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Brexit party help Yasin to victory in the Bedford and Kempston constituency – see local results on page 8
ON a night when the exit polls gave the Conservatives a 99% chance of taking Bedford and Kempston there was disbelief at the final verdict. Labour’s Mohammad Yasin crept over the line to be returned as MP with a majority of just 145 votes.
The Conservative candidate Ryan Henson’s agent, Bernard Jones pressurised the Returning Officer, Philip Simpkins into agreeing a recount of three out of eighteen ‘mini counts’. The recount uncovered 12 incorrectly counted votes, Mr Simpkins refused pleas from Mr Jones to recount the balance of the count. The result stood – 145 vote majority to Labour’s Mohammad Yasin, down over 2,200 votes on the 2017 General Election. The result could have been much different had the Brexit party not contested the seat,
How did that happen?
their candidate, Charles Bunker took 896 votes, many of which would have presumably gone to the Conservative party. Elsewhere in Bedford Borough, former MP for Bedford and Kempston, Richard Fuller, who lost his seat to Mr Yasin in 2017 returned to fight the seat in North East Beds vacated by Alistair Burt. Mr Fuller polled 38,443 votes, a 37.4% majority on a turnout of 71.7% All the local election results on page 8
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JANUARY 2020
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KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL of additions the band still played traditional carols and the audience joined in the singing. Sainsbury’s very kindly donated some festive mince pies too.
Festive get-together Senior Citizens of Kempston were welcomed to the Centenary Hall by the Mayor for the annual
Christmas get-together. Refreshments were available during the afternoon. The ‘cherub like’ voices of Bedford Road Primary School choir provided a rendition of festive songs both old and new. The audience was very appreciative and enthusiastically joined in with the finale of ‘Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer’! The proceeds of the raffle (over £230) went to Kempston Mayor’s charity – The Road Victims Trust.
Recycling update
MEETINGS IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Tuesday January 14th 6.30pm PLANNING 7.30pm KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL Tuesday February 11th 6.30pm PLANNING 7.30pm KEMPSTON TOWN COUNCIL In the Council Chamber, 104 Bedford Road, Kempston
Let there be light! The weather was kind and it was good to see so many people at the Saxon Centre for the Christmas light ‘switch on’ a couple of weeks ago. The slightly expanded event this year included a children’s roundabout that proved extremely popular with the younger visitors. The smell of the cooked onions on the German sausage stall wafting through the crowd was an appetising addition to the occasion. Father Christmas interrupted his busy schedule to pay Kempston a visit and the lights were switched on by Kempston’s Mayor – Carl Meader. Despite a couple
Senior Citizens’ lunch and some a bit younger!
At the last meeting of Kempston Town Council before Christmas Cllr. Ross Purves reported on the first meeting of Kempston’s climate change group. Meetings took place on two separate evenings to enable maximum attendance. Very many good ideas were forthcoming – some more ambitious than others. The group will be getting together again in the new year. If you would like to join them please contact Cllr. Ross Purves c/o 104 Bedford Road Kempston Bedford MK42 8BG Tel. 07732 969871 rmpkempston@gmail.com It was a busy build up to Christmas but now that the presents have been opened (hope that you have re-cycled the wrappings and packaging) and the festive food has been well digested – Kempston Town Councillors and Staff wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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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The Age UK’s recent television advert depicting an elderly gentleman speaking to a volunteer on the phone highlights the heart breaking message of loneliness in old age.
Lonely people are more likely to suffer from dementia, depression and heart disease. No-one of any age should be on their own, least of all at Christmas time. Age UK’s “no-one should have no one to turn to” survey highlights Christmas as the hardest time of the year particularly for those who have been recently bereaved. Christmas is the loneliest time of the year for over 1.5 million older people with those who have lost a loved one struggling the most. Many feel socially isolated with next to no contact from the wider community, 8% of the over 65s in England struggle with loneliness and 6% are socially isolated. The proposed scrapping of a free TV licence for the over 75s
is another harsh reminder of loneliness. The television is a source of companionship for two in five people and helps them stay in touch with the world around them. Taking away this vital source of media communication would be a real blow to those who have worked their whole life contributing to the state. 3.4 million have never used the internet and as the digital world continues to evolve more old people won’t be able to access the services many of us take for granted. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP LOCALLY? Friends for Life Bedford is a local charity set up to foster companionship for elderly care home residents across
LONELINESS IN FIGURES 3.6 million older people in the UK live alone, 2 million are aged 75+ 1.9 million older people often feel ignored or invisible 6.0 million over 65s are in need of support 4.1 million have poor health 1.5 million have a care need that is not being met 1.6 million in poverty 1.1 million live in poor housing 0.8 are lonely 0.6 million are socially isolated 3.4 million over 65s have never used the internet (Courtesy of Age UK)
Bedfordshire. Sadly, many elderly residents have few or no external visitors. With families too far away to make regular trips, many have dementia or are in the final stages of a terminal illness making it too painful for family members to visit on a regular basis. Friends for Life want to bring the community into the local care homes and develop relationships between community groups, businesses and schools to minimise social isolation. Individuals can volunteer or become a ‘Befriender’ and visit an old person for an hour a week at the care home. By having a coffee, chatting, reading or simply taking them out for a walk can boost their day giving them attention and much-needed company. “Lonely people are more likely to suffer from dementia, depression and heart disease. Volunteering helps counteract stress, anxiety and anger, 77% of people surveyed said it helped improve their mental health.” (FRIENdS FoR LIFE BEdFoRd) People are living longer and those with chronic conditions requiring long term treatment and care are having a significant impact on public services creating extra demands for care and support. The Physiological Society report, Growing older, Better, cites healthy life expectancy which is the number of years lived in good health has not increased as quickly as life
expectancy. This means people are living longer but in poor health. It is a sobering thought and one that will not be solved easily, but it must be addressed by the incumbent government failure to do so will leave many socially isolated and in desperate need. For more information on Friends For Life Bedford, contact: Jennie Moore 07977 440201 www.friendsforlifebedford.org.uk
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Kempston Block drugs gang jailed after police chase A BEDFORD gang member who led police on an almost 20 mile chase after stealing the contents of a cannabis factory has been jailed for eight years. Sanjay Clouden was one of 13 men who appeared in the dock at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, december 6, 2019, to be sentenced over a range of serious drug offences linked to a Bedford gang.
The offences included smuggling drugs into prison via Luton Crown Court, as well as the aggravated burglary of a cannabis factory. Alongside Clouden, one man was jailed for three years for smuggling drugs into prison; five men were handed prison sentences totalling more than 20 years, however these will run alongside significant jail terms already being served for other offences, while a further six were handed suspended prison sentences. Clouden, 21, of no fixed address, was one of five men who drove from Bedford to Northumbria where they raided £35,000 of product from a cannabis factory. Northumbria officers chased the gang for nearly 20 miles, during which Clouden drove into police vehicles in a bid to escape. dashcam footage captured the moment one of Clouden’s accomplices was pulled from the vehicle after eventually being stopped. The five were all convicted of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, with different members also convicted of burglary and weapon offences. Clouden was additionally convicted of dangerous driving. Clouden was also one of seven members of the Kempston Block gang convicted of smuggling cannabis and tobacco into Luton Crown Court. . Gang members coming into the court used hollowed out trainers to bring the packages in. These were then transferred over to fellow gang members who were in custody while they stood trial for a series of serious violence. The men were all convicted of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. Reginal Joseph, 31, of Bunyan Road, Kempston, was one of those convicted of smuggling drugs into Luton Crown Court, and was also one of three men sentenced over a separate conspiracy to bring drugs into HMP Peterborough. He was locked up for a total of three years. detective Inspector Janine Graham, who led the investigation, said: “The audacity of this gang and their offending is almost beyond belief. “These men were already standing trial for some shocking violence linked to drug dealing, including a kidnap and serious assault as well as a drive-by shooting. “Yet they showed a complete disregard for the criminal justice system, and attempted to carry on dealing drugs even while they stood in the dock. “The cannabis factory burglary and subsequent police pursuit shows a similar disregard for law and order by these gang members. “The central theme running through this entire saga is drugs. This gang’s determination to keep selling these substances has fuelled all of their dangerous, violent and brazen behaviour. “This is why tackling the supply of drugs is such a key focus for our force, and we are pleased that many of those involved in this particular trial are now serving lengthy spells behind bars.”
INCIDENT ONE – AGGRAVATED BURGLARY IN NORTHUMBRIA
Bedfordshire Police were looking to arrest a number of Kempston Block gang members when four senior figures were arrested by Northumbria Police in the early hours of 20 February 2018. This was in connection to a conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary at an address in Glanton Road, North Shields. Five people travelled up from Bedford to North Tyneside with the intention of stealing the drugs from a cannabis factory. Northumbria officers managed to track two vehicles which were driven away from the location. The drivers of both vehicles failed to stop for officers and one of them rammed a police car before
being brought to a stop. Sanjay Clouden was found to be the driver of the Vauxhall Mokka, which had rammed the police car, while Vincent Kingswell-Shaw was in the front passenger seat. Brandon Mutombo, who was under 18 at the time, was in the back seat of the car and also arrested. In the boot, officers discovered 363 mature cannabis plants, capable of producing roughly 6.5 kilos of the Class B drug. This has a potential value of around £35,000. Northumbria officers also arrested Antonio Ziu, who was driving the second car, a black BMW, and Ellis drummond. Searches of the car recovered a toolbox containing two knives, one of which was a serrated hunting knife around 25cm in length, which matched a sheath recovered from drummond’s trousers. Four of the five men pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to supply cannabis, while drummond was found guilty of the same offence at trial. Kingswell-Shaw and drummond were found guilty of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and two counts of possession of a knife. Ziu and Clouden were found guilty of the same offences at an earlier trial, while Clouden also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. Mutombo pleaded guilty to the two counts of possession of an offensive weapon and the ongoing conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. This ongoing conspiracy to commercially supply the stolen skunk cannabis on the streets of Bedfordshire was a key part of this conviction. This activity underpinned the Kempston Block’s wider criminal activities. The group made drill rap videos referring in their content to identical or similar criminal enterprises, including drive-by shootings. Prosecution Counsel, Christopher Hewertson, told the court: “It is the Crown’s case that this was a collective criminal agreement between members of a gang to break into a cannabis factory established in a domestic address, when armed – including with the combat knife – knowing that the premises was, or was likely to be, guarded by a member of the criminal group producing high-value cannabis within the facility. “The Crown’s case was always that the defendants were members of K Block, a criminal street gang in Bedford which profited from the supply of drugs via a variety of modes of operation and underpinned that activity via the possession and use of weapons. “As the Court of Appeal have made plain, it should never be forgotten that, in relation to offences of this gravity, the victim is not only the man who was terrified and struck but also the public at large, where young men such as these, with previous convictions, chose to arm themselves, disguise themselves and raid a premises.”
INCIDENT TWO – LUTON CROWN COURT SMUGGLING
Eight members of the Kempston Block gang were on trial last summer after a kidnap and serious assault, stabbing and drive-by shooting involving their gangland rivals. during this trial, on 27 July 2018, defendant Shaqiel Quailey mistakenly dropped a package he was concealing behind the dock area at the court. This was found by Serco staff. Subsequent tests identified the contents as herbal cannabis, tobacco and cigarette papers, mixed in with coffee to disguise the smell. Nearly a month later, on 23 August, Quailey and devante Stanley handed over a bag containing clothes and shoes for the defendants at court. However, Serco officers who searched the bag found that the shoes had been hollowed out. Inside them was cannabis and tobacco. Forensic work later identified another suspect, Reginal Joseph, whose dNA was found on the drugs package. He was proven to be the group’s packager of the drugs. All of those on trial at the time were searched and it was discovered that a number of their shoes had been subject to similar modifications. A phone later found in Sanjay Clouden’s prison cell had been used to contact Stanley on the day of the offence, while discoveries on a phone belonging to
TWO FURTHER GANG MEMBERS SENTENCED FOR DRUG OFFENCES
Two further members of a Bedford drugs gang have been handed prison terms, taking the total number of men sentenced in a single investigation to 15. Liam McClean, 22, of Hartwell Drive, Kempston, and Tyrell Clara, 22, of no fixed address, are the latest members of the Kempston Block gang to appear before judges as a result of Bedfordshire Police’s operation Holms. Clara was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for four separate drugs supply offences. He will serve this at the same time as an existing six-year sentence for robbery. McClean, meanwhile, received an 18 month jail term for his role in a criminal conspiracy to smuggle drugs through Luton Crown Court and into the prison estate. McClean will serve his sentence at the same time as an existing four-year sentence for possession with intent to supply cocaine.
Saffa Gbonda were crucial in proving the criminal conspiracy. Gbonda was proven to have had an iPhone for at least six months while he was in two different prisons. Analysis of his online bank account showed he had paid out and received around £27,000 via transactions with his network of criminal associates between May and November 2018. This included nearly £4,000 to the other principal organiser of this conspiracy, Reginal Joseph. Gbonda claimed this was to do with his business, Finesser Clothing, but could provide no evidence to support these claims. The analysis showed, as found by the jury, that the smuggling of unlawful micro-phones, cannabis and tobacco into the prison estate was a highly lucrative business from which Gbonda’s criminal associates, in particular Joseph, greatly benefited. Prosecution Counsel, Christopher Hewertson, told the court: “The Court of Appeal has made clear very that only deterrent sentences are appropriate for those engaged in professional criminal enterprises, for considerable profit, to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into prisons. “Those Court of Appeal decisions make plain that the organising minds of such conspiracies, enacted over some time, should be treated as leading roles for the purposes of the guidelines, at the top end of the sentencing range. Those are the roles we say Saffa Gbonda and Reginal Joseph occupied.” Liam McLean was also involved in the smugglers’ network. He is due to be sentenced next week. McLean and Joseph Gbonda pleaded guilty, with the rest found guilty of conspiracy to supply a Class B drug across the two separate trials. Three men – Reginal Joseph, Mohammed Abdu and Leon Turpin – were convicted in relation to a separate conspiracy to smuggle drugs into HMP Peterborough. on 17 May 2018, Turpin was visiting Abdu at the prison when a package containing cannabis, tobacco, two mobile phones and chargers was intercepted. Its contents were estimated to be worth up to £5,800. Joseph was forensically linked to the package, as he was with the packages seized at Luton Crown Court. During the trial Mhudia Kaikai, 32, of Hartwell Drive, Kempston, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis. This was over evidence discovered on his phone as part of police enquiries into these offences. Vincent Kingswell-Shaw received an additional 12 month sentence for being concerned in the supply Class B drugs, over a separate offence uncovered during the investigation. These investigations also led to Antonio Ziu receiving two separate sentences of 18 months for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin.
OTHER INCIDENTS
FULL DETAILS OF OFFENDERS AND SENTENCES
Vincent Kingswell-Shaw, 23, of no fixed address Northumbria offences: Conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary – Five years; Two counts of pos-
session of a bladed article – Two 12 month sentences, to run concurrently; Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – Two years, to run concurrently other offences: Being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs – 12 months, to run consecutively Total sentence – Six years, which will run concurrently with his existing 16 year sentence for previous gang offences in Bedford Ellis drummond, 28, of no fixed address Northumbria offences: Conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary – Five years; Two counts of possession of a bladed article – Two 12 month sentences, to run concurrently; Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – Two years, to run concurrently Total sentence – Five years, which will run concurrently with his existing sentence for county lines drug offences in oxfordshire Antonio Ziu, 23, of no fixed address Northumbria offences: Conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary – Five years; Two counts of possession of a bladed article – Two 12 month sentences, to run concurrently; Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – Two years, to run concurrently other offences: Being concerned in the supply of cocaine – 18 months, to run concurrently; Being concerned in the supply of heroin – 18 months, to run concurrently Total sentence – Five years, which will run concurrently with his existing 19 year sentence for previous gang offences in Bedford Sanjay Clouden, 21, of no fixed address Northumbria offences: Conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary – Five years; Two counts of possession of a bladed article – Two 12 month sentences, to run concurrently; Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – Two years, to run concurrently; dangerous driving – 12 months, to run consecutively Luton Crown Court offences: Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – Two years, to run consecutively Total sentence – Eight years Brandon Mutumbo, 18, of downfield Way, Kempston Northumbria offences: Two counts of possession of a bladed article – Two 10 month sentences, to run concurrently; Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – 18 months Total sentence – 18 months, suspended for two years Reginal Joseph, 31, of Bunyan Road, Kempston Luton Crown Court offences: Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – Three years HMP Peterborough offences: Conspiracy to convey List B articles into a prison – 12 months, to run concurrently Total sentence – Three years Saffa Gbonda, 26, of no fixed address Luton Crown Court offences: Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – Four years Total sentence – Four years, which will run concurrently with his existing 12 year sentence for previous gang offences in Bedford Shaqiel Quailey, 25, of Vineyard Way, Kempston Luton Crown Court offences: Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – 21 months, suspended for two years devante Stanley, 23, of Garden Close, Kempston Luton Crown Court offences: Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – 15 months, suspended for two years Joseph Gbonda, 33, of no fixed address Luton Crown Court offences: Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs – Nine months Total sentence – Nine months, which will concurrently with an existing sentence Leon Turpin, 55, of Coniston Close, Kempston HMP Peterborough offences: Conspiracy to convey List B articles into a prison – 15 months, suspended for two years Mohammed Abdu, 22, of Nutwood Close, Bedford HMP Peterborough offences: Conspiracy to convey List B articles into a prison - 15 months, suspended for two years Mhudia Kaikai, 32, of Hartwell drive, Kempston other offences: Being concerned in the supply of cannabis – Eight months, suspended for two years
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Weight loss helps turn redundancy into a career When Jeanette joined her local Slimming World group, she couldn’t have predicted the additional benefits that losing over three stone could bring. A new career for the New Year helping others to feel as amazing as she does now. When Jeanette joined her local group, she was really unhappy with her weight. She recalls “ I was suffering with back pains and struggled to breath at times. I was also just generally tired and really lacked self-esteem, I just didn’t like the way that I looked and felt”. Her mum has diabetes and so this was a real worry that without doing something, she would be following the same path. The breaking point came for Jeanette when she was looking for an outfit for her daughters 18th Birthday “I was going through my wardrobe, and I realised that my size 14/16 outfits no longer fit me, and I was mortified and I knew I needed to do something.” “So I did a bit of looking and some friends had recommended Slimming World, so I went along but I can’t tell you how nervous I was. I just thought that I was going to be judged and humiliated, but I needn’t of worried” Jeanette shared that as she walked through the door on her first meeting, she was greeted by a lovely warm and friendly group, and that ongoing support was so key to her success. “The group made it for me, they were supportive, I never felt like anyone judged me and my consultant was just so caring, from the occasional
phone call, text message and card. It’s the support that kept me motivated right the way through my weight loss’. Not only that, it was a great way for Jeanette to meet people having only moved into the village six months before. “Since joining group I have made some really good friends, so much so we now have regular nights out together at the local Wootton blue cross bingo”. When it comes to food, Jeanette, busy in a school at the time was worried it might be quite complicated and time consuming to Food optimise, but again she had nothing to worry
about. “What I loved most was the freedom with foods, I didn’t have to weigh and measure everything I ate, and I was never hungry at all’. Jeanette loves a good curry, and this was easy to include. “I was delighted we could still enjoy our favourite meals at home, which my husband loves as well. I was worried that we would have to ditch the Friday night curry, but I learned that it was so easy to still include this, my favourite curry now is the Slimming World Chicken Balti which I can whip up at home and it tastes amazing, I like mine really spicy, oh and
best of all, I can still enjoy a cheeky glass of wine to wash it down, everything in moderation”. other foods that they now enjoy as a family include real comfort foods like lasagne and pizza topped chicken. “Before I used to by jars of sauce for everything, now I have learned how easy it is to make these myself, and best of all, now I know exactly what I am eating.’ In terms of Jeanette’s health she is feeling so much healthier and more confident now that she has lost three and a half stones. “I am just feeling in control, I am happy and I am feeling healthy. I can climb the stairs and not get out of breath, I have joined a gym and have reached platinum in Body Magic.” Recently Jeanette was made redundant from her job in the school, and decided to turn her love of Food optimising into a new venture for 2020 because she wants to support others to feel just as amazing as she does. “What’s been so crucial to me has been the support I have received, from my consultant and the group that I attend. It’s just that feeling you get when you are with others who are all working towards the same goal. We are all different, but the support we give each other is magic. It’s that Slimming World feeling that I want to share with others.” Jeanette re-launches the Wootton group which meets every Thursday on January 2, at 5:30pm and 7:30pm at the Wootton Community centre.
Local hospice’s Lights of Love event shines bright FAMILIES from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire came together to celebrate the lives of loved ones at a special festive remembrance service on Sunday, december 8, 2019. Holding glowing lanterns, people gathered outside Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger near Bedford for the hospice’s annual Lights of Love event. There was a poignant service led by the hospice’s Spiritual Care Coordinator, Birgitte Grace, which included readings and festive music performed by the Bedford Town Band. Singers from the Amici choir were joined by Sue Ryder staff and volunteers and sang a selection of carols. The hospice also switched on its Christmas lights, which illuminated
several beautiful Christmas trees positioned in the grounds with white sparkling lights. Guests were also invited to write a message to loved ones who they wished to remember on a dedication star. The stars were displayed on trees of light in the hospice’s memory garden, which was specially lit up with purple, blue, green and white lights. Hayley Webb, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at Lights of Love to let the memories of loved ones shine bright this Christmas; it was a really special evening. Thank you also to our sponsor G&H Seamer Funeral directors for their kind support.
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one of my childhood memories is visiting my Grandmother in Hove. More particularly, just around the corner from her flat was the Sussex County Cricket Ground. off I would go with my sandwiches and spend the day watching the likes of John Snow and Jim Parks, both England players of repute, displaying their cricketing prowess. over the years my interest in Cricket was maintained, not least through playing clergy cricket for many years against other dioceses around the country. The result is that I still keep an eye on the results, not least those from Sussex. I was therefore delighted when cricket featured so highly in the 2019 Sports Personality of the Year. Not only did the World Cup side gain the team trophy for their victory over New Zealand, but they also claimed the trophy for the Greatest Sporting Moment when Jos Buttler broke the stumps to seal Cricket World Cup victory. More than that Ben Stokes won the main award for both his Cricket World Cup achievements and his remarkable innings to secure victory against the Australians in the third test. As you may recall two years ago Ben was in court on an affray charge. He was acquitted but subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge by the England and Wales Cricket Board that he had brought the game into disrepute. In his acceptance speech Ben said; ‘Two years ago was a tough time for me in my life’. But he then went on to speak of all those who had supported him and helped him move forward. He was able to move on and to make those remarkable batting and bowling contributions.. Believing in people; helping them to make a new start is so important. It is part of that Christian witness to the importance of forgiveness and new beginnings. It requires encouragement, generosity, and love. It can be costly in so many ways. The murder of Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones at that conference by London Bridge on the theme of prison rehabilitation, by one of the very people they were aiming to help starkly reminds us of that. Jack’s father however is clear that the work must continue. New starts matter! This New Year amongst all those other resolutions, what can you do to enable a new start in the life of someone else?
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To advertise to over 58,000 homes in Bedfordshire just call 07894 935952
by Dave Hodgson Mayor of Bedford
GREAT RAIL BETRAYAL
The East Midlands Railway (EMR) consultation has now been published and has confirmed the downgrade of the Bedford rail services, with Bedford completely disappearing from the Intercity map. The East Midlands Railway consultation confirms Bedford commuters and leisure travellers worst fears: • Totally removing Bedford form the Intercity map. • No Direct links north beyond Kettering and Corby (due to cuts to direct north bound trains). • Slower commuter style trains to London in place of today’s intercity services. I, and my Liberal democrat colleagues, warned about these potential cuts and reductions in service and local Conservatives accused us of scaremongering! I attended the initial consultation with hundreds of local residents arguing for Bedford to keep Intercity services and our links to the north and the midlands. It is very disappointing that local residents have been ignored. Claims, in the consultation, of a “more frequent service” are complete nonsense, as slower trains – all stopping at Luton or Luton Airport – are proposed. We have had all the pain for electrification with the closure of Bromham Road Bridge, and cancelled trains along with rail replacement buses, but none of the gain. This followed the chaos of the 2018 timetable changes. The Government must now intervene and reverse its decision imposed in this broken franchise. They are directly responsible for this disaster. I am urging residents to respond to the East Midlands Railway Consultation at https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/ december2020
KEMPSTON’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
TEL: 07894 935952 ADVERTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
JANUARY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
Kempston turned on its Christmas tree lights on Tuesday, December 3. A large crowd sang carols along with Kempston Concert Band. Father Christmas frightened a few young children. Mayor Carl Meader got an early Christmas present. Sainsburys donated a ton of in-store baked mince pies. Mr Gumbold brought his fairground ride. It was a very successful night for the town.
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8 — KEMPSTON CALLING
JANUARY 2020
Teaching pupils about safety
NETWoRK Rail has taught pupils from Priory Lower School in Bedford how to stay safe on and around the railway. on Wednesday, december 11, 28 pupils visited the newly reconstructed Bromham Road bridge. The pupils were given a site tour and were taught about why the bridge needed to be reconstructed, the benefits of the project and how to stay safe in and around a railway environment. Pupils were also taught how dangerous it is to trespass on the tracks, particularly in areas with overhead line equipment, which carries 25,000 volts and would have life changing consequences for
anyone coming into contact with it. Philippa d’Netto, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail, said: “Safety is our top priority and we wanted to teach the pupils about how to stay safe when using the railway “There are big changes happening to the railway in Bedford as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade. Whilst the electrification of the route from London to Kettering and Corby via Bedford will bring significant benefits for passengers, the new equipment which will be used to power the trains carries 25,000 volts of electricity, so we wanted to highlight just how important it is to stay safe.”
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
Budding historians wanted to research 140 years of St John’s Homes Trust
The St John’s Homes Trust in Bedford Road, Kempston will, in 2021 celebrate 140 years of helping to provide homes for elderly residents of Kempston. Would any ancestry buffs or students interested in local history like to delve into the records for us. We have some facts and dates over two generations of the Williamson family to start off any research. If you would find this of interest please contact Mrs Janet Fardell on Bedford 855158 or the Clerk at St John’s Homes office on Bedford 853669. The land the homes are built on was bequeathed by Mrs Anne Charles Williamson in 1881 as a Charity. She was a trustee for many years living on site and died in 1927 with no direct heirs. We would like to find any existing relatives of the Williamsons from Kempston Manor or their family members anywhere who may be interested in their ancestry.” The office will be closed from 20 December 2019 until the 9th January 2020. Mrs Janet Fardell Chair of the Trustees St John’s Homes Trust
Foundation supports top university opportunity
HUNdREdS of students from across Bedfordshire are being offered the chance to see just how far they can go as part of a new partnership with an oxford college. A £50,000 donation from the Connolly Foundation will offer more than 100 students from across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire the opportunity to further their education at oxford University’s Wadham College, in partnership with Redborne Teaching Alliance. It is part of the college’s Bedfordshire Project, which aims to work with non-selective schools in the county to work with students and increase chances of their pupils from a disadvantaged background getting into highly selective universities. It will be open to students aged 14-16 and will attend after-school master classes and have the opportunity to visit Wadham College, where they will meet with staff and students to find out more about university life. After their GCSEs, year 11 pupils will also have the opportunity to attend Wadham for a residential course. Nigel Croft, head of the Redborne Teaching Alliance and a trustee of the
ConnollyFoundation, said: “The Connolly Foundation exists to provide support for young people across Bedfordshire. “I am delighted that the foundation has been able to assist with this opportunity for students who have the potential to benefit from a university education to find out more and hopefully to gain the skills and confidence to make informed choices that are right for them.” The Connolly Foundation-funded expansion to the project is targeting six schools across the two boroughs, which are Biddenham International School and Sports College, Bedford Academy, Mark Rutherford School, Redborne Upper School, Queensbury Academy and Samuel Whitbread Academy. david Bailey, Principal of Biddenham International School and Sports College said: “This is a great project for Bedford Borough schools to be involved as it will enable – and inspire – more students to go to top universities and follow their dream” Wadham College already has a similar programme in place with schools in Luton and the new partnership means that more than 20 schools across Bedfordshire are taking part.
General Election Results 2019 compared to 2017
BEDFORD AND KEMPSTON
2017 Lab win Bedford – 1.6% majority, turnout 67% votes % Mohammad Yasin (L) ........................22,712..........................................46.9 Richard Fuller (C)................................21,923..........................................45.2 Henry Vann (Ld) ................................. 2,837..........................................5.8 Lucy Bywater (G) ................................ 1,008..........................................2.1
2019 Lab hold Bedford & Kempston – 0.3% majority, turnout 66.1% votes % Mohammad Yasin (L)..............20,491..............................43.3 Ryan Henson (C) ....................20,346 ............................43 Henry Vann (LD) .....................4,608 ..............................9.7 Adrian Spurrell (G) .................960 .................................2.0 Charles Bunker (B) .................896 .................................1.9
NORTH EAST BEDFORDSHIRE
2017 Con hold Bedfordshire North East – 32.5% majority, turnout 74% votes % Alistair Burt (C) .................................39,139..........................................61.0 Julian Vaughan (L)...............................18,277..........................................28. Stephen Rutherford (Ld) .....................3,693............................................5.8 duncan Strachan (UKIP) .....................1,896............................................3.0 Philippa Fleming (G) ...........................1,215............................................1.9
2019 Con hold North East Beds – 37.4% majority, turnout 71.7% votes % Richard Fuller (C) ...................38,443..............................59.1 Julian Vaughan (L)..................14,160 ............................21.8 Daniel Norton (LD) .................7,999 ..............................12.3 Adam Zerny (I) .......................2,525 ..............................3.9 Philippa Fleming (G) ...............1,891 ..............................2.9
MID BEDFORDSHIRE
2017 Con hold Mid Bedfordshire with a 33.2% majority, turnout 75% votes % Nadine Dorries (C).............................38,936..........................................61.7 Rhiannon Meades (L) ..........................17,953..........................................28.4 Lisa French (Ld) .................................3,798............................................6.0 Gareth Ellis (G)....................................1,794............................................2.8 Ann Kelly(Looney)..............................667...............................................1.1
2019 Con hold Mid Bedfordshire – 38.1% majority, turnout 73.7% votes % Nadine Dorries (C) .................38,692..............................59.8 Rhiannon Meade (L) ...............14,028 ............................21.7 Rachel McGann (LD)...............8,171 ..............................12.6 Gareth Ellis (G) .......................2,478 ..............................3.8 Alan Victor (I) .........................812 .................................1.3 Ann Kelly (Looney) .................536 .................................0.8
To advertise to over 58,000 homes in Bedfordshire just call 07894 935952
TEL: 07894 935952 ADVERTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
JANUARY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
gardening
9
An excuse for armchair gardening by Maureen Catlin Milton Ernest Garden Centre
T
Garden notes by Richard Callaghan
I AM pleased to say that I am almost up to date with my preparations for the new garden year. I say that because up until Christmas I always feel that there is plenty of time, but now that the new year is here the dynamic has changed.
I know that some of the weather we had before Christmas was to say the least from a gardening perspective, grim, we were safe in the knowledge time was on our side, now we could have weeks where we cannot get on the ground so we have to use every opportunity to get ready for spring. Just before Christmas we had a weekend break in Germany and it would appear that on the continent they have had even more wet weather than we have. All across France, Belgium and Germany field after field was standing in water so even when they dry out so much goodness will have leeched from the soil that germination might well be down. In the garden there are still shrubs that can be pruned or just brought back to shape and size. This is also the time when I do the first or is it the last pruning of the Wisteria? I cut back all of last years growth to two buds to encourage it to flower. I also remove any branches that are making it overcrowded. This also helps to deter pigeons from using it as a nest site. Last summer I said that mice had decided to share my peas. It now appears that the culprits were not mice but rats, and they were busy tucking in to sweetcorn and all manner of other crops.
Even now they are scavenging for beetroot, squashes and other crops that have been left on peoples plots. I have distributed rat boxes around the field and in some the bait has all been taken and in others it has been nibbled so it is good to know they have found it. If I can keep the boxes baited through the winter then hopefully come next summer I will have a crop of peas all to myself.
Now comes the commercial break. The trading hut on Newnham Avenue will reopen on Wednesday January the 8th when we will have potatoes onions peas beans and all the other goodies on sale. Happy New Year
colder clay soils and grown successfully by Alan on his Felmersham allotment. Two new varieties of the super food Spinach are worth considering. Spinach Helios has thick succulent leaves which are like Swiss Chard and full of flavour. It is highly nutritious producing quality crops with good resistance to mildew. Spinach Mikado is perfect for salads and stir fries so pick when the leaves are small. It produces vigorous crops and is a mild flavour throughout summer. Another good salad leaf crop is Lambs Lettuce Vision. It is very tasty and easy to grow and good through the hot summer months when lettuces tend to bolt quickly. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Iron. Carrot Volcano has a long sweet bright orange root which is tasty and full of Vitamin A and Antioxidents. This variety is resistant to splitting and disease and can be planted in tubs on the
patio. They can be sown in batches from March to June and harvested from July until december. If you have room to grow Brussel Sprouts Crispus a variety which is harvested from November to January and Cryptus harvested december to March are both resistant to club root and recommended for flavour. Terence recommends both these varieties. Beetroot Golden Eye is another super food which is very easy to grow. It’s an amazing golden colour with an excellent flavour and is perfect for roasting, grating in salads or for juicing. Make successive sowings from April until July to harvest August to october. A very underrated but delicious vegetable when roasted, mashed with a little ginger or cinnamon or grated raw in salads is Turnip oregon. It’s sweet yellow roots are an excellent source of Vitamin C.
£
So here are some exciting additions to our choice of Five A day for the healthy improved diet the experts are encouraging us to eat plus for We Gardeners the added bonus of the exercise we get in planting tending and harvesting our own produce
Squirrel Proof Feeder HENRY BELL SQUIRREL PROOF FEEDER FOR PEANUTS, SEED 2 TUBS OF AND FAT SNACKS 50 ONLY
Although there are still a couple of months before I start to think seriously about putting stuff in the ground those months can be among the worst weather wise.
sata but this year I will grow the F1 hybrid Roma Super Sauce which is listed as a champion Plum Tomato with a rich fruity flavour that can also be grown outdoors. All are rich sources of vitamin C and antioxidants. I love the mini Petita type Cucumbers and Socrates performed so well that I’m loathe to try another variety but Cucumber Swing has all those qualities and can be grown in tubs on the patio. Feed weekly as you do for the tomatoes. Aubergine Jewel Jet produces compact plants that can bear up to 20 small but practical fruits. They are ideal to grow in tubs on a sunny patio or in a greenhouse. There’s a new Sweet Corn called Rising Sun that has proven in all the trials to be the earliest sweetest corn with large well packed cobs that freeze well so definitely one to grow this year. Sweetcorn Lark is a tender sweet variety that is recommended for
HE new gardening year is heralded by the new seasons seed catalogues and great excuse for a bit of armchair gardening while we look forward to some better weather to get out there and get planting. As we are apparently starting to eat more vegetables in our diet and a great way to reduce the Carbon Footprint is to Grow Your own let’s look at the exciting new additions to the Veg Patch plus some good recommendations from varieties we grew this year. Runner Bean Lady di has a great flavour and large crops of stringless beans. Grow Climbing Bean Violet Podded for lots of tasty colourful pods that turn bright green when plunged into boiling water. Pick when the pods are really small or allow them to grow a little fatter and chop and freeze for stir fries throughout
winter. dwarf Bean Sansoucy is a must for growing in tubs. Its yields are very high with beans that are a good flavour, easy to pick and will set over several months. I grew Tomato Akron this year and was most impressed with the huge crops of very tasty tomatoes that did not split and kept for weeks in the fridge. I also grew Tomato Roma an Italian variety for making Tomato Soup and Pas-
Save £10 Our price £14.99 Was £24.99
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MILT ON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH
10 — KEMPSTON CALLING
JANUARY 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
out & about clubbing
#3 is a magic number
As we enter a brand new year January is always a difficult month for venues, the only way to get feet through the doors is with good acts and value for money deals, I have picked out a few events this month that could well attract a full house. Esquires Nightclub Bedford have just confirmed that they have secured the legendary god father of house music Seb Fontaine as their special guest for their next up and coming Momacoca Night on Saturday 22nd February 20. Fontaine is a recognised house
by Tony Hendrix
Wi t h
G l o r y
TO THE NEW
a n d
Fi r e
M i n i s t r i e s
POWER FOR A FRESH START Anointing and Communion Service
Worship by: The Alabaster 31st December From 10 p.m.
New Hope • New Joy • New You 1-2 Ampthill Road Kempston Hardwick (By Supreme Concrete) Bedford (B530) MK45 3JE
www.gloryandfireministries.org.uk
dJ worldwide renown for his 90s reign when every club in the country fought to get him behind the decks. The 49 year old was brought up in London where he soon established his name at Crazy Larry’s on The Kings Rd, London and went on to secure a residency at The Fridge in Brixton in 1989. Following guest spots at various other clubs throughout the UK he became resident at the UKs largest club night at Cream which also naturally made him a main player at Ibiza Nights. He joined BBC radio one back in
2000 as a specialist dance dJ hosting a weekly show as well as broadcasting live with radio one from Ibiza, he now concentrates on producing his own music. Fontaine will be supported by Momacoca regulars Mark Russell, dazz Norman, david James & MC Blakey. Seb has taken his music globally he is undoubtedly one of the best dJ /Producers to grace the UK. By simply purchasing a ticket, you’ll be supporting a charity very close to our hearts - Keech Hospice
fe headings whats on.qxp_Layout 1 11/11/2019 13:33 Page 1
photography art film music albums games books jazz White Horse jazz night musical theatre opera rock bedfringe theatre comedy poetry literature motor sport crafts Care, located nearby in Luton. Tickets are available online from : https://www.seetickets.com/ tour/club-momacoca-ft-sebfontaine For further information on Keech Hospice: https://www.keech.org.uk/ Last year 2019 saw the opening of new venues within the town centre Astons Nightclub being one of them located on the High St, just before 2019 came to a close saw the opening of a new quaint venue simply called 3 St Peters. This is a members only club and venue as the name implies located at 3 St Peters Street Bedford, the venue has been refurbished to a very high standard with many lush victorian style features. The venue offers fine drinks and snacks within a very elegant surroundings, operating from 6pm till 1.30am every Fri-
day and Saturday night. Wednesday is cinema night where you can watch amazing cult and classic award winning films. This is a truly stunning venue with a difference well worth a look in its not a nightclub with loud music but more of a place for the slightly more mature clientele to chill in the evening for a catch up with friends. For membership and further info on this venue visit www.3stpeters.com Esquires Bar jumps into the new year on Saturday 4th January with their first gig of the year The ouse Valley Singles Club, doors open 8pm show starts at 9pm, tickets cost £10 available from seetickets. com, Mario’s hair, Slide records and Esquires Bar. For more information on this gig visit www.theousevalleysinglesclub. com. Have a great new year.
This January 2020 sees Monday Night Jazz into its 6th year of weekly Jazz nights at the White Horse, Bedford. on January 13 Guitarist Nick Costley-White will kick off the new year season with a Hammond organ Trio featuring Ross Stanley. on January 20, The White Horse will welcome back the ever popular Vocalist (below) Zoe
Francis & legendary Guitarist Jim Mullen. The quartet will be completed by Ross Stanley on Hammond organ and Mark Hale on drums. Monday, January 27, Sara Dowling (above) (Vocals) and Màtyàs Gayer (Piano). one of the top Jazz vocalists this country has to offer and recent winner of the 2019 Jazz Awards Jazz Vocalist of the year!
conclub
TEL: 07894 935952 ADVERTISING: advertising@rosettapublishing.com
KEMPSTON 01234 851120 CHRISTMAS EVE
Saturday 14th December
DISCO
THE AMAZING
RHIA CHERIE
CHRISTMAS DAY
Saturday 21st December
OPEN 12 TILL 2PM BOXING DAY
OPEN NOON TILL 5PM WITH
DISCO Saturday 28th December
THE BRILLIANT VOICE OF
PAUL LYON
We have groupsA NIGHT allOFover Bedford and the 70/80 CLASSIC DISCO TUNES WITH THE FANDISCO surrounding villages toOFsuit MEMBERS – toONLY, find your TASTIC VOICE A FEW VISITING FAMILY TICKETS AVAILABLE NO REBECCA closest go to www.slimmingworld.co.uk ENTRY AFTER 11PM FOR MEMBERS OR GUESTS ARMSTRONG and search with your postcode WILL BLOW YOU AWAY NEW YEAR’S EVE
Saturday 4th January
Sunday 22nd December
BACK BY DEMAND AFTER THE KIDS’ PARTY FROM 8.30PM THE LOCAL BOYS THEMSELVES
NEW HARMONY
To advertise to over DEL REYES 58,000 TEA WITH SANTA TEA WITH SANTA in homes KIDS’ PARTY Bedfordshire just call 07894 935952
ONE OF THE BEST UB40/ALI CAMPBELL TRIBUTES AROUND
JANUARY 2020 KEMPSTON CALLING —
11
THE
conclub
KEMPSTON 01234 851120 Saturday 4th January
Saturday 25th January
ONE OF THE BEST UB40 TRIBUTES AROUND
IT’S YOUR TURN CONCLUBBERS JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST
DEL REYES
KARAOKE/DISCO
Saturday 11th January
ALL WELCOME
THE BRILLIANT
Saturday 1st February
BEN JONES
OUR FIRST BIG BIG TRIBUTE THE AMAZING
THIS GUY HAS GOT A VOICE I’VE NOT HEARD SO STRONG IN LONG TIME DON’T MISS HIS FIRST TIME HERE
DAVID BOAKES AS MICHAEL JACKSON
Saturday 18th January
IF YOU MISSED THIS LADY LAST TIME DON’T
MISS ANNE MARIE
MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOW DUE AND STILL ONLY £10 A YEAR FOR THE BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT ALL YEAR ROUND FREE ENTRY TO ALL BIG EVENTS AND FREE ENTRY NEW YEAR’S EVE – NEW MEMBERSHIPS ALSO NOW BEING TAKEN
AGAIN SUCH AN UNUSUAL VOICE SHE REALLY WILL BLOW YOU AWAY SATURDAY NIGHT BINGO BEER RAFFLE – WIN A £30 BAR TAB
CHRISTMAS PARTY DATES
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
TUESDAY 10TH DECEMBER
WEDNESDAY 11TH DECEMBER SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER
Santa visits 3.30-6pm Please call in for all details of parties
SATURDAY NIGHT BINGO BEER RAFFLE – WIN A £30 BAR TAB
–––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– STEADY ACOUSTIC BRIDGE CLUB IRISH CEILI AND BEDFORD ART FOLK SESSION Cranfield Village Hall SET DANCING SOCIETY MK43 0DR 7.30 Last Tuesday of the month at
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
–––––––––––––––––– BEdS & NoRTHANTS MS THERAPY CENTRE
MONTHLY SALE
Third Saturday of every month 10am - 12.00 noon Entrance 50p Adults FREE PARKING Clothing, Bric a Brac, Books, Linen, Toys and Games Refreshments available 155 Barkers Lane, Bedford. MK41 9RX Tel: 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com
Sundays 6.50 for 7pm Info email tim.sharrock1@gmail.com
–––––––––––––––––– BEdFoRd NATIoNAL TRUST ASSoCIATIoN January 21st, 2020 2.30pm Speaker Nick Cooke
THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY
Addison Centre, Kempston MK42 8PN Plenty of parking space Everyone welcome. No need to book. Just come For further information please ring Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421
The Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street, BEDFORD MK41 7RU. All abilities Beginners very welcome. Info from Mike 01234 308449 Facebook: Burnaby steady session see also Bedfordshire beginners melodeon playgroup
–––––––––––––––––– AddISoN CENTRE KEMPSToN FUND RAISING
TEA DANCE
MONDAY 13th JAN 2020 2.00pm to 4.30pm £3.00 (INCL CUPPA) Tel: 01234 851877 or 01234 340997
Friday 3rd January 2020 meeting, 7.15 for 7.30 start, at Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, MK418EB Local artist Sarah Janavicius is going to show us how she creates her colourful art in mixed media. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk.
–––––––––––––––––– BIddENHAM GARdENERS ASSoCIATIoN Tuesday 21st January 2020 Biddenham Village Hall
MY GARDEN by the Members –––––––––––––––––– Visitors very welcome –––––––––––––––––– Admission £5 per meeting – includes KEMPSTON –––––––––––––––––– Raffle & Refreshments CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL SENIOR BEdFoRd TREFoIL GUILd Sat 11th Jan –––––––––––––––––– CITIZENS’ CLUB TABLE TOP SALE GUIDING FOR WORLD SHIP SOCIETY dANCING, WHIST, BINGo Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP BEDFORD BRANCH ADULTS Meets Wednesday
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
–––––––––––––––––– 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
10am-12noon Friday 10am-4.00pm CENTENARY HALL, behind Kempston Town Hall, Bedford Road For further information telephone: 01234 347306
–––––––––––––––––– 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
9am to noon. Entry 50p Refreshments available, Tables £5 - must be prebooked. For information call on 01234 965497 Friday 24th Jan
AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA
2pm to 4pm Admission £4 - Tea, home-made cake and friendship For Information call 01234 326291 Friday 24th Jan
QUIZ NIGHT
7.30pm start. Tickets £8.00 includes fish and chips. Bar and raffle For information call on 01234 96549
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
–––––––––––––––––– STEWARTBY AMATEUR OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY Meet, Thursdays 7.30 at Stewartby United Church Hall, Park Crescent. If you are interested in performing (singing acting or dancing) or helping back stage, come along and give us a try. All newcomers welcome! For tickets and further information, visit our website: www.saods.org.uk.
–––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––
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.
12 — KEMPSTON CALLING
JANUARY 2020
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com
back
the
Good start for New Year
A Good ofsted grade under a challenging new national framework was the finale of a year of outstanding achievements for Bedford College staff and students. From a staff member winning the FE Teacher of the Year at the TES Awards (run by the Times Educational Supplement) to a student-turned-staff member taking Gold at the WorldSkills for Network Systems Administrator, the trophy cabinet of Bedford College is now bulging. Apprentices, degree-level and full and part time students received awards in all course areas and just some of the best were highlighted at the Bedford College Achievement Ceremony, where Rosetta Publishing, owners of the Bedford Bulletin and Kempston Calling were among high profile sponsors. Ian Pryce CBE, Principal and CEo said: “We celebrate the second year of The Bedford College Group formed by bringing together Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and The Bedford Sixth Form with Tresham College in Northamptonshire. “We now employ 1,200 staff who are all committed to working with our community. To our students we say: Being outstanding is a choice so make the most of the opportunities offered here.” The Student Participation Award went to Simon Hooton who completed a Fish Management Level 3 course at Shuttleworth College, part of The Bedford College Group, before winning a Shuttleworth Trust award to travel to Japan to study Koi Carp. Three students were nominated for the Outstanding Student of the Year. This year’s winner was Joe Chidwick of The Bedford Sixth Form. After studying Maths, Physics, Philosophy and dance at A Level, Joe won a place at Cambridge University.
The two runners-up were Caleb Oliver who having completed the Prince’s Trust Team progressed on to an Animal Care course at Shuttleworth, and Eva Cringle a Fine Art Level 3 student who travelled from Germany to study at Bedford College’s South Bank Arts Centre. Eva got to the finals over 4,000 entries in a Space Foundation International Student Art Contest. originally from Germany, Eva moved to the UK through the International Experience (iE) and beat global competition for her work to be exhibited at the 35th Space Symposium and then Space Foundation World Headquarters and discovery Center in Colorado. The Inclusion Champion Award went to Student Experience and Progression Manager Will Sparrow. Staff Innovator Award went to Martin Johnson desktop Technician in IT Services. Teacher of the Year was Helen Day an Advanced Practioner in Animal Science at Shuttleworth College. Allan Schofield, Chair of the Corporation closed the evening by thanking Ian Pryce and his management team for all their hard work, particularly in relation to the recent ofsted success. “our outstanding financial management has meant we have been able to keep investing in projects to benefit out students. For example our exciting new Advanced Engineering Centre at Bedford and the Zoological Education Centre at Shuttleworth.” The event at the Bedford Corn Exchange was supported by local businesses. Gold Sponsors were BedfordBId which promotes the town centre under the Love Bedford brand, Commercial Interiors and Storage, The Harpur Trust, Innovation-site, Rosetta Publishing Ltd and the Sharnbrook Academy Federation.
Performing Arts students who staged great show as part of the evening event
% 2 0 DISC
NEW Y EAR SA LE
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OU
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Telephone: 01767 360076 Freephone: 0800 781 6343 Mobile: 07428 511932 www.lcdrivewaysolutions.co.uk
Call: 017 67 to book 360076 you quote B rs – ulletin
LC Driveway Solutions Ltd Long Lake Meadow, High Road, Seddington, Sandy SG19 1NU
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