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INSIDE: OUT AND ABOUT n SPORT n AROUND YOUR CLUBS n LOCAL NEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
A MAN who escaped from prison before carrying out a kidnap and common assault will now spend eight years and three months behind bars. Anthony Bolden, 55, of no fixed abode, was already serving a life sentence when he absconded from custody and went on a crime spree last summer.
He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on monday, Janaury 20, 2020 after being found guilty of escape from lawful custody, possession of a pointed article, common assault and kidnapping.
Bolden was serving a life sentence after he was convicted of attempted murder and grievous bodily with intent back in July 2006. He had been moved to an open prison where he had to be checked five times a day, but was last accounted for on may 31, 2019. On 23 June, Bolden entered the garden of a property in Ampthill Road, Bedford, and asked if there was a room to rent. When the occupants said no, Bolden became aggressive and attacked a man in front of his family. Little more than a week later on July 2, Bolden threatened a woman parked outside a shop in Sandy with a piece of glass, forcing her to drive. He asked the victim to pull
by Jane Bird
into a car park in Bedford before telling her to get out of the vehicle, leave the keys and report her car as stolen. Bolden then made off in the vehicle. Police spotted the car being driven dangerously as it entered a one-way system the wrong way. When Bolden failed to stop for police, he crashed the vehicle into a police car and was arrested. in a victim impact statement read in court, the woman said: “each time i go out i have to look over my back with the belief that i am going to be attacked… i am constantly having nightmares, fearing the worst that i could have been killed in this attack. the incident that day was so long and was just not coming to an end.” Detective Constable Aroop nandre, who led the investigation, said: “Bolden’s dangerous and reckless behaviour has caused untold distress and angst to a number of innocent victims. the victim of the kidnapping has been left scared and distressed and this incident has affected her everyday life, as she now fears leaving her home. “Bolden knew full well how frightening his behaviour was, yet he continued with his actions. When he didn’t get what he wanted he became aggressive, and it is fortunate that nobody was seriously injured. “Bolden is a dangerous man who deserves to spend a significant time behind bars. He was already serving a life sentence after being jailed in 2006 and recently was trusted to stay in a lower risk prison; he broke that trust by absconding and carrying out this terrifying crime wave.” Bolden received six years and five months for kidnapping and 22 months for escaping from lawful custody, to run consecutively. He received 21 months for having a bladed article, 10 months for having an article with a blade and 18 weeks for common assault to run concurrently.
A meeting of Bedford Borough’s Full Council has approved the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030. the Local Plan 2030 sets out proposals for growth and development in Bedford Borough over the next decade. As well as allocations for the building of new homes, it also includes provision for jobs and the development of facilities such as schools, transport and shops to support new communities. Objectives of the Plan include providing the right amount and type of housing for communities across the Borough; supporting a strong economy; improving transport infrastructure; developing a green infrastructure network; and high quality, inclusive, and safe built communities which value the local landscape and the historic environment.
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this approval followed a number of modifications by the Planning inspectors, as part of the statutory Local Plan Process, which were approved by the meeting of Full Council. One of these modifications requires the Council to review the Plan and either update it or issue a new one within three years of this adoption, in response to longer-term projects such as the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. mayor Dave said “the approval of this Local Plan means that as a Council we have the power to deliver housing and growth in accordance with our vision. this Local Plan has been through public consultation, review and examination and my thanks go to everyone who took part, had their say, and for all the hard work that was required to bring us to this moment.”
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FEBRUARY 2020
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Camestone’s design is a winner
CAmeStOne’S Key Stage 2 pupils recently took part in Bedford Borough Council’s enviro-Hub logo competition with the winning entry chosen to be one of the public faces of the council’s new recycling scheme. the school are pleased that one of their entries was selected by
mayor Dave as a competition winner! the council were so impressed with a number of entries from Camestone School, that they have also produced some special recognition certificates for a number of students whose logos were deemed to be of an
exceptionally high standard. the children met with the mayor of Bedford Borough and had the chance to ask him lots of questions and sharing their concerns about people littering, the amount of litter on our streets, homeless people and fly tipping amongst a whole range of topics.
KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL Still no increase
Calling all Quizzers!
After all the festivities of Christmas and the New Year it is the time of year when Councils have to get serious and plan to send out the Council Tax bills to all of us. Our bills are made up of different amounts for different groups – Bedford Borough, Fire and Rescue service, Police and Kempston Town Council. At a recent meeting Kempston Town Council decided not to increase its share of the bill. It is pleased to point out that it has not done so for very many years. Although the total council tax bills will increase – Kempston Town Council’s share will not.
Councillor Carl Meader, the Mayor of Kempston would like to invite you to his Charity Fun Quiz. It will be held at 7pm for 7.30pm on Saturday 7th March 2020 in the Centenary Hall at the rear of the Town Council offices, 104 Bedford Road Kempston. The entry fee is £10 per person (up to 6 people per team) and will include a fish and chip supper. All proceeds will go to The Road Victims Trust which Cllr Meader has chosen to support this year.
MEETINGS IN FEBRUARY/MARCH
Tuesday February 11th 6.30pm PLANNING 7.30pm KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL Tuesday March 10th 6.30pm PLANNING 7.30pm KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL
Thursday March 12th 7.30pm Kempston Burials Joint Committee In the Council Chamber, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston
Community safety Well done Will! Congratulations to Will Hunt who has been made an Honorary Alderman by Bedford Borough Council, following his retirement after many years of service as a councillor. Lots of local people will know that he also spent a long time on Kempston Town Council and was once the Mayor. Good Luck Will!
Kempston Town Council and Bedfordshire Police are inviting you to attend the next Community Priority setting / Community Safety Forum for Kempston. It will be taking place on Thursday 17th March at 7pm in the Kempston Town Council chamber at 104 Bedford Road.
It would be great to see as many people from Kempston as possible there. You will receive updates on the current priority of drug dealing and have the opportunity to help decide the next community priority as well as discuss any issues going on in the area. Spread the word!
Hall for Hire Many local groups will know about the facilities available at Kempston Town Council. The Centenary Hall and the Council Chamber are available for hire. The hall has a bar area plus a large kitchen. It also has disabled access. The Chamber is only hired out for meetings/talks and seminars. There is a lift to the first floor where it is situated. A range of tariffs that include reductions for local residents (proof required), charities and non profit making groups is available. Ample car parking is situated alongside the hall. There are obviously some restrictions and details can be obtained from Kempston Town Council 104 Bedford Road, Telephone 851005.
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
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Age is no barrier to having fun! Friends of Addison Centre held a very successful New Year’s Eve Party dance. Pictured here singing Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight, are three of the older residents of Kempston; far left Betty 92, central Phyl 105 and second from the right Alan 88.
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Tel: 01234 855757 George Lambert made the front page of Kempston Calling in August 2011, when he arranged to thank the ambulance staff for attending to him when he had a heart scare – although Sally was less than pleased!
Carol’s on the run – again! Kempston Town Clerk, Carol Urwin, who is planning to run the London Marathon for her second time this year, held a quiz night last month. Over £800 was raised for the Bedford Hospitals Charity. Local businesses donated prizes for the raffle and Paul’s Chip Shop provided the evening’s food. The winning team are pictured here with Carol pictured top right.
Dance your troubles away — Bedford dance group ‘Frame of Mind’ performed their bi-annual song and dance show during November and December last year, at the Place Theatre. Besides helping them to keep fit, the ladies also raise money for local charities. Their performances this year raised £750 for the British Heart Foundation; £500 for the Prostate Support Group; £500 for the Salvation Army and £200 for the Multiple System Atrophy Trust.
George Lambert WeLL-KnOWn Kempston character george Lambert passed away last november. Born in edmonton, north London in 1937, george was a plumber and gas fitter by trade but as the need arose he could turn his hand to most things. During World War ii he served in the Royal tank Regiment and when he was demobbed he joined the territorials. george took up a job as a bus driver and also worked on boats on the river thames. He met his wife Sally through a dating agency, she was living in Clapham at the time. He told her he didn’t smoke or drink! Sally was soon wise to his game, but that didn’t deter her and they eventually got married in 1990. Sally’s mother aged 80, was living in Kempston at the time and had suffered a stroke. george being the man he was, “he had a heart of gold”, took his wife and mother-in-law to Peterborough, where they modifed their home to accommodate Sally’s sick mother. During this time george got a job with Peterborough Council in the works department. He retired through ill-health in July 1999. the couple then moved to Kempston and took a flat in the Housing 21’s, gilbert Arnold Court, Hillgrounds Road. Here george became heavily involved with the tenant’s association, organising various social events, ultimately becoming the chairman and representing them at national level. One of george’s ambitions was to serve on Kempston Council, to which he was elected in 2011, as a member of the Labour group, but he was always frustrated at his inability to get anything done, says Sally, he would often return from a council meeting muttering and moaning about the lack of progress on various issues. george suffered a severe heart attack and died on november 22, 2019, aged 82. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
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FEBRUARY 2020
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Gone but not forgotten. The site of the former Newnorth Print works in College Street, Kempston, has been cleared ready for building work. Here at Kempston Calling we sincerely hope that it doesn’t take as long to develop as the former Forest Foods site on Dallas Road has taken — which now been derelict for over eight years!
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Former Beds’ Borough councillors recognised for their service
FEBRUARY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
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FiVe former Bedford Borough councillors have been recognised for their years of dedication to public service. in a ceremony on Sunday, January 19, 2020, former councillor Pat Olney was bestowed the title of honorary Alderwoman alongside former councillors Randolph Charles, Will Hunt, John mingay and mark Smith who were conferred the title honorary Alderman. Former councillor Randolph Charles was elected to the Borough Council on 6 may 1999, and served continuously for Cauldwell up until the recent election on 2 may 2019. He was Deputy Speaker for 2013/14 and Speaker in 2007/8 and 2014/15.
Pat Olney was elected to the Borough Council on 8 may 1986 and served for 33 years as a Councillor for Oakley until the election in may. She was Civic mayor for 2001/02. She was also the independent group Leader 2009-19.
Will Hunt was elected to the Council in 1996 and represented Kempston West until 2019. Alongside the various committees and sub groups, he has also sat on many sports clubs, associations and boards across the borough and county.
Mark Smith was first elected to the Council in 1995, serving two terms, 1995-04 and 2007-19 may for Kempston Rural. in 2013/14 he was Speaker of the Council.
guy and Vincenza Ciampa at Cartridge Depot based in Bedford town centre are celebrating the fact that since they opened their doors in 2012 they have recycled over 30,000 printer cartridges and prevented them from going to landfill! this has been achieved by the help of local customers, businesses, schools, charities and not-profit organisations dropping off or arranging collections of their empty or no longer required printer cartridges. Cartridge Depot has now been trading for over seven years so it works out to be just over 4000 cartridges per year being recycled! Business partner guy Ciampa says: “We believe being able to offer a free printer cartridge recycling service is so important. We sell these products to our customers so we really want to be able to continue our service after the cartridges reach the end of their life and stop them going into landfill. We know it can be difficult to find places to recycle empty printer cartridges which is why we try to make it as simple as possible for people who want to recycle with us. if you have any empty cartridges you would
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Memories of Luton Town FC
Do you have Luton town FC memorabilia? Programmes, tickets, photographs, shirts – in fact anything you cherish to do with the Hatters? Bring your souvenirs along and tell us about their stories at our Family Roadshow! We would love to photograph or scan your images and objects and record your memories of the club from any era to add to the new Hatters’ Heritage website – an archive for the future. Whether you’re six or ninety-six years old this is for you. the Roadshow event includes a Luton town FC mini-exhibition, objects from the Hatters’ Heritage collection of 35,000 items, the attendance of a current or former player and activities for children and all the family! Sunday 2nd February 2020, 11am to 4pm, at The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 1RW.
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First elected on 7 may 1992, John Mingay served as a Councillor for newnham until the recent election. in 2003/04, he was the Bedford Borough Council Speaker.
mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson said: “may i congratulate all recipients, for the commendable service to the Council and the communities within the Borough. “it’s an honour to present these Honorary Alderman and Honorary Alderwoman certificates and badges in recognition of the long service and hard work both for the Council and particularly for the people of Bedford Borough”.
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PUTTING BEDFORD ON THE MAP
One of the things that has irked me for a number of years, and i know it bothers many local residents too is the absence of Bedford on the television weather maps. toward the end of last year, i contacted both BBC Look east and itV Anglia asking them to look at putting Bedford on their maps. itV Anglia did so on a permanent basis in their ‘West’ region that covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, northamptonshire and milton Keynes. BBC Look east, as of, January have added Bedford to their map on an occasional basis. Whilst it may not seem an important issues, it actually is. Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire. it has a proud, famous history dating back to the early middle Ages. throughout this history it has been a cultural and commercial centre for the wider area, and it continues to play this role today. Bedford has a larger population than some other towns that are already on the weather maps. Bedford deserves to be on the map! Local Bedfordbased cartographer, Alice gadney, said, “When people look at maps, their initial thought is – where do i live? or where am i? So seeing Bedford on the weather map, they will gain a sense of place.” i have written to the BBC asking for Bedford to be placed permanently on their local weather map.
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GOD AT WORK
the licensing of a priest to a new parish as their vicar is always a special and joyous occasion. it is an opportunity to celebrate the life of the community, as well as the congregation, and to look ahead with hope. Last month was no different. At Renhold i licensed ian Smith to be the priest with responsibility for All Saints. Like nearly all clergy ian has completed his curacy. in his case it was in Silsoe, Pulloxhill and Flitton, and now he takes the care of this new congregation. However, unlike most other clergy, ian has a full-time job at Vauxhall in Luton where he has worked for many years in a range of roles. When he was ordained he continued working there. For ian his work at Vauxhall is not a parallel activity in his life, but an essential part of his ministry. He is recognised as a chaplain in the works and often offers pastoral and spiritual care to his fellow employees. He speaks of encountering ‘god moments’ in his work when he sees god’s presence in those around him. the presence of priests in the workplace is not new. Although much diminished from its heyday, industrial mission placed priests and lay people as chaplains in industry and other workplaces. there is a chaplaincy team at Luton Airport which is an echo of this. in the past chaplains visited many of the light engineering firms and other businesses in Bedford. Some priests felt they wanted to go further. the tradition of worker priests, especially in France, was where priests worked alongside other labourers in mines, docks and factories. it was an attempt at a radical way of identifying with those working people who had been alienated from the churches. Whatever the model of ministry, at the heart of it is the desire to witness to Christ through engagement with the world and to see Christ in the world of work. it is a testimony to god’s love for all people, in all places. A witness to the fact that faith is not just a private and domestic matter. ian’s appointment to Renhold, with his continued employment at Vauxhall, is an exciting intersection of the world of work with the church. i know that in both settings there will be many ‘god moments’ for god is at work in both places.
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FEBRUARY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Bedford Vehicle Servicing & Tyres
Police’s largest recruitment drive in years tHOSe looking to make a fresh start in 2020 can find out more about a policing career at an information evening this month. Bedfordshire Police is opening its doors to those interested in joining the police service on thursday 30 January, and you can book your place by email now. the force is encouraging people to become one of the 20,000 new police officers driven by the Home Office national uplift and join Bedfordshire Police in its largest recruitment drive for years. Bedfordshire is a friendly family force with all of the complex policing challenges of a metropoli-
tan area, including tackling serious organised crime and protecting the most vulnerable. throughout 2019, the force received well over 100,000 999 and more than 200,000 101 calls. Last year the force also made more than 8,000 arrests and secured hundreds of years’ worth of jail time for offenders, taking the most dangerous people off the streets. Deputy Chief Constable trevor Rodenhurst said: “We are a small and busy force that offers a lot of experience due to the wide range of policing challenges we see compared our policing counterparts, which makes us unique.
“At Bedfordshire Police you are not just a number, you will develop with the close knit team that surrounds you and there will always be someone to support you through the ups and downs of policing.” PC Hayley Hunter will be present at the information evening to answer any questions about a policing career. She said: “Being a police officer brings a great sense of pride. We are a vital resource the community can call upon in time of need. We help people during some of their darkest moments and keep Bedfordshire safe by taking criminals off the streets. “new officer recruits will join
on a two year probation, and once they graduate they are able to develop within Bedfordshire Police, including specialising as a detective or in firearms, roads policing, counter terrorism or in digital and cybercrime, to name but a few!” if you are looking for a rewarding role, where you are constantly learning something new and surrounded by a supportive team, apply for the role at www.bedfordshire.police.uk/careers to book a place on our information evening at Bedfordshire Police Headquarters in Woburn Road, Kempston please email: r.recruitment@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
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Stylish extension to hotel’s restaurant tHe extended Pen & Cob restaurant and new look Coach Room have been unveiled at the Bedford Swan Hotel. the green and gold art deco style of the restaurant has been extended into the former “sun room” which ran alongside the Coach Room. there is a new entrance off the embankment straight into the area. meaning people can access the restaurant directly, without coming in via the hotel entrances. the Coach Room has been refurbished to create a beautiful setting for weddings and functions. the improvements included a disabled toilet in the Coach Room. the Ladies “powder room Suite upstairs has been refurbished too. to enable flexible usage, the extended section of the restaurant
can be closed off from the main Pen & Cob and doors opened into the Coach House – allowing it to be used a separate dancing or exhibition area. general manager malcolm Wyse told guests at a special event on Wednesday, January 8,
2020: “this gives us so many more opportunities to host events and activities in a flexible setting which we think is will be the pride of Bedford. We welcome everyone to come along take a look for lunch, brunch, afternoon tea or dinner.”
Marketing awards
thinking approach to education and training will support the continued success of the county and help us in our quest to grow the talent of tomorrow across the South east midlands region. earlier, tresham College won an award for marketing Campaign of the year at the sparkling northamptonshire Business Awards, held at the County Cricket ground alongside hundreds of local businesses. the Bedford College group team took the All things Business prize for its fantastic efforts in encouraging more people to sign up for 16+ education in northamptonshire, exceeding all targets. Leading the group to the stage was Vice Principal georgina Ager together with executive Director of Sales and marketing, Sarah Baxter, alongside members of the tresham team.
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tHe Bedford College group has won a gold Award for its work in engaging with employers and influencers in northamptonshire (photo). the Fe First Awards saw the group taking the prize in the College marketing network category for a stakeholder event at the Kettering campus which brought together key local influencers to find out more about what is on offer in terms of education and training by the group with an extra focus on northamptonshire. Councillors, advisors and business people heard first hand about courses and campus developments which are preparing young people for the modern world of work, and how continuing professional development is available to those seeking promotion and advancement. the event was staged by the Corporate Communications and events team which now helps promote the group across the region to potential students, their parents, employers and local authorities. meanwhile, thanks to the modern marketing skills of the Bedford College group, full-time students at tresham have now increased thanks to the enrolment in 2019 of 2,543 - 15% above the target set by the group For this the group was Highly Commended in the targeted Recruitment Campaign. Director of Sales and marketing Sarah Baxter said: “We have been very grateful for the welcome we, the Bedford College group, have received in northamptonshire from everyone. We hope that our forward-
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FEBRUARY 2020
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New role as hospice’s Ward Manager
Sue RyDeR St John’s Hospice has announced Jacqui Ackroyd is its new Developmental Ward manager. Jacqui will lead a team of Sue Ryder nurses and staff providing round-the-clock assessment and specialist care in the hospice’s 15bed inpatient unit. Jacqui is a familiar face to many involved with the hospice; she has worked there as a Sue Ryder nurse for six years, most recently as a Senior Staff nurse. Before joining Sue Ryder, Jacqui worked as a hairdresser and also in Human Resources. She was inspired to go into nursing after working for an out-of-hours doctor’s service. After doing a health and social care access course at Bedford College, Jacqui trained to become a registered nurse at the university of Bedfordshire. Jacqui’s final student placement was at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice – and she hasn’t looked back since.
High flyers in technology
tWO students at Bedford College have been given a flying start in careers in technology. Samuel Frankl (right) and James Shelford (left) studied Level 3 electronic engineering at Bedford College. Samuel had plans to go on to university in the netherlands and James, who always had an interest in the military had no idea he could sign up in a civilian role – until the college received a visit from the ministry of Defence. Stuart Albert, a member of the civilian engineering Ops team based at RAF Henlow, was tasked with a recruitment drive to seek out new talent and was invited to talk to the Bedford College engineering students. Samuel and James were so impressed they applied for and won new roles as network Design engineers. Sam started his new job on 16th December 2019 and James this year on 6th January. Once
fully trained the pair will be able to work from locations across the world. As civilians the posts are not ‘front-line’ but they will provide a rapid specialist engineering support service to all three military services. group Captain Darren thorley is Deputy Head of the department overseeing engineering Operations: “this is a new recruitment approach for us, seeking out new talent locally in addition to our national apprentice scheme. James and Samuel will each have a training plan created for them, allowing them to continue their studies whilst learning on the job. “Once they have gained security clearance they will be working with the very latest communications and cyber security technology and, if they wish, will be able to take opportunities to deploy to military bases and embassies all over the globe to carry out engineering tasks.”
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FEBRUARY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
9
gardening Welcome wildlife to your garden by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre RitiSH wildlife is being threatened even more by the unseasonal weather patterns that we are experiencing. Whether this is due to climate change or the natural pattern that our planet has always experienced we do not know. they were skating and holding trade fayres on the thames as recently as the sixteenth hundreds. it is however a fact that our wildlife is affected. the RSPB’s Big garden Bird Watch has recently focused our attention on the need for us all to help with the conservation of our furry and feathered friends. We can start by taking steps to invite wildlife into our own gardens.
B
the easiest wildlife to encourage is the wild birds who all need to find food and water daily. February is often our coldest month when Blackbirds thrushes and Robins struggle to find
enough insects and worms. they will also eat fruit so any surplus apples or pears can be stored dry or frozen and then produced in late winter. Birds do not mind blemishes so keep these aside from the family supply. Dried mealworms are a convenient way to supplement the seed, fat and kitchen scraps we put on the bird table. Starlings also love mealworms and can be very entertaining in their antics trying to eat more than their fair share. Remember to position your bird table or feeders away from a fence to stop the neighbour’s cat using it as a spring board to the bird table but near a shrub or tree for shelter if a predatory bird like a Red Kite or Kestral patrols. Blue, great, Coal and Long tailed tits and of course Starlings all benefit from the suet and co-co-fat treats that can be bought or homemade both are high energy food sources. Other good choices are red millet,
Garden notes by Richard Callaghan
attract Fieldfares, Redwings, the Finches, Starlings and Blackbirds. ivy flowers very late in the Autumn and attracts many insects which in turn feed Wrens and Robins while teasels and Sunflowers if left to ripen produce seed that is great for Sparrows, nuthatches, Long tailed tits, goldfinches and Buntings. most insects and arachnids survive by hibernating or overwinter as pupae and find cracks and crevices to rest. Ladybirds like my bathroom window frames! it is important not to allow the surface of the garden pond to completely freeze over because the oxygen levels in the water quickly reduce and fish, newts and pond insects will suffer so float a ball on the surface which will move around and stop the water around it freezing.
Some small mammals like hedgehogs dormice and bats will hibernate which drops their body temperature to reduce their need for food so it is important to supply plenty of food for them in autumn. Leave garden debris and leaves in heaps to provide warm cover so don’t tidy up too much in the autumn. you can of course supplement with hedgehog houses, bat boxes, insect tenements and bird boxes which all need to put in place in the summer. i have a tit box with a camera and there are 16 blue tits all snuggled in it each night. mice, squirrels, rats, badgers and foxes do not hibernate but put on weight in the autumn and hunker down in warm dry places. Supplementing their food supply in winter is always welcome. mice and rats will pick up scraps fallen from the bird table or throw
some bird seed onto the lawn. Squirrels will happily feed from the peanut bird feeders. if you’re lucky enough to see badgers peanuts are also a favourite and foxes enjoy raw or cooked meat, tinned dog food and peanuts. A good bowl of drinking water is also welcome. enjoy watching your garden visitors while helping them survive the coldest time of year.
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AS i write it is raining, a cold wind is blowing and the ground is waterlogged. in short not the sort of conditions to make me think i really want to get up go outside and do some gardening. Fortunately, at the end of last year, as ground became free of crops i dug it over so there is not too much to do other than hoe over the weeds that have germinated since. Having said that, next month is the time i usually start thinking about planting and sowing so i would appreciate a considerable improvement in conditions. When the sun starts to shine and days get longer i get all enthusiastic and often get my propagator going and start off far too early, so this year my intention is to hold fire for a little while. it is good to get things growing but they need looking after until it is safe to move them on. this month is about as late as it is safe to leave it to do the winter pruning of Wisterias to encourage them to flower. All of last yearís shoots need to be cut back to two buds. this should promote flowering above leaf making early in the spring. in my back garden i have got some hardy Fuchsias, one of which is a lovely blowsy one with large purple and white flowers. Last year they were very late shooting, so much so that for a time i wondered if i had lost them. this year they have started shooting already and have not lost all of last yearís leaves yet. Obviously the plants are as confused about the weather as we are. i have noticed other things that seem to be moving earlier than usual. i have got some Hyacinths that are just about to open and lots of Snowdrops in flower in my garage i have got my
seed potatoes laid out in trays to start chitting. they need to be somewhere frost free and light so that the chits do not get too long. i have glass doors on my garage so they get enough light. i am debating with myself whether or not to start my onion sets in trays of compost. if i set them in the ground on the allotment too early they get infected by the onion fly which is a bit of a nuisance. to avoid the fly they need to go out about mid may which means they donít have as much time to bulk up, but starting them in trays means they get a bit of a head start and avoid the fly.
linseed, sunflower hearts and peanuts. Peanuts should always be put in feeders to prevent young birds taking a whole nut which could choke them. Woodpeckers, Siskins, nuthatches and the tits all will flock to Peanut Feeders. goldfinches, always a welcome sight, will come to niger Seed Feeders. Birds also need water to drink and clean their feathers especially when it’s freezing so add a little sugar to the bird bath which lowers the temperature and stops ice forming. the best way to help birds through the winter however is to furnish your garden with plants that provide nature’s own food supply here are a few to consider. Holly, Hawthorn, Cotoneaster, Pyracantha, Sorbus, Rosa Rugosa and Viburum Opulus all hold their berries well into winter and
Tel: 01234 823033
MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
1
10 — KEMPSTON CALLING
FEBRUARY 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
out & about clubbing
Fatback ready to raise the Corn Exchange’s roof
by Tony Hendrix the Fatback Band, one of the most acclaimed disco, soul and funk groups to have ever emerged from America, are destined to explode and raise the roof off the Bedford
Corn exchange on Sunday, February 9, with their amazing high energy live show. Hugely influential and playing live shows that blow audiences away, they are an original group from new york City who have put out more than 35 albums . the disco-funk band were prolific in the 60s, 70s and 80s and laid the foundations for modern rap and dance music today. with some of the most prolific and ground breaking music of the era with tunes like: ‘Do the Bus Stop’, ‘Spanish Hustle’, ‘Wicky Wacky’, ‘is this the future’, and the seminal ‘i found loving’, just a few off their global hits. Hear these and many more with a 90 minute live set headed by the leg-
endary Bill ‘Fatback’ Curtis and his original band. the band will be supported by acclaimed DJs, Jon Jules (mi-Soul Radio), Louie martin from (Delight Radio), DJ Stumpi (Diverse Fm) and local maestro Rocky. the event starts at 7pm till midnight with some amazing disco and funk to get you in the mood from the supporting DJs. Judging by past shows at the Jazz Café, Ronnie Scott’s and the Butlins Weekenders, this event will guarantee to be a total sell out so you are advised to grab yourself a ticket as soon as you can. tickets for this event are available from the Bedford Corn exchange on 01234 718044, ViP tickets cost £40 and those willing
to stand pay £32, doors open at 6pm for tickets and drinks . ‘Central Square’ is the latest addition to Bedford’s buoyant nightlife, this amazing capacity venue is located in central Bedford at 15 Lime Street. Central Square is currently offering ‘Meet and Mingle Fridays’ up to and including Friday 13th march, between 5pm and 11pm, you can relax eat and drink with friends, entry is free and there is free car parking for two hours. this multi functional venue can cater for small intimate parties up to corporate events of 1000 customers. the hugely successful Castle Comedy Club currently working out of the ent Shed/gordon Arms, in Castle Road, Bedford will be leaving this site and setting up home at Central Square. the site owned by Wells & Co site will be re-developed into a restaurant specialising in Pizzas! Castle Comedy will launch its first show on the second thursday of every month at Central Square, Lime Street, Bedford, commencing Thursday 12th March. the opening act is Marlon Davis, an extremely talented comedian, improviser and actor who has made recent tV appearances on BBC’s Live at the Apollo. topping the bill for this special evening is Ben Norris. Ben is a regular at the Comedy Club, he has made appearances in ‘never mind the Buzzcocks’, the Comedy Store and mock the Week, Ben is the ultimate circuit legend and not to be missed! the event will be hosted by Paul Revill. Food is also available pre-show. For more info contact info@centralsquarebedford.co.uk
jazz White Horse jazz nights m
this February, the White Horse, Bedford, has a packed schedule bringing a variety of musicians to the pub to perform at their regular monday night Jazz evening. Why not come down and support live music and an evenings worth of entertainment with some of the uK’s finest musicians, from 8.30pm. Contributions of £5-£10 encouraged to ensure the musicians earn a fair fee for their performances.
Monday 3rd February: vocalist Anita Wardell. (pictured right) Best known as an outstanding scat singer, she is also a skilled writer and performer of vocalese, and a sensitive interpreter of standards and jazz originals. She’s collected several awards, including a recent prize for Best Jazz Vocalist from the British Jazz Awards, and her artistry has inspired accolades from fellow singers like mark murphy, Roseanna Vitro and Kate mcgarry. yet, up until now, Wardell’s albums have only been available as high-priced imports, and she has made limited trips to the east and west coasts of the united States.
Monday 10th February: Leon Greening (Piano). One of the most popular and admired Jazz Pianists in the uK, Leon greening has been a name on the British jazz scene for many years, dubbed ‘the Professor’ by his peers.
Monday 17th February: Vasilis Xenopoulos (Tenor Saxophone). Saxophonist, composer and educator Vasilis Xenopoulos is one of the most accomplished greek jazz
musicians of his generation and a genuine representative of straight ahead jazz. London became his permanent home after graduating with honors from the Berklee College of music in Boston and gradually established himself as one of London’s up and coming jazz saxophonists. He has worked with some of the best musicians of the international Jazz Scene as a band leader, a section leader and as a guest soloist at various projects.
Monday 24th February: Mark Hale (Drums). the distance between London and new york is just over 3400 miles, and traveling that distance by air takes about 6 hours. it’s not cheap to fly across the Atlantic, but it is an essential trip for jazz musicians to make if they want the benefits of soaking up the tradition of the music and experiencing some of the highest levels of musicianship in the world.
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FEBRUARY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
11
comedy After eight years Castle Comedy moves to new bigger venue p Castle Comedy launched in 2012 at the gordon Arms ent Shed and over eight wonderful years they welcomed some of the biggest comedy acts in the uK. these included Katherine Ryan, Joel Dommett, James Acaster, Josh Widdicombe, Sara Pascoe and Zoe Lyons. it was with great sadness that the club learned that they could not stay. the farewell show in February sold out within hours! now for the good news… the club founder Paul Revill went into overdrive and refused to let Castle Comedy leave Bedford. Castle Comedy will now be held at Central Square Bedford. it is an exciting new venue situated in the heart of Bedford town centre that offers a unique space for events. Paul said: “Teaming up with Central Square is the start of an exciting new
“Sweet as a nut”
chapter for Castle Comedy. The best comedians will keep coming to Bedford and I’m sure everyone will love the shows
at our stunning new home.” the shows will continue to be held on the second thursday of each month and Central Square will be offering delicious pre-show food options. the first show is on Thursday March 12th and is a Double Headline Act Special. Opening the show is Marlon Davis, (left) a talented comedian, improviser and actor whose recent tV appearances include Live at the Apollo. Closing the show is top headline act, Ben Norris (right). He has appeared on nevermind the Buzzcocks, Comedy Central’s ‘the Comedy Store’ and mock the Week. “The term circuit legend is overused, but Norris is one of a handful that have been headlining for more than two decades and rarely departs a stage without leaving it torn to shreds in his wake. A master of the craft.” GQ Magazine.
Have i got news For you) and Glenn Moore (mock the Week) are set to appear. All the shows feature full support and are hosted by Bedford favourite, Paul Revill. Doors open 7pm, shows start at 8.15pm and tickets are £10. to book tickets www.castlecomedy.co.uk. to book food visit: centralsquarebedford.co.uk
On Thursday April 9th Castle Comedy celebrates its eighth Birthday! Hal Cruttenden (right) Live at the Apollo,
NEW LOOK – NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
conclub Daley’s
KEMPSTON 01234 851120
Bedford Road, Kempston 01234 851143 Thursday nights FREE POOL and JUKEBOX from 8pm
Saturday February 22nd
Saturday February 8th
DR SKA DISCO 9pm start
Saturday February 15th
TOO MANY COOKS 9pm start
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Saturday 1st February
THE AMAZING
DAVID BOAKES
Saturday 7th March ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE LADIES
STACEY LEE DATES NOT BE MIS SED…
MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE AS SEEN ON TV
Saturday 8th February BEAUTIFUL LADY WITH A BEAUTIFUL VOICE
KATIE WILSON Saturday 15th February VALENTINE'S WEEKEND SPECIAL
NIKKITA WITH HER DIVA TRIBUTE
Saturday 22nd February BY POPULAR DEMAND,THE SOULFUL VOICE OF
BEN JONES
Saturday 28th March THE AMAZING BAND
2 TONE ALL SKA’S Pleas e note this has adult themes and language s o please be aw are if bringing c hildren
Saturday 4th April
BIG BAND NIGHT
WHITNEY HOUSTON TRIBUTE NIGHT
ONE NIGHT STAND A NIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME ONLY £10 A YEAR – RENEWAL NOW DUE FOR EXISTING MEMBERS
Saturday 29th February
Tues, Weds, Thurs 3pm–Midnight – Fri-Sat Noon-1am – Sun-Mon Noon-Midnight ––––––––––––––––––––– WORLD SHIP SOCIETY BEDFORD BRANCH
Kempston Constitution Club 196A Bedford Road, Kempston 3rd tHuRSDAy in the month 20 February 2020 Derek Sands, WSS Area Liaison Officer “Passing the Pier” telephone: 01234 352014
––––––––––––––––––––– miD BeDS FLOWeR CLuB Thursday, the 13th of February at 7:45 pm in Flitwick Village hall. the demonstration will be
“The flower of Scotland”
by Fiona Harrison. isitors welcome £6 more details contact marion tucker telephone (01234) 742396
––––––––––––––––––––– ADDiSOn CentRe, KemPStOn
FUND RAISING TEA DANCE
MONDAY 10th FEB 2020 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (inCL CuPPA) tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
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BEDFORD EARLY DANCE AND MUSIC
STEWARTBY AMATEUR OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
KEMPSTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB
Meet monthl on Saturdays 2-6pm at Brickhill Community Centre, Avon drive, Bedford MK41 7AF
For further information, dates and times please contact David Parsons 01234 853637 email bedmg1djparsons.me.uk or visit our website www.djparsons.me.uk/bedmg/ All Welcome
––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION
if you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings.
We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in All Saints Church Hall, Cemetery Road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening For further information contact trevor on
01234 856040 or marian on 01234 855288
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Meet, Thursdays 7.30 at Stewartby United Church Hall, Park Crescent.
if you are interested in performing (singing acting or dancing) or helping back stage, come along and give us a try. All newcomers welcome! For tickets and further information, visit our website: www.saods.org.uk.
––––––––––––––––––––– JOIN YOUR LOCAL PROBUS CLUB
We are for retired or semi-retired people from all walks of life and may include business or professional people. (male & Female). We usually meet on the 1st Monday of each month at the Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford over the lunchtime period.
enjoy a meal in great company followed by a talk on a range of interesting topics. Why not come & give us a try!!
Contact: Andrew on 01234 838407
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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
––––––––––––––––––––– S BeDFORD RSPB LOCAL gROuP meet at ARA club, manton Lane Bedford mK41 7PF Thursday 20th February
meeting 7.30pm aiming to finish by 9.30pm
Connor Jameson – the life story of one of our more rare birds of prey
“Looking for the Goshawk – the Phantom of the Forest”. Suitable for experts and novices, RSPB membership not essential.
entrance fee, group members £1 guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free. the facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking.
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––––––––––––––––––––– BeDFORD LOCAL gROuP OF tHe WiLDLiFe tRuSt Wednesday 12th February Meeting 7-15pm for 7.30pm Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ
‘A Social Marvel – New World Leaf Cutting Ants’
an illustrated talk by Brian Sims Plenty of parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under events on www.wildlifebcn.org or 01234 266057
––––––––––––––––––––– CHRiSt tHe King PARiSH HALL Harrowden Road, Bedford mK42 0SP 9am to noon Sat 8th Feb
TABLE TOP SALE
entry 50p Refreshments available, tables £5 - must be prebooked. For information call on 01234 965497 2pm to 4pm Friday 28th Feb
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA
Admission £4 - tea, home-made cake and friendship. For information call 01234 326291
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––––––––––––––––––––– BIDDENHAM GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Biddenham Village Hall
7.30pm Tuesday 18th February
“Mythology of Plants” By Joanne Baxter
––––––––––––––––––––– BRIDGE CLUB
Cranfield Village Hall MK43 0DR Sundays 6.50 for 7pm
info email tim.sharrock1@gmail.com
––––––––––––––––––––– 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
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12 — KEMPSTON CALLING
FEBRUARY 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
back
the
‘Biggest funding boost in a decade’ welcomed by Bedfordshire Police
BeDFORDSHiRe Police has welcomed the latest police funding settlement from the government, dubbed by Home Secretary Priti Patel as the ‘biggest funding boost in a decade’.
the 2020/21 settlement announcement set out an additional £1.1billion of funding to all forces – should Police and Crime Commissioners take full advantage of raising the police precept element of council tax by £10 for a Band D home. it is designed to assist with the uplift of 20,000 new officers nationally and was announced in Parliament on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. For Bedfordshire, the new deal could see an increase of around £9million to its budget for 2020/21 – to £121.9m. the boost will help ensure funds can be invested where they are needed most; in extra officers on the county’s stretched frontline.
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway said: “today’s funding settlement is welcome but still requires me to raise the police precept by the maximum allowed without a referendum, of £10 a year for a Band D home – or 84p per month - in order to achieve another £9m for Bedfordshire Police. "this will allow me to recruit 156 more Police Constables this year, of whom 36 are our share of the national uplift in 2020/21 and 100 are needed to replace leavers but which also allows me to fund 20 additional PCs. (the core grant from government also includes payment for 18 extra officers who were recruited in the financial year 2019/20 as the first part of the national uplift.) “there had been rumours that the core grant from government was going to stand still. if this had been the case i would have had to find some £6m of savings so the extra investment is a relief. it allows me to meet the pressures of pay, pensions, insurance and other rising costs and still deliver the recruitment that both i and central government had promised.”
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Resin Bonded • Block paving • Patio slabs • Tarmacadam • Fencing • Turfing • Brickwork • Graveling • Landscaping and much more Kempston Calling is an independent publication, part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2020 Rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 Radwell Road, milton ernest Bedford mK44 1SH. tel: 07894 935952 editorial: editorial@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: martin@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire Lu2 0SX.