learn about the environment around them. our initial research indicated that to create an outdoor classroom and a “chill-out zone” for children to learn in and have space to build social and emotional skills, would cost approximately £20,000! W e approached our Parents and Teachers Association (Friends of Balliol) and Bedfordshire Freemasons to seek their assistance. After careful consideration, Bedfordshire Freemasons agreed to provide £15,000 and our PTA helped to fundraise the balance. on behalf of all the staff and the pupils of Balliol, I would like to express our most grateful thanks to Bedfordshire Craft and Bedfordshire mark master masons and our wonderful PTA for providing the funds to help us create this unique learning and thinking facility. Tony henderson, the leader of Bedfordshire Craft Freemasons told us, “We are delighted that we could help Kirsty and her team build this amazing outdoor classroom and thinking space. The £15,000 donated by Freemasons,
includes a £5,000 contribution from Bedfordshire mark master masons. Freemasons are keen to be involved in and support the communities we live in and where possible will support local charities and good causes. We are currently building a 48 bed state of the art accommodation and amenities lodge for Bedfordshire Scouts at the Leslie Sell Activity Centre in Bromham. In addition to the good causes we support locally, Freemasons across England and Wales gave over £48 million to charities and good causes last year, and over 5 million hours of voluntary work was provided by Freemasons to local and national charities and good causes in 2018”. Russ howard, the Leader of Bedfordshire mark master masons told us, “We are delighted that we could combine with Bedfordshire Craft Freemasons to help build this wonderful and unique teaching and thinking facility for the pupils of Balliol Primary School. having visited the school to see the outside area for myself, I was impressed with the outdoor classroom and “chill-out” space, and the politeness and good manners of the pupils and their enthusiasm for their new outdoor classroom. All we need now is some mild weather so the pupils can enjoy their lessons “Al Fresco”.
Memories required
In 2021 the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama will be celebrating 100 years since it started in 1921. The Festival Committee are compiling a book documenting the Festival’s history. We would love to include your memories and photos of taking part. Please get in touch with us via our website: bedfordshirefestival.org.uk
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Bedford Road Primary PTFA fundraising provides new outdoor equipment
THE PTFA has been very busy over the past year fundraising for the children at Bedford Road Primary School. Their fundraising has recently supported the development of our Early Years playground. Over the summer holidays, over £4,000 of outdoor equipment was installed by the school site agent and volunteers from McDonalds. The children are all enjoying the new play house, mud kitchen, shop, music stand and benches, which have greatly enhanced their outside play experience. Our
Good news for FE education A “good” ofsted grade for The Bedford College group is great news for Further Education in the region. The news is especially welcomed in Northamptonshire where Tresham College, now part of the group, had previously been graded as “Inadequate” by ofsted. The merger which took place in August 2017, has been followed by some robust changes which have led to improved standards, performances and investment across the three campuses Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough. Ian Pryce CBE, Principal and CEo of Bedford College for two decades, and who led the development into the group, said: “This is a fantastic inspection result. Staff at Tresham have risen to the challenge and can now claim it is a very good college. Just as pleasing, Bedford College has improved again on its previous inspection.
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thanks goes to the Bedford Road PTFA and also to the team from McDonalds who gave up their time to support our school. If your child is due to start school in September 2020 and you are considering Bedford Road Primary, please do contact us to make an appointment to visit the school. Guided tours are taking place throughout November. The school can be contacted on 01234 851011 or by email to: office@bedfordroad.school.
Apprentice in engineering finals BEDFoRD College and Lockheed martin advanced apprentice Ben Copperwheat has won a regional round of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2019. he will now go forward to the national finals. Ben, aged 21, from Ampthill, Bedfordshire joined the Lockheed martin UK team three years ago and is now Deputy Scout SV Engineering Lead. he was nominated for the award by head of Technical Facilities mark Lawson, who is a governor for The Bedford College group and an inspiration for young people wanting to go into engineering. Ben commented: “Apprenticeships are an equal choice to going to university. I want to demonstrate through my own success just what can be achieved by doing an apprenticeship with the right organisation, such as Lockheed martin.” Neil hebron Director of Engineering and Technology at Lockheed martin UK Ampthill said: “We are so proud that Ben has been announced as the East midlands Region Advanced Apprentice of the Year. he is a fantastic role model for apprenticeships and Lockheed martin UK.” Now in their 16th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards showcase the diverse and growing range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships, whilst celebrating the achievements of outstanding apprentices, apprentice employers and individuals to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and champion apprenticeships across England. Following the regional ceremonies that took place across England, employers from sectors including banking, the public sector, TV and engineering will compete to win four national employer titles. An Apprenticeship Champion will also be crowned on the night, along-
side the winner of the coveted Rising Star award – which is decided in part by a public vote. Ian Pryce CBE, CEo of The Bedford College group said: “We are so pleased for Ben. A superstar apprentice with a superstar employer with whom we are proud to work.” Andy osborn a Course manager in Engineering at Bedford College, who has watched Ben’s progress from the college-run University Technical College (UTC) at Dunstable, said: “Ben is a fantastic example of how the routes into the very best careers in engineering do not need to involve university. Ben came to us from hartlington Upper School, thrived in the UTC environment, gaining exceptional grades and winning a Duke of York gold award along the way. From there he was accepted into the Lockheed martin apprenticeship position, and has since completed his hND at Bedford College, and is now with us to top up to his BSc in Engineering degree. Via Bedford College and our links with major employers, talented teenagers can rise through the ranks rapidly – without the burden of a three year university debt.”
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Upwards to jobs in scaffolding CoNSTRUCTIoN students from The Bedford College group’s campuses in Beds and Northants joined a scaffolding careers event held at global company in milton
Keynes. organised by hAKI Ltd and the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, the event inspired young people to pursue a variety of careers on offer in
the industry. more than 25 students from the group attended and had the opportunity to participate in a series of activities held throughout the day. These included a K’NEX challenge where students tested their structural abilities, a handson experience building a scaffold tower using the hAKI Universal system and talks from individuals in various roles within the scaffolding industry. Speakers included:
• Lester Brown and Barry Taylor, global Technicians at hAKI
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Sponsors line-up
ThE Love Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) is to be the main sponsor of a bumper Bedford College Achievement Ceremony at the Corn Exchange on December 5. Silver sponsors will be Rosetta Publishing (Beds Bulletin & Kempston Calling newspapers), Commercial Interiors & Storage, the harpur Trust, Innovation on-Site and the Sharnbrook Academy Foundation. hundreds of students, their proud families and VIPs will witness the celebration of successes of the college, which has grown into a powerful educational group across Bed and Northants. BedfordBID, and the 100s of businesses it supports, recognises the value of having 1,000s of staff and students right in the heart of Bedford. Their custom makes a critical contribution, one business estimates that 30% of its trade mon-Fri comes from students. In addition to the riverside college campus, the group has The Bedford Sixth Form with 500+ students in Bromham Road, a hair and Beauty training salon and the Bedford Learning Centre in the high Street. Said BedfordBID Director
Christina Rowe: “This event is a highlight of the year in terms of local families coming into the town centre to see young people collecting their awards and certificates. It’s such a positive event with significance for employment and the economy, all of which is a necessary business boost for Bedford. Previously the college has contributed mASSIVELY to Love Bedford vouchers income with 75% of £1 million coming from college purchases College parking after hours and holidays mean that those same staff and students have access to convenient town centre parking for weekend visits. Students who attend college at 16 are for the first time being introduced to the town centre as consumers (e.g. not with parents) and are therefore of tremendous value to certain outlets – many of which offer student discounts. Brooks hair and Beauty Salon on high Street is an example of ‘other uses’ of retail outlets in a town centre AND brings in cohorts of young consumers. It also adds glamour to the town with the annual hair & Beauty Show.
At the end of the event, 11 out of 26 students said they would now consider a career into scaffolding upon completion of their studies. David Wilkins, Director of Construction & Building Services at The Bedford College group, commented: “The students had a fantastic day and learnt a lot about areas of the construction industry that they might not have originally considered. They also participated in some great activities to develop their teamwork skills.” Paula hubbard, group Training manager at hAKI added: “The open day was organised to inspire those in the 16-18 age group to consider scaffolding as a genuine and rewarding career choice. hAKI is dedicated to working collaboratively with both our industrial and educational partners to get this message across to this age group.”
Getting them young Stuart Dickerson and his wife Candia Crosfield, took their two-year-old God son, Theo Rutherford and his friend, Rafe White to watch their first football match! Kempston Rovers versus Bedford Town. The game finished 1-2 in an exciting encounter but there was a controversial penalty after a goal line scramble which gave Bedford Town the win. It went to a very junior VAR panel who decided there was nothing clear and obvious enough to overrule the decision! Better luck next time Walnut Boys!
12 — KEMPSTON CALLING
DECEMBER 2019
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DECEMBER 2019 KEMPSTON CALLING —
DKMS Hub registers 2000th stem cell donor A LoCAL and very active volunteer group called DKmS Beds hub, who work to promote the importance of blood stem cell registrations, achieved a significant milestone on November 15, with the help of the people of Bedford. Borough hall was the venue for the group’s latest stem cell drive, 68 employees took a few minutes out during their lunch break to join the register. This is the 50th stem cell drive the group has organised in Bedfordshire, since they launched their local campaign 1.5 years ago. The enthusiastic response resulted in the total number of
SEND specialist joins Advantage Schools board
ThE new Advantage Schools board member is Anne heavey, a Bedford resident who is also National Director of Whole School SEND. Anne is a former music teacher with extensive experience in schools and education. Under Anne’s leadership, Whole School SEND brings together schools, individuals and organisations committed to ensuring all young people achieve their potential at school. The Whole School SEND Consortium are currently delivering a major DfE contract to support the schools’ workforce to deliver high quality SEND provision and an EEF funded trial of the Whole School SEND review in mainstream secondary schools.
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people having registered directly with the DKmS Beds hub exceeding 2000. This significant milestone was also celebrated with mayor Dave hodgson in attendance and Deputy Lieutenant, Sue Lousada. Al murray, a Bedford school ex-pupil had appeared on breakfast TV and newspapers the same morning to back DKmS’s cam-
paign to encourage people to register as stem cell donors as his six-year-old nephew Finley, is suffering from Leukaemia and is in desperate need of a life-saving stem cell transplant. Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer. many people never find the lifesaving blood stem cell donor match they need.
13
‘We are coming after you’ says top cop
TWo people have been arrested in the latest phase of an operation targeting the supply of drugs in Bedford. Two men in their 20s from the Bedford area were arrested in a series of coordinated warrants on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Around 50 officers and staff took part in the operation, which was led by our Serious and
organised Crime Unit (SoCU). Ten people were arrested as part of this wider operation over the past month, which has targeted three suspected drugs lines in the town. Detective Inspector graham mcmillan, from SoCU, said: “our message to anyone running a drugs line in Bedford is clear – we are coming after you.
“Drug dealing drives much of the most serious violence we deal with every day, with this organised crime often involving the exploitation of children and other vulnerable people. We are determined to take those peddling in this miserable industry off the streets, as well as signposting those with addiction issues to help and support services.”
14 — KEMPSTON CALLING
DECEMBER 2019
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
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ITh the ever-increasing demand for energy to fuel business and housing growth, the hunt is on to find the solutions that pursues a strong economic future in a way that not only values and protects our local natural environment but actively enhances it. on Wednesday 13 November SEmLEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership for the South East midlands, brought around 100 of the region’s leading industry figures, local authorities and nature and environment organisations together to talk about the area’s response to this challenge. Speaking after the event Peter horrocks, SEmLEP’s Chair said, “it was clear from questions asked just how strong the public focus is on environmental sustainability. our speakers all provided powerful ideas for how this area can improve nature and build economic success through a green economy.” guest speaker helen Wylde, Chief Engagement officer at the Connected Places Catapult talked about their role in helping to join up and integrate the different clean, mobility and digital innovations so that they all work, and all work together. In this area the Catapult has three key focuses: decarbonisation, air quality improvement and systems operation. Providing some stark statistics, helen said, “there are 23,000 deaths each year in the UK attributed to air pollution, with the economic impact of this at around 7% of the UK’s gDP. There is around $560bn forecast opportunity for the Electric Vehicle market. So in the UK, we can go green and create jobs at the same time. “Why would we not want to put these things together to make a change? helen posed. “We need to think about our infrastructure as a whole system. We can improve on what we have today in order to have a green, mobility solution and better places to live tomorrow. The oxford to Cambridge Arc is such an important programme as it could be a global exemplar for how this can be done well,” said helen. In an address from, michael Copelston, head of Land at RSPB, he challenged the leadership across the oxford to Cambridge Arc to double the size of area currently set aside for nature. “I am really encouraged that natural capital and place making already feature strongly in the economic growth plans for this area. When we look at back at this in 20 or 30 years’ time, we want to be able to say that the natural environment is measurably better off as a consequence of economic growth, not despite it.” michael stated that of the 1 million hectares that make up the Arc, over 75% is used for intensive agriculture land. 10% has some form of development already. Less than 2% consists of important places for nature. “I think we can do better than that. This gives us an opportunity to enhance, embrace and do more for nature. “There are already some great examples on your door-step where innovation, industry and the conservation sector come together. We need to scale this up. “Placing nature at the heart of the developments in the oxford to Cambridge Arc is critical for a variety of reasons and there are significant considerations for the climate and biodiversity crisis we face.” he added. Following the publication of the South East midlands’ Local Industrial Strategy this summer, attention is placed on promoting and sharing best practice of
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Deputy Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Richard Wenham, Hilary Chipping Chief Executive of SEMLEP and Judith Barker, Director at SEMLEP.
clean growth and mobility technologies and innovative design principles to enhance our area and create quality places for people and nature. “SEmLEP is working with local councils and organisations to convene a range of partners to best facilitate this,” said hilary Chipping, SEmLEP’s Chief Executive. Exemplar developments include Kingsbrook in Aylesbury Vale, Tresham garden Village or the developments at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park in East Northamptonshire. This 750-acre scheme currently generates a combined output around 80mW of renewable energy, including wind and solar, following an £80m investment by the owners. The next phase of the development has commenced with the construction of on-site battery storage, with further investment planned. The energy park currently generates enough power to supply in excess of 10,000 homes. guest speaker Sam goodall, International Projects manager at Cambridge CleanTech talked about opportunities they are pursuing to create a clean-tech supercluster by joining up businesses in the field better to support business scale-up and develop access to markets. Starting with a quote from French poet, Victor hugo, “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come” Sam said, “there’s a real shift in the mood in terms of opportunities and sustainable investment in clean, green growth. “Capital investors are looking at the whole sector in a completely different way than they did 15 years’ ago. “As a network in this space, we’re seeing an explosion in interest. The green growth agenda for the oxford to Cambridge Arc area isn’t just a bolt on, it’s front and centre to the growth opportunity for the region.” Located at the centre of the oxford to Cambridge Arc, the South East midlands is a part of a growth area that has the potential to add billions to the UK economy and do so in a sustainable, design-led way. “It’s the accumulation and connectivity of the green energy and transport innovation assets and businesses that make the South East midlands at the forefront of enabling smarter, greener living. By prioritising investment into these areas, we’ll pursue sustainable growth in way that enhances our natural environment, for the benefit of the whole area,” added hilary Chipping. “We have the long-term plan to support the longterm prosperity for the area. We need to secure the longterm investment in the enabling infrastructure that meets our area’s clean growth objectives. This is the case we continue to make to government, investors and business, and is central to the commitments we’re making to local communities,” concluded SEmLEP’s Chair. The event was part of SEmLEP’s Annual general meeting. During the official business, Peter horrocks provided an overview of the activities and work of the partnership over the last 12 months. To view the presentation, visit SEmLEP’s website. A highlights video of the event will be available and published on SEmLEP’s website, as will the answers given to questions taken on the day. The meeting approved the year’s financial accounts and accepted Board resignations, appointments and renewals.
Michael Copelston, Head of Land at RSPB.
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DECEMBER 2019 KEMPSTON CALLING —
15
gardening December garden flowers upright deciduous shrub with butter yellow amazingly fragrant flowers on bear stems from December to February. Lonicera Purpusii Winter gem flowers at the same time on bare stems but has creamy white flowers of intense fragrance. Cut a few sprigs of either of these plants and the house smells gorgeous for days. Sarcoccoca Winter gem The Christmas Box simply must be found a place in any garden. It is a small shiny leaf evergreen that starts producing small pure white highly perfumed flowers from November through the
by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre T’S the first month of the winter quarter and Christmas is looming. The days are short often cold, damp and dull so a few spots of colour will lighten our hearts at this depressing time in the gardening year. But is anything apart from winter pansies actually in flower? YES LoTS.
I
Autumn flowering Camellias like Yuletide with brilliant red fragrant single flowers and golden yellow centres and Camellia Fuji-nomine with large double scented pure white blooms are flowering in December and January. They are good to grow in tubs in ericaceous soil on a sheltered patio that gets lots of sun. Daphne Bholua Darjeeling is another divinely fragrant plant that requires lime free soil. It produces small pinky white flowers from November throughout the winter months. Another lime soil hater is Witch hazel hamamelis mollis with unusual spidery flowers along the bare branches. The flowers are scented so position near the door to enjoy the perfume when you go and come. The best yellow variety is hamamelis Pallida, h. Jelena is coppery orange and h. Diane is red. Iris Unguicularis the Algerian Iris is happy growing in lean and mean dry soils often at the base of a wall in a sunny place. The lavender blue delicately marked flowers are sweetly scented and start opening around Christmas time until late march. Cut some stems when in bud and bring them indoors to delicately perfume any room. There are a couple of wall plants that are also in flower in early winter. Jasmine Nudiflorum is easy to grow either trained on wires or trellis on a wall or allowed to scramble down a bank. It is deciduous so loses its leaves in autumn exposing the green stems which then start to bear bright yellow star shaped flowers from December through to march. It grows well in sun or shade in well drained soil
but will flower earlier if the wall is sheltered. Prune immediately after flowering has stopped in march by cutting the branches back to a strong bud or young lower branch. In older plants cut a quarter of the growth back to ground level each year to maintain prolific flowering. Clematis Cirrhosa Freckles is a delightful evergreen species clematis flowering from November through the winter months. It is easy to grow and does not suffer clematis wilt like the many hybrid varieties. The creamy nodding bell shaped flowers are beautifully speckled maroon red inside the cup. It thrives in rich humus soil so incorporate lots of compost when planting and shade the roots by planting a brightly coloured low growing evergreen shrub at the base like Euonymus. Another good variety is Clematis Cirrhosa Jingle Bells with creamy yellow nodding flowers which have a slight citrus scent. Both varieties produce attractive fluffy seed heads that you can use in Christmas flower arranging. A useful winter flowering tree is Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis. It has pale pink flowers scattered along its bare branches from November to march. Under plant with winter flowering heathers like Erica Carnea Springwood White or Springwood Pink and with snowdrops and early dwarf daffodils to enhance the effect in early spring. There are two Viburnums also flowering in December the evergreen Viburnum Tinus and deciduous Viburnum Bodnantense. Viburnum Tinus gwenllian has clusters of fragrant starry pinkish white flowers followed by blue black berries while Viburnum Bodnantense Dawn has pink highly perfumed flowers on bare stems from December to April. mahonia is another evergreen shrub with bright yellow flowers borne at the tip of each branch. The variety Winter Sun is just that really brightening any overcast winter days with cheerful clusters of Lily of the Valley scented flowers from November to march. Chimonanthus Praecox Lutaea is an
entire winter months. grow in a tub and put next to the front door and then move away during the summer. It grows well in JI soil with extra compost. Last but by no means least are helleborus Niger the Christmas Rose. They like to be grown in partial shade in rich moisture retaining soil so dig in lots of compost when planting. mulch and remove faded foliage as the flowers begin to appear to deter slugs or put down grit or pellets. hellebores can be brought to flower earlier by putting a cloche over the plants in November. We must not ignore the Winter Pansies with their individual marked little faces that are a joy to paint. The Winter Violas are even more colourful with many smaller flowers that seem less damaged by severe weather. The little cyclamen that are in the garden centres in autumn will also give lots of colour to tubs until the really cold weather after Christmas. So there we are as I said – YES LoTS!
A
Garden notes by Richard Callaghan
Now that the year is almost at an end and activity in the garden is to say the least sporadic, is a good time to sit and contemplate. Think about what worked in the garden this year and what didnít. Almost a sort of gardeners new year resolutions. I have always been a bit sceptical about the claims in magazines and the like about whether or not it is worth the effort to grow crops in containers. having worked on market gardens and then having allotments for most of my adult life I am used to the idea of long rows or blocks of crops. Potatoes are one of the things I have never really thought worthwhile in a container. For the past two years however I have successfully proved myself wrong. I have filled ninety litre pots with horse manure and planted five seed potatoes in each one. I have found early potatoes work best and you have to water them regularly, but by feeling around under the surface and taking the biggest you can have new potatoes for most of the summer. You will of course need a number of pots and not too big a family. Carrots are another crop that
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has been a success for me. I acquired two forty five gallon plastic barrels and cut them in half lengthways. I then drilled a few drainage holes in them and laid them on their backs on a frame made from pallets. Filled with a good multi purpose compost I get four, three foot rows to each half barrel. I have grown Baby Chantenay and a variety called Arun which is another stump rooted carrot and have been pulling carrots all summer and see no sign of it coming to a halt. Two more advantages to growing like this is that I get fewer weeds this way and the dreaded carrot fly is apparently too lazy to fly this high so no problems with that either. Something I am not going to grow again is lettuce. We normally only eat about four to six little gem a week an in the hot weather we have had they go to seed before we get to eat them. The experts recommend successional sowing but I find sowing half a dozen lettuce seeds every other week is a chore that I can do without when there is a store nearby that sells them as cheap as I can grow them and with a lot less bother. merry Christmas and I hope to be back in the New Year.
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DECEMBER 2019
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
out & about music comedy Three p Castle Comedy Christmas specials a Castle Comedy Bedford are holding three Christmas Comedy Specials on Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Thursday 19 of December at The Gordon Arms Ent Shed, Bedford. With four fabulous comedians, mince pies, cake, party poppers and crackers, the shows will be the ultimate Christmas comedy night out! The show on the 12th is in association with SmART and Bedford Park Rotary Club. The aim is to raise money to support the SmART Prebend Centre in Bedford. The centre is open 365 days a year and provides vital facilities for the homeless and rough sleepers including food, showers, clothes and access to medical services. They are aiming to raise £60K for their annual CRIB appeal and so the Christmas Comedy Specials will be a great way to support this. There will be a raffle and a grand auction prize of a pair of VIP passes to every Castle Com-
stars! he has appeared on Comedy Central at The Comedy Store and went viral with his Brexit comedy routine that was watched by over a million people. “Rough Diamond Charm” Chortle
edy show in 2020! headlining the 12th and 13th shows is Jarlath Regan. he is a hugely talented comedian who has numerous TV credits, awards and a hit podcast on his hands. his podcast ‘An Irishman Abroad’ has a legion of loyal fans, millions of downloads and The Daily Telegraph went as far as to forecast that it “could turn out to be one of the biggest podcasts since Ricky gervais picked up a microphone.” he has appeared on Tonight at the Palladium (ITV), Stand up Central (Comedy Central) and Russell howard’s good News (BBC3). headlining the show on the 19th is Alistair Williams. he is an award winning act who is a regular at the biggest comedy clubs in the UK. Smart, passionate, impressively quick witted and bursting with infectious confidence, this is stand up that grabs your attention and is quickly solidifying his place as one of stand up’s most exciting rising
Drifters bring major UK Tour to Corn Exchange Appearing an all the shows are Stefano Paulini (above) and President Obonjo. Stefano mixes stand-up comedy, characters, impressions and beatboxing making him a huge hit at shows. he has provided voices for Radio 4’s Dead Ringers. President obonjo is a Bedford favourite and larger than life comedy dictator. Paul Revill hosts the shows! Doors open at 7.30pm and the Shows Start at 8.15pm. Tickets for the shows are £14 or you can have a pre-show Christmas meal, glass of wine and comedy ticket for £25. Group bookings available. Call the ticket hotline on 07736 060541 or visit www.castlecomedy.co.uk
The Drifters are back on tour in the UK with a brand-new show performing all their classic hits from the last six decades. Following their phenomenally successful recent tour, which included dates at London’s Royal Albert hall and Arenas around the UK, they’ve added further live shows for 2019 including one night only at Bedford Corn Exchange on Wednesday, December 4. The legendary group have previously been inducted into the Rock & Roll hall of Fame, listed among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and have produced an incredible list of hits - including; Saturday Night at the movies, Come on over to my Place, Stand By me, Under the Boardwalk and many, many more! Following their 65th Anniversary year, The Drifters are back on the road with a line up handpicked by Tina Treadwell herself
– President of the Treadwell Entertainment group and owner of The Drifters name. Tina’s father started the group with Clyde mcPhatter and brought in several greats thereafter such as Johnny moore and Ben E King. her mother Faye was later responsible for bringing the group to the UK and overseeing hits such as more than a number and Kissin’ in the back row. After the passing of her par-
ents, it was down to Tina to continue the legacy of The Drifters name. Now, following the group’s 65th anniversary year in which Tina announced a brandnew show with over 60 UK tour dates, the band are continuing to add further 2019 UK tour dates due to phenomenal demand, along with further international tours and other projects, soon to be announced. Tina, who previously worked for Disney as an executive producer and casting director, believes this current line-up is one of the best to date and looks forward to the upcoming concert tour. “I am very excited that following our 65th anniversary year we have a new show for the fans.” Tickets are available via www.thedrifters.co.uk or at bedfordcornexchange.co.uk or call the venue box office on 01234 718044.
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DECEMBER 2019 KEMPSTON CALLING —
clubbing
Keeping you up-to-date on the local ‘scene’
by Tony Hendrix Following a 15 year reign in Luton as a resident DJ at Charlie Brown’s, The Coliseum, The Ritzy and an entertainment columnist with the Luton News, Luton @ Large and herald and post I am extremely excited to be given the opportunity to cover monthly events happening in Bedford within the local Pubs, Clubs and Bars. I also have a small portfolio of bars that I have owned over the years so I have an appreciation for the challenges that many of these venues are up against. Enough about me, I’d like to firstly focus on a relatively new venue in the high Street called Astons. Formerly the site of hi -
Fi nightclub which closed down back in 2017, this is a split level venue with a garden terrace for smokers. The venue is privately owned by The garopia group who also own Vogue, The Slug & Lettuce and The Empire Nightclub. The Club is currently open on Saturday nights for the over 30s with a membership facility available. I thought I’d have a look for myself, I got onto the guest list by visiting the clubs Facebook page where they allow a free guest list before 11pm. on arrival the door staff were very receptive, I was met by area manager Dave Berguin himself a Bedford legend having DJ residencies in Bedford, Ibiza and Dubai. The ground floor was very busy I would estimate the average age being 40ish, the music menu revolved mainly around club anthems from the 80s and 90s whilst the top floor had some awesome live entertainment. on the whole a very impressive venue with no expense spared, sharp uniformed bar staff great DJs and an amazing atmosphere, drinks are reasonably priced, dress is smart casual, membership will cost you £100 for the year allowing you and a guest free entry on Friday and Sat-
THE
conclub KEMPSTON 01234 851120 Saturday 14th December
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MEMBERS ONLY, A FEW VISITING FAMILY TICKETS AVAILABLE NO ENTRY AFTER 11PM FOR MEMBERS OR GUESTS
Sunday 22nd December
Saturday 4th January
BACK BY DEMAND AFTER THE KIDS’ PARTY FROM 8.30PM THE LOCAL BOYS THEMSELVES
NEW HARMONY The staff, Audra and Graham would like to thank all customers old and new for keeping the club an amazing place to come to. Because Conclubbers do it best, roll on next year, Merry Christmas Conclubbers and a wonderful New Year XXX
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Sonique
urday nights, if you don’t fancy membership pay £5 before 11pm, last entry is at 2am and the venue closes at 3am. The ultimate Christmas office Party night is coming to The Bedford Corn Exchange on Friday 6th December. Back to the 90,s is destined to be the best Christmas office party to hit Bedford.
This club style night features live performances from Sonique, Rozalla, Urban Cookie Collective and Capella, with a DJ set from Dario g. An amazing 90s line up Tickets for this event are £20 each, or with a group saver get four ticket for the price of three, available from the Bedford Corn Exchange.
jazz Monday Night Jazz m
Despite December being a busy Monday 23rd December month for all, monday Night Jazz Gareth Fowler, Guitar & Alex at The White horse will be runHitchcock (Tenor Saxophone) ning each week providing Bedgareth graduated from Birmingford with the finest selection of ham Conservatoire where he studlive Jazz! ied with Phil Robson, Jez Franks, Zolte Bende and Dave Cliff. Monday 2nd December - Atila During his time he performed at Huseyin, Vocals Cheltenham Jazz Festival with Atila is an established Jazz singer Chris Potter, Norwegian Jazz Fesfrom the UK. Sartorially stylish tival, South Africa with the global and musically classy, his interpreVoices Project, Denmark and gertations of the American Songbook many. he taught with Services for are internationally renowned, takEducation, Nottingham Trent Valing influence from early Frank ley University and Painsley AcadSinatra. “I was very impressed emy. with his singing, he has a real feel for the lyric” Sir michael ParkinMonday 30th December - Allison. son Neale, Alto Saxophone American born altoist Allison Monday 9th December Neale’s beautifully crafted lines S Gabriel Latchin, Piano evoke the spirit of Paul Desmond British pianist, composer and and Art Pepper with whom she bandleader, gabriel Latchin has a particular affinity. (below) has made a name for himAs a strong advocate of the self as one of the UK’s finest melodic West Coast style she has musicians, praised by critics and performed alongside leading world renowned musicians alike. international artists such as AdeKnown for his effortlessly swinglaide hall and Bud Shank and ing feel, deep repertoire and commore recently tenorist Scott pelling performances, Jazzwise hamilton as well as featuring in recently described his playing as “impeccable... the clarity of hisAMAZINGboth the John Dankworth ‘generations’ Band and the “Back to lines evoking something of hank Jones or Tommy Flanagan”. Basie’ orchestra.
T
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18 — KEMPSTON CALLING
DECEMBER 2019
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFoRD FLoRAL ART SoCIETY meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7.30pm at the Addison Centre, Kempston. Flower arrangement demonstration by Jacqui Aldous
CHRISTMAS MAGIC Visitors welcome £7 www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFoRD FoLK DANCE CLUB
COUNTRY AND FOLK DANCE CLUB
Thursday evenings 8pm – 10pm ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL CHURCH LANE, GOLDINGTON BEDFORD MK41 0HL Its good fun for only £3 including refreshments No partner required. Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFoRD NATIoNAL TRUST ASSoCIATIoN. 2.30PM start Tuesday 19th November Addison Centre, Kempston, MK42 8PN Everyone welcome. No need to book Small admission charge Speaker: Richard galley on
––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDFoRD TREFoIL gUILD
GUIDING FOR ADULTS 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
––––––––––––––––––––––– CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 7th December Christ the King Parish Hall, harrowden Road, Bedford mK42 0SP 1pm to 3pm, Entry 50p Refreshments, Bottle stall, tombola, raffle, crafts and more For information call 01234 965497
––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 HIGHL ANDERS
––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION
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Richard has been researching the story of the highland Division’s friendly ‘invasion’ of Bedford during the first nine months of WW1. For further information contact Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421
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. Contact Trevor on:
01234 856040 or marian on 01234 855288
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
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 cool-down. and pay only £5 a session. For more information call Tony or Judith on 640124.
GET FIT KEEP FIT
––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 STEADY ACOUSTIC
––––––––––––––––––––––– 7.30 Last Tuesday of the month at The Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street, BEDFORD MK41 7RU. Beginners very welcome. Info from mike 01234 308449 Facebook: Burnaby steady session see also Bedfordshire beginners melodeon playgroup
FOLK SESSION
BEDS & NoRThANTS mS ThERAPY CENTRE
––––––––––––––––––––––– Third Saturday of 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
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BEDFoRDShIRE FAmILY hISToRY SoCIETY Friday 6th December 2019 Interested in Family History? Then come along to our talk on
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SYLVESTER & THERESA STANNARD BEDFORD ARTISTS By Richard Morgan 7.15 p.m. Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk
––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 KEmPSToN mUSICAL SoCIETY
––––––––––––––––––––––– CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
Kempston musical Society, together with Bedford Road Lower School Choir, will be performing a selection of Christmas carols and festive music on Saturday 14th December at Kempston East Methodist Church. The concert will start at 7.30pm. and tickets will cost £7.50 on the door, which will include refreshments. This concert is guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas. To find out more about all our forthcoming concerts or information about the choir please call 01234 781010 or email: prestissimo@btinternet.com.
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BEDFORD LOCAL GROUP OF THE WILDLIFE TRUST Meeting 7-15 for 7.30, Wednesday 11th December Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ
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WORLD SHIP SOCIETY BEDFORD BRANCH
Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd ThURSDAY in the month 16 January 2020 Branch Member Don McKeand giving a presentation on “Preserved Ships”Telephone: 01234 352014
––––––––––––––––––––––– BRIDGE CLUB Cranfield Village Hall MK43 0DR Sundays 6.50 for 7pm Info email tim.sharrock1@gmail.com
KEmPSToN hAmmERS SPoRTS AND SoCIAL CLUB
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DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES
an illustrated talk by John Curd 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 ADDISON CENTRE KEMPSTON
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THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER 7:45pm Tickets £2.00, available only in advance, from the Club Tel: 01234 853262
CHRISTMAS BINGO
BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP ARA club, manton Lane Bedford mK41 7PF Thursday 19th December 7.30pm guy Anderson, as the ‘UK’s migrants Programme manager’ for the RSPB, guy is going to talk to the group this evening about the RSPB’s involvement to save the
CHRISTMAS FUND RAISING TEA DANCE WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2019 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (INCL CUPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
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SPOON-BILLED SANDPIPER
and update us on the continuing efforts and progress being made to save it from extinction. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 guest £2 annual group membership £5. The facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking. www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford
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––––––––––––––––––––––– 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! our next production is the ever popular,’ Pirates of Penzance,’19th -23rd November 2019 For tickets and further information, visit our website: www.saods.org.uk.
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DECEMBER 2019 KEMPSTON CALLING —
19
NEW LOOK – NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
Daley’s Bedford Road, Kempston 01234 851143
Live music 9pm start
Saturday December 7th
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
ALL TORQUE BAND Live music 9pm start
DR SKA DISCO Music 9pm start Tuesday December 24th
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
CHRISTMAS EVE DISCO 8pm start
Thursday nights FREE POOL and JUKEBOX from 8pm
New Year’s Eve December 31st
THE SOUL MAN
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
BLUE EYED SOUL BAND
Saturday December 21st
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Saturday November 30th
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
with buffet from 8pm Tickets £15 In the function room No children.
FUNCTION ROOM FOR
HIRE SUITABLE FOR AL L OCCASIONS
★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★
NEWLY REFURBIS HED Holds up to
120 FLEXIBLE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS ★★
NEW AIR CON SYSTEM IN FUNCTION RO OM
★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ★★★
NEW YEAR’S SNOOKER TABLES £3 PER HOUR DISCO www.facebook.com/daleysclub
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Music and games in the bar £5 KIDS WELCOME
Email: daleysclub@outlook.com
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Tues, Weds, Thurs 3pm–Midnight – Fri-Sat Noon-1am – Sun-Mon Noon-Midnight
Ch Christma Christm Christ Chris Chri Chr Christmas a Kempston at KKempsto Ke Kem Kemp Kemps Kempst E Ea Eas East The Girls’ & Boys’ Brigade Christmas Carol Concert
Co ee Morning
LADIES WE NEED YOU
— at the Probus Club of Bedford
We thought that many readers may not have heard of Probus and if they are looking for a local social outlet to meet other like-minded people, both parties could benefit. What is Probus-It is an abbreviation for “Professional” and “Business”; membership comes from all walks of life. We are specifically looking to include ladies as many Probus Clubs are still men focused.
Of course new male members are also very welcome!
We meet monthly in Bedford on the first Monday of the month for a social meal followed by club business & a speaker. This usually covers the period 12.00 to 15.00hrs. Interested persons should contact Peter Davies 01767 3178863 or Email: peter@24foxglove.co.uk.
Kempston Musical Society Concert
Kempston Concert Band Concert
Sunday worship takes place at every week at 10:30am
Come and join us
20 — KEMPSTON CALLING
DECEMBER 2019
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
back
the
Rangers Dodgeball team Alexander get new sponsorship deal McQueen win ThE Bedford Rangers will be displaying the Pen and Cob logo on their shirts for the next season after the recently launched British brasserie agreed to sponsor the team. Dodgeball is a hugely growing sport, currently the second most popular game played at primary schools across the country. Bedford Rangers have been playing for over four years at Castle Newnham, training ground of England Football and have built a great team. Team Captain, greg Whitehouse, said: “our team is growing each season and we now have over 25 plus teammates in the family with juniors joining us all the time too. It’s important to us that we play and look our best to keep aiming and playing in those top leagues.” The men’s teams who played their first matches of the season last week, won two and lost two (which was expected) with the women’s team drawing one and
for students
Pictured L-R: Sam Mason, Greg Whitehouse (club captain), Malcolm Wyse (Bedford Swan MD) and Francesca Howes.
losing one which is overall a good result for the first games of the season! general manager of Pen and Cob said of the sponsorship; “It is important to us as a local business to be a part of the community we
have around us and with our Assistant Restaurant manager, Sam, also being on the Dodgeball team, it made sense for us to support them. We’re looking forward to seeing the team at the bar soon!”
BRUSh skills are top of the class at Bedford College where Level 3 Production Arts make-Up students, Kitty Knox 17 and Lewis Bavister 18 have taken first and second prize in a tribute to the late Alexander mcQueen, international couturier. At Brush Wars held at the olympia in London, Bedford College students had to create catwalk make-up designs and they beat all-comers to the first and second prize. Kitty and Lewis are in the second year of their qualification and hope to go onto one of the top universities for aspiring make-up artists in September 2020. These students have not only come first and second place at Brush Wars but they have also secured excellent work placements working on the Phantom of the opera and also working on a show that is due to be televised this month. Judges commented on the skill set the students held and their creativity towards to the brief. “Last year a Bedford College student came third in the same Brush Wars competition to the brief of ‘Circus Arcadia’ so we have worked our way up the ladder” said Director of Arts Toby Clark, “As in our fashion and textile competition wins, our students are beating university and higher Education entrants showing Bedford College is giving
young designers and creatives a head start in this highly competitive field. “Those who are interested in creative careers, whether it is media make-up, fashion or design, need to know that here in Bedford we have training which has a national reputation.” The South Banks Arts Centre on the riverside location of Bedford College is a hothouse for talent from performing to fine arts. most staff have either worked in, or continue to work, in the specialist sectors in which they teach. This gives students valuable insights into, and links towards, the careers they aspire towards. Students can study most disciplines to Level 5 and an increasing number to BA hons.
Kempston Calling is an independent publication, part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2019 Rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 Radwell Road, milton Ernest Bedford mK44 1Sh. Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: martin@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0SX.